Hardy Boys - More Than Just The Fun Uncle

Facing the Monster

Frank ran through the forest, thorns and bits of foliage caught and tore at his jeans in the process. He was oblivious to the blood that trickled down his legs from the scratches the bushes caused. Only one thing could hold his attention right now. He followed the trail of trampled greens that seemed to be turning grayer and grayer by the minute. It was only when a hand clutched Frank's elbow and he was forced to stop that the brunette noticed that it had started to become dark.

"Slow down, Frank." Fenton said.

Frank shook his head. "I can't! We'll lose them!"

"You could also overlook important evidence." The gray haired detective lifted his hand - which could easily pass off as the hand of a youth if it weren't scarred from past adventures - and produced a small, pink shoe. Frank accepted the shoe and examined it thoroughly. It was slightly browned from mud and dirt, but its once florescent color was still visible underneath. The butterflies on the side wouldn't light up like they used to, but the laces were still tied in a double knot. Kitty always wanted them tied that way so she wouldn't have to embarrass herself in front of friends since she still couldn't tie her own shoes.

"This is Kitty's, no doubt." Frank said, trying not to sound affected by the discovery. It scared him to think of what they might find at the end of this trail, but it also encouraged him to know that they were on the right track. "We have to keep moving."

Fenton nodded, but still held his son's arm. "Let me take the lead on this."

"But-"

"Please don't argue. I want to find them just as much as you do, but I'm not the one who's going to end up doing something he regrets."

Frank considered his father for a second, but he knew he'd never find a suitable argument. He was right, after all.

"Fine." Frank mumbled and Fenton Hardy took the lead. He moved much slower than the younger would have liked, but he was also being careful so as not to miss anything important.

Abruptly, the detective halted and rose a hand to order the whole company to halt as well.

"What is it, Dad?" Frank asked in a whisper.

His father's only reply was the hand he cupped around his ear. Frank copied the older man and listened intently. Far off voices echoed through the ever-growing darkness. No words could be distinguished, but the voices of two men could be clearly heard.

Frank surged forward, only to be held back by his father's strong grip on his shoulder. "Stealth is our best option."

The younger Hardy slipped back behind the older, once more, and they made their way slowly, but carefully toward the voices. Within minutes the soft glow of a fire could be seen and the voices carried more loudly through the forest.

The company paused to discuss their best course of action.

"No doubt they'll be on the look out for us." Collig whispered. "I don't think it's wise for the whole squad go in at once."

"I agree." Fenton nodded. "Frank and I will advance directly upon the camp. Collig, you can linger behind us a ways. If we run into trouble, you alert the squad and come to the rescue."

Collig smiled. "It's your mission, Hardy. I wouldn't take this away from you if I were to lose my position over it."

The old detective smiled at the police chief who, over the years, had become a great friend to the Hardy family. "You don't have to worry about that, Ezra. You've been Bayport's loyal friend for as long as any of its residents can remember. They would no sooner think of letting you go than a dog would think of letting go of a sausage."