“Never mind about me – I’m fine. What about the water level – is it still rising?” Frank was happy to see that there was a few inches of space between the bars and the Plexiglas. But he also knew that Joe wouldn’t be able to hold onto the bars much longer.

“I think it stopped – at least it feels like it did.” Joe’s eyes clouded with worry. “I hope you have a plan to get me out of here, Frank! I’m – I’m getting a little tired.”

Frank was about to answer when he heard a familiar voice call out his name.

*****

Racing up to the fourth floor, Chief Collig received a radio call informing him that the fire chief had gotten the elevators working again. Collig managed to stop Fenton and let him know they could now use the elevators. The rest of the way to the roof was easy. Once they reached the tenth floor, it was only a matter of climbing the stairs leading to the roof. Running out onto the roof, Fenton began yelling for Frank and Joe.

“I think that’s Dad!” Frank said as he stood up and ran over to the edge of the small structure.

“Dad – Dad, we’re over here!” Frank called out, waving his arms.

Chief Collig was the first to notice Frank – he got Fenton’s attention and pointed towards him. “Fenton, over there!” Collig signaled to the emergency personal to follow him.

Once he knew that he got his father’s attention, Frank ran back over to Joe. He knelt down and placed his hand over his brother’s.

“Help is on the way, Joe. Try and hang on just a little bit longer!”

Racing up the ladder, Fenton ran over to Frank and Joe. Kneeling next to his oldest son, he reached out to touch Joe’s face. He smiled down at his youngest and then turned his attention back to Frank. “Frank you should let the EMTs look at your injuries. I’ll stay here with Joe.”

Frank shook his head as he watched the firemen work frantically to get the bars out.

“I’m staying here till Joe gets out.” He stared determinedly at Fenton, letting his father know he wasn’t going to back down.

“All right but you’re going to let the EMT’s treat you while they work on getting Joe out!”

Frank readily agreed.

Thirty minutes later the firemen had gotten three bars off, gaining enough space to pull Joe out of the water-filled room. They quickly wrapped him in a blanket.

“He’s got quite a bit of glass imbedded in his skin. We should take him to the hospital.”

“Dad, I can’t! That guy – whoever he is – is still out there!” protested Frank.

With a negative shake of his head, Fenton let know Frank he had no choice. The EMT bandaged Frank’s feet, and the older boy let out a sigh when he felt a hand touch his. He turned to see Joe smiling at him. The blonde teen was bundled up in a couple of blankets.

“Don’t worry, bro – I have a feeling I’ll be keeping you company!” Joe smiled at his brother.

*****

Laura stared at the entrance, waiting anxiously for Fenton and her boys. Callie and Vanessa had stood closely by her side for an hour before they grew restless. Vanessa was the first to move away, pacing back and forth. A few minutes later, Callie moved away. The young girl made sure that Officer Jansen wasn’t looking before she headed for the alley.

She bumped into Chet who was coming around the corner. Biff and Phil were following behind him. All three teens looked disappointed.

“We didn’t see anyone come out of the alley,” said Biff disgustedly.

“Have you heard anything about Frank and Joe?” Phil asked anxiously.

“No, not…” Callie began when they heard a commotion coming from the front of the building. The four friends ran over to see what was going on.

Callie let out a cry of relief when she saw Frank being supported by Fenton and one of the emergency personnel. She hurried to him, her steps becoming faster and faster.

Laura had finished hugging Frank, making sure that he wasn’t too seriously hurt. She had turned her attention towards Joe when Callie almost threw herself at Frank.

“Frank, I’m so glad to see you again! What happened to your feet –why are they bandaged up?!”

“Excuse me, Miss but we have to get these guys to the hospital.” The EMT smiled at Callie as he helped Joe into the ambulance.

“Joe, what happened to you?!” Callie gasped when she got a look at him.

“Somebody thought I needed to go for a swim,” replied Joe jokingly.

A block and a half away in a small room, a gray-haired man watched the video monitor as he listened to his police band radio. He watched as the emergency personal closed the doors to the ambulance and heard where they would be taking the brothers.

*****

Joe was very happy that his mother had the foresight to bring a change of clothes. She had had confidence that Fenton would rescue their children in time and would find them alive.

The ER doctor had been concerned about the bump on the back of Joe’s head, but was satisfied that he did not have a concussion. Now the younger Hardy paced the waiting room floor as they waited to hear about Frank’s injuries. Vanessa leaned against the wall watching her boyfriend walk back and forth

A new voice spoke up: “He’s going to be okay, Joe.”

Joe turned to find Callie standing behind him; concern was etched on her face.

“Thanks, Cal.” He gave her a small smile before he drew her in for a hug.

“Vanessa and I were thinking about getting everyone something to drink and maybe a snack. We could use your help.” Callie held Joe at arm’s length as she gave him a pleading look.

Vanessa joined them, gently rubbing Joe’s back.

“Come on Joe, we really could use your help.” Vanessa rested her head on his shoulder.

“Sheesh, just gang up on a guy!” Joe laughed good-naturedly. He let the two girls lead him away.

Bypassing the hospital cafeteria, the three teens walked to the Subway sandwich shop across the street. When they returned Vanessa carried a bag filled with subs and chips while Callie and Joe each carried a tray of drinks.

Vanessa and Joe were walking ahead of Callie, who had gone back to get some extra napkins and straws. Callie was crossing the street as Joe and Vanessa walked inside the hospital. By the time she entered the hospital, Joe and Vanessa had reached the elevators. She was passing by the emergency stairway when the door opened. A hand clasped over her mouth and dragged Callie into the stairway.

Joe turned to tell Callie to hurry as the elevator had arrived. His eyes went wide with shock when all he saw was a tray of spilled soda.

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Disclaimer

The Hardy Boys belong to Simon and Schuster and the Stratemeyer Foundation. The Hardy Boys Fan Fiction authors of the Hardy Detective Agency have just borrowed them for an adventure or two. The authors promise to put the boys back when they are done with them. The authors do claim copyright to the original characters in this story. Please do not borrow original characters without express permission of the authors.