Complete the sentences

1 Why does she go to Lincoln High…?

2. I think Mom’s done a terrific job of...

3. We may not have much money, but….

4. Her older brothers and sisters….

5. Wouldn’t you like to have someone hand…?

3. Answer the questions:

Is Melissa or Mike right in this situation? What do you think of Jory?

Do you agree with Melissa, that money doesn’t buy happiness?

Hardy Boys
by Franklin W. Dixon

In the middle of a gala political banquet, Fenton Hardy is kidnapped. He has two sons: Frank and Joe. Samuel Peterson – police chief, their ex-partner in the NYPD (New York Police Department):

For the years they had heard about the police chief from their father, who often reminisced about when he had worked as a New York City police detective. That was before he’d set out on his own as a private investigator. Peterson had been Mr. Hardy’s partner on the force. The Peterson-Hardy combination had cracked some of the toughest cases in the department’s history. Sam Peterson had also cracked some long-standing traditions. As the leader of the Guardians, the black police officers’ association, Peterson had demonstrated the skills that got him chief. The two men had kept in touch, and Hardy was one of the first people Peterson had told about his decision to run for mayor.

Frank had to meet dad. “I wonder where he is, ” said Joe, scanning the room. “Last time I saw him, he was talking to Guido Scalpia.” “Let’s go ask Guido, then, ” said Frank. “It’ll give us a charge o meet him.”

When they finally met and asked the tall former Yankee center fielder about their father, he shook his head. “I was talking to him, you know, remembering when he helped to catch a crank that was sending me threatening letters. But at the first whiff of smoke coming into the room, your dad went to find out what was going on. You know that all he needs is a scent of mystery and he’s off and running. I’ve always thought he’s part bloodhound.”

Samuel Peterson’s face turned hard as he listened to the voice from his beeper. He pressed the talk button. “Who are you? ” he demanded. “What have you done with Fenton? ” “Come on, chief, you really don’t expect me to answer those questions, ” the voice said. “There’s just one question you should be asking.” “What’s that” said Peterson. “ ‘What do I have to do if I want to see Fenton Hardy alive again? ’ ” the voice said.”Ok, what do I do? ” said Peterson. He was trying to keep his voice neutral so it gave no hint of the rage that was building up inside him.

“I’m sorry about your dad – really sorry. But you know to keep your mouths shut about it, right? Its job for professionals.” the chief took a deep breathe. Five minutes later, the buzzer on Peterson’s intercom sounded: “What is it? ” Peterson asked. “Someone sent you a package, ” a cop said. “Bring it up right away.” “What about security? ” “Oh, yes check that! ” The package was already open when the uniformed policemen brought it in and placed it on Peterson’s desk. Reaching inside, the police chief pulled out a cassette. “It is a videotape, ” said Frank. “We can play it right here, in my office.” An image of Joe and Frank’s father appeared on the screen, absolutely clear, every detail sharp, the colour lifelike. There was nothing to say, nothing to do. Peterson and the boys sat alone with their shock and grief. They glued their attention in to the picture of the screen, as if by looking at it hard enough they could change what they saw. Frank shook his head. “That’s not stream-it’s condensation caused by breath on the glass. Dad breathes. I’ll get them.” “Relax, Joe. Believe me; the department is beginning to move on this. We’ll be quietly checking over the whole hotel. That way, we’ll find out how your dad was taken out of the place. Then, once we’ve picked up the trail, we’ll follow it and close in. I know you’re impatient to find your dad. But trust us. We’ve our procedures.” Before Peterson could make his next point, the phone rang. “I hope you enjoyed the video? ” “What have you done to Fenton Hardy? Drugged him? ” “We’ve developed the virus.” “Virus? ” “And you’ll be happy to know it works. It works perfectly. Well, virus A isn’t our only weapon. We also have virus B. so far we’ve used it only on laboratory animals, but it kills these little rats amazingly quickly-after several minutes that is. You must pay us 12 million dollars, if you wouldn’t do that, we’ll release virus B in 6 of New York’s largest buildings. There’ll be 500 thousand dead-and that’ll be only beginning. I give you 3 days.”

Fenton Hardy-along with many thousands of innocent victims will be infected with a fatal virus. New York City will turn into a ghost town! A world where darkness rules, the mob is the only law, and murder lurks behind every shadow…

Glossary: