I just realized that the previous chapter was really long, sorry! Like a thousand words over my usually, I went overboard a bit. I hope you enjoy this!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Hardy friends or family

Chapter9

The two investigators were in the car, just having left the station. They had to give their reports after the explosion to the local police station. Everything was incinerated. Officer Carl had hooked his phone up in the tech lab and the squints were working hard to enlarge and analyze his photos. Understanding they were busy Sam and Fenton decided to collaborate somewhere else.

The silence wasn't uncomfortable. Each man was pulling out their own theories on case of the missing teens. Each was hoping for a "Eureka!" moment because time was slipping away and the facts were few.

Mr. Hardy came to the realization, "It doesn't make sense because they are also confused."

Sam gave him a strange look, "Fenton, what do you mean?"

"I don't believe they had planned on Tony being there and noticing their car. I think that messed up their plan."

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, if the boys hadn't returned, and let's say worst case scenario Laura and I fell asleep, which would mean we wouldn't have noticed until the morning after. They were out late, and it's understandable that we trust them both enough not to always stay up and wait like overprotected parents. What if they had planned on giving a ransom call or note?"

"Their plans were totally botched."

"You go that right," Fenton was now getting extremely animated as he was connecting the dots, "So their plans are set back and completely thrown off, hence the stopping off at the barn and grabbing the kids for a second time."

"I guess so, but.."

"But what Sam?"

"How can you be sure?"

"Well, okay what if they just were holding them for ransom. So they wouldn't know what to do when they weren't five steps ahead because we learned the kids were kidnapped earlier than the criminals has planned. Once they heard of me coming into the picture so soon, they probably checked on the kids who were long gone. After Frank called, the police and I were coming. They had to clear out A-SAP. In a rush they went for the kids because they still need them for something and the barn was blown up because that was the fastest way to clean up the mess they left."

"Wow, I do think you've got something there Fenton. What do we do?"

"As much as it may hurt me to say it," Mr. Hardy paused, "I think our best bet is to return home. We have nothing more to go on. The car report was as vague as possible. I should at least be there to answer the ransom, Laura doesn't need to. But as soon as something is known, I must be contacted."

"Yes you shall, my friend, yes you shall," Sam said as they drove off toward Bayport.

It was a quiet ride. They had the police scanner on, eager for a development. There was nothing so Sam turned on the music. He couldn't believe that Fenton Hardy was returning to Bayport. He usually never returns until he has good news for his wife.

Sam left earlier when Fenton got a frantic call from his wife that none of the children were home. That was when Mr. Hardy looked at the floor a spilled everything to her- all his worries and theories. Of course he assured her that they will be returned in great condition. Fenton only prayed that he was right.

Frank stated that the criminals had not been aggressive or revengeful, more like methodical. It was almost like they were a fragile and important product. But why would that be? Fenton pondered on this train of thought blocking out the music.

Finally, Mr. Hardy reached over and turned down the radio to get his partner's undivided attention. "Sam, we need to make a stop."

"What is it?"

"I'll tell you when I get there. I need to think this over first."

"Well, I'm here to bounce your ideas off of."

"Thanks," Fenton sighed a stated everything he knew and had learned about the case. He ended his spiel with a few questions for his partner, "So why would they treat the children almost as cargo? No ransom yet? Who are these sophisticated criminals and what do they want with my sons?"

Sam sighed. It was the one question he had dreaded being asked. He was at a loss with the way the case was unfolding. Carefully he spoke, "Fenton, maybe they are the carriers, transport, you know pick up and drop off. Maybe they got more than they bargained for."

"So maybe there are other cases like this?"

Sam finally followed his partner's train of thought. He continued, "Possibly and they would be accessible through a police database!"

Fenton was grinning like a Cheshire cat, they made a break! Only thing was getting the officers to cooperate with them and finding a pattern. Morning was coming, so they did what they needed, made a coffee run and trucked on through.

It had been way too long Joe thought as he paced. His brother had fallen asleep and he was fretting about Kailey. He couldn't believe they just let an innocent civilian risk her life for them. They didn't even know her that well, but he and his brother trusted her.

He couldn't bear counting for too long, so he just began humming a song. Fifteen minutes, why such an extended bathroom break? Maybe it was nowhere near where they were being held, so Warren thought about the time needed? Maybe he was being considerate since she was complaining about women problems. Ewe, not thinking about that Joe decided.

Tired of wearing down the floor, he leaned against the door, hoping to hear something useful. He had no such luck. After a few minutes he began to back away, but as he did he heard a rustle. The men were moving outside the door. Maybe she had returned, Joe hoped.

His was disappointed as the door creaked open showing two large and heavily armed men. Each stared at him.

Then the one on the right looked to his associate, "So what do we do shoot'm?"

Joe looked at the other man, pleading with his eyes for him and his brother to stay alive.

A/N: Please review, then I will upload the next chapter! I hope you enjoyed it!