Hi thank you Caranath, Cherylann Rivers, Candylou, Highflyer for taking the time to leave me reviews to my last chapter you're all awesome and than you to those who are reading, following, and favorites my story. Here's my new chapter hope you like.

Aftermath

Chapter 4

Earlier that Saturday morning:

Everyone was in the SUV and on their way to the barbershop. Con had his elbow propped up against the door with his chin resting in his hand as he looked out the passenger window watching the scenery fly by. This was a bad idea; he shouldn't have agreed to this. He was risking his career here by disobeying the Chief's orders, but more importantly, he was risking lives here. The officer prayed silently that everything would work out okay. Glancing out his window, he caught a glimpse of a black car that appeared to have tinted windows in his side mirror. He watched as it pulled into the street, keeping two cars in between them.

At the same time, Joe took a quick glance over his shoulder and out the back window; he too saw the black car. He felt his detective instincts kicking in telling him that there was something suspicious about that car.

Joe and Con kept their eyes on the car as it followed them. Baker made a right turn at the next corner where the barbershop was located. They watched as the black car turned off and disappeared down a side road.

"Sir we're here," Baker announced as he pulled into Al's barbershop's parking lot.

"No wait, this was a bad idea." Con told his fellow officer about the car that'd been following them before disappearing. Con then turned around to face Henry. "I'm sorry Henry but we can't stay. It's not safe, we need to leave now."

"No, no please, I have to get my hair cut. It-t is important. It'll be quick I promise." Henry insisted, he was determined to do this and he wasn't going to let anyone stop him.

Chet looked at Henry strangely. Why was this so important? He glanced at Joe, Joe just shrugged. Chet was still a little unsure about this. A part of him really didn't want Henry to stay with him and his parents. He'd only agreed to it because it meant so much to his mother. She was happy for the first time since his sister's death; Chet didn't want to ruin that for her.

What if this was a bad idea?

"Henry if Con feels it isn't safe to do this, we have to go." Joe tried to reason. He looked out the window for any sign of the black car.

"J-Jack never lets me do anything." Henry began to work up some tears as he looked back at Con and Joe, an innocent look on his face. "I can't even get my hair cut without his p-permission. P-please, I want...no, I need to do this...for me..."

Con looked at the boy feeling sorry for him. The kid wanted to get his hair cut, there was nothing wrong with that. After the hell he'd been through with his father, it was only natural that he'd want to look his best for a party.

He looked around. From what he could see, the place wasn't busy. It shouldn't take more than what five, maybe ten minutes. "Alright," he said finally. Con turned back to Henry and continued on, "Henry, you are to go in get your hair cut and then come straight out here. Officer Baker will accompany you inside." He gave his final instructions, "You are not to leave his sight. Then we'll head out to the Morton farm."

"I'll go in with him to pay for the haircut," Charles Morton offered. "That is if it's alright with Henry?"

Henry was reluctant to answer him; he didn't intend to have anything to do with his new foster father, but then again, Henry considered, he could take advantage of his generosity now and take care of him later. "I guess that'd be alright, Mr. Morton, thank you."

Joe could see that Henry had tensed up. He figured that Henry could still be a bit resistant towards men who resembled Hayden, even if it was only slightly. Joe knew that this probably wasn't a smart idea. The black car they'd seen could be nothing and it was possible that they were just being overly cautious...but they couldn't take that chance. He knew that if Frank were here he'd tell them this haircut idea was careless and stupid.

For whatever reason, this haircut seemed to be important to Henry. Maybe it was something he had to do to feel like he was rebelling against Hayden; Joe could understand that. Just the thought of Hayden had Joe's nerves on edge; he was still out there somewhere plotting his revenge against him and Henry.

Setting his own thoughts and feelings aside, Joe knew that he was going to do everything he could to help keep Henry safe. Joe saw relief wash over Henry's face as soon as he said, "I'll go in with them too."

He just wished Frank were here. Joe felt a slight twinge in his chest, his heart was hurting for Frank. He missed and needed his brother very much. As soon as they were at the Morton farm, he would go find Frank and the two of them were going to work this thing out once and, for all.

"Stay alert." Con said as everyone except Chet climbed out of the SUV. Chet remained seated. "Chet are you going in with them?"

Chet glanced at his father, Joe and Henry before returning his gaze back to Con. What was happening here? It was as if Henry'd cast some spell on everyone, he'd managed to completely manipulate the situation. What surprised Chet the most though was that both Joe and Con Riley had fallen for it.

"No, I'm staying here." He grumbled.

"Son, are you alright?" Charles asked, concern for his son evident in his voice.

"I'm fine, Dad."

Joe gave his friend a questioning look, but said nothing and left with Henry, Mr. Morton, and Officer Baker. Chet watched as the group disappeared into the barbershop. After about ten minutes though, Chet and Con who'd remained with him, saw no sign of the black car. However that was when the two of them got the shock of their lives when they saw two blond boys emerge from the barbershop, flanked by Officer Baker and Mr. Morton. They couldn't believe their eyes, it was like looking at twins!

Chet's jaw dropped at Henry's new blond hair. "Frank is going to go ballistic when he sees this." What, was Henry trying to turn himself into Joe now? This just couldn't be normal. Chet remembered the starry-eyed look Henry had given Joe. It was one thing to idolize someone but to actually want to be that person was borderline crazy.

Silence took over as the trio piled back into the SUV. Chet glanced at Joe. Sitting on Henry's other side, Joe's expression was hard to read. Maybe Joe didn't know what to think either. He might've felt like he was in a difficult situation Chet thought. That was when Chet realized there was something wrong with his friend; he wasn't acting like he normally did. The Joe Hardy Chet knew would not stand for what was happening; he'd lay Henry into the ground in two seconds flat. That was when Chet remembered the elder Hardy brother telling him about Joe's recent anxiety issues.

It wasn't just that though. Henry seemed to have placed a wedge between the Hardy brothers. To see his friends at odds with each other, all because of Henry, just didn't sit well with Chet. He'd known the brothers longer than any of their other friends; sure they had their occasional disagreements as siblings often did. But Frank and Joe had always managed to work things out in the past.

The simple fact that Frank did not come with Joe when they went to pick up Henry from the hospital was a surprise. Frank was always by Joe's side, and vice versa. He thought back to their conversation on heroes, if you were to ask Joe, who his hero was, his answer would be Frank.

Chet knew that Joe did idolize Frank but it wasn't in a creepy way like drawings or trying to change his appearance to look like Frank. Joe tried to emulate his brother. One example Chet could think of was that on a normal basis Joe would laugh and joke his way out of situations. But if he was confronted with a serious situation that he wasn't sure how to handle he'd look to Frank to see how he was handling it before trying to handle himself similarly. If anyone asked Frank, Chet thought the elder brother would answer the same way his younger brother would. Joe was the one Frank looked to, to help him relax, let loose and have fun. The two of them complimented each other.

Chet glanced at Henry, who had a smile across his face that made his blood boil; whatever Henry was doing to his friends was hurting them plain and simple. Chet did not want to see Joe and Frank get hurt. He really was regretting this whole thing and he needed to talk to Frank and soon…

(oooooo)

Saturday evening:

Chet was sitting on the front porch, Ginger's head in his lap as he stroked it. This had been the worst day of his life, next to losing his sister, he thought sadly. His father and friends were gathered around him each one expressing their concerns and condolences for the loss of his beloved dog. Everything was a disaster and all because of Hayden. He'd killed Duke after breaking into Chet's home and Joe was now missing as a result. God, his friend had to be okay.

"Chet, I'm so sorry about what happened to Duke," Seth Cohen expressed his sympathy for his cousin's friend. He wasn't sure what to do or say, he was new to all this. Phil had filled him in earlier on Iola's death and who Frank and Joe were, as well as everything going on between Henry and Hayden; the events that ultimately led to Duke's murder and Joe's abduction. Seth Cohen felt horrible; he was still processing everything.

Seth also felt bad for Henry being in an abusive situation. Phil had mentioned Henry's dyslexia to Seth. Seth of course, knew what that was like, he'd found ways to help himself cope with it and he was hoping that he'd get the chance to help Henry.

As for Frank and Joe Hardy, Seth hadn't yet gotten the chance to meet them, although he was looking forward to it and getting to talk to them. Phil was always telling him wild and crazy stories about his friends, the famous Hardy brothers. They were the teenage detective duo of Bayport, following in their detective father's footsteps. From the way Phil talked about them, you'd think the Hardy boys were superheroes. To Seth they sounded like cool guys and he hoped Joe would be found soon.

"Is there anything we can do for you Chet?" Phil offered, who was sitting in a chair next to his cousin.

Biff and Tony were both leaning against the porch railing. "Yeah just name it." Tony said, wanting to do anything he could to help his friend.

"We're here for you buddy." Biff commented. They all knew the tragic death of Duke would be hard on Chet, they knew how much he loved his pet and it wasn't fair, he was still grieving the loss of his sister.

"Thanks, just you guys being here means a lot." Chet finally spoke up, his voice trembling. He glanced up at his friends and asked, "Is there any word on Joe?" He never stopped stroking Ginger's head.

The gang exchanged looks, they all wanted an answer to that question as well. As one they shook their heads.

"I'm sure we'll know something soon." Charles Morton said to his son and his friends encouraging them to not to give up hope. "You know Fenton and the police are working hard to find him."

That was when Biff chimed in. "Yeah, we all know Frank will stop at nothing to find Joe."

"I just wish we knew something." Chet said worriedly.

"I think we're about to find out." Phil put in his two cents. He nodded his head at the police car that was currently pulling into the driveway. The teens all watched as Frank and Fenton, who had been on their way up to the house, stopped to meet the cruiser.

Everyone watched from the porch as Chief Collig got out of the car followed by Sam Radley and Officer Baker. Frank and Fenton approached the officers. They couldn't hear what was being said but they knew by the grim looks on the police chief's face that it wasn't good news. They watched as Frank seemed to get into a heated discussion with his father. That was when they heard something they hadn't expected. Frank exploded, "I want to know what that bastard did to my brother!"

They watched on in silence as Frank suddenly clutched at his chest, shouting. "I can feel Joe! He's scared and hurt and he needs me!" That was when Fenton pulled Frank aside and spoke to him. After that Frank seemed to have calmed down a bit.

"The news can't be good for Frank to react like that." Biff murmured as he thought of all the possibilities of things that Hayden was doing to Joe. He was mad as hell and wanted to rip Hayden apart with his bare hands.

"Well for a moment, it looked like Frank was having a heart attack or something." Seth pointed out. "I've noticed he's been grabbing his chest like that all day."

"It could mean that he's sensing Joe." Tony said simply.

"What?" Seth threw him a strange look. "How is that possible?"

"It's kind of hard to explain.' Phil saw the confusion on his cousin's face. "This is probably going to sound like something out of a science fiction novel." He paused and then started to explain as best he could. "Frank and Joe have this special connection where they can communicate through their feelings, without speaking."

"Just now you heard Frank shout that he could feel Joe and that he was scared and hurt and Joe needed him." Seth nodded to show he was listening. "Well, most likely it's true."

"Is it something like telepathy?" Seth asked. "There is a theory that telepathy is common when it comes to twins. Are Frank and Joe twins?"

"It's s-something like that." Phil nodded slowly. "And no, they're not twins; they're actually about a year apart."

"We don't really know how or why Frank and Joe can communicate the way they do." Tony added to the explanation. "And we don't really question it because about ninety nine percent of the time it turns out to be true."

"That's incredible. I don't think I've ever heard anything like this." Seth found the whole thing fascinating. Now he was really looking forward to getting to know Frank and Joe Hardy.

"We do know one thing though, Joe is alive." Biff said grinning. Everyone just looked at him.

"We don't know that for sure." Phil told him as he adjusted his glasses.

"He has to be otherwise why would Frank be sensing Joe's presence? Joe's hurt and scared that's what Frank said."

"It could very well be true." Tony piped in. "But what if what Frank is sensing is something else?"

"What are you saying Tony?" Biff asked forcefully.

"We all know they can get into some dangerous situations when they are working on cases and stuff like that and have always managed to get themselves out. However we need to realize that Frank and Joe aren't invincible. They are regular guys just like us."

Tony swallowed a lump in his throat. He didn't want to bring it up but he had a feeling everyone else was thinking it too. "I know we don't want to think about it…but there could come a time when we could lose one or both of them."

"Biff, what I'm trying to say is this: for all we know, Joe could be dying. It is possible that that is what Frank is sensing. Or Joe could already be..." His voice trailed off.

"No, no, no, I refuse to believe that Joe is dead. How could you even think that?" Biff argued. Silence crept over the group as they let Tony's words sink in, none of them wanted to think of that possibility.

"Why don't you all wait and hear what Frank has to say before you go making assumptions like that?" Charles Morton suggested.

"Mr. Morton's right." Phil agreed, "Frank will tell us what's going on. Besides, whatever the outcome of all this turns out to be, Frank is going to need our help to get through this."

"Then that's what we're going to do." Biff stated, "Frank and Joe Hardy are our trusted and loyal friends. They've always been there for us, whenever we needed them; it's time for us to return the favor. And we will remain hopeful that Joe is alive, until we know otherwise."

"Okay can we move on to something else?" Tony asked as he changed the subject. "Because there's something I've got to get off my chest."

"What's that?"

"It has to do with Henry." Tony answered. They all knew it was the big elephant in the room. Everyone wanted to avoid the topic. "I don't know how are I'm supposed to feel about him?"

Tony sighed and just let the words fly out of his mouth, "I mean I was angry and still am after the way he treated us that day in the hospital. I was willing to give him a second chance and try to be friends with him because of the abuse he'd suffered with Hayden."

"I agreed to it because he's Joe's friend." He glanced over at Chet and Biff. "You guys told us about this creepy obsession he has with superheroes and Joe."

"I mean what's the deal with blonde hair? Is Henry trying to be Joe or something? If he's trying to impress us, it's not working," Tony put in sarcastically. "Besides we're very fond of the original Joe Hardy."

"That's for sure." Biff laughed, "Joe can't be replaced they broke the mold when they made him."

Tony steered back to his original topic, "Well, with what's happened recently with Hayden, now that Joe's missing it kind of puts us in an awkward position in regards to Henry, doesn't it?"

Chet suddenly spoke up. "Frank's been right all along. Henry can't be trusted."

Before anyone could respond to Chet's statement, Mrs. Morton made her way up the porch steps, her arm around Henry's shoulders.

"How's everyone doing?" she asked. "Can I fix you all something to eat? I know everyone's dinner got interrupted earlier and I know you're all tired and worried about Joe."

"Thank you Mrs. Morton but we're fine." Biff replied kindly. The other boys nodded in agreement.

"Chet, I-I'm sorry," Henry spoke up nervously.

Just hearing Henry's voice sent anger through Chet's body. "I-I'm sorry for what J-Jack did to your dog..." That was it, Chet couldn't take anymore. Without a word, he got to his feet and stormed into the house, Ginger beside him as the door slammed closed behind him.

"Chet!" Mrs. Morton called after her son, and Mr. Morton went inside after him. Chet's friends were on their feet as well, surprised at Chet's sudden departure.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset him," Henry said softly. "I was just trying to…"

"Why don't you leave him alone?" Frank interrupted him, making his way up to the porch with Fenton. He glared at Henry; it was taking everything he had to control his temper and not land several punches on the teen. "You and that bastard father of yours have done enough as it is."

"Frank!" Fenton scolded, trying to defuse the situation as quickly as possible. Chief Collig and Officer Baker had already left to go back to the police station and Sam had left for Southport. Fenton was planning on heading to the station as well but first he'd wanted to say a proper goodbye to Donna and Charles Morton. Now it looked like he'd be sticking around a bit longer, in order to deal with his son's behavior.

Frank just couldn't hold back his anger anymore. He could feel his anger rising and he narrowed his eyes at Henry. Damn, that blond hair was just making it worse! "I don't like this crazy obsession you seem to have with my brother. It's going to stop, right now!"

"When we find Joe and we will find him, you are going to stay away from him!"

"What on earth is going on out here?" Laura inquired as she and Callie came rushing out of the house.

Callie was shocked at what she was seeing; she'd never seen Frank so angry and it scared her. Frank's breathing began to get ragged and heavy as he forced the words out. Biff, Tony, Phil, and Seth were all shocked as well.

"If anything's happened to my brother, and I find that you are involved with it, I'll kill..."

"Frank, don't you finish that sentence!" Fenton ordered, holding his son back; he knew his son's emotions were running high. He leaned over and whispered into his son's ear. "Calm down. Think of Joe. He needs you. You won't be able to help him if you get yourself in trouble."

As angry as he was, Frank knew his father was right. Taking a second to cool his temper, his eyes never left Henry as his fists remained clenched at his sides. he began to calm down for his little brother's sake.

"See, I told you he hates me!" Henry quickly backed away from Frank and cowered behind Donna.

Donna wanted to believe that it was just a misunderstanding between the two of them, however, Donna had to admit she was torn between the two boys. She'd known Frank all his life, she knew all too well that he was worried sick about Joe and that his emotions were running high as a result.

Donna thought back to what Henry'd said about Frank hating him. She couldn't forget the genuine fear and anger in Henry's voice; maybe there was some truth to what he'd said. If, god forbid, something were to happen to Joe, Frank might retaliate and lash out at Henry.

Henry was part of her family now. She understood he had his issues, because of what he'd been through with his family. Donna was determined to help Henry overcome his problems and be with him every step of the way. She was going to love him like she would her own son.

"Frank, I pray that Joe will be found and that he's okay. You, Joe and Chet are good friends; we've welcomed you into our home as part of our family and our lives." She stumbled a bit over her words, "even after Iola..."

She spoke again, her voice steady now. "However, I will not tolerate that kind of behavior from anyone, and that includes you. As long as Henry stays here, you will be civil and respectful. If you can't show him that courtesy, then you can leave."

"Oh, Mrs. Morton, please I am so sorry..." Frank apologized, his face reddening slightly from embarrassment. He knew his emotions were running rampant but all he could think of was Joe...and the blood they'd found...Joe was hurt...and scared and Frank was so angry and frustrated.

Fenton released Frank once he was sure he'd calmed enough and then stepped between him and Henry. There was no doubt in Fenton's mind that Frank was very capable of hurting Henry. "I'm sorry about this." He apologized to Donna on his son's behalf. "I think it would be a good idea for everyone to go home and get some rest. It's been a long and exhausting day." Fenton placed a hand on Frank's shoulder as everyone began to get up and gather their belongings.

"Fenton, everyone hold on for just a minute." Charles said as stepped out onto the porch. "Frank isn't going anywhere yet, I need him to take care of a matter regarding my son."

"Charles, what's wrong? Is Chet alright?" Donna asked anxiously.

"No, he's not. He's upset and refusing to leave his room. The only person he'll talk to is Frank." Charles glanced around at everyone, stopping and resting his gaze on Frank. "Whatever it is he says it's important."

"Very well." Donna replied. "After that, I want you all to go home." She gazed steadily at Frank, putting a protective hand on Henry's shoulder.

Henry smiled inwardly. Seeing Frank emotionally distraught like this was playing right into his hands. Messing with his mind was going to be fun.

Frank caught a glimpse of a slight glare, or was it a smile? in Henry's eyes as he brushed past him. If this kid thought he was going to play games with him, Frank thought, he has no idea what he's up against. Henry wanted to play games? Then they'd play, Frank told himself as he made his way to see Chet.

Fenton Hardy extended a hand to Chet's father. "Charles, again, I'm sorry for Frank's actions." He still felt very guilty about the whole mess. "As well as all the inconveniences we've caused."

""Thank you Fenton." Charles Morton accepted the handshake the detective was offering him. "There's no need to apologize. Frank has every right to be upset and everyone's a little high strung right now. We are all worried about Joe."

"I just hope we don't have another tragedy on our hands. Both of our families have suffered enough."