A/n: Didya miss me? I decided that I wasn't going to wait until after the new year to post, but instead I will endeavor to finish this before I run off to the tropics for Christmas. As of this moment, I have about 4 chapters in the can, but I will not update daily. maybe every 4 or 5 days. which gives me some lead time. does that make me naughty, or nice?!

Chapter One

Joe Hardy grinned as he pulled out of the long term parking lot of the Bayport Regional airport. He was tired, but so very happy to be home. For the past three weeks, he had been deep undercover, working as a favor to an old friend of his father's in the FBI. Not even his brother Frank knew the details, nor would he, as it was highly classified. Agent Pierce had originally asked Fenton if he could 'borrow' the elder brother, but ultimately, it was Joe's Navy background, complete with still valid Security Clearance, that provided the way into the operation. It was, however, not without sacrifice on his part.

The last 23 days had been completely without contact with his family and worse, his girlfriend. Joe's grin got wider as he turned his thoughts towards the tiny dark haired Halloran. It was also tinged with an evil glint in his eye as he contemplated just exactly how he was going to reacquaint himself with her charms. And her Key Lime pie. As soon as the Flight attendant had indicated that cell phones could be used as they were taxiing to the gate, Joe had whipped his out and called her. Disappointed to get her voicemail, he nevertheless put a cheerful tone in his voice. "Hey Gorgeous, I'm back! Just need to stop by my place to drop off luggage and let the Prison Warde..err I mean, my beloved elder brother know that I am back and then I will stop by. I am taking you out to dinner, wherever you want, so be ready about 6. Love ya!" he clicked off and shared a grin with the person sitting next to him on the plane, an older gentleman slightly younger than his father.

"Business trips are such a pain, aren't they?" the man commiserated. "All that time away from loved ones."

"Yep, but Homecoming is worth it though, ain't it?!" That got a laugh and look of envy.

"Enjoy it while you can, son. Some of us aren't so lucky." the smile now was a trifle less cheerful, but Joe couldn't tell if it was laced with regret, or bitterness. Either way, he was not about to let it ruin his mood. He waited until he was waiting by the baggage carousel to call the office.

He got his father on the phone, who was very happy to hear that his youngest child was back. "Frank and Sam have been swamped. I offered my services for some field work and was flatly turned down. I think your mother got to them first." Fenton chuckled. He had been mostly retired since his second heart attack just over a year earlier, spending little time in the office at all, and when he was, it was spent answering phones and doing paperwork. At one point, the brothers discussed hiring a proper receptionist, but ultimately decided that until their father indicated he was ready to hang it up completely, they would leave things as is. Joe assured his father that he was heading there first, but warned him it would be a very quick visit. "I have a hot date with a beautiful girl and I don't wanna be late!" Fenton chuckled again before hanging up.

Traffic was fairly heavy as it was just coming up on rush hour. Even so, it didn't take long for Joe to pull in to the small parking lot that served the Agency office with a reserved spot for the apartment upstairs. He decided to dump his luggage and shower/change first, figuring he could use the excuse he was already late to see Hall to get out of anything more taxing than a "Hi, I'm alive, will start catching up on stuff tomorrow." to his Taskmaster of a big brother. The shower was quick, as he was anxious to see Halloran. This was the first time in their relationship where his job had necessitated no contact. Up till then, even when undercover or on stakeout, there were moments where he could sneak off and let her know he was fine and thinking of her. Sometimes it was never more than a text message, but he still made a concerted effort, knowing her anxiousness at times. Ever since her confessions about her childhood and the losses she had endured, Joe had been even more determined to reinforce his commitment to the lovely black haired vixen who had stolen his heart( and on more than one occasion, his sweatshirts).

While he didn't exactly dawdle in the shower or when choosing his outfit( Dark grey slacks, a maroon dress shirt and a jauntily patterned tie in both colors) it was after 530 when he was on his way down the stairs headed towards the office. He was determined to not spend more than ten minutes kibitzing with anyone, anxious to sweep Halloran up into his arms and remind her exactly how much he had missed her.

As he approached the outer, door, however, he gradually became aware of strident voices raised in anger coming from the other side. He paused outside, not wanting to get involved in any scenario that would prevent him from meeting Halloran on time, or getting sucked into a new case immediately. He was just about ready to turn around and tiptoe away (I'll call later, when it's safe and I am at the restaurant) when he suddenly realized he recognized the angriest voice. With sudden dread, he twisted the doorknob and eased his way inside.

There was no one in the outer reception area, but the voices were coming from Frank's office. It had once been their father's, but he had willingly surrendered it when he turned the reins over to his eldest. The door was slightly open, but not enough for him to see inside. Joe paused, hand on the door knob, and listened for a moment. His father's voice could be heard trying to placate the other two. Frank's voice was uncharacteristically raised in anger. It was directed toward the female in the room. From his vantage point, Joe couldn't see who it was, but he knew anyway. Mentally, he pictured a tall, athletic blond with short hair and piercing blue eyes that were either hard and glittering, or bright and sparkling, depending on her mercurial mood swings. He laid odds that this minute, they were positively daggers. Ever since their first meeting a few months ago, Melody Harper took an instant dislike to Frank. The feeling was entirely mutual. Joe himself had no real issue with her other than her hard, non nonsense attitude and entirely unfounded suspicions over his intentions towards Halloran. He tolerated her for the sake of her friendship with his girlfriend. The last time he had seen her was when she had come by the office in an official capacity as Park Ranger to inform them that her erstwhile partner Travis had been apprehended, confessed readily his part in the fiasco that had resulted in their quiet weekend at Halloran's cabin being rudely interrupted by a couple of idiotic poachers. In true Joe Hardy fashion, somehow he managed to get shot and required transportation out by litter. Of the three would be poachers, one was mauled to death by the very bear he was trying to kill, and the other two had surrendered mostly peacefully and were now awaiting sentencing, having each pled guilty to the charges against them.

But Frank.. that was another story entirely. He never really discussed what had gone on between himself and the Ranger during Joe's rescue, but every time her name was mentioned, Frank's lips would tighten into a thin line and his normally soft brown eyes would narrow in anger. This both puzzled and amused Joe. Frank was notoriously even keeled, able to get along with practically everyone. So anything that could rattle his brother automatically got stashed away in a corner for future torment possibilities. At the same time, Joe couldn't help but think that the sparks between them weren't of the combustible variety. Sometimes he thought Frank needed someone who would push his buttons, and while he had eagerly accepted that responsibility in his younger days, he felt it was time to move on and actually stop tormenting his brother quite so much. There were times, rare, of course, where he felt sorry for his older brother. Frank seemed to have a much harder time of it when it came to being social and personal relationships. It was Callie all those years ago who decided that she wanted to be Frank's boyfriend, and in true gentlemanly fashion, he did the gallant thing and acceded to her wishes. When she broke it off during college, again, Frank just let it happen and since then had made no move to change his status as a confirmed bachelor. It was a personality trait Joe honestly could not comprehend, being far more charming and outgoing and much preferring the company of other people, especially girls, to solitude. Yet another tiny difference in the brothers that occasionally caused strife but more often than not, complemented.

Joe took a deep breath and pushed the door completely open. Frank and Melody had their backs to him so did not notice when he made his presence known. Fenton, however, did see and his face paled at the sight of his blond offspring. The other two took no notice of the older man's countenance and were still going at it at full volume when Joe took two fingers, placed them in his mouth, and whistled shrilly, causing both of them to stop short in mid shout. Both of them whirled sharply, with Frank's eyes widening in shock and possibly fear as well.

"Now that I have everyone's attention, mind telling me what the hell is going on and why you two are trying to kill each other?" Joe inquired deceptively mildly, arms crossed across a broad chest and with an eyebrow raised. For a long minute no one moved or even breathed, it seemed. Then the moment passed and Fenton stepped between the two combatants and stood in front of Joe, placing trembling hands on his youngest child's shoulders.

"Joseph," Fenton said, voice thick with emotion. "Halloran is missing."

A/n: I know, I am terrible, mean and rotten. It's a gift. Really have no idea how long this will be, nor do I know quite how badly i am going to torture the Blond One before this is all over. no one panic, or break out the tar and feathers. I have no intention of killing off my OC, whom I love.