Fellowship & Fairydust

Joe took a look at the note again. “Mom, how do you know it wasn’t Dad who wrote this?” 

Laura looked between them. “Have you ever noticed your father’s signature?” The boys glanced at each other in shock before glancing at their mother and nodding slowly. “There’s something missing, isn’t there?” The boys glanced at the note again. 

Frank gasped. “Those little symbols he usually put under his name, they’re not there!” 

“Not only that, but this message is too short. Your father always writes to me in our code, even if the code just simply says I love you, it lets me know he was the one who wrote it.” 

Joe looked at her pleadingly. “Will we get to learn the code?” 

Laura glanced at her boys and nodded. “Yes, I think it’s about time you finally learned it too.” 

Frank cleared his throat. “May we, um, may we share it with Nancy too?” 

Laura chuckled. “Carson and Catherine had their own code, and it was definitely different from ours. I think it’s best the three of you come up with your own code to use.” The boys nodded, that made sense. At that moment, the officer came back into the house, announcing that Collig was on his way.

Half an hour later, Trudy was up and was given the latest news, Sam and Janelle Radley had arrived to comfort the family, Jack Wayne was on his way, and Collig was on the phone with Principal Stevenson, requesting the day off for Frank and Joe. Collig got off the phone with Stevenson right as Jack Wayne walked into the door. 

“Is there anything you need?” Jack asked upon entering the living room. 

Collig returned the phone to its receiver and turned to face Jack. “Ah, good, you’re here.” He glanced really quick at the boys. “You do have the day off today.” He turned back to Jack. “Now, I’m under the assumption that you in particular are working with Fenton on this case?” 

Jack nodded. “I am.” 

“When was the last time you heard from him?” 

“Oh, yesterday morning, he sounded really excited. He thought he had found a clue that could blow the whole case wide open. He told me to come to the house this afternoon, in fact. He, the boys, and I were going to come up with a plan to catch them.” He looked around the room sullenly. “I, I hate to say this, but, I think, I think they caught him.” 

“Well, if you hate to say something, don’t say it!” blurted Trudy. She crossed her arms and let out a humph before going to sit down in one of the armchairs. 

Jack followed her. “I’m sorry Trudy, but it’s the likeliest scenario. We have to think of every angle.” He knelt before her. “Would you rather I just come out and blurt it like you do?” 

Trudy gasped. “You’re not exactly getting yourself out of this hole.” 

Jack snickered. “Sorry Trudy, but, I have to tell the truth. We’re being questioned, after all. You never wanted me to lie, remember?” 

“Oh posh, this is serious Jack.” But she gave him a coy smile and a little giggle. The boys’ eyes widened as they glanced at each other. Were Aunt Trudy and Jack flirting? What a time to flirt. 

Collig cleared his throat. “Not for everything, Jack. Anyway, that was the last time you spoke with Fenton?” 

Jack rose and nodded. “Yes, it was. I didn’t suspect anything had happened until I got the call to meet you here.” He turned to Laura and the boys. “I’m really sorry about all this.” 

Laura gave him a sad smile. “It’s all part of the job, Jack. Let’s just concentrate on finding him.” Jack nodded. 

“Well, based on what we have learned so far, our best bet would be to stake out the Pollitt place.” Collig winced. “Unfortunately, we don’t have any real proof that he was taken there. There might be another hideout.” 

“But Chief, there is a secret tunnel going out to the sea,” blurted Joe. “I don’t think there are many places they could move him, unless they moved him to a boat.” 

Jack snapped his fingers. “Speaking of, Chief, we do suspect that a member of the gang, a man by the name of Ali Singh, is working for the Marco Polo. If they do get him out of Bayport, it would be on the Marco Polo.” 

“Oh good heavens!” exclaimed Trudy. 

“If they get him out, but it’s a possibility. From what I’ve been reading of Snattman, he’s not one for murder, so shanghaing someone would be something he would do.” Collig glanced at one of his men. “Daniels, get me the departure time for the Marco Polo. If that is their plan, we’ll at least have a time frame.” 

Daniels nodded. “Yes sir.” He quickly left to get the information. 

Collig glanced back at the family. “Well, I’m afraid that’s all we can do right now. Next step is finding clues.” He glanced at Frank and Joe. “And you two are pretty good at that.” He glanced at Laura. “And I know you and Fenton made a deal back when you were pregnant with Frank, but, would you consider getting back into mystery-solving, just to solve your husband’s disappearance?” 

Laura pursed her lips as her hands gripped Frank’s and Joe’s hands a little tighter. “I don’t know, Ezra, it’s been a while. I’m a little rusty.” She glanced at her boys with a soft smile. “Besides, I’m pretty sure these two took all of my mystery-solving brain cells.” 

“Oh, Mom, come on. I’ve always wanted to see you in action!” said Joe. 

“Besides, Dad needs us,” said Frank. 

Laura sighed. “You’re right, but I did promise absolutely no field work.” 

“We’ll take care of that,” said Joe. Frank nodded.

Laura glanced between the two before looking at Collig. “Alright Ezra, what do you need me to do?” 

Collig shrugged. “I guess take up where Fenton left off on this case. And work on a plan to capture the gang, without putting your husband in jeopardy, of course.” 

“Of course.” She glanced at Jack. “Is there anything else I need to know?” 

Jack thought a moment before shaking his head no. “That’s everything.” 

She nodded then glanced at the boys. “And you’ve kept me up to date so far?” 

They nodded and chorused, “Yes, ma’am.” 

Laura nodded, then thought about it. “The clue Fenton was talking about really was important, and had to have been found near the Pollitt place.” She glanced at Frank and Joe. “Let’s do the same thing you and your friends have been doing, have half of them here watching the Pollitt place through the telescope, and the rest go with you two to Willow Grove and start looking for clues to your father’s whereabouts. Make your way to the Pollitt place, if you do find something, report it to Collig immediately.” 

The boys nodded. “Yes ma’am.” 

“But, what do we do until then?” asked Joe, pointing to the clock. It was now only eight-thirty. “We got the day off, no one else did.” 

“You can keep an eye on the Pollitt place until then,” said Laura. 

Joe huffed slightly. “Alright.” 

“Hey, Dad did ask us to keep an eye on it, and we haven’t yet,” pointed out Frank. 

Joe nodded, though he was still annoyed. “True.” 

“Thank you.” Laura glanced between Jack and Collig. “Ezra, Jack, I’m going to need all the information you can give me on the gang and that medicine coming in.” 

Collig nodded as he stood up. “I’ll send that to you as soon as I get back to the office. And I’ll get Todd Hooper to get in contact with you.” 

“And I’ll get you all the notes I was supposed to give Fenton,” said Jack. 

Laura smiled at them both. “Thank you.” 

“Of course. We want Fenton back as much as you do.” Jack patted her shoulder. 

“Now, before we leave, was there anything you wanted me to do?” asked Collig. 

“Is it possible to have your men take a look at the route Fenton takes from New York to Bayport?” 

Collig thought for a moment. “I might be able to send a man or two. I’ll let you know for sure when I send you that information.” 

Trudy let out a huff. “Fenton really should give you a spare key to his file case.” 

Laura chuckled. “There’s a reason why he doesn’t. He just knows I’ll try to solve the mystery before he does.” She sighed. “It’s been hard, but I’ve learned how to curb my curiosity.” She glanced at the people in her living room with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “But thanks to you, I just might get that back.” 

Jack chuckled. “Oh dear, Fenton won’t be too pleased.” 

Collig chuckled. “Well, then next time, he’d better not get himself captured. But I’m sure he will be pleased that I’m going to have a guard posted here everyday until we find him and catch this gang.” 

“Thank you Ezra.” 

Collig tipped his hat. “No problem, Laura. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a search party to organize and some information to send to you. I’ll talk to you later.” 

“Talk to you later,” replied Laura. Collig and his men left the house. 

Sam Radley cleared his throat. “Is there anything I can do, Laura?” The boys jumped, they had completely forgotten that he and Janelle were there! Janelle was standing in the doorway between the living room and the dining room. 

“Oh Sam, yes, I was just thinking about that.” She turned to the boys. “You saw a boat out a way from the Pollitt place?” 

“Yes!” They took turns describing what they and Biff had seen. 

Laura nodded and turned to Sam. “Think you could take a few spins out and look for that boat?” 

Sam nodded. “Sure! I could use an extra pair of eyes, though.” He glanced at Jack. “Hey Jack, want to tag along?” 

“I’m curious about this boat the boys saw too, I haven’t seen anything of the sort at the dock. Let’s go.” 

Sam nodded, then turned to his wife and gave her a kiss. “See you at home?” 

Janelle nodded. “I’ll stay here for a little while before heading out. Be safe.” 

“I will.” They kissed again before he and Jack left the house. As soon as they left, the mood became very somber. If Janelle hadn’t been there, the family might not have eaten at all. But she reminded them that Fenton still needed them to keep their energy up to find him, and so, they ate the breakfast she made for them. Trudy helped Janelle tidy up the kitchen while Laura and the boys went into the study. Frank and Joe immediately went to watching the Pollitt place while Laura gathered papers from the fax machine. She went into perusing everything Collig had sent, smiling at his message that two officers would be able to look at the route Fenton took. 

Frank and Joe took turns at the telescope and working with their mom to figure out a plan to catch the crooks. Todd Hooper did call and gave Laura all the information she needed about the medicine and the pick-up. Frank was listening rather intently as she repeated the information back to Todd, making sure she got it right. Joe was trying to listen while looking through the telescope. All three were slightly surprised that an opioid was one of the ingredients, but it did make sense why the gang might try to steal it and sell it as an opioid overseas. 

No sooner had Laura thanked Todd for the information and hung up the phone than Joe let out a yelp. She and Frank were by his side instantly. 

“What is it?” they both asked. 

Joe turned to them, mouth wide. “I think, I think someone’s living in the Pollitt place!” 

“That’s impossible!” blurted Frank as he quickly took a look through the telescope. His own mouth dropped in shock. Joe was right! He could clearly see at least three figures wandering around the Pollitt place before one went into the house! He glanced at his mother. “You’d, you’d better see this.” Laura went to look through the telescope and gasped. 

The next instant, she was lunging for the phone and dialing Collig’s number. As soon as he answered, she explained the entire situation.

“Well, I can’t send anymore men out there, but I can look into if the place really has been sold. Let me check and call you right back.” 

“Thanks Ezra.” Laura hung up the phone and placed her chin on her hands after telling the boys what Collig said. 

“What should we do?” asked Joe. 

Frank’s mind was running a mile a minute. “We could check it out ourselves,” he began slowly. “This very well could be Snattman’s way of trying to cover up Dad’s disappearance.” 

Joe gasped. “Those people could be his guards, and he’s in the house!” Frank nodded solemnly. 

Laura pursed her lips. “It’s definitely an idea.” She glanced at them. “We should wait for Collig’s call. If this is Snattman’s way of covering up your father’s disappearance, then maybe we can plan around this.” 

Joe leaned in. “How would we do that?” 

She held up two fingers. “It’s always best to have two plans, and even to be able to think on your feet. Our first plan should be to try and flush out Snattman from the Pollitt place and save your father then. The second plan would involve the medicine, provided they don’t make their move before we do.” The boys gritted their teeth. 

“Let’s hope they don’t or we at least find out what their plans really are,” said Frank. 

Laura nodded. “Yes, let’s hope.” They jumped when the telephone rang. Laura quickly picked it up and put it on speaker phone. “Ezra, what do you have for me?” 

“Snattman has not sold the house, so I have no clue who’s living there at this moment.” 

“Some of his gang!” blurted Frank and Joe. 

“Oh hi boys. You think so?” 

“It’s the only logical explanation,” began Frank. 

“And it’s the perfect cover for keeping Dad hidden!” said Joe. 

“That would seem very likely, but I don’t have any men available to check it out.” 

“We could go,” said Joe quickly. “Besides, since Frank and I aren’t cops, we might get a little further in finding out information.” 

“Uh, that … is a good point. What do you say, Laura? These are your boys, and this is practically your case now.” 

Laura glanced at Frank and Joe. Joe mouthed the word please and giving her the biggest puppy eyes he could manage. She smiled sadly. “I really wish school was out already so your friends could go with you.” 

Frank glanced at the clock and snapped his fingers. “But Mom, we have the perfect cover! Joe and I could go out for a picnic at Willow Grove and hike to the Pollitt place!” 

“And we could look for clues to Dad while we’re at it!” 

Laura nodded, impressed. “That is a great cover, Frank. Good thinking!” 

“And knowing who his parents are, well, these apples didn’t fall far from the tree,” said Collig. Frank and Joe beamed. 

Laura thought for a moment. “Alright, you two may have a picnic in Willow Grove. But if you’re not back by the time school is out, or if you haven’t texted me by then, I’m sending your friends, Collig, and the Coast Guard after you.” 

Joe grinned. “Nothing like blowing this case sky high like getting ourselves captured, huh?” 

“Well I do have the satisfaction of knowing where you are going, compared to your father. And I do have the telescope aimed at the Pollitt place, so I can still keep an eye on you.” 

Frank nodded solemnly. “That’s true.” 

“Well Ezra, we shall call you, or, well, more like I shall, once we’ve found out anything about the people staying there.” 

“Sounds good. I’ll be on standby, and see if I can’t get a few other men too.” 

“Thanks Ezra. Talk to you later.” 

“Bye Laura, bye boys.” 

“Bye Chief!” Collig hung up, followed by Laura. 

She glanced at Frank and Joe. “Let’s get that picnic set up for you and get you two on the road.” The boys nodded and followed their mother down the stairs and into the kitchen. Janelle and Trudy were still chatting away, but upon hearing the boys’ errand, were willing to help set up the picnic, though Trudy begrudgingly did so. In a few moments, both boys had their motorcycles ready, Frank had the food in his trunk while Joe had packed a miniature detective’s kit in his. After a loving embrace from their mother and well wishes from both Trudy and Janelle, the boys were off. But as they drove, they couldn’t help but wonder, what would they find? Who did they see through the telescope? Would they still be there? Would they find their dad? One thing was for sure, their hearts were pounding as they raced towards the Pollitt place, and they were determined to find something, anything, that could help crack this case wide open.

 

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