Chapter 21

Fenton Hardy's dark eye's fluttered open, much to the relief of his son. Cautiously Fenton looked around the room,which suddenly begun to spin as his a searing pain took over. Frank's watched his father, deeply concerned as he tried to control his own spinning head and the wave of nausea which accompanied it. Frank noticed that the ropes around his arms and feet had been tied by expert however he had to atleast make an effort to free himself. His father's mirror image stared couriously back at him. But after a while the boy stopped the loosing struggle to untie his hands.

"Son, are you alright? " His father asked as he noticed the blood dripping from Frank's raw wrists. Frank grimaced but nodded. They both looked around for the others. Finding that each one had been secured in the same manner on opposing corners of a large unfamiliar room, except for Paul who was suspiciously absent. Frank felt a surge of anger rise through him. Was Paul playing them all? the young compassionate young man didn't want to believe the worst about the boy but he did manage to take over his own brothers life, And almost completely fool all of the people whom Joe thought he could count on, Frank felt Ill again as he imagind the horror his real baby brother must be going through. More importatntly how will Joe react when they finally find him, if that is they all make it out of this mess in one piece. Frank tried to push these concerns away for the moment, right now he had to keep his wits about him. But still the thought that Paul would set them up like that after coming clean to them,supposedly risking his own safety,just doesn't seem right. but then again Frank realized something else. Look who his parents are He angrilly thought.

"Dad?," Frank whispered. Fenton Hardy suddenly nudged his head toward his eldest child.

"Yeah son?."

"Looks like the party was moved,but notice who is missing?" Frank hissed.

"Son, you have to control your anger. I thought Joe was bad" Fenton replied worried about his son's state of mind, and about the welfare of his other son as well. Something in him told him that Paul was not the person they should be concerned about.

"I am sorry dad, I'll try to reign it in but what if.." He began but was interrupted as the sound of a heavy door was being opened. In the next moment, all heads turned to the door as light began to pour in along with something more important, the body of Paul Butler which was roughly thrown on the cold floor below. The group let out a startled gasp as the clearly beaten boy continued to lay limply on the floor. But what was even more frightning was the sight of the person standing over the boys form.

"Oh my God!" Marissa exclaimed. Her words echoing the others unspoken thoughts as they all checked their senses and perhaps even doubted their sanity.

"Al Rousassa, But..but your supposed to be dead! " A startled Tony Prito exclaimed.

Victoria Butler was livid! She had just been informed that the prisoners have begun to revive, but when she heard about what Al did to her son Paul, she began throwing anything in her path. The unfortunate messenger could not make it out of her room quick enough and would be nursing more than one sore body part as various pieces of furniture and decorations had hit their mark. As quickly as possible the poor man had raced from the room and as far away from her presence. Along the way he was barely aware of the snickers of some of the other people who had witnessed the scene. In reality each one of those people gave a sigh of relief that it was not their butts in the Vipers line of fire.

Back in her office, Victoria stepped her high heeled feet gingerly around the mess she made. She had finally calmed down enough to clearly assess the situation and deal with Rousassa's actions. Vicky knew he was a very dangerous man bent on revenge, and her boy did betray them possibly destroying the Assassins not to mention her own plans in the process. But as warped as she was, the woman

was also a mother who was fiercely protective of her children, unless of course they betrayed her then they would have to be punished like all naughty children, However, if there was any punishing to be done,then it was to be by her hand and not her husband!

"Ooh that man!!" She exclaimed as she sidestepped the last piece broken object on the floor and raced out the door. On her way down the corridor she passed a puzzled Marcia Mcabe and her brother Ernie Mcavoy who barely managed to sideswipe the angry woman but not before she managed to shoot them a dirty look. And ordered them to get to work.

"What a Bitch!" Marcia exclained quietly to her brother. who nodded in agreement. They soon returned their attention to the folder in their hands. A picture fell out revealing a lovely young woman about eighteen years old, with long strawberry blonde hair and almond shapped green eye's. She wore a matching green headband and wore an expensive purple mini dress. Ernie leaned down to retrieve the photo and whistled.

"Whoohoo What a cutie!..This assignment is looking better and better" He exclaimed licking his lips.

"Put your eye's and everything else right back where they belong pervert, we have work to do" Marcia said slapping her brother's shoulder. He glared at her but handed her the picture.

"So what's the plan?" Charity asked Bryan in a voice which was barely a whisper. He had made sure he was assigned to her care over Gregs objections. Thankfully Victoria saw through Greg,realizing that he had his own obvious reasons for wanting to be around Charity and the last thing she wanted was for that letch to be alone with her drugged up daughter. Victoria was certainly a Character and even she knew it.

"Shh..I have some news. But you might not like all of it." Bryan said, Your mother sent her team out to ambush your brother and the Hardy's. seems like they made a real nifty catch too since not only did they nab Joe's big hero big brother but his dad the big detective

himself and my boss the "Grey Man himself. Bryan stopped to catch his breath and to check out his young wards reaction which was a combination of shock and defeat. Bryan sighed, she looked so tiny and pale yet her face still retained it's natural loveliness. Bryan also never noticed how many freckles sprinkled that face. He frowned hoping to give her atleast something to cheer up about, something to hold onto anything to give her hope.

"Great, what else are you not telling me?" She asked her mouth coming out small and weak sounding.

"I'm sorry but it is not exactly the best news. I'm afraid they also have your cousin Marissa and some kid named Tony Prito.

Charity thought back to her past adventures with the Hardy Boys until she finally came up with the image of a tall, wiry young man who was a good friend and companion to them. She smiled when she thought of how handsome the Italian boy was and how he had been a big help to the boys when ever needed. Charity felt a pang of regret that so many innocents were involved. She hated her mother and Step-father more now than she had ever thought she could despise two people. Then something happend after she got Bryan to tell her about her brother Paul. Charity froze,unable to move both from shock and grief. The last person she had left in the world,except perhaps for her cousin Rissa who was also in danger,was her beloved baby brother Paul. Bryan noticed that she had stopped moving and that her face had taken on a pale complexion. Anticipating what would happen next,he grabbed the nearest rubbish bucket and held it over her face as she expelled what little food her stomach contained. Bryan held her long orange hair back for her then cleaned her up when she was finally able to stop the spasms and the vomit from coming up. Bryan then got down on his knees in front of her, his hand lay on top of hers gently. Trying to reassure her that there was still a chance that the news was incorrect. She looked down into his eyes and gave him one of the saddest most human looks he had ever seen, this made Bryan shivver and his heart melt.

"Look Miss Butler, I know it sounds bad but I could have gotten the wrong info. Let me call and get a check up on the situation.."

"No! take me to him." She demanded. Bryan could see the venom mingling with the tears dripping from her eye's. He was not sure what to do now, it could mean the death of both of them,then again it could also be the chance they need after all they might never have this much support on their side. Then there was alway's the reinforcements. He toook a deep breath and got back on his two feet. Bryan took one more long look at the brave girl before him and made perhaps one of the most important decisions of his young life, perhaps even his last. He took out his cell phone and made a call. When he finished the call Brian came back to Charity's side,squeezed her shoulders and then proceeded to push her wheel chair out of the room and straight into the fire.

Chapter 22

There was an eerie silence as it's occupants attention was riveted to the two figures in the middle of the room. For a moment the group had to do a double take as they wondered if the prone figure on the floor beneath the hulking form of Al Rousassa was Paul or perhaps even Joe from the way the "body" was positioned it, was almost impossible for them to tell. Frank knew however that this was not his baby brother, not Joe. Just as Marissa also knew from her own special bond with her cousin that this was indeed Paul Butler who lay unmoving under the terrorist's dirty boots.

"But your supposed to be dead!?" Tony Prito repeated his earlier exclamation. The young man was still reeling from the fact that one of his best friends was replaced by an imposter for this long before anyone,even his own family were able to figure it out. Now they had all been taken hostage by the Assassins and their leaders, a man who they all thought long dead, and some mad woman who used her own children for sick experiments and who knows what else. The important question remained though, where the heck was the real Joe Hardy and what shape will they find him in when and if they finally found him?!

"Well, young man...Ah, wait I remember you..Anthony Prito isn't it? Well, Mr. Prito to quote someone famous, whom It was I don't really remember nor give a care about, "The rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated"... or something like that. However, what matters is that I am back and I am so excited to have such important guests. Now, let's get down to re-introductions shall we hmmm?...But where to begin...Ah of course ladies first. " He said turning to face Marissa Chetwynde who wore a defiant yet shocked look on her lovely ebony features. Rousassa gestured for two of his men to pick Paul up and place him into a chair. Frank kept his gaze on the young man hoping for any signs of life. Finally Frank was rewarded when he thought he saw the other boy's chest suddenly begin to fall and rise. He then finally let out his own breath. Frank's heart went out to the boy who looked so astonishingly like his younger brother that it again made him feel ill. especially since Frank already felt incredibly guilty that he could so easily be fooled. looking at Paul now in his most vulnerable state, it was clear to him that Paul had not sold them out and that he was perhaps a victim in this whole mess as much as anyone else was. Frank then also remembered that he had actually felt like something was wrong for quite some time now. Frank tried to shake his head to clear out all the negative emotions he was feeling. He knew that there would be many issues to deal with later after they found Joe and got the hell out of there. That was if they all got out of there. Frank tried to focus on the situation around them so he can figure out a solution to this dilema.

Al Rousassa bent down to come face to face with Marissa who had been trying to maintain a strong front. The young Attorney cringed as the acrid stench of his breath filled her nostrils. The Assassin Leader smiled leeringly appreciating her beauty. He instantly recalled an earlier time when the young woman was lounging around her uncle's pool. Before he killed him that was. apparently Marrissa had a similar thought for her face took on a sickly palor as she recalled the many times her supposed "uncle Al" had snuck up on her and tried to get a little too close, especially the time when her beloved uncle Sam had caught the monster in the middle of yet another attemot to rape the lovely and very young girl. It had been revealed later when a tearful Charity admitted that the monster also tried the same thing on her. Of course the police officer was furious with both Roussassa and his cheating hussy of a wife and went to confront them. this lead to the brave man's death and a world of guilt suffered by his children and the niece he loved as if she were his own child.

" Ah, my dear Rissa what fond memories are conjured up..of course they would have been even more pleasureable had your uncle not interrupted us.."

"Get away from her you monster!" Arthur Grey exclaimed knowing exactly what the Assassin was reffering to. His own night-mares of that terrible time in all their lives still haunted him. He wanted nothing more than to grab hold of the mad mans neck and squeeze the life slowly out of him this time making sure there was no posssible way he could be revived .

Roussasa froze. Without a second thought his hand went up and the guard nearest the Grey Man raised his shot gun and hit the agent sharply in the face. Grey's head flung backward and a small trickle of blood escaped from his lips. Then his head fell limply as unconsciousness took over. Without batting an eye lash the man known as "The Bullet" straightend up and walked over to stand in front of the chair that held a furious Frank Hardy whose expression was no where close to the usual handsome,level headed, confident and friendly one that was usually there. Al, threw his turban adorned head back and laughed heartily as if Frank had just told him a hysterical joke.

"Young Mr. Hardy, you don't look at all pleased to be here. Oh yes you must be beside yourself with worry for your dear baby brother Joseph..oh wait or is it Joseph who should be beside himself?" The laughter continued. Frank glared at the man he hated more than anyone in the entire world.

Fenton Hardy wanted to jump between his son and this mad man, putting as much distance between the two . The ropes around his wrists bit into his skin as he struggled with them. Soon Fenton could feel the slick,stinging sensation of blood and skin being torn. He cringed and fought back tears of frustration and pain. His sons, both of them, needed him to be strong for them and to figure a way out of this or his whole career, whole life would be worth nothing, not if he the so called "World's greatest detective" couldn't save the two most important people in his life,no matter how many others he saved in his lifetime. For now he was forced to listen to his captor as he took turns tormenting them all.

"Ah, and speaking of being beside one's self, I am certain that the most prominent thought in that rather intelligent head of yours is the where abouts of your little brother, am I right?" Rousassa said laughing. Frank wanted to spit in his face but since the man was right on about Joe, Frank decided wisely to goad him on by using an old detective trick to keep the suspect talking so he and the others can gather more information. They were trapped there by cold blooded killers but everyone there had been through this kind of situation before, or atleast trained for such. Frank focused his thoughts and a deadly gaze completely on the Assassin.

"Actually, yes I would like to know what you did to my brother and what condition he is in and if.." His sentence was cut off by a roar of laughter from the foul breathed Assassin before him.

"Priceless! You people are either the bravest or the dumbest in the world! I do hope you don't really believe that your threats have any impact on me. I am especially amused that you are so concerned for your brother, yet you so readily allowed a stranger into your own home and hearts. The Assassins do appreciate the fact that their little experiment was a success. Perhaps not a complete success in the case of this failure over there." Rousassa said pointing to Paul whose head still hung limply. His breathing though thankfully had become much stronger or so Frank thought and hoped.

"Don't flatter yourself, butcher there was no way that he could ever pass for Joe. I know my brother better than anyone ever will and there are two things I am certain of, the first is that he is alive, and the other is that I am sure he will get away from you and make sure someone pays dearly for what was done to him!" Frank spouted. Rousassa was about to slap him but the sound of the door opening had distracted his attention. Frank's thoughts were also interrupted as the person stepped through the entrance and into the light. Frank's jaw dropped in stunned silence at the sight. His heart suddenly leaped with hope only to be dashed by the first words which came out of the person's mouth.

"How right you are brother dear, and you would be correct, someone will indeed pay for what has been happening to me, however I think I will start where the heart is or so I thought. I think I'll start with the people who hurt me more than any Assassin or anyone for that matter ever could...my very own family!!" Joe Hardy declared, as he moved closer to his shocked brother and father, his sad handsome face was still covered with bruises but there was also a look of seriousness that made Frank shivver with cold fear and concern. Joe stood just in the middle of the room now with a smug looking Victoria Butler standing just behind the fatigue clad young man, her arms were draped around his shoulder. In his hand Joe held a uzi which was pointed right at his own brother!!

Chapter 23

Everyone was silent and focused on the confrontation between the Hardys. But none were as shocked as Fenton and Frank himself as they struggled to understand why Joe, if it indeed was the real Joe,would now be standing before them holding a gun and promising to make them suffer for betraying them. The fact that the surge of hope and relief they both felt in seeing Joe alive was quickly dashed by the threat Joe sent their way, was almost as bad as the realization from both Frank and Fenton that Joe may actually be atleast partially right.

"Joseph!" Fenton cried, his heart surged with relief and sorrow as he watched his youngest son take aim at his oldest without even waiting for an explanation or for that matter hardly blinking an eye. Fenton keenly observed as a look of sheer pain fill Joseph's handsome face. A face which reminded him so much of his beloved wife Laura. Fenton's heart ached as he thought of the impact this will have on his wife and sister, and their friends as well. He only hoped to avert a tragic outcome and convince his son that they are not the enemy and that they loved and needed him desperatly.

"Hello dad, sorry you had to be burdened by all this, But atleast you will get to be with your beloved first son, you know the one who looks and acts just like you. He's sort of like your own "mini Me" huh?" Joe answered bitterly, while looking his father right in the eye. Fenton saw more hurt in those sapphire eyes than he could bare, however he also noticed something else, his youngest son was also clearly struggling with his emotions.

Mr. Hardy turned to Victoria. "What have you done to him Viper!?" Fenton demanded, His heart aching for the chance to take his blond haired blue eyed child into his arms like when the boys were younger and just hold the boy, to rub his fingers through his wavy hair and assure him, both him and his darker hued older son that they are loved more than they perhaps would ever know. That he would gladly die for each of them and that they are never far from his thoughts. Fenton Hardy loved his job,to a fault. It made him feel so good to help those in need, to make a difference in the world. Plus it provided the financial stability his family needed. However It had often come at a very high price, one which Fenton Hardy came to realize was just not worth loosing his beloved family for. If only he could make his son see that. Fenton's many years of training also told him that there was something deadly wrong with his son. He turned back to face Joe,who was staring at his older brother and waving his uzi around. Fenton noticed Joe's voice appeared to become more aggitated as if the boy was fighting something from the inside of his confused and manipulated brain. This gave Fenton a surge of hope. He hoped that Frank would notice it as well.

Frank Hardy was still shaken by the sight of his brother before him, bruised and wearing camoflauge attire, looking more like a killer than the happy go lucky jock he usually saw. Frank also saw a look of almost desperation in Joe's blue crystal orbs, as the boy held his gun close enough to his own brother's head. Frank was worried that the aggitated state Joe seemed to be rapidly getting into might cause the gun to go off accidently. He also realized that there just might also be a chance to break through to Joe and bring him back to their side. Frank had hoped that his father also noticed this. The sound of the door opening again had once again taken everyone by suprise as Bryan and a wheel chair bound,seemingly drugged Charity came in.

"Jesus,what is this a pajama Party?! " Victoria huffed her hands waving in the air in frustration. She threw a glare toward Bryan.

"Please excuse me for interrupting but I thought since Miss Butler here was beginging to revive, that she might like to witness this momentous occasion. Besides, what is that saying.."Keep all your enemies close?" Bryan said hoping they would buy it.

Victoria hissed as Al snickered and glanced at Charity leeringly. He had plans for his lovely step-Daughter, plans which did not include young Joe Hardy. But it would be perhaps a good lesson for the girl. One which will hopefully drives the warning home about the consequences of betraying him in any way. Plus Victoria was far from pleased and that made Al even more agreeable to the young woman's presence.

"Very well, I shall allow her to stay and watch the fun, however you are to guard her very closely." The Assassin leader ordered.

Bryan nodded and pushed the chair over to the far wall right next to the Grey man who had already recovered from the hit to the face with the guards gun. Bryan knew full well it was going to be difficult trying to get the well concealed weapon to his boss the Grey man, But it was his duty to do so as indiscretely as possible. Once the Grey Man was free then the tables can be turned in their favor and they can finally hope to get out their butts out of this "fire" . Bryan was pulling the chair in place beside the one which held the still form of his boss "The Grey Man". Grey stirred and lifted his pain wracked head slowly to acknowledge the pair. He nodded slowly. He was not happy at his agent for bringing Charity here and his glare let the much bigger man know it. But while all eye's seemed to be on Joe and his family, Bryan managed to reach into a small hidden pouch and pull out a pair of small rope cutters which he carefully and descretely handed to Grey. The agent kept his gaze toward the scene before them as to not arouse any suspicion,yet went straight to work at the excrutionatly painful task of cutting his own hands. However his own experience and intensive training paid off for he could feel the ropes first slacken and pull away far enough for him to be able to get his bloody hands away. he then felt someone take the tool from his hands and quickly replace it with what felt like a small gun. Grey dared not steal a glance toward his agent, who now made Grey recall just why Bryan had the reputation of being one of the Networks best agents. He earned it and if or when they got out of this crap Grey was going to see to it that Bryan be well rewarded for his bravery and professionalism.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the room, the Hardy's were still trying desperatly to get through to the brainwashed Joe. But in Joe's fragile state it had seemed that his family once again let him down. Joe felt more depressed and confused than ever before and his head begun to hurt. This was not lost on his father and brother. As Fenton Hardy studied his youngest son's behavior it had finally occured to him why Chief Ezra Collig had collapsed in pain whenever questioned about Joe's whereabouts. It was obvious now that the Chief was most likely drugged and brainwashed into reacting that way. Fenton also knew that it must have been difficult to "break" the spirit of someone who has such a strong one and a strong bond with his family. Then again Joe had been feeling very depressed lately about a lot of things. Most of which had been mastermind by the Assassins to get the boy into their clutches.

"Joseph answer me!" Fenton demanded. Frank turned and stared at his father wondering if he had gone crazy or something, or maybe he was the one going crazy, after all he had to be hallucinating about his own brother saying such hurtfull and wrong accusations or were they so inacurate? Frank listened as his father tried to talk to Joe and convince him to help them to seemingly no avail.

Chapter 24

Disclaimer: Hi guys, ok here goes yet another disclaimer and silly attempt on my part to throw just a little humor into my work. Oh yeah I also tearfully must admit that I don't own any known Hardy Boys universe Character unless they are a product of my own rather freaky imagination. So while I can do whatever I wish to Marissa,Ronnie,Greg,Bryan or Brian Whom I will explain about in a sec by the way) or even Victoria the Viper biotch herself(yeay!! that should be fun!) and anyone else I created, I cannot make any money off the true stars of this story and their entourage (MY Heroes by the way!! sigh!) oh and by the way the Scooby gang don't belong to me either so there, oh pooh! Anyway, now about Bryan and his name change, well in yet another attempt to save my own butt I guess the guy decided that it was more appropriate to be known as Bryan than Brian to impress Charity with whom he has developed a major crush on..oh whatever, who really cares the guy had his name changed legally now maybe we can get on with the story, If not you can talk to my Lawyer Carson Drew ok. Bye...oh and I don't own him either.....LOL Christine

"Joseph Hardy how could you think that your family would ever possibly accept an imposter in your place? There was so much going on after we rescued "Paul" from the Weighnright Clinic.." Fenton paused to look over at Paul Butler who was still fighting hard to revive. To her credit actually, Victoria was by her son's side checking his conditon, or so it seemed. Fenton sighed and continued noticing that Joe was growing impatient with his explanation or what Joe felt was yet another futile excuse. " Joe, son you are obviously not thinking clearly. Whatever these monsters did to you has only added to your insecurities and fragile state."

"Oh shoot we forgot to bring the damn Violins again!" Victoria interrupted. Al chuckled. Joe just stared at his father clearly not sure what to think.

Mean-while, during this distraction Grey had not only managed to untie himself but hand the tool back to Bryan who then handed his Network boss a small weapon. The guards were all clearly too engrossed in the floor show to notice that Bryan also slipped a small vial filled with a clear liguid to the agent as well. Then he slipped his hand into his own pocket and retrieved yet another weapon, his own. It did not even seem to bother anyone that Charity was not restrained, for they assumed she was too drugged up to do anything. But once again they were about to regret underestimating the lovely young woman. Marissa continued to whisper to her cousin Paul beside her, hoping to see if he was going to be alright. She could also see in the corner of her eye, some suspicious movement in the area where her other cousin Charity and adopted uncle Arty were being held. Marissa could almost swear that the big blonde guarding her cousin had just slipped something to the Grey Man.

"Joe, please listen to dad!" Frank pleaded hoping he was correctly taking up where his father left off. "When I heard you had been in trouble I came right back from Boston, But mom and I were injured when they raided the clinic and weren't present when dad and the Chief rescued "Paul", and even after we had fully recovered, we were just so ecstatic to have you back home!" Frank explained. Joe did not say a word in reply for a second. Frank and Fenton's hearts both started breaking again however when Joe finally did answer, tears were glistening in his brilliantly hued eyes.

"I hope you don't expect me to swallow that excuse Frank! We are brothers, practically closer than most twins for god sake! Whatever happend to that so-called special bond we are supposed to share, you know when one can feel the others pain no matter where they are? Where were you when I was being beaten practically to a pulp by This jerk and his goons here, or how about all the emotional pain I suffered when it felt like the whole damn world was turning their back on me!" Joe spat through freely shed tears.

"You have no idea what I felt! How dare you Joe, you have been through hell sure, but what about us? We also went through hell for sometime thinking that you were lost to us!" Frank exclaimed his voice getting louder and more desperate but there was an ever growing spark of anger in Frank Hardy's voice. Sensing that Frank might loose it, his father decided to jump back in and take over the explanation.

"What about your mother Joseph? Your Mother was heart sick for you, do you even know how much she had to endure?!" Fenton asked hoping the mention of the boys mother would spark some positive emotional response.

"What about her? She was ashamed of me. You two wasted no time allowing me to be drugged and carted off to an assylum and then to make things worse you felt you had to have a press confrence to tell the world that quote, "Joe Hardy, the depressed,trouble making youngest son of the worlds greatest detective, has finally gone off the deep end!" All while your remaining son the perfect one, the sane one, the one who betrayed me in a way that perhaps cannotever be forgiven..Oh please don't look at me that way Frank, I saw every thing! "

Frank was not sure how to react or for that matter reply to that. He now felt the same way his father did. What the hell kind of mind games have the Assassins been doing to Joe? Frank never felt such rage, never experienced such a feeling of hate for anyone as he did now. But it was not just because of what they did to his baby brother, but perhaps more so the fact that Joe just might be justified in the way he felt. Frank fought hard to recall the staged press conference and could not remember anything he could have possibly have done to hurt his beloved brother so badly. Then suddenly the truth hit him. Frank's quick as lightning brain had provided him with the answer to atleast one reason validate Joe's claim that he betrayed the one person he held most dear, his brother,partner and best friend or so he thought. Frank hoped that they could live through this painful experience and find a way back to each other and the career choice they both worked so hard to make into as much as a sucess as their father, with whom they hoped to go into business in the future.

"Joe, Frank had no idea at all that you were in trouble, He was on his way to Boston, you know that and you, yourself assured him that it was alright with you about his trip. Frank came home the moment he heard about the rally and your dissapearence. If anyone is to blame it should be me not him and certainly not your mother,and what about Vanessa Joe? Have you even given a thought about her? The poor girl was quite devastated by all this. She even blamed herself for the trouble with Brad Miller and his family." Fenton added coming to Frank's defense. He never tried to come between the two young men he has admired since birth. They often told him that he was their hero, however they were not quite aware that they were his heroes as well! The distraught father allowed himself to recall just some of the all too frequent events which not only gave validity to his feelings and pride for both his beloved sons but also proved to shape the two boys, now young men well on their way to fulfilling their dream of being full fledged detectives. It was no secret that Fenton had alway's hoped for the boys to go into business with him, he just wished it was not so damn dangerous a profession.

"With all due respect dad, I saw how upset my supposed loyal girlfriend was" Joe spat then turned to face Frank again. "Funny but it sure looked to me as if you needed a little comforting yourself big Bro. I bet Callie wasn't too thrilled to see you up there with your arms wrapped oh so tightly aound your poor crazy brother's girl. " Frank stared at him dumbfounded. How could he? How could Joe even remotely assume such a thing! Frank was only trying to comfort Vanessa and provide a believable picture to the crowd. Frank had desperatly hoped that his brother did not see the stupid press conference but apparently he had. Of course who knows what doctored up version Joe had been made to watch. Poor Joe, Frank sympathized. He must have felt completely betrayed.

In the corner, Greg laughed, he had been one of the guards and had been listening as were all the rest of the group to the Hardy family and their pethetic squabble. He wanted to get this over with and fast, especially before the Yankee/Red Sox game comes on. Greg let his gaze fall on the form of Charity Butler. He examined the lovely woman slowly taking in her beauty freckles and all. Greg wanted the girl so badly, but his boss the girl's biotch of a mother had unfortunatly caught on to his plans and threatened severe blunt trauma to visit his entire being if he so much as glance at her the wrong way. Then there was Bryan. The big blond jock who landed the role of caring for the hot babe. Greg wondered just why he was thinking of this now, maybe because she was quite possibly going to be killed or because she looked so vaulnerable and cute in her drugged state. Greg even had to admit to himself that he was just a bit on the sick side. which he surmised was just one of the reasons why he worked so well with the Assassins, that and his genius I. Q. perhaps. Right now he wondered why the big bosses were allowing this charade to continue. They were apparently up to some sick scheme to completely destroy the Hardy family. Too bad Mrs. Hardy wasn't also a prisoner here Greg thought licking his lips. He had seen her in pictures and survelience videos and decided she was quite the looker herself. Yup He thought, he would really enjoy his work much better if the Matriac of the Hardy clan were put into his loving care.

"Victoria Butler,aka the "Viper" had turned her long auburn locks to face the source of the laughter. She watched Greg as he leered at her young daughter and fumed. So many times she had to fend off the advances of letcherous men, Al included and knew exactly what they were fantasizing about her lovely daughter. She knew that her lover Al had killed her first husband during a fight but it was not until much later did Victoria discover the real reason which led up to the confrontation. Vicky might have wanted to rid herself of her husband for a few personal reason's but when she heard of the truth behind his death she found she was not only angry at Al for laying a hand on her daughter,but felt for some strange reason she was actually beginning to regret her part in the whole mess. Charity and Paul were the only people in her existance whom she even remotely loved. Victoria would however never ever tolerate any form of disobedience from either one of her offspring. She even had such high hopes that they would not only accept but embrace their fates as part of the future elite Assassins team, however they had decided to throw it all away to help these bothersome detectives. Even so, she still managed to feel a strange maternal affection for both her children and would do her damnessed to protect them from their step-father's cold murderous wrath. The thought that permeated her wicked mind most prominatly though was the fear that she just might have to risk her own life and fight on the opposite side, against her husband. To do that she recalled shivvering would most likely mean getting her own pretty throat cut. Victoria Butler Rousassa was not sure anyone or anything was worth that, not even her own children.

Chapter 25

Arthur Grey knew that the time to strike would soon be at hand, He also knew that one or many of the people in this room may not leave the place alive. He only hoped it was the right one's. Grey glanced over at Victoria and could almost swear he saw a flash of anger in her lovely Jade eye's. Grey could also swear that the angry look was aimed in the direction of her Husband Al "The Bullet" Rousassa! His own anger flared as he thought of the viscous monster who held them. His hands subconciously held on tighter to the mystery vial, it was not time to use this secret weapon just yet, but he would be ready,willing ,and able to employ it if he had to. In the meantime he also knew he would have to monitor the scene between the Hardys, for they would be the trigger. The Grey man hated using these people to do his dirty work, but someone has to finally put the Assasins, especially the "Bullet" and his wife Victoria aka the "Viper" out of commission and it might as well be him. Right now the Hardy Family had center stage and it looked as though their confrontation was heating up to a full boil. He only hoped that young Joseph would come to his senses and decide to help his father and brother, help them all. Grey knew that would definitly help turn the tide in their favor. What even he didn't realize was that Joe was not the only one who had considered taking this kind of action. Victoria it seemed had although rather reluctantly, decided the same thing. Silently she stepped from the room and went back to her mess of an office and made a few calls. The first was to a clean up crew, the next was to her accountant to arrange to have a sizable amount of cash handy, Another was to have her car meet her out by the West entrance in a few minutes. Victoria made one more call from her office phone before gathering her Gucci purse and scarf. The phone was answered instantly. A male's deep voice came over the line awaiting instructions.

"Yes Mrs. Rousassa? " The voice said.

"Hello David, yes there will be a change of plans. I need you to gather a group of your most loyal men. Yes of course the one's who's only loyalty is to me! " She began. Victoria gave the man his orders and demands then quickly hung up. Gingerly she sideswiped a piece of broken lamp and headed out of the office once again only this time she made her way to the west entrance. Her weapon in hand. She stopped only for a moment to look back toward the room which held her beloved children and their wretched step-father. She had until this day only regretted one other thing, and that too concerned her children. Her desire for self preservation came first, and always would. Yet she allowed herself to grieve for her babies just for a moment before sighing and turning and racing for the West entrance and the hunter green Corvette which waited outside it. Victoria knew they would all meet again, she still had plans to complete and her pet project to see into fruition. She only wished that her children,Joe Hardy and even Frank Hardy could be a part of the Elite force of young Assassins all trained by her and if not there was still the test samples she gathered from them. This made her smile an excited smile. Victoria sighed again, hopped into her Corvette and sped off for an unknown destination. Her laughter could be heard for quite awhile before finally fading out of earshot.

Joe's mind was whirling,giving him a bad headache. He had so badly wanted to believe his family, especially Frank who had never lied to him before, atleast not about anything as important as this. However Joe was also wracked with a different kind of pain, the kind you suffer from betrayal, for as much he desperatly craved to to believe them, He was just having such a hard time sorting through all the jumbled thoughts in his brain. One thing however did continue to stand out in his thoughts and his heart. He did love and need his family, and allowed the idea that they might also care as much for him..if only he hadn't become such a burden and dissapointment to them. That was far from the way his loved one's actually felt. Frank's sad tired eye's reflected his father's and younger brother's as well. Joe's atleast finally did seem to hold a spark of recollection if only for a brief moment. Frank hoped to keep the show going long enough for their side to make their move after all Fenton had always reminded the boys of the fact that there were always two things a detective must have one is a strong survival instinct and the other is a competent back up! Frank was just hoping they arrived soon. His thoughts were interrupted by Tony Prito's voice.

"Joe, listen you and I have been buddies for years and I would never lie to you, Frank was devestated about all this crap! He and this guy Ronnie came right back t0 Bayport as soon as possible and tried to find you despite the police's warning to stay out of it. You do rember how stubborn Frank can be when he is trying to help those in need, but no one more so than you Joe. Please try to remember all the times you, Frank and the whole gang worked together to solve some of the most difficult cases. Remember your parents and Aunt Gertrude and how much they need you! " Tony pleaded. Frank flashed his Italian-American friend a grateful smile. Joe on the other hand remained painfully unsure whether to believe them. One thing was certain though, and both Frank and Fenton were sure of it.. Joe would never willingly take another's life. Even when he was dangling over the edge of the Balcony barely holding on to Rousassa with his blood slicked injured hand, Joe Hardy could not let go. It was only after the Assassin hit the young hero repeatedly in that hand in an attempt to turn the tables and pull Joe over the balcony of the Bayport Mall,did Joe let go. Allowing his enemy to seemingly fall to his death to the horror of many witnesses. Anyone who knew Joseph Hardy knew that he had done all he could to keep the man from dying despite the fact that he was one of the key people responsible for the death of his beloved first love Iola Morton. The Hardys both hoped that this fact was more than enough to return Joe back to his senses and where he belonged with his family and those who love and miss him dearly.

Cheif Ezra Collig sat in his office going over a file. He sighed tiredly, rubbing his temple in yet another futile attempt to relieve his aching head of the pain which had been reoccuring over the past month. Collig fumed as he again remembered the night he went to escort Poor Joseph Hardy to the hospital but was obviously drugged in order for those damn Assasins to kidnap the boy. Ezra felt sick as he again pushed down a wave of guilt and disgust with himself and his men for being ambushed so easily. He also cursed that idiot Carmen Miller for his part in all this. The Bayport police department had been trying every thing in the book to find something they were able to Charge the Millers with, something even the two over priced attorney's turned politicians could not get out of but as of yet they had found nothing. Collig knew it would be tough but he also knew it would not be impossible. Miller and his whole campaign stinks and Ezra would stake his career on the fact that they had something to do with the events leading up to the gas lighting of young Joe who had become as much as a son to him as his older brother Frank. Collig glanced at the phone as if staring at it would will it to ring.

"Come on Fenton...call, where the hell are you?!" He said aloud. He was so engrossed with watching the phone that he failed to see the woman who had just entered his office.

"That Chief is exactly why I am here!" The long legged, Auburn haired beauty standing in front of his desk informed him. Her sudden appearence caused the Chief to almost jump out of his skin. His hand instinctively reached for his gun while the other hit the call button for back up.

"Victoria Butler?! Now what is the famous "Viper" doing in my office?" He asked watching her every move. In the next moment the room was swamped with officers all with their guns raised toward the woman. Victoria started to laugh heartily, causing the officers to throw each other a look of confirmation that this woman was just a tad on the psycho side. Chief Collig also felt that Victoria was a little short of a full deck sanity wise yet nonetheless deadly. She was also perhaps the only person who can answer their questions at the moment.

"Please gentlemen ahem..excuse me I mean officers, and such a handsome lot at that! I am here to lead you to the Hardy's and their captors. But alas I am afraid your trigger fingers might get a bit too itchy." She said smiling. Turning she addressed Chief Collig who just stared at her fuming. Finally he waved his hands for them to lower their weapons but to be on guard.

"Ok, lady I want some answers and I mean now! What have you done with the Hardy's and Anthony Prito" Collig demanded.

"Oh and you can begin by listening while my men reads you your rights,because your under arrest for conspiricy, murder and the kidnapping of Joseph Hardy among others not to mention the destruction of the Weignright clinic!" Collig spouted as he gestured for one of his men to step forward and recite the "Miranda Rights". As the young officer recited them Victoria burst out in another strange fit of laughter. Collig stared dumbfounded, then sighed. This was going to be another long night and an even worse headache for them all.