Chapter Six

The next morning, Laura Hardy was in the kitchen, busy making breakfast. She looked up when Frank came stumbling sleepily in.

"Morning, Mom," Frank said through a yawn.

Frank sat slumped at the kitchen table; Laura placed a plate of bacon and eggs in front of him.

"Frank, I hope you weren't on your computer all night long," she scolded.

"No," Frank replied, glaring at Joe who also stumbled into the kitchen. "Someone kept me up most of the night."

Laura sighed, "Joe, you weren't working on homework at the last minute, were you?"

Joe shook his head as he let out a huge yawn.

"Just had trouble going to sleep."

"Oh? Are you coming down with something?" Laura placed her hand on Joe's forehead. "You feel normal."

"That's not saying much, Mom." Frank teased.

Aunt Gertrude walked in; she didn't look very cheery that morning.

"Gertrude, are you all right?" Laura asked with some concern.

"Not really, but then you wouldn't be either with these two hooligans keeping you up all night!"

Hands on her hips, Laura Hardy stared hard at her two sons.

"Okay, out with it. What were you two up to last night."

Frank and Joe toyed with their food, glancing at each other, trying to come up with an answer. They were saved when their father came into the room.

Fenton Hardy had been away on a case, he wasn't expected back for a couple of days.

"Fenton! You're back early, I'm so happy!" Laura threw her arms around her husband.

While their mother was distracted, Joe and Frank quickly put their plates into the sink. They then walked past their parents and aunt, patting Fenton on the back as a way of greeting.

"Nice to have you back, Dad!" Frank said.

"Yeah, great to see you, Dad! Gotta go, can't be late for school!" Joe added.

Grabbing their book bags, Frank and Joe ran out the front door.

"What was that about?" Fenton asked.

As they were getting into the van, the boys noticed Chet's car parked next door.

"I guess Chet is giving Carolyn a ride to school," Joe commented.

"Looks like it. Joe, we probably should let Dad know about seeing the Gray Man.

"I know, but not yet. I'm not even sure I really did see him. Maybe you were right and I was dreaming." Joe looked over at Frank. They both knew it had been no dream.

They drove in silence, each lost in thought. A few minutes later they arrived at school. Joe was about to get out of the van when Frank stopped him.

"Joe, I think we should do a background check on Mr. Jones. If he's talking with Gray, you know the Assassins have to be close by."

"I was afraid you were going to say that." Joe frowned, not liking this.

As the brothers got out of the van, Chet pulled up, parking his car next to theirs.

"Hi guys! I was just telling Carolyn about the Fall dance," Chet beamed.

"Chet, you smooth operator, are you taking Carolyn to the dance?" Joe said teasingly.

"Yes he is. I told Chet I would be honored to go with him." Carolyn smiled up at Chet.

The four teens walked toward the school building. Joe waved at Vanessa who was waiting at the front steps. Callie stood next to her. Walking hand in hand with Chet, Carolyn's grip became tighter.

"Are you okay?" Chet asked.

Carolyn came to a stop, she turned and stared at a large oak tree. By now, Frank and Joe noticed that Chet and Carolyn were no longer walking with them. Vanessa and Callie began to walk towards them.

"Is something wrong?" Callie asked.

"Chet," Carolyn said quietly. "I think you should duck."

"What?"

Chet suddenly felt some kind of force pulling him down. A second later a brick came flying out of the oak tree, missing Chet by mere inches.

*endofchapter*endofchapter*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!