Please read and review. Danny Hawk
17 November 2002 - 1932 hours
The guests filled the Hardy family house. It was Granddad Fenton Hardy's birthday. Dana-krys Lee - wife of Joe Hardy - was heavily pregnant with their third child. The proud mother of two boys stood by the door to welcome relatives in. Fenton Hardy was seated in his wing chair, enjoying the company of his grandnephews, grandnieces and most importantly - grandsons.
Laura Hardy, bustling in and out of the kitchen was laying out a splendid buffet dinner for all to savour. Joe Hardy - with his arm draped lovingly around his wife - greeted everyone with his 1000-watt smile and funny jokes. Older brother Frank Hardy on the other hand was outside in the garden, awaiting the arrival of his newly-declared fiancée - Nancy Drew from River Heights. After what seemed like eternity, the Drew girl arrived in her sleek, black convertible looking radiant. She parked her car under the old willow tree and immediately ran to Frank, who received her with open arms. They embraced then headed to the residence hand in hand.
The dinner started off successfully. The food was fantastic and Laura was showered with praises of her amazing talent. Frank and Nancy sat on the couch together catching up with one another. Joe on the other hand, ran frantically around the house when his son - Joshua was not to be seen. Overall, the whole house was in a wonderful mood.
2242 hours
Then the dinner plates were cleared and furniture were pushed aside. Soothing music was played on the radio as couples waltzed on the 'dance floor'.
There was a sharp rap on the door. Nancy left her dance partner - Frank, who didn't seem to mind, to open the door. There were two men - one black and one white.
"Hi," greeted Nancy cheerfully, "How can I help you?"
"We want to see Joe Hardy," said the white man.
"Joe Hardy?" asked Nancy. The men nodded grimly. "Hold on a second." She turned to leave but the black man grabbed her arm.
"Quickly," he said, firmly, slightly annoyed with her cheerful demeanor.
She looked up at the man with her piercing blue eyes and walked off. She found Joe dancing with Dana-krys.
"Oops, sorry to break up the fun," she said, interrupting them. "Joe, there are two men here to see you."
Joe's face clouded as Nancy spoke. He turned to his wife and said, "I'll be back, okay?"
Dana nodded and he gave her a kiss. He departed from the dance floor and headed to the door with a grim expression on his face. Nancy returned to Frank who was back on the couch.
"Oh, it's you," said Joe.
"What did you expect?" said the white man, "Two pretty women with flowers?"
"Not now, can't you see?" said Joe, pointing to the cheerful atmosphere in the house.
"No, you deal with us now or never," said the white man. He took his hands out of his pockets and cracked the huge knuckles.
"Okay, fine. What do you want now?" said Joe getting impatient.
"You know what we want," said the black man. As a-matter-of factly.
Joe threw a glance over his shoulder. Dana was busy handling one-year-old David who accidentally spilt a glass of juice. Joshua was running around shouting at the top of his voice, "Grandmomma, I get chicken for Daddy and Mommy!"
"Can we settle it outside?" asked Joe.
The men shrugged. "Make it quick." They went out and stood by Nancy's convertible and started discussing matters.
2320 hours
Frank led Nancy up the graceful curving staircase.
"Frank, I never realized how much I've missed you until now," said Nancy.
"Well, I'm here Nan, and I'm all yours," said frank, squeezing her hand.
He pushed open the glass door and Nancy stepped out onto the balcony. She leaned against the railing, her body pressed to it as she gazed into the dark night sky. He stood next to her, arm round her waist, pulling her close. The garden below was full of shady trees and colourful blooms, illuminated by a few garden lamps.
Then, Nancy's eye caught something amidst the greenery. It was Joe and the two men. They were arguing heatedly.
"I gave money back…Edmund Jamieson…not stupid, okay?" shouted Joe.
Nancy strained her ears to hear their conversation but could not make out what he said.
"Hmm…Nan, what's the matter?" asked Frank suddenly, concerned.
"Frank, look," she said, touching his hand. "Look at Joe." She pointed to the trio under the willow tree.
"Don't…Dana…kids…take…if you want," spat Joe.
"You don't give, you pay," snarled the white man with a thunderous voice. He threw a wild punch at Joe's face, sending him reeling to the ground.
Seeing the urgency of their interference, Frank and Nancy rushed down the stairs. Joe was just recovering from the sudden blow. His nose was bleeding badly. The white man pounced on him, punching him wildly, while the black man kicked him in the stomach.
Frank lunged at the black man while Nancy landed a kick on the white man's back, sending him rolling on the grass. He got up immediately and shoved Nancy, pinning her on the ground. The black man rammed Frank's back into the willow tree. He kicked Frank in the stomach and Frank slumped to the ground, semi-conscious. He went over to Joe's writhing, battered body beside Nancy, who was lying on the ground held captive by the white man. He pulled Joe roughly to his feet. He was bleeding profusely. Flesh on his arms was exposed and his skin was turning black and blue.
The white man looked up to the black man and grinned sinisterly. "She's hot, ain't she?" he said, eyeing Nancy.
His accomplice grinned back. "She'd make a good 50 pay back to the boss."
"No…no…Nan…" mumbled Frank.
Scream.