Poster's Note: Sorry for the delay - last week was probably my busiest week in a long time! I'm putting up two chapters today of both Brain child and The Crush. Hope you enjoy! A reminder that the HB's are not owned by the author or the poster but they are owned by Simon and Schuster & the Stratemeyer Syndicate.

Brain Child

Chapter Fourteen

By copagirl

Alexander Black stood over Carolyn's prone body. Bending down, he placed his fingers on her neck. Feeling a strong pulse, he was satisfied the tranquilizer had done its job. A soft groan caught his attention. Moving closer to Tyler, Alexander checked the man's pulse. It was weak, but steady.

Dr. Tyler moaned in pain and tried moving his head. A sharp pain caused him to stop. Then he tried calling for Carolyn but only a muffled sound came out. Gradually opening his eyes, Tyler saw the last person he thought he would ever see.

"I'm disappointed in you, John. It was bad enough you took my prize pupil, but to give her to Arthur Gray?" Alexander made a soft scolding noise.

John wanted to move, he felt so weak, so tired. Looking up at Alexander, staring into his coal-black eyes, he tried to speak. But the gag muffled his voice.

Alexander pulled down the gag. "What was that, John? Did you say something?"

"She….She was…right," John Tyler whispered. "You do…have…dead eyes." He closed his eyes and let the darkness take him.

Alexander Black stared down at his former colleague, reaching into his pocket. Holding the syringe in his hand, he gazed at the amber liquid inside.

"Goodbye, John."

He stabbed the syringe in Dr. Tyler's neck, watching as the liquid disappeared. After making sure it was capped, he put the empty syringe back into his pocket. Alexander returned to Carolyn; he threw her over his shoulder and walked towards the back door.

For some reason, Fenton felt like going over the Jones' house. He had a few minutes before dinner was ready.

Joe and Frank also wanted to see Carolyn and her uncle; they went downstairs to confront their father.

"Dad, just the person we wanted to see," Joe began.

"I was just going to get you two," Fenton said. He smiled. "I guess we had the same thought."

"Joe and I thought…well, we had this feeling we should go talk to Mr. Jones now," Frank explained.

"Joe, tell your mother where we're going, let her know we should be back in time for dinner."

"Okay, I know Mom will understand; just hope Aunt Gertrude doesn't have a hissy fit," Joe grumbled.

Fenton and Frank chuckled as they each put on a light jacket.

By the time they reached the front steps of Mr. Jones' house, Joe had caught up with them. Fenton noticed that the door was slightly ajar and he motioned for Frank and Joe to stop. Quietly approaching the door, Fenton opened it slowly. With extreme caution, he entered the home.

As Alexander placed Carolyn over his shoulder, he spun around and found himself staring at Fenton Hardy.

"Oh, this must be my lucky day."

*endofchapter*endofchapter*

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