99In Your Hands
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hardy Boys or any of the book characters.
Rating/Setting: Rating is T. The series started as kinda blue spine with a touch of Casefiles but is now completely AU. F/21 and J/20. In the first story (Taken), the boys are J/16 and F/17 and they have aged as the series continued. Takes place about 2 months after Sometimes 'Never' Happens.
Summary: Taken Series: What was supposed to be a simple meeting at the bank for Joe becomes anything but ordinary. Circumstances are clouded as Elise Sacco and her daughter are also at the bank. Is it a bank hold-up or is something more going on? F 21/J 20
Series List (just the teenage fics listed below):
I'm going to list the series here in this chapter but won't in future chapters because it's just gotten so long.
Taken
Recovery
Retribution
Wild Pitch
Undercover Trouble: Covert Contention (yeah, little bit wordy there)
For Who You Are
Mission Parameters
Debts
Survival Instincts
Where My Demons Hide
Vows
Alarmed
Sometimes 'Never' Happens
In Your Hands
**Don't even try to make sense of this story without having read the rest of the series. LOL No, I'm serious! Go all the way back to Taken and read them all through. Well, I guess, you can read it without having read the others, but it will mean a whole lot more if you read them all as I often tie my stories together.
And if you do go back and read them, be sure to leave a review at least at the end of the story so I'll know how you like it. :-)
Author's Note- And sorry, it's rather lengthy, but I don't expect the notes to be so long as we go forward:
FBI/ORT/Network: I do not have a thorough understanding of the FBI or their procedures – mainly what I have seen on the X-Files and read about in Mitch Rapp novels. There is some mention of the Network and some of my creation: ORT, but neither play a large part in the story.
Wait! Isn't there already an HB story posting with this same title? Why yes, yes there is! Imagine my surprise when in early December, I'm on FFN looking to see if Cherylann Rivers, Red Hardy, Phx or Jilsen have posted anything new. (I mean, we can always hope that Phx will come back and write that sequel to 'The Collector.' *sigh*) But I digress. I'm looking and what do I see, but that a new story just posted in November called "In Your Hands." I was like… what? In total coincidence, Seculo seculorum and I picked the same name for our totally different and separate stories. :) Be sure to check out her story. I'm reading it myself. :) I also messaged her that my story title duplicate was totally unplanned and unintended. However, you know my stories and how much I like my title to go with the story, so I didn't change it. And in the first chapter, you'll find the first reference… but not the last.
**I also discovered recently that the e-mail alerts reset to "Opt-OUT" every 6 months, so if you aren't getting alerts, check your account under "settings."
Are you asking: Where have you been Paulina Ann? Well, what can I say? It's been a dry spell. :) But I have a complete story for you after having writer's block for over a year after starting and then totally scrapping a major part of the story and going with another idea that I felt I could write better. This story is 12 chapters long and I'll be posting one chapter per week. Will the series continue you ask? ;-D I'll let you know at the end. As always, reviews are appreciated, and I respond by PMing anyone who has that option available.
This story is finished with just tweaks and typo corrections going on at the moment, so as always with me, no worries about an unfinished story. :-) As of Jan. 2024, 78 total stories posted and 78 completed. This story makes 79.
Cherylann Rivers – if you happened to come back to FFN, this is the chapter you've waited years for me to write. ;-D I hope you enjoy it!
.**********.
Chapter One
The events of Sometimes 'Never' Happens ended in March. This story takes place in May of the same year.
The small black velvet box in his pants pocket felt as large as a boulder, not to mention that it was uncomfortable. However, he had been hesitant to put it in his jacket pocket because Callie was a hugger and a snuggler, even in formal wear, and the box had been too evident when in the jacket pocket. He ignored the pressure of the box and instead concentrated on the beautiful green-eyed girl sitting in front of him. She put a bite of grilled salmon in her mouth as she closed her eyes and gave a moan of pleasure that comes from eating really good food. Frank smiled.
Called opened her eyes and smiled back as she asked, "What?"
Frank grinned. "You. You're beautiful."
Callie laughed and put another bite of salmon on her fork, "Yes. Me eating is a beautiful thing."
"To me it is," he said softly and then cleared his throat as she looked at him curiously. Deciding a topic change was in order, he asked, "So how much dancing do you want to do tonight?"
She chewed her salmon and looked thoughtful. After swallowing, she said, "I'd say until my feet hurt, but just like last time we were here, I'll take my heels off and dance without them. So, how about we dance until we know we need to leave to drive back safely?"
Frank nodded. They were at the oceanside resort where they stayed after Joe and Vanessa had gotten married. They had had so much fun, and it was here that Frank really felt he understood what Joe meant about not waiting. Not that he had thought up this plan immediately. The wedding had been about eight months previous and so much had happened between then and now that it boggled Frank's mind. But one thing was certain, the events of the last eight months hadn't caused him to change his mind about Callie Shaw. It only made his feelings for her stronger.
.**********.
There was only a light breeze blowing on the resort's boardwalk on the shore, but it somehow managed play havoc with Callie's hair. She tucked a piece of blonde hair behind her ear but it was soon blowing across her face again and taunting her. She laughed and tucked it more securely behind her ear. She walked carefully on the decking as her heels could easily slip right between the planks. High heels were obviously not a concern when this section of the boardwalk was built. It was on the lower section, practically on the beach, and went from the back of the housing area of the resort to the beach and most people were going for a dip in the water and not arriving from the terraced stairs of the five-star restaurant. She was actually a little surprised that Frank wanted to come down here in his suit, but at least the weather was accommodating, and he would not be roasting. She arrived at a section where there was rail, and she rested her hands on it. She felt Frank's hand on her back as he moved to stand beside her. "It's a beautiful evening, Frank." The sun was setting behind them and night was stealing its way from the horizon towards them as the deep blue waves lapped calmly on the wet, dark sand of the beach below.
"It is a beautiful evening," Frank said and then he took his hand from her back and moved to stand beside her at the rail. He placed his hand over hers.
She didn't turn to look at him but continued to look at the calm ocean before her.
"But it's not the scenery that makes it beautiful for me. It's you."
Callie turned with a smile, ready to make a cute quip when the words died on her lips. He was serious. Her smile faded.
He took her other hand so that both of her hands were now in his and her eyes were locked on his. She couldn't have looked away even if she tried. And honestly, she didn't want to.
"We've been together for years and never have I wanted to be with anyone else. It's always been you, Callie. You've been my rock when everything was falling apart. You keep me grounded but you make me laugh and you keep me from taking myself too seriously. I love your smile, your laugh, the twinkle in your eyes, your intellect, your ability to stay calm when others aren't." He smiled. "And I love your casseroles."
Callie finally smiled back through eyes that were filling with tears.
Frank dropped her right hand and reached into his pocket and pulled out the black velvet box. He let go of her other hand and dropped to one knee as he opened the box and turned it toward her. His eyes met hers as he asked, "Callie, you hold my heart in your hands. Will you marry me?"
Callie brought her hands to her mouth for a moment and then dropped them as she said in a rush of word, "Yes. Yes! I will marry you!"
He quickly stood and removed the ring from the box as she extended her left hand to him. He slid the ring onto her finger. The brilliant cut diamond with side baguettes glowed in the fading sunlight.
She turned her hand from side to side admiring the ring. She looked up and saw the unasked question in Frank's eyes. "I love it! It's beautiful." She moved to him to give him a hug when her heel caught between the boards, and she pitched forward into his arms, which caught her in a strong hold. She looked up at him and smiled.
"I've already proposed; you don't have to keep throwing yourself at me."
She laughingly smiled and looked up at him as she laid her head against his chest. She could hear the beating of his heart. If his heart was in her hands, she would protect it.
.**********.
The next morning…
Joe was grinning massively as headed into the outskirts of New York City. Frank was on the line, and he was giving Joe the rundown of his proposal and Callie's acceptance. Of course, Frank had already filled him in on the plans but then again, Frank had planned something else a few weeks earlier that fell through so Joe wasn't certain until he heard the ring was on her finger. "I mean, was there any doubt she'd say yes?" Joe asked as he signaled and then slowed to a stop for a light. The light rain falling wasn't an issue with the warm temperatures and the wipers easily took the moisture from the windshield. The beads of water were racing each other toward the roof, only to slow and begin to move back down as the vehicle would slow.
"Well, no. But it's nice that it's official."
"Bro, I knew there wasn't a doubt when she started cooking you those casseroles."
Frank's laugh sounded through the SUV's speakers. "You and your casseroles."
"No, Frank. It's YOU and YOUR casseroles. I knew they'd bring you to the alter or at least get you to put a ring on it." Joe turned smoothly onto the road that would almost have him at his destination. The road itself wasn't so smooth, having a number of small to medium potholes that were a result of the rough winter. "Well, I'm almost there."
Frank chuckled. "I can't believe you set up such an early appointment. It's so unlike you."
Joe grimaced, his frown causing indents to form between his brows as he answered, "Can't say it was my first choice, but with the semester over, I have some work things to do for the rest of the week and Vanessa has plans for several evenings. That includes taking you guys out for a celebratory dinner on us." Joe's 'work' involved some training from the Network, which Frank wasn't totally onboard with, but he wasn't standing in his brother's way.
"I'm looking forward to the dinner. The question is, will it somewhere with a $5 combo bag or an all-you-can-eat buffet?" Frank asked dryly, knowing his brother's love of cheap food or places where you could eat your fill.
"You got it!" Joe replied cheerily.
There was a moment of silence. "I'm hoping that answer means the buffet."
Joe literally laughed out loud as he signaled for a turn once again. "Seafood Sam's Friday night buffet with all you can eat king crab legs!" The joy in his voice was unmistakable. Joe really did enjoy his seafood.
Now Frank was laughing. "As long as you don't make me wear that ridiculous crab headband."
"No promises, bro," Joe replied seriously.
Frank just chuckled and asked, "So, you still liking the Bronco?" Joe had bought an almost new Ford Bronco that could go off-road even though they lived at the college.
"I'm in love with Buster."
"Buster."
"That's what I call it, Buster. You know… Bronco Buster?"
"Well, glad you and Buster are getting along well."
"Now to just find a spot to park where no one is on either side."
"In the city? You should have driven the van if you were worried about a scratch."
"Not just a scratch, Frank. I could get a dent!" Joe's voice indicated the dismay he'd feel if that happened. "You're right, I should have taken the van."
Frank laughed again and then ended with, "See you and Van Wednesday for dinner at mom's?"
"Yep. See you there. Gotta go."
Then they said their goodbyes as Joe turned into a parking garage near Hope Trust Bank.
Parking garages were not Joe's favorite place to be, but this was daytime and well-lit with a good amount of foot traffic. He did take the stairs down from the third level he parked on to avoid the elevator. As he exited the garage, Joe looked up at the cloudy sky. The light drizzle had stopped and now there were just a few stray raindrops. No need for an umbrella. He smiled and said to himself, this is going to be a fabulous week. Little did he know it wouldn't even be a fabulous morning.