Author's note. Man, this story has progressed so much over the last four months. Again, and again I've changed the whole plot line and the wrestled with the character's personality's. Writing out Iola's lines seemed the hardest. So I read Hardy Boy after Hardy Boy until I found the perfect amount of sass. I adore her character. Really, she is adorable. Incredibly sweet and protective of Joe but somehow also quite the prankster. Seriously my intentions were never to take this long or to be this detail orientated. To help inspire and examine new possibilities I've also carefully examined Anne of The Green Gables and fallen in love with the series. Which is a likely reason I tend to over dramatize my conversation with my family. It is hugely fun. Anyway, blah, blah, blah noise noise noise. I do not suppose anyone has the patience to withstand this lengthy note. Also, I moved from somewhere on the earth to somewhere very close to the somewhere I was before(on the earth.) Joyful week everybody and a immensely happy birthday to my sister-Nancy Austin!

Enough of the noise, now- Part One of The Way Out

Joe Hardy leaned down and extended an arm out towards his girlfriend.

"Hurry up Iola!" He hissed as she climbed up using his arm as leverage. She gave him a dirty look and opened her mouth to speak but Joe shoved his hand over her mouth. Pushing it aside Iola grabbed his neck despite the painful noises emitting from his throat and pulled herself up. Joe teetered unstably on the ledge for a moment then pulled a screwdriver out of his pocket and aimed towards the window pane. Iola was horrified. This was Joe's perfect escape plan?

"Joe what are you doing?" She asked.

"Iola love, don't worry I've got it." Joe reassured her in some stupid mid-Atlantic accent he had probably learned from watching an old movie. With a roll of her eyes, Iola clung harder to him. Joe forced the screwdriver against the door frame.

"Uh-Oh."

"What?"

"Nothing..." Iola did not like the sound of that. With much difficulty she craned her neck forward and let out an angry gasp.

"Joe! You idiot you got the screwdriver stuck. How could you?" Joe felt his cheeks turn red.

"I'm sorry...but once upon a time windows were made differently, you know?"

Iola made a sound very similar to Fenton's famous bear impersonation. Joe wrestled with the screwdriver until he could feel it come lose then paused to smirk triumphantly right before he pulled and - the handy tool came apart, half in Joe's hand, half stuck in the wall. Sucking in a breath Joe quickly looked away from the scorching gaze of his girlfriend. It was a full sixty seconds before he had enough courage to open his mouth.

"I messed up. And, I'm sorry..." He waited readily for a response.

"You think I want an apology Joe Hardy?"

"Umm yes...?"

"Well I don't. I want you to start figuring out how to save us. You know you have a brain Joe."

He glanced quickly at her then back towards the wall where his head had a bit more of privacy to do it's whacking. C'mon, c'mon Joe you've got this. He urged himself on, mentally slapping himself for being such a show-off and getting them stuck here in the first place. The truth was Joesph Hardy was one with many crazy ideas, all of which were immensely creative but not entirely productive. I could...smash the window open and we could jump out! Maybe...but it's a 20ft drop, at least. Indeed, it was. Their prison was a 1930 something barn which was poorly constructed, the entire second floor was lopsided and had a rather ragged drop off to the first floor. And If you were to walk out you'd find yourself deep into the Bayport woods thick with trees and other greenery.

It was hard to believe just a few hours earlier they were being grilled with questions by the very presumptuous Detective Byron Teanest.

EARLIER THAT DAY...

"Listen kids, it will be a lot easier for you if you just tell the truth."

"We are telling the truth. We have nothing to do with any of this and I'm not even sure why we're here."

"Joe-"

"Frank. I'm Frank and he's Joe, I am the older brother."

"Yeah whatever. I don't believe you and I don't believe two teenage boys were able to magically thwart a ring of thieves who just happened to be teenagers who just happen to be dealing with technology, also we have not been able to locate some of the stolen evidence. So now do you know what you're doing here?" The detective asked his hands folded together as he leaned across the desk. Frank stiffened.

"Sir, I understand you have mistakenly labeled us as thieves but have you had a chance to speak with our Principal at Bayport High? He'll tell you me and Joe are both very honest. We've always been very active in the school. I'm currently taking time to work with those in detention-I'm tutoring. Joe's captain of the football team and both of us have been Honor Roll students."

"Oh I see, just because you do good works in school means you couldn't be tempted to take some of those e-pads. Well you know what? I do see!" Teanest's fist slammed down firmly. "But what were you doing in all the time you weren't at school huh? And what about all those times you skipped school then showed up days later appearing as if you stepped out of a street fight?"

Frank and Joe traded nervous looks, then Frank spoke up again.

"Yes, we've missed a lot of school but we have our reasons and if you fully checked out our records you'd understand. Also Teanest-Sir. You'll remember we spent a majority of the summer here going over cold cases with Chief Colig."

"Yeah seriously dude, recheck your sources." Joe piped up. Frank flashed him a look then humbly turned back to the Detective.

"Boys, the only hope you have now, Colig, is out of town so it looks like you ain't got anyone to plead in your defense."

"Byron?" All three heads turned up to look at the perky receptionist who beamed before them. Bev Hamilton. Dangly plastic pink earrings, Somewhat fake fingernails. A smear of Cherry Lipstick spread over her lips and incidentally, also her teeth. "I brought you some coffee and you sweet boys can have some Hot Chocolate. Sorry though, it's really not that hot anymore."

"Bev. I'm working here, maybe later?" His tone was enough to show he was annoyed but Bev wasn't to be put down.

"Oh, of course Byron but I should let you know, Chiefs outside with his welcoming party and he'll probably want his desk back." She flashed him a bright smile and practically skipped off.

As Joe and Frank walked away to greet their friend they could hear Byron Teanest's temper erupt behind them.

They arrived at home almost completely devoid of energy. Frank in the hallway hanging up his and Joe's riding jackets. Joe turning on the T.V in the family room. Although Frank was craving just sitting around the rest of the day playing Zombie Kill 5 with his brother he knew he needed to take on some responsibility. Neither he or Joe had seen Aunt Trudy since earlier that morning when she had gone out for groceries and she was expected back sooner or later.

He slid his key into the keyhole and winced as his bruised fingers came into contact with the rough wood. Frank's whole body ached. He finally came to the conclusion that he and Joe had time for one game before the return of Fenton's spinster sister. So Frank walked through the doorway and froze. Blocking Joe from Frank's view sat Aunt Trudy. Her back was turned to him, Playback that sassy parrot perched on her shoulder.

"Joesph, I don't want any more excuses. The truth is both you and Frank think you're too good to call and say when you'll be home. All I got was one measly text. One! And who do you think sent the text, Frank! The older brother who I've always thought as more responsible and considerate. Did he or you ever think about me?" It was difficult to tell whether Trudy or Playback was making more noise or whether which one was making Joe more uncomfortable. He sat on the couch looking terrified. Frank cleared his throat.

"Aunty, I'm so so sorry but this is completely my fault. It was me who wanted to go dirt racing today, and I lost track of time and then Chief Colig just got back and we wanted to welcome him home. I know what you'll say to, no more excuses and you're right. Please forgive me." Trudy watched him carefully, her bird like eyes searching him. Joe vigorously shook his head and back and forth also mouthing no. Sighing Frank laid his head on his arm.

"Listen, it was my fault too. I dropped my phone down a drain pipe today." The younger brother spoke up looking directly at Frank. Clear blue eyes which could never look more soulful. Frank tore his gaze from his brother's and focused his attention back at their Aunt who seemed surprisingly quiet.

"I know-you boys are irresponsible, loud, easily distracted and clumsy, you're two teenage boys but remember who's looking after you right now and who's taken the full burden of worry from your parent's while they're away. Frank I'm disappointed in you, please go bring in the groceries they're in the garage, I need you to help with dinner. Joe-I want to punish right now you but somebody already has something in mind. You were supposed to meet Iola at 3:00 this afternoon. She expects to be picked up in fifteen minutes."

A moment of silence ticked by, then the Hardy Brothers got up to do as they were told.

Passing his brother in the hallway Frank clamped a hand on his shoulder and give him a look of empathy before continuing on his way. Inside Joe was tearing himself apart. How could he have not remembered? It was written as a reminder in his phone and on his calender in thick black ink. This very morning when he first awaken the first thing he thought of was her beautiful face, he could hardly wait to be done with sleuthing. At the car door Joe slumped his shoulders down. From the porch Aunt Trudy watched him with her arms crossed. One final adieu was sent to the older woman through her nephew's blue eyes, then he was off.

Iola was less then forgiving towards Joe until he explained the situation as much as he could, until he reached out and became her man. He opened nearly all doors for her that evening, with the exception of her bathroom stall. He let her hog the large popcorn at the movies and must importantly he stopped making excuses and he said sorry the way all girls want.

He had to say, having Milk Duds for dinner was enjoyable even if it was during the premiere of "Daisy Chains over Suitors in Tuxedos." The couple walked out arm in arm, Iola gushing over the details of the movie and Joe pretending to know what she was talking about. Looking ahead Joe stopped without warning, his breath stiff in his throat.

"Joe Jo-e? Is everything all right?" She asked. Joe nodded after a minute.

"Yes, do you want to go now?"

"Now? but we haven't even gotten our refill yet."

"Do we need a refill?"

"Are you telling me I'm fat? "

"What?" At this point he wasn't keeping track of the conversation. His attention was fully on the two men near the theater entrance. They seemed to be casting shadows on the movie goers. The crowd avoided them by taking door number two. It really did seem impossible they would know where Joe would be but yet, there they were.

"Mm."

"Who are those two guys? Apart from having terrible taste in leather, the facial hair just ain't gonna cut it. You know them don't you?" Iola questioned while scrutinizing him. Joe, of course tried to deny it.

"No! No, no no no not at all. Yeah no." A glimmer of worry appeared in Iola's vibrant green eyes. Joe swallow hard as he looked away-back to the suspicious pair. It seemed they had zoomed in on their target and know the older of the two was speaking into a phone. Eye contact was made just as Iola slipped her hand into his. Stiffing slightly he smiled at her.

"Well I think you could take them." She piped up.

"You think?" Joe asked out loud seemingly cocky but secretly doubting himself.

R &R:)