Disclaimer: I do not own the Hardy Boys or any of the book characters.

Thank you: Wendylouwho10 who read over the story for me and made content suggestions, helped with the flow, and provided some spelling/grammar corrections. Typos are mine and I discover them all the time. :-)

Rating/Setting: Rating is T. Setting is blue spine-ish and AU. Timeline: Taken; Recovery; Retribution; Wild Pitch; and now this story. While you don't NEED to read the previous stories, things will be referenced and perhaps even some from my younger Hardys stories.

Author's Note: One of my longer chapters and a fun one to write. Thanks for all the reviews!


Chapter Fourteen

Vanessa sat at a tall table in the window of the Java Hut. From this vantage point against a wall and the window, she could see anyone entering and no one would be able to see what she was doing. Her small hazelnut coffee with cream and sugar rested within easy reach. The small tablet and wireless keyboard she used were in front of her. She picked up her coffee and blew on it as her eyes watched the screen of the tablet. Java Hut had free wifi but she was using their secure wireless. In just a moment she was connected. After placing her coffee down carefully on a napkin, she went to her email program that was provided by the agency.

Vanessa quickly typed up the tentative plan. Frank and Joe would work to get a pairing for a fight. During the fight, she would slip away under the guise of not wanting to watch her boyfriend get beaten up. She would use the time to get into the system and take care of business with the flash drive. This was just the most rudimentary of outlines as there would be more details to work out. What kind of locks would be on the doors? Who would pick the locks? How would they take care of watching each other's backs? Details that were very important but would have to wait until Joe got a look at the layout. She hit send and then went to a social media page and began scrolling through. Anyone finding her now would just find a teen doing normal teen stuff. She smiled as she scrolled.

Twenty minutes later she was about to give up on getting a response and leave when a message popped up. She was both glad and disappointed when she read it. ORT was approving the plan tentatively but wanted more details on how the trio planned to get into closet with the server. In addition, they want to be contacted prior to the event so they could be on stand-by for an extraction if something went wrong. Nothing unusual in that. Oddly enough, neither she nor Joe had asked much during their debriefing about how they would be leaving the situation. Obviously it was something they needed to consider now. Vanessa exited everything, shut down the computer, and left the coffee shop. When she was in the car, she pulled out her phone and sent Frank a text saying 'meet.' She dropped the phone back in her purse and started up the car. Looks like I'll need to do some laundry tonight, she thought to herself as she headed to the store to do her shopping.

.**********.

Joe was pretty tired at the end of the day. It was a satisfactory tired, and one that his body would recover from easily with a night of rest and time off tomorrow. The match-ups for the night would be posted outside the cafeteria at 6:00 p.m. It was 4:00 now and he was headed to the small efficiency apartment he shared with Vanessa. He had already showered, but he was looking forward to just laying down on the bed and resting. He wanted to think about what Bobby had told him on the ride home about the fighters he might go against. Bobby was happy to give him all the details about everyone and Joe had listened. He would need to draw his own conclusions about whomever he had to fight but unlike everyone else, he was at a disadvantage having never fought against any of them and never having seen any of them fight. Joe had watched all the guys at the gym but none had done very much in the way of sparring. It was as if everyone was trying to keep him in the dark and he couldn't blame them. However, he needed to beat his opponent Tuesday night if he was to get matched up with Frank anytime soon.

As he stepped into the small apartment, he saw Vanessa in the kitchen. He gave her a smile when she glanced over. "Whatcha doing?"

"I thought I'd make sandwiches tonight so we could talk before we head down to see the match-ups."

"Sounds good," Joe replied as he dropped his bag by the door and walked over to grab two sodas that she had already placed on the counter. He sat them on the small table and then sat down while she finished the sandwiches. In a moment, she brought the two plates to the table. "Thanks for fixing this."

"It's nothing. I feel like I'm not doing anything while you and Frank are doing all the work," Vanessa said with a sigh.

"Don't worry, you'll get your shot," Joe said as he picked up his sandwich. Before taking a bite, he asked, "What did you learn?"

Vanessa didn't bat an eye as she responded, "They're good with the plan but want more details especially about the security." The bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich hovered just in front of her mouth as she asked, "So what can you tell me about that?"

Joe finished his bite and put the sandwich down. "It's pretty much the layout that we were told about. You enter through the back and then take a door about twelve feet in on the right. The door has a security panel for a card reader or a number code and there's a deadbolt. The setup is the same at the bottom of the stairs and it's obvious that it was a recent installation. Once you're in the basement things get a little better. The bathrooms, office and locker room are all down a corridor to the right. The door to the office just has a regular lock. It's almost like they don't want anyone to think that there's something important in there."

"Well they blew that with the security on the stairwell," Vanessa responded.

"I don't think they expect anyone to get past that." Joe leaned forward a little. "The server appears to be inside another room inside the office. It's probably a closet or something. The door has two deadbolts buts that's it." Joe sat back. "The hardest work of getting past those security panels without tripping the alarm will already be done for us." He picked up his sandwich and took another bite. Vanessa's sandwich making skills were better than his own or maybe he was just hungry.

Vanessa chewed thoughtfully. After a moment she said, "The problem will be with traffic down that hallway. We can't be discovered picking the lock trying to get in. I'll have to ask Frank about what happens during the night. There could be a way for me to get in during one of the other matches."

Frowning, Joe said, "I don't think you should be the one to pick the lock on the door to the office."

"Well if not me then who?"

"Me or Frank."

Vanessa scowled. "I can do it. I was trained in more than just computers you know."

Joe smiled back at her. "It's not because you can't do it, but I'm pretty sure that you aren't supposed to be hanging around the men's locker room before the fight." He saw Vanessa blush and continued, "Frank or I can pick the outside lock, you'll probably have to do the inside ones."

Realizing that Joe wasn't downplaying her skills, she said, "But time will already be tight. I can't risk not getting to that server."

Joe nodded. "Then Frank or I will need to do the inside locks too."

Vanessa shook her head in concern. "Maybe Frank will have an idea. I'm supposed to meet him after the postings in the laundry room."

Glancing over at his gym bag, Joe laughed, "Well, in that case I think I can find you some things to wash."

Wrinkling her nose, Vanessa said, "I'm sure you can."

.**********.

Shortly after six, Vanessa and Joe made their way to the cafeteria to find out his pairing for the following night. Joe's hand involuntarily tightened on Vanessa's hip. She didn't react to it and he was glad of it as there were a number of people in the hallway. She had suggested that he loop his thumb through the belt loop on the back of her shorts as part of their cover of being a couple. Now he was wondering if that was such a hot idea as his hand wanted to clench and unclench with the tension he was feeling about the pairings. As they neared the door where the paper was posted, they could see a small crowd gathered in front of it. It only took a moment for Bobby and Teresa to spot them and they instantly left the group that was looking over the paper.

"I can't believe it, Jake! Your first fight and they paired you with the Head Hunter!" Bobby practically shouted at him.

Joe's hand reflexively tightened and Vanessa turned wide eyes up to view to his profile. "Jake? What does he mean by Head Hunter?"

It wasn't Joe who answered but Teresa. "It's Juan Fernand and that's his nickname because he tries to take your head off when he fights. He's considered top three right now."

Bobby clapped Joe on the shoulder and said, "You take out Fernand and they're sure to give you Winder soon." Bobby shook his head and smiled, "Man, that's the way to get to the money fast."

Joe gave Bobby a small smile. "Well, that's what we're here for isn't it?" Pulling Vanessa close he said, "Let's go back upstairs."

"Sure, baby," she replied as she hugged him back.

When they were back in their room, she grabbed him by both arms and asked, "Head Hunter? Seriously, Joe? You're going up against someone known as the Head Hunter?" She shook her head. "I'm not sure this is such a great idea."

Joe pulled away from her and moved to sit on the corner of the bed. "They wouldn't have matched me up with him if they didn't think I could win." Although he had some concerns himself, he wasn't going to let Vanessa know about them. The success of this mission lay firmly on his ability to get paired in a fight with his brother. "You said you were meeting with Frank tonight. Find out as much as you can about Fernand."

Vanessa shook her head in annoyance and walked over to the laundry basket that she had loaded earlier. Joe's training clothes were in there and that was going to be her reason for doing a small load of laundry: 'Joe really liked the trunks he wore today and wanted to wear them on fight night.' She looked at the basket and then back at Joe. "You know. I don't think I'm going to have to fake my fear of you getting hurt fighting. I think I'm going to really be worried."

Joe stood up and walked over to stand between her and the basket. Her eyes were down and he put his hand under her chin to lift her head. Making sure he was looking her in the eye he said, "This is important work we're doing. A few bumps, bruises and cuts are worth it." He gave her a wry smile as he dropped his hand. "A broken nose or broken arm is still worth it. No one has died here from a fight."

Vanessa gave him a matching smile. "Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"No it doesn't," Joe responded. "But this is a sport and while I really don't want to have my head taken off, I'm actually going to enjoy this."

Shaking her head again, Vanessa moved around Joe to get the basket. "Men," was her only comment. Taking the basket she headed to the door. "I might be awhile if I get the chance to meet up with Frank," she said quietly not wanting her voice to carry.

"Understood," Joe responded.

With that, she was gone with the basket.

.**********.

Vanessa stood with her back to the washer as she watched the door for Frank. She had stopped the washer as it was doing the wash cycle. She wouldn't have much reason to be in the laundry room if the laundry was done. Having just the one load of clothes, she needed to make sure it took some time- at least until Frank arrived. She was rewarded five minutes later by the sight of the tall brunette coming through the door. She turned and pulled the knob causing the wash cycle to continue and turned to find Frank practically behind her. This time she was expecting it.

She didn't even start with a discussion about the plan but went right to, "What does he need to know about Fernand?" She was sure that Frank could see the concern in her eyes as he responded with information about Joe's opponent. She wished she understood more of what he said, but hopefully she'd be able to relay it decently to Joe.

"The biggest thing to know is that he has a long reach. Longer than mine," Frank said. Glancing to the door, he quietly said, "Jake's not going to be able to stand up with him. He's going to have to take him down."

"Got it," Vanessa acknowledged. Vanessa then gave a quick layout of what she and Joe had discussed about a plan.

Frank nodded. "I'll take care of the outside office door. Jake can do the closet door and you get the server."

Vanessa nodded. "He's going to ask why he can't do the office door."

Frank smiled as he watched Vanessa unload the washer and take the items to the dryer. "I'm less likely to draw attention in the hallway since I've been here longer. Tell him he gets just as much danger as me when he goes to exit the office. We can set up signals for the mission once we have the match set."

Frank stopped smiling and Vanessa turned to see Teresa's back heading away from the laundry. She sighed, "It's going to be all over the place that we were in here again."

"Well let's make it work to our advantage," Frank said with a grim smile.

"What do you mean?"

"Teresa's going to tell Bobby and since Bobby feels like he's Jake's only friend…."

"Oh," Vanessa said as she looked to the door and back to Frank. "So how should we play it?"

"I'll push you up against the dryer but that's it."

Vanessa laughed nervously as Frank moved closer so he wouldn't have a lot of distance to cover when the others came down. "Sorry, just feels kinda weird."

"Don't worry, feels weird to me too." Frank heard his brother's voice down the corridor and moved to press Vanessa against the dryer.

.**********.

Vanessa had been gone for over an hour and Joe had fallen asleep. He was somewhat groggy as he made his way to the door. "What did ya do? Forget your key?" he asked as he opened the door not really expecting anyone but Vanessa. His eyes opened wider when he saw Bobby in the hall. "What is it, Bobby?"

"It's Valerie and Winder. Thought you'd want to know they're in the laundry room again."

Joe had to switch quickly from Joe Hardy to Jake Petrov. Frowning, he went back in the room and left the door open. He quickly put on socks and sneakers as he muttered things about David Winder. He could see Bobby's shifting feet in the doorway.

"I just thought you should know. I'm afraid Teresa's a bit of a blabber mouth and everyone else is gonna know. I just thought you should too."

Joe pushed past him as he closed the door behind him. "Yeah? Well, you're right. I did need to know and now I do." Joe headed to the stairwell. He was just going to go down the stairs. He could hear Bobby right behind him.

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to see how my laundry's doing."

"Oh, okay," Bobby said as he followed along in Joe's wake.

In just a minute they were exiting the stairwell and Joe made sure to make some noise. He needed Frank and Vanessa to know he was coming. Hopefully, they'd pick up on this as a chance to increase the chances of a pairing between the two brothers. Joe stopped suddenly in the door and waited for Bobby to catch up. Teresa was also in the hallway with a look that was a combination of hope and worry. Looking into the laundry room, he could see Frank had pressed Vanessa against the dryer. Vanessa was looking uncomfortable as Frank leaned in. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Joe said loudly as he stepped into the room.

He watched Frank step away from Vanessa.

Looking very relieved, she hurried over to place her hands on Joe's chest. "It's nothing, Jake."

"Didn't look like nothing," Joe replied with his eyes glued to his brother's face.

Frank gave him a smug smile and said, "Just getting to know one of the new residents is all."

Joe took a menacing step forward as Vanessa blocked his way. "Let me introduce myself then," he said as he made to move closer to Frank who wasn't backing down either. Joe felt a hand on his arm.

"Jake, you know the rules. No fighting outside the gym," Bobby said quietly. "You'd be kicked out before you even got to fight.

Joe didn't take his eyes off Frank. "Oh, I'll get to fight. Count on it Winder," he said. "Get the laundry, Val. We can dry it in the apartment if it's not dry."

"Sure, Jake. Let me get it," she said hurriedly and moved to get the clothing out of the dryer. She was passing Frank when he reached out and smacked her on the butt. She squeaked and turned to slap him as Joe made a lunge for him. Only Bobby held him back.

Joe snatched an arm from Bobby and pointed at Frank and said, "I'll be coming for you, Winder."

"Yeah, yeah," Frank said without any apparent concern. The red print from her hand stood out vividly on his face.

Taking Vanessa by the arm, Joe turned to see that a small crowd had gathered in the entrance to the room and the corridor. Growling, Joe said, "Get out of my way. Now!" The path cleared as the pair made their way to the elevator.

When the doors closed leaving them alone, Joe turned to Vanessa. "Couldn't have planned it better." He leaned against the wall as she smiled back at him.