Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

The Divine Right of Kings	By : vinsmouse Category: G through L > Hardy Boys Series Views: 5917 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own the Hardy Boys, not making any money, just cheap thrills.

Chapter List
- 47
- 48
- 49
Chapter 48

Jack Martin flashed his badge at Tomlinson Sr.’s secretary as he breezed past her. Opening the door he saw a luxurious office filled with various objects of art. The primary focus of the room, however, was on the large mahogany desk sitting in front of a wall of windows. The expensive high-backed leather chair was turned towards the window, allowing Jack to see only the very top of the occupant’s head.

“I told you I don’t wish to be disturbed Janice,” a powerfully deep voice intoned from the other side of the desk.

“I’m afraid I didn’t give Janice a chance to tell me no,” Jack smirked. Tomlinson spun the chair so he was facing Jack.

“You have ten seconds before I call security.”

Jack showed his badge, “Jack Martin, FBI.”

“What can I do for the FBI?”

Jack was impressed in spite of himself. Not very many people could remain in control of themselves when faced with a federal agent. “It’s about your son sir.”

Tomlinson narrowed his eyes. “My son is dead and I believe we can agree the world is better for it.”

Jack skillfully hid his reaction to the man’s words. He was no fan of Alex Tomlinson’s but for a father to say something like that, well it explained a bit about the younger man’s behavior. “That isn’t completely certain.”

At this Richard Tomlinson’s mask slipped, just a bit. Quickly, hating to show any weakness, he schooled his features to their usual emotionless state. “I was under the impression dental records had confirmed Alex’s presence on that bus.”

“They did,“ Jack confirmed. “However, earlier today there was an attack on Frank and Joe Hardy. Joe was taken and Frank identified the kidnapper as your son.”

“The boy is mistaken,” Richard brushed aside the assertion.

“Frank Hardy spent a day in your son’s company, watching his brother tortured for no reason that made sense. Do you really think he doesn’t know what your son looks like?”

Richard turned his chair towards the window. He had never been close to Alex, the boy preferring his mother’s company from a young age. It had suited Richard at the time, the boy’s dependence on Annaleise providing him with the time to devote to his business obligations. He had always thought he would have time later, as Alex grew from boy to man, to develop a closer relationship.

His mother’s death had destroyed any chance of that. The years that followed had been filled with fights and recriminations as both tried to deal with the loss of the woman they loved. Richard had never given up on his son, always hoping he would forgive him for the part he’d played in his wife’s death. He hadn’t approved of many of the things Alex had done and when the boy’s crimes came to light he had been as horrified as any. That didn’t stop him from hiring the best criminal defense lawyer he could for him. Alex was still his son after all and of course the family name should be protected as well.

“You believe the boy then?”

“I think we’d be foolish to assume he’s mistaken.”

Richard nodded, turning to face Agent Martin. “I agree. However, I have no idea where my son could be. Frankly until you told me I had assumed the body I buried was my son.”

“I realize the possibility that Alex is alive must be a shock but can you think of any place he might take Joe Hardy?”

His instinctive response was a resounding no, but Richard held himself back. He couldn’t really claim to know his son anymore, if he ever had, but he did have some knowledge of his finances and holdings. “I assume you’ve checked for any properties he owned, owns?”

“I have people doing that now. So far they haven’t come across any likely properties.”

“Don’t assume Alex would take him to a secluded property,” Richard advised. He could see he had surprised the agent. “My son has always been exceedingly clever Agent Martin; add to that a large bank account and the world is, as the saying goes, his oyster. He could easily soundproof an apartment or house for instance.”

Jack ruefully admitted the man was right. They had been foolish to overlook the possibility. “Your son owned a great number of properties, checking them all will take time. Time Joe Hardy may not have. Can you tell me anything that might narrow the search?”

“I can get you a list of the properties I’ve sold since his supposed death, which are occupied and which are still vacant.”

“That would be very helpful, thank you.”

Richard picked up the phone, speaking orders into it. “The list will be here momentarily,” he said as he returned the receiver. “I will give the problem some thought and if I think of any likely place I will contact you.”

“Thank you,” Jack handed the man a card with his direct line on it. He was as grateful as he was surprised by the elder Tomlinson’s cooperation. He had fully expected the need to bring out the threat of publicity and/or warrants to gain any help. The two of them sat in silence for the next several minutes while they waited for the list to be brought, both lost in thought. As soon as the list was in his hands Jack said a hasty good-bye and headed back to the office.

Joe wasn’t sure what time it was, there was no clock in the room and Alex had taken his watch. He wasn’t sure why, maybe just to keep him off-balance. Judging by the lack of light in the room it was certainly night, but whether it was the same night or what time of night Joe had no idea. Feeling better than he had the last time he woke he quietly climbed from the bed. Standing on shaky legs Joe slowly made his way to the window.

Grasping the bottom of the frame he pushed upwards, to no avail. Something was stopping the window from rising. He thought about turning on the light but if Alex was awake he didn’t want him to see it and know Joe was up. Using his fingers he felt along the window frame for any obstruction, his heart sinking when he felt the first nail. He wouldn’t be getting out that way, unless he broke the window and Alex would surely come into the room at the first sound of shattering glass. Joe blinked rapidly as light flooded the room, blinding him and making his eyes sting.

“You shouldn’t be out of bed pet,” Alex chided the boy. Moving swiftly he crossed the room, wrapping one arm around the teen’s shoulders he guided him back to the bed.

Joe let himself be led. He felt better, yes, but he wasn’t in any shape to make a run for it. Nor did he want to risk angering Alex.

Alex pushed Joe onto the bed and sat beside him. “You weren’t thinking of leaving were you pet?”

“I need to go home sir.”

“Now Joey what did I tell you? Call me Alex,” he smiled. “Where would you go if you had gotten out through the window?”

Joe stared, “Home.”

“Watch the tone pet.”

Joe flinched, recognizing the warning for what it was. “Sorry Alex.”

“That’s better. Now which way is home?” He needed Joey to understand that leaving the cabin was a bad idea. These woods could be dangerous, particularly at night. Wild animals aside there was also the very real danger of the boy becoming hopelessly lost.

Joe’s shoulders slumped as he realized the futility of escape. He would have to find out where he was before he considered leaving. “I didn’t think of that.”

“Don’t worry pet I’ll take good care of you,” Alex gave the boy a one-armed hug.

“But I want to be with my family,” Joe protested.

“I’m your family now pet. The sooner you accept that the better off you’ll be.”

Joe swallowed hard, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall.

“Now it’s the middle of the night and you should be sleeping.” Standing up Alex waited for Joe to lie back on the bed. Leaning over the boy he pulled the covers over him, brushing a kiss against his forehead. “Good-night pet, sleep well.”

Joe shuddered as Alex walked away and as the door closed he gave into the tears.

TBC...

Please feed the muse with reviews.
- 47
- 48
- 49
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Divine Right of Kings