CHAPTER 6

As much as Frank had wanted to go with Fenton and Joe to the hospital to see Collig, Fenton thought it would be best if he stayed with the women. Frank was also gently reminded that he was no longer a detective, much to his disgust. Disgust with himself – Frank had never said anything, but lately he sometimes wished that Fenton would ask for his help on a case.

"Who would want to kill Mr. Collig? I know he used to be the Chief of Police but he's not working for the department anymore!" Mackenzie looked worriedly at Frank.

Frank walked Mackenzie over to the picnic bench and had her sit down. Holding her hands he stared intently at her.

"Do you remember when I told you that Joe and I used to help my dad solve mysteries?" Mackenzie gave him a slight nod in answer. "Okay…sometimes the criminals we put away…sometimes they want to get revenge. This might be the case or it could have been just an accident."

"Frank," whispered Mackenzie in a frightened voice, "could this happen to you? Would someone you put away come after you?"

"I'm not going to lie to you…it has happened before, to both Joe and me when we were younger. It's been a long, long time since anyone has tried. I doubt anyone will now that I've quit. Besides, we don't even know if anyone was trying to kill Chief…I mean, Mr. Collig. For all we know it could have been an accident."

As Frank held Mackenzie he began to wonder if Fenton had left some telling details out when he had told them about a Mr. Lassiter getting out on early parole.

Mackenzie closed her eyes as Frank pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting hug. She hoped what Frank had said was true, that it was just an accident and not some criminal out for revenge. Somewhere deep down inside, Mackenzie had a terrible feeling trouble was just around the corner.

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"I said I was fine!" roared Collig to the cowering nurse. "Now give me back my clothes so I can get out of here!"

Fenton, Joe and Con walked in at that moment.

"I'll take care of this Nurse…Stacey…and don't let him scare you. His bark is worse than his bite, as the saying goes." Con patted the nurse's shoulder as he escorted her out of the room.

"I see you haven't lost your charm with the ladies," Joe said with a smile.

"Ezra, get back in bed; this says you have a mild concussion." Fenton was reading the medical chart hanging at the end of the bed.

"What…you're a doctor now?" grumbled Collig.

"I've read enough doctors' charts to pick up a few things," replied Fenton. "You forget how many times Joe's been hit in the head."

"Ah yes…I forgot about the famous Hardy hard noggin," grinned Collig wickedly.

"You know, I'm right here and I can hear everything you're saying!" commented an indignant Joe.

Collig chuckled softly as he reluctantly got back into bed. Once he made himself comfortable he gazed at his friends with a sour expression. Con took out a small notebook, turning a few pages until he found what he was searching for.

"Chief…"

"Riley…" sighed Collig with exasperation.

"Sorry…habit," mumbled Con. "You told the detective that you hadn't been home all day?"

"Yeah, after Fenton and I left your office, I went to see Joe. I was there for most of the day then went to get some supplies for my fishing trip. Have you talked to any of my neighbors?"

"Yes, sir…your neighbor, a Mrs. Crawford…"

"Noisy old busybody," mumbled Collig.

"Good thing she is…she noticed a man dressed in some kind of blue jumpsuit. Kind of like what the water or gas meter men wear…"

Collig was shaking his head. "Can't be, they won't check my meters for another two weeks."

"That's what Bayport Water and Electric and Gas Company told us," replied Con.

Joe was staring out the window while listening to Con question Collig. A spark of anger was starting to ignite. When Fenton had arrived at home with Ezra Collig his father only told the family that a criminal he and Collig had put away was now out on parole. On the drive to the hospital Joe got Fenton to revel more about the criminal, Donald Lassiter.

"Why are you wasting time asking questions?! We know who did this!" Joe exploded, his voice rising in anger.

"Joe…"

"No, Dad! We need to start searching for this Lassiter guy before he does anything else!"

"Joe, I can take care of myself…"

"But what about Mom…Frank? What if he goes after them to get to you? It's happened before…Frank has been away from the job for a long time…he might…he might not survive…" Joe couldn't finish. He didn't want to think of what could happen to his brother.

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Early the next morning Frank found Joe at his front door.

"Wow Joe, this is a surprise…I don't think I've ever seen you awake before noon when you're on vacation." Frank stepped back to let Joe in, but Joe didn't move. Instead he pulled Frank outside and shut the door.

"We need to talk. Dad left out a few things about why Con called him to the police station." Joe quickly related what he had learned.

"Frank, who's at the….oh hi, Joe!" Mackenzie had heard the doorbell ring. When she hadn't heard anything more, she went to investigate.

"Hi Mackenzie, are you ready to torture your students?"

"Oh Joe," giggled Mackenzie, "I don't have to torture them anymore…I've already broken them in!" She gave Joe a wicked grin.

"I hope you never get on her bad side, bro," said Joe.

Frank just smiled. "I'd invite you in for breakfast but Mac and I normally eat at the school cafeteria."

"Why?!"

"Some students wait till the last minute to do their homework, sound familiar?" Frank laughed when Joe stuck his tongue out. "You'll never change…anyway, Mac and I usually help out if anyone gets stuck with a question."

"You were always a great friend and awesome brother…I knew that was going to make you a terrific teacher." Joe gave Frank's neck a gentle squeeze, smiling proudly.

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After the unsuccessful attempt on Collig's life Lassiter thought it would be best to wait before he made his next move. Five days later he carried out his plan.

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It was the end of another school day. Frank was outside passing the time playing one- on-one with Tyler. Mackenzie was having a teacher-parent conference. She was trying to help one of her students who was failing. The make-shift hoop was located close to the student parking lot. Tyler attempted a three-point score and overshot the ball.

"I'll get it." Frank jogged towards the parking lot, thankful that it was empty and he didn't have to worry about anybody damage if the ball hit a vehicle.

As he neared the basketball Frank noticed a black Mercedes parked a few feet away. He dismissed the car, thinking it belonged to a parent. Bending down to pick up the ball Frank heard a car engine, then the squeal of tires. He looked up in time to see the Mercedes barreling towards him.

"Mr. H, watch out!" Tyler cried out in fear.

Frank scrambled back, slipping when he stepped on some spots of oil. He fell and landed sitting up as the car skidded to a stop in front of him. Two men got out of the car and picked Frank up by his arms. Frank froze for a second then began to struggle, but the two men had a tight grip and manhandled him into the trunk of the car.

"Leave him alone!" Tyler had run to help his teacher, jumping on the back of one of the assailants.

"Tyler, no!"

Blaine easily threw Tyler off and slammed the trunk closed. Tyler lay on the ground trying to catch his breath, watching the husky man get in the car and drive away. He slowly got to his feet, started a slow run and picked up his pace. He had to get help.

*endofchapter*

Authors Note: Please read the author's profile for this story. The author, copagirl, passed away in 2013. I am posting these stories up with the permission of her family, who want her to be remembered as well. Lola was a long-time member of the Hardy Detective Agency and we miss her soooooo much! Love you Lola!

Thanks to those of you leaving feedback! I know copagirl would love all of it.