CHAPTER SIXTEEN 



 

Frank Hardy hated what just happend back in his dad's office. He had let his emotions get the better of him, something that he rarely allowed. He had run from the office fleeing to his bedroom in tears, Frank flopped down on his bed letting out a loud angry scream in frustration,throwing the closest object across the room which thankfully happend to be his pillow. Then he stayed there in silence for a long while until he heard a knock on the door.  

"Franky? honey it's mom" Laura Hardy's tired voice came from behind the door. Frank sighed, getting off the bed. He wiped his own exausted eyes and tried to compose himself before opening the door. His mothers pretty face was now once again filled with concern. Frank hated that even more so. 

"Hi mom," He began, opening the door for her to enter. Laura walked over to retrieve the pilow from the floor then returned it to the bed. "Thanks mom, but you didn't have to do that I would have" Frank Insisted.  

"Honey, I really don't mind " His mother insisted, as she touched his cheek gently. Laura knew her son had been trying desperatly to appear brave in front of others, for her benefit as well however, She was also aware that neither Frank nor Joe could keep their feelings hidden from their mother or Father for that matter for too long.  

"Did dad send you up here?" He asked, wondering what his father and friends must be thinking about his actions. Frank had been expecting Phil or mabey even Vanessa to knock on his door.  

"Actually hon,yes your Dad did send me up here to see if you are alright." She answered.  

"I am ok now, I guess I'll go back down and talk to him and the others." He said as he started toward the door. His mom called out to him before he reached the top of the stairs though. 

"Frank, I am sorry but they are not here right now dear." Frank froze at the top of the stairs and spun around to face his mother again. 

"What?! When did they leave mom? I was not up here for that long." Frank insisted, He was both curious and upset that his father and

friends would just leave like that without letting him know what was so important. Had they found more info on Joe? He thought to himself and if so how dare they leave him there! 

Laura Hardy noticed how upset her son was now getting so she laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Frank, Your dad left instructions with me to give you some time to compose yourself then check on you. He wanted me to tell you that they are going to the Clinic

with a search warrent to hopefully get your brother out of that place and back home here where he belongs."  

"Ok, Mom," Frank said taking in a deep breath. He was still a bit angry with his parents for the way they seem to be keeping him out of the loop when it came to Joe's welfare, But he did understand their need to protect both their sons. Quickly he kissed his Mother good bye and sped down the stairs to the boys police van. Laura thought for a moment then suddenly raced to catch up with him. she had

just made it when he started the van. He was somewhat taken aback when the passenger side door opened and his Mother jumped in. Frank really did not have time for this. The teen looked at the petite Blonde woman beside him, who reminded him so much of Joe. She sat quietly in the seat, her arms on her lap. Finally she turned to meet his questioning gaze.  

"Well, son let's get going!" She ordered. 

"But mom...."  

"No buts mister, I am going to be there when they bring my baby out of that hell hole, Now do as I say young man and start driving."

She said firmly but, Frank could also hear her tone softening. She had just as much right to be there as anyone else, His father will most likely be furious with the both of them of course. Laura caught Franks look of concern. "I will deal with your father." She assured him. He sighed loudly,shaking his gorgeous chocolate colored head, then pulled out of the driveway.  

But before they had left laura pulled a small black plastic remote control device out of her purse then aimed it at the front door of the house. She heard a loud click and a beep which assured them that the auto lock and alarm system had been turned on. Fenton had the system installed after hearing about it at one of the many crime conventions her husband and sons loved to attend. He wanted the very best protection for his family,especially since there seemed to be so much to worry about. Frank pulled out into traffic neither he nor his Mother spoke much during the trip to the Weighnright clinic. They were almost to the gate but a police barracade had been set up and blocked their passage. An officer recognizing the van came up to Franks window. 

"Hi Frank, hello Mrs. H." The big officer who they recognized as Willy Smith acknowledged. They nodded a return greeting. "I am afraid

you can't go any farther Frank." He informed them, The officer who was African American, gave them a sympathetic look. But Frank and his Mother were not happy at all they needed to be as close to the action as possible. It was their right to be one of the first ones to be there for Joe who no doubt needed them desperatly. But the officer held fast to his orders which came straight from the Chief himself.  

Frank parked the van off to the side, He had already made up his mind to at least be as close as possibly allowed. He also secretly vowed that while this man was only doing his duty, Absolutely no one was going to keep him away from his baby brothers side.

One look at his mom's determined face told Frank that she had been thinking just the same way. Frank shut the engine down then got out of the van. His mother Joined him. Frank heard a familiar voice behined them.     "Hey Frank!" It was Biff. The big beefy blonde boy politely greeted Mrs. Hardy as well. Biff quickly explained what had been going on so far, while Frank briefly exlained the leads the other team came up with. They were soon joined by Tony and Chet who also acknowledged Mrs. Hardys presence, each boy voiced their hope that this night-mare will soon be over. Laura smiled sweetly, though inside her heart was pounding so fast, She like her sons, had a special ability to sense when something big was about to happen or when one of the people she loved were in danger. Laura Hardy stomach lurched suddenly, She quickly turned away from the group

and raced to a trash receptacle near by, Allowing herself only a second of relief that she made it there before wretching and losing all her dinner.  

"Mom! " Frank exclaimed as he raced to his Mothers side. He held his hanky out to her which she gratefully excepted. Frank wondered if he did the right thing by given in to her demand that she accompany him here. But his thoughts were interrupted by a loud Blast which shook the air with enough force to shove Frank into his mom who in turn slammed against the trash bin before crumpling to the ground.    

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN 



 

Debris and dust began to rain all over them, As the area suddenly came to life. The officer who had greeted the Hardys earlier had quickly recovered and was already on his radio calling for medical services as well as back up. He then went over to help Mrs. Hardy who had hit her head on the trash can and now lay motionless on the ground. Her son Frank hovered over her trying to bring her around. The teen also continued to turn his shocked face back and forth between his mom and the building which was now engulfed in flames. Officer Smith's heart went out to the boy. Then he remembered that his father and the Chief were all in that buliding along with a few of his own "Brothers in Blue" . In the back ground Willy could hear the sound of sirens coming closer. He quickly surveyed the area before going to meet the EMT's.  

Frank Hardy's young world had been filled with so much trauma but the last few moments were quite possibly more than he could bare.

His mother lay beside him still unmoving. Frank himself was in too much shock to realize that it was not his fault that his body got slammed into his Mothers during the blast...."Wait a minute...Blast?" He thought out loud. Frank looked from his mother to the ball of flames that had once been the Weighnright Clinic. Then it hit him as hard as the explosion itself "NO!!!!! " Frank got up on his feet, he could barely acknowledge the presence of someone by his side, Trying to gently guiding him away from the area, off to the side of the road. Franks full attention was now focused on the building and all the people inside,especially his dad and Brother. He felt his head begin to swim, His body felt as if all the air had been sucked out of him. Now there were more people surrounding him, but the noise was rapidly begining to fade as well as their concerned faces. He thought he saw Biff , Tony and Chet, beside him, Thought he could hear their words of concern but there was something else, another voice. his own. He had been screaming over and over the same thing. "NO! NO! NO!" finally however they had all began to fade away even his own screams as whatever the EMTS gave him had taken affect. Soon Franklin Fenton Hardy had fallen

into a deep rest.    

"Will he be alright?" Chet asked the attendant of his friends condition. He had volunteered to ride with Frank to the Hospital.  

"would you be? this boy just witnessed the possible loss of his family in one blast " The EMT said trying not to sound harsh. Then she remembered a similar incident like this about a year ago when the were called to the Bayport Mall to work a car bombing. she was

immediately regretful of her words no matter how innocently they were meant.  

"yeah, I know exactly what you mean" Chet said with remorse, the tears in his eyes had now begun to fall freely.  

"Look, Mr. Morton, I am so sorry I said that. I realize, you do know exactly what I mean. I am so sorry about your friends and your sister as well.  

"Thanks," Chet's words were sincere.    


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

A while earlier :

 

Fenton Hardy had followed the Chief to room 911, neither man was sure what they would find there. Both hoping to god that it would be

Joe and that the boy was alright, Collig ordered one of his officers to stand with his gun drawn on the opposite side of the door to

Joe's room, then motioned another cop over. The young woman whom Fenton recognized as Maria Sanchez pulled what looked like a

stetha scope out of a black bag. She came over to the door and placed the ear piece over her ears before pressing the other end as close to the door as possible. Fenton knew this was a device used to detect even the slightest ticking of a bomb. Sanchez was not only Colligs driver but a bomb expert as well as a black belt in karate. Finally she pulled away and turned to meet their anxious looks. However officer Sanchez was not sure that she should talk in front of Mr. Hardy but the Chief nodded his permission.  

"There is definitly some kind of timing device in there, my guess is that it is wired to go off the moment the door is opened. " She informed them, Fenton Hardy's heart raced. He had never felt so helpless in his whole life. His beloved son, his baby was just behind the door and yet he was unable to get to him. Noticing his reaction Sanchez hesitated once again before she continued. "Sir, in my opinion I think we should clear the area as soon as possible." She recomended, motoning in Fentons direction.  

" I think you are right. OK, men you heard the lady, start getting these patients out as soon and as smoothly as possible. I want the fire department here A.S.A. P. and the bomb squad. OK everyone, please be carefull these people are ill and probably scared as hell. " He ordered. The officers needed no further explanation for they knew full well, the impact of their chief's words. He turned to face Fenton. 

"Ezra, I am NOT leaving my child alone in their to die!" He exclaimed. Collig came over and placed an arm on his friends shoulder in a

show of sympathy. 

"Fenton if you stay here it might mean the end of both you and Joseph on My watch? I don't think so. " Collig vowed. But Fenton Hardy

refused to leave the scene until the chief was forced to have him hancuffed and taken away for his own protection. It was with a heavy heart that he had to do this to one of his closest friends and associates. Collig needed to think straight, He had to get a look inside that

room without somehow opening the door. Then an idea hit him. He motioned for Con to secure the scene allowing no one at all to enter.

He then took another of his officers with him while he raced to the front door where Fenton had been taken. Ezra had never seen the man so dejected and sad in his life. "Wait! I need him" Fenton and the officers stopped abruptly. Their boss explained briefly and ordered the cuffs to be removed. While a furious Fenton continued to glare at him, Collig tried to explain his idea, until finally the detectives eyes opened wide with comprehension and perhaps hope." He shook his head in approval then followed the chief to the hospital security room where All of the surveilance and security cameras were. It took a while, But Once they located the room they set to work on Ezra idea.  

"Do you think the room Joe is in has a hidden security cam? " 

"Thats my theory" Ezra anwsered as they continud to search for anything connecting them to room 911 and Joseph Hardy. The search had taken far too long for their likeng, Collig actually almost gave up the search but then remembered that Dr. Hill would probably be able to show them what they need. Ezra could smack himself for not thinking of it earlier however, they did'nt have the time to be mad

at himself. Joseph Hardy needed him, He needed them all. Anthony Hill was soon directing them to the right switches to operate the

cameras in room 911. When the Dr. completed the task Collig had him once again taken back to police protection. Fenton had already

turned his full attention to the screen before him. He maneuvered it around the room hoping desperatly to get a good look at his son.

Ezra laid an arm on his shoulder in friendly support. Fenton tried to smile at his friend in an effort to show his appreciation But the smile

just refused to come out. Fenton knew that if he did not rescue Joe soon, then the smile may never return to his distinguished looking face. It was at that moment that he saw a figure lying on the bed. Fenton tried to zoom in on the prone figure, Hoping desperatly to a

sign that Joe was alive. Chief Ezra Collig held his breath in anticipation that the his friends prayers would be answered. Both men at

the next moment let out a startled gasp as the person in the room began to stir. Collig was relieved, but had also realized that they really had to focus on whatever device may be wired to the door of that room. Suddenly his radio went off causing him to jump back startled. He revovered quickly but shook the cobwebs out of his head. He picked up the radio, pressed the talk button .  

"This had better be important." The Chief bellowed.  

"Chief, I have Frank Hardy and his mother here, they are asking to come in" 

"No way! I want the whole area cordoned off now..no one and I mean NO ONE is to come near this building do you understand?" 

"Of course sir, I will tell them. Smith out."  

Collig replaced his radio and turned to Fenton and Officer Sanchez . 

"Ok Sanchez, enlighten me. I want in that room." He ordered. She nodded and pointed to the screen which now focused on the door to Joe's room, or rather the inside of the door.  

Alright your the boss, You see that the door is indeed wired to go off if anyone opend it." She began. The same chilling question came to each of their minds. "If Joe is inside the room unconscious, Then who the heck did the rigging and how? Sanchez contiued. "It would appear to be impossible for the bomb to be wired like that unless it was while they were already inside the room. Which left 2 possible explanations. The first theory being that there was also a secret door in the room. Fenton bristled at the next explanation which was

that JOE had to be the one who did it. If so then a few very important questions sprang to His fathers mind, how on earth would Joe know how to rig explosives? Even more importantly Why? They were even more determined to get into that "cell " and find the answers they all needed to hear.  

Their attention was diverted to a disturbance in the hall way.  

"what the hell is going on out there?" Collig exclaimed. His question would be answered soon as two of his officers entered with a big man who had been struggling to get away while demanding to know what he did wrong. Fenton surmised that he must be an orderly bcause of the uniform. The man continued his tyrade until he got a good look at Fenton Hardy. He suddenly stopped all the thrashing and begun to stare at the dectective, a cruel smile spread across his face.  

"Chief, we caught this one trying to raid the medicine cabinet. He said he was going to fill an emergency bag up for the patients" 

"What did he take?" Ezra inquired. 

"Far as we could see, Some Oxicontin, but we did interrupt his um .."charity mission". " 

"Good Job guys, Pharmacies have been robbed all over the area. Anyone care to guess what was the most common drug stolen?"

No one needed to answer for they all knew it was a retoricle question. He walked closer to the man in cuffs. "Ok, big guy, You are in real trouble, Obviously I don't have time for this, read him his rights and take him to a squad car, but watch him very carefully. The men nodded and began directing their prisoner out of the building. They were just passing Fenton when the man stopped abruptly, His eyes bore into the detective's. The mans face broke into an evil smile. Fentons eyes grew wide, when the man leaned in as close as he could to Fenton Hardy and quietly spoke the words which sent a terrible chill racing down his spine.  

" Your boy is ours now, Big shot! But you will all feel the wrath of the Assassins Bullet in just a few minutes." He whispered. then began to laugh uncontrollably as he contiue to stare at the shocked eldest Hardy. Fenton could not take it anymore. Suddenly his hands came

up to the mans kneck. Before anyone could stop him, Fenton began to choke the orderly unknown to them at that time as Stan. The officers were on him in an instant trying to pull the distraut father off this creep. Ezra screamed Fentons name and ordered him to come back to his senses. The Chief had not heard what Stan told Fenton but he knew it must have had something to do with Joe.  

"Get this man out of my sight now!! " He ordered. At once the man was pulled from Fentons grasp and hurried out the door. Fenton's entire body now shook. Ezra gently guided his friend and Associate to the closest available chair. He tried to calm his own heavy breathing and reputed hot headed temper. " Look Fenton, I don't know what that creep said to you, But your son needs you to remain focused. 

"Sir?" Maria Sanchez interrupted clearing her throat. Collig and Fenton both looked up at her expectingly.  

"yes, Sargeant Sanchez whats the matter?" 

" Believe I have found it sir." She started to explain as she tried to contain her excitement.  

"OK, What did you find Sanchez?" He asked in his usual all business gruffness which often left those around him quite intimidated. 

" The answer. We searched the prisoner and came up with this remote control much like that we all have for our television." 

"Well, Your the resident expert on Bombs for the moment Do you think it could be a detonator?" Fenton asked. Everyone in the room froze. They did not want to die.  

"No, But perhaps It will open a hidden door. "  

Fenton Hardy had been listening at first but felt they were wasting too much damn time. He turned his attention to the monitor. He had to at least try to find some measure of comfort with the knowledge that he knew where Joe was now,    

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN :  



 

While Stan had been trying to taunt Fenton Hardy, He was unaware that the famous detective wasn't the only one who got an ear full of his threats. Especially requarding the assasins "Having his youngest son". This person decided that something had better be done about this fool who could ruin a lot of herd work and planning. So when the group of officers pulled the destraught father off the orderly, It served as the perfect opportunity to assure that Stan didn't get the chance to open his stupid trap anymore. SO when the police escorted the prisoner to the waiting cruiser to bring him in for questioning, one of the officers quickly got out his cell phone and made a

call after finding a somewhat secluded area . The man talked quietly and very briefly before hanging up and returning to the car.  

From inside the Car Stan cursed and kicked is feet in protest, Then froze as a door on the other side opened. The Officer who had heard him threaten Fenton and who had just made the phone call climbed in to sit beside Stan. "what the HEll are you doing here I thought your part in this was over?" Stan asked clearly shocked. "WHy you wearing that cop get up..Wait are you here to bust me out? I hope so, man did you catch the look on "poor daddys "face haha...what a hoot! Hey Brian why are ya looking at me like that?" Stan asked

his eyes growing wide as he took in the look that was on the face of the man beside him. Brian Shook his head slowly. 

"Stanley,Stanley,Stanely, You are such and Idiot! What were your instructions again? OH, yeah, to take keep an eye on Joseph Hardy

and to make sure the boy stayed drugged. You were also ordered to not open your trap! " Brian said .  

"Hey, I did what I was supposed to do, You guys were the ones who hurt the boy, I told you the boss didn't want the brat hurt, I just taunted him a little. Ya know break his spirit a bit. Worked too. " He bragged. The man known a Brian joined in when Stan began to

laugh again. But sbrubtly his laughter stopped as Brian suddenly pulled something out of his pocket. Before Stan even knew what hit him, Brian had jabbed the object as deeply into Stan's side as he could. Then pulled it out again. carefully, the assassin then took out a small bag and placed the now empty syringe into the bag, before replacing it in his pocket.  

"Bye Stan, sweet dreams idiot." With that, The man known as Brian got out of the patrol car, and walked away from the scene, no one had even a clue as to what just happend. Or to the fact that there was atleast one dirty cop on the Bayport police force. One who had

just murdered perhaps the only person who could possibly Save Joe Hardy's young life.  


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Back in the Clinic's security room,Fenton, Sanchez and Collig had been going over all the possibile ways to safetly enter room 911. It was like an annoying puzzle or mystery in itself, However the life or death stakes were just too high to wager for. The Chief's phone rang suddenly, jaring them all for a second. Collig, the first to recover picked up his cell and clicked it on. After a second his face lost

all it's color, then It had returned big time as it had now taken on a bright red hughe. The others knew this meant that something was wrong and he did not like the situation one bit.  

"What the hell did you just say?!" He ordered. "What do you mean he's dead!" He continued, Fenton's head popped up, Who were they

discussing he wondered, who was dead? Fenton waited inpatiently til his friend,the Chief of Bayport's police department finally got off the phone. Ezra noticed all eyes were on him. He was furious.  

"I can't believe it! The man was in the car kicking and cursing, one moment, then the next he was slumped over dead. Fenton, I know this is not a good time but I need to know exactly what this man Stan said to you." Collig ordered. Then turned to sanchez and told her ot keep looking for the blue prints They had also obtained with the court order. Then he turned his attention back to Fenton.  

Fenton repeated the last thing that Stan had said to him, He knew Ezra had to question him now due to the fact that he was the one whose hands were wrapped around the man's throat right before he suddenly died. The fact that Fenton was right there with them when the man died has nothing to do with the fact that Ezra now had a murder investigation to deal with as well. He prayed to god it was the

only murder today.  

"BIngo!" Sanchez exclaimed. They all turned thier attention on the female officer. who was now smiling, She walked over to the two men and plopped the Blue prints down on the table in front of them so they can see them better. Both their eyes opened wide and a

smile escaped each of their haggared faces. For right there on the document was a plan for a secret door and tunnel. They were off in an instant toward the basement. Upon reaching the door to the basement they discovered the door was locked however it did not take long to jimmy the door. Soon the threesome were in the basement with Flashlights drawn.  

"According to the Blue prints there should be another door somewhere around here..." Sanchez stated pointed to a corner of the room which had been filled with stacks of old boxes. Her face brightened as glanced around one particular stack. "AHA!!" She exclaimed again

racing over to the group she had just looked around. "Hey guys, give me a hand over here, I believe I have found something. " Her words were hardly out of her mouth when she noticed that the two men were already by her side, attacking the large pile of boxes.

Soon they had finished, They all stood there for a few second to catch their strength before realizing that there indeed was a hidden door. But where on earth would it lead too? 

Fenton Hardy decided to make the first move. But once again Ezra held out his hand to stop him, reiterating that He was not about to

allow Fenton to rush into what can be a dangerous situation. As skilled and experienced, As respected and trustworthy this man was,

he was still a father, and that was what made him too vulnerable to completely trust to keep it all together emotionally, not in this situation. Fenton reluctantly allowed the police to carefully open the door. When the door came open it revealed a set of stairs. The

group were now brimming over with excitement and the accompanied adrenaline rush was quite intense as they proceeded to climb the steps until they finally came to an end at the foot of yet another door. Fenton felt exasperated, This was taking too damn long. Sanchez once again pulled out her detecting device and listened for any signs of a bomb. After a moment she shook her head and gave them a thumbs up sign indicating that it at least appeared safe. They tried the door but there was no handle in sight. Then Fenton remembered

the remote control looking device.  

" why don't we try the remote control? He asked. The others nodded in agreement. Collig took the remote out, and handed to Fenton

Hardy. Who looked at him with uncertainty. 

" Go ahead, go get your boy back Fenton" The Chief answered "Oh, Fenton if something should happen to me, could you please tell my family that I..."Fenton interrupted his friend with a scoff and a smile.  

"Nonsense my friend,NOthing will happen to you On my watch!" He laughed, Collig joined in as did officer Sanchez, But then the laughs

died down because they all knew there was a very important mission to accopmlish. To get to Joe before the bomb or perhaps any assassins might get to them. Fenton placed his hand on the re-mote and pressed the power switch He then pressed 911 at the door.

They once again jumped back at the sound of a door sliding. forward. Immediatly bathing them all in bright whiteness. Carefully Fenton

stepped into the room followed by the Chief and Sanchez. When they came through the door they all froze, Their eyes now fixed on the prone figure on the bed. Fenton Hardy's heart nearly skipped a beat, As he raced to make sure his son was olright. At least phyically, who knows how long this latest emotional set back would do to his baby and everyone who loved him.

"Joe? " Fenton asked anxiously coming over to the bed. He placed a gentle hand on his boys back and turned him over slowly But He was not pre-pared for the sight he would see before him. It made him shudder and caused Maria's hand to fly to her mouth as a loud

gasp escaped from it. Collig stepped was immediatly on the radio to his men instructing them to send the emergency medical team in to take Joe to the hospital. He spoke in a much softer tone than before, as he came closer to his good friend who was now holding his catatonic child and crying uncontrollably.  

"Fenton the EMT unit will be here any second, Please don't worry." He tried to assure Fenton,perhaps himself as well. Cllig had never been so angry in his life, or for that matter felt as helpless. HE vowed to make those bastard Assassins pay! But right now he had to get them all the hell out of there, soon, the medics had arrived and Joe was gently placed on the bed, His beautifull sapphire eyes seemed

to be like two hypnotic Jewels as they stared into nothingness, He was oblivious to anything that was taking place, Fenton hoped to god that some how they will find a way to bring him back him and his loved ones. While Joe was taken back down the stairs Ezra had been on the phone to the bomb crew who quickly moved in to dimantle the explosives on the door. It was then that they became aware of a

ticking noise. Officer Maria Sanchez dropped to her knees and looked under the bed, Her entire body froze. Sweat began to pour from every pore on her skin.  

"UM...Sir, I suggest we get out of here as quickly as possible, There is aother bomb under here and it is set to go off in about ten minutes!" she said too calmly. As she tried to push the fear from her mind.  

"What?! can you get to work on it?" He asked half ordering. "

No sir, this one must have been purposely set off to go off when we moved the boy. We can't get to it in time to safely disarm it.! I suggest we all get the HELL OUT OF HERE NOW!! " She exclaimed. Collig nodded and waved his hand for everyone to follow. He was 'on the radio issuing orders at a rapid pace as they reached the front door, a truck had been pulled up front, they all began to pile in . The

ambulance had just taken off with JOe, Fenton and the EMT's, But the truck carrying the Chief,Sanchez and the bomb squad had barely made it out past the gate when a huge explosion rocked the area. The force of the bomb shook the truck and all it's occupants. Outside

the palce became a war Zone as police and fire trucks began to converge on the scene along with more ambulances.    


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little while later:  


 

At Bayport General Hospital, Laura Hardy had finally returned to consciousness. She now had a large bandage on her forehead and her arm had been put in a sling. The impact of the blast had left her with both a concussion and a sprained arm, both of which should heal soon according to Dr. Wilson. Frank had a few stitches in his own forehead, he too had just began to come around after the effects of the sedative wore off. Frank now realized why they felt they needed to drug him. He was in no condition to aurgue and he had finally been able to get at least a little much needed rest. But Franks heart was torn apart. His whole family was now hurt or (he feared) worse

but he was so helpless to do anything about it. Frank wanted more than anything to get out of the hospital bed and back to the site. He

was about to get up however, when he heard a familiar voice.  

"Hey, whoa there,now where do you think you are going?" Arthur Grey asked.  

"If you must know Dr. I am going to the bathroom,changing my clothes so I can leave this god forsaken place! I hate hospitals! besides

I need to check on my mother if it is any business of yours Agent Grey!" Frank Hardy retorted more angry perhaps than he intended, But right now he was hurting big time. Frank began getting out of the bed when Arthur palced a hand on his shoulder stopping the boy.

Frank began to protest but when he saw the look in the Grey Mans eyes which told him the man had something very important to tell him, perhaps about the welfare of his family, Frank stopped protesting and layed back against the pillow. "OK Grey spit it out. " 

"First of all Frank, Your mom is awake. She has a concussion and a sprained arm but she should be fine in no time"/ 

"Physically at least, who knows if any of us will be able to heal emotionally after this" Frank interjected sadly. He was not so sure he wanted to hear whatelse Grey had to report.  

"Yes, I am sorry for that, But Frank I do have other news, We found him..We found Joe and he is on the way here with your father." Grey announced. Frank stared at him in shock. Had he begun to believe that the words would be different. Stii, what condition were they in, was anyone killed in the explosion? Frank was sick with worry and anticipation of seeing his beloved family all to gether again.  

"Are...Are they ok? " Frank thought he saw a tinge of sadness in the other man's reaction to that question, but the agent quickly tried to hide it. He had been told by his source that the younger Hardy had been found in a catatonic state, Just how deep it was and what else

had been done to the poor boy remains a a mystery only his doctors can answer, and of course Joseph himself.  

A few days later, Laura,Fenton, Frank and all their friends gathered around the hospital waiting area outside Joe's room. They had been there for the most part since he was admitted. But there was still no change. Vanessa had been there right by her boy friends side, as

was Frank of course. Both alternated keeping vigil, talking to him and trying to encourage him to wake up. Finally after a week in the phych ward, Joe Hardy had begun to come around. The glassy empty stare was slowly replaced with a much more normal sparkle, as he became aware that he was surrounded by people who loved him. Joe looked around the room at all the different faces before finally settling on Vannessa's pretty blonde air and greyish blue eyes. She Smiled at her boyfriend, He smiled back.  

"Hmm...Just mabey this will be more fun than i thought. " He thought to himself.    

The end for now...Yeah right!! read on guys for a real twist!   

EPILOG: 

 

SOMEWHERE IN MASSACHUSETTS:

 

It took a few moments to finally shake himself awake, He still felt as is he was going to be ill, But somehow managed to keep the nausea down. At least he could no longer feel the drugs in his system. No someone went to a lot of trouble to get their hands on him, and they seemed to want him to be fully aware of their presence,At least He assumed that. "Where was here, he wondered?" It was definitly not the same room that he had been in when he saw his family on tv, right before collapsing from the drugged food. His thoughts were at that moment interrupted by the sound of a door opening. He was not sure if he should lay down and pretend to be out of it or confront his latest abductor. He was tired of being the victim, He decided he would face this enemy head on. He could hear what he deduced was a pair of woman's shoes, no boots coming closer but the darkness was blocking his vision of her, until she stepped into the light. He had to do a double take, He was not expecting her of all people. Sure he always knew he would see her again,But not here and certainly not lke this. His sparkilng sapphire eyes locked with her own Jade ones as she came closer until her face was as close to his as possible, He could smell her perfume and the raspberry fragrance in her beautifull cascading red hair. She smiled at him. Joe Hardy did not smile back at the woman before him he knew all too well as a thief and assassin named Charity. 

"Hello Joey, Long time no see huh?" she purred. He tried to speak but for some frustrating reason he still couldn't seem make his throat work still. He hoped it was not permanent. But another voice had spoken her name for him. It seemed vaguely familiar as well, but he could not seem to place it yet. If only this new mystery man would step out of the shadows and show himself, then Joe would know who the familiar voice belonged to, as well as hopefully learn what they planned for him. Then he regretted his wish, For the man did indeed step out of the darkness, If Joe Hardy thought seeing Charity was a shock to his system, then he would not be prepared for the monster who now stood before him. Joe jumped off the bed lunging for the man who had caused him and his loved ones so much pain, But he did not get too far due to the chains that had been fastened around his ankle. The mans body guards stepped forward but he held a hand up to halt their movements. Instead he simply stepped back to a spot that was just out of Joe's reach. He then instructed the men to hold the boy as close as possible. Joe tried to fight them off but he just did not have the strength. Charity just stood there doing her nails while taking the whole situation in Joe was not sure what was possibly going through that untrustworthy,beautifull mind of hers, However He was now growing more frustrated every second at her nonchalont behavior.  

"Well, hello Joseph. I bet I am the last person you thought you would "EVER " see again, am I right? Wait don't speak, oh right you still speak yet, silly me I almost forgot about that." The large man bent down to bring his face as close to Joe's as possible. His own voice came out in a barely audible growling wispers. "Joseph, Joseph, Joseph, I can't tell you how long I have waited for this moment. I am

extremely impressed that you managed to allude me for this long." The man growled menacingly, Joe however tried to maintain his brave facad, when in fact he was terrified of this man and the impact his presence might have on not only his life but on the world as well. Especially those he held most dear. Joe wished he could get his damn voice to work so He could tell this monster to go to hell, But

it was no use, so instead he chose to simply spit in his face. This caused the man before him spring back in revoltion. He however, had

already recovered. The man sttod there glaring at the nerve of this young man before him. This Boy had not only managed to "kill" him

but he had somehow also managed to find a way out of just about every trap set for him. He had to admit to respecting the young man

But some part of him, perhaps the assassin, had also wanted to reach out and force the last breath out of him very slowly. Joe heard a laugh from the side of the room. He turned to see CHarity sitting sideways in a chair doing her nails still like it was nothing special. Joe

on the other hand knew it was a life or death situation for him atleast. He tried to send her a look, pleading her for help, but she didn't seem to even care. Then she had spoken.  

"Why, do you have to always have to be so darn dramatic?" She asked of the man. He spun on his heels to face her.  

"Watch your tone with me darling, Why are you here anyway? I thought I told you that I did not want you anywhere near him!" 

"Ha! since when do I listen to you? I am not a child any more" She retorted. 

Joe watched the scene with curious intrest. Obviously these two knew each other very well. Joe felt ill. Something was not right about

this, He also had a sickening feeling that this was not over. Unable to speak or move Joe decided to continue taking in the scene before

him, Joe also had a feeling that Charity had somehow seen his "message" and had indeed tried to interrupt the man before he could hurt him or worse. They continued to banter back and forth.  

" You are so indignant young lady! Oh and you will do better to not cross me, Or you just might find yourself as the main target at the

next training session. And get that smelly stuff you stick on your nails out of here now!" he demanded. She looked him, noting that the deadly man meant business, then glanced at Joe. Charity suddenly walked over to Joe bent down and kissed him fully in the mouth. Then backed away from the shocked Joe and the equally suprised Assassin. She shrugged an apology and headed out of the room. 

"Sorry Joe, I tried." She called out then stopped when she got to the door, she peaked her head back in for a second. "Oh and Daddy,

that may work on these other clowns But not me, bye daddy, Bye Joe like i said I am sorry." With that she turned her head abruptly and walked out of the room. Joe wasn't sure if she was stupid or the bravest person he had ever met. He did not have the time to worry about it for a strong hand reached out and grabbed him by the neck instantly gathering his full attention. Joe felt as if his assailant would break his neck!  

The hand on his neck loosend as The Assassin once again leaned in close to Joe. Joe's breathing was now so strong from almost getting strangled. But his assailant didn't care, He was not about to let his own daughter humiliate him in front of this Child!!  

"You and your brother have been thorns in the Assassin side for quite a while now. I hope you realize that I could have slit your throat at any time, My associates are more than willing to do so right now. But I think I will keep you around for a few reasons. Wanna hear them pretty boy? You will, But for now I have something I have been wanting to do since that fatefull day at the Bayport Mall." With

those ominous word the large man pulled his fist back and sucker punched Joe as hard as possible. The others in the room except for Joe of course laughed and cheered as this man delivered yet another blow this time to Joe's handsome face. Joe Hardy was already exausted and feeling Ill, This was just too much pain for his senses to handle at the moment so it simply began to close itself down.

The man took Joe by the hair and forced him to look into his eyes. Joe could barely keep his eyes open, the room spun. He was about to

sink into oblivion when he heard the Assassins gruff voice one last time.  

"That is just the beginning Mr. Hardy, After all my boy You have to pay for killing AL Russassa , You have to pay dearly for killing ME!!!   

TO Be continued:

 

Note: Hi guys, Thanks Moonstar for your GUidence and all of the authors who inspired me here so much. I hope you want to see more. I really appreciate the hand with the technical mumbo Jumbo. BYe. CHristine

 

HArdybaoysGalpalC@aol.com