The next day Ethan was discharged. However, not wanting him to go back home with his dad, Cal took him back to his until his mum had told his dad to get some help with his drinking. Once they got inside Cal's flat, Cal helped Ethan to the sofa. Ethan was still a bit sore and so he needed to be careful with what he did. As Ethan sat on the sofa Cal went into the kitchen to get them two bottles of beer.
"Cal, you know dad's not going to pleased when he knows what you've done." Ethan told him as Cal sat down beside him.
"I don't care about dad. All I care about is you." Cal replied. "He shouldn't have done what he did to you."
"He didn't mean to."
"That's what mum said. Eth, you know he's drinking too heavily. Mum needs to get him some help before he does some serious damage."
"He gets angry at mum too."
"Does he hit her as well?" Cal asked shocked.
Ethan nodded slightly.
"That's why you both need to get out."
"Mum won't leave him."
I know. But, she's in denial. You need to convince her to leave him."
Just then their conversation was interrupted by a loud banging at the front door.
"CAL!" Their dad shouted through. "I KNOW ETHAN'S IN THERE! IF YOU DON'T OPEN UP THIS DOOR I'M GOING TO KNOCK IT DOWN AND TAKE HIM HOME WITH ME!."
"I'm not letting you any where near him!" Cal shouted back. "And if you knock the door down I'll phone the police."
"You wouldn't dare. Not on your own dad."
Cal took at his mobile and began dialling 999.
"I'm calling them now." Cal warned their dad.
"Fine. I'll go, but this is not over yet, Cal!" their dad threatened.
Double checking that their dad had actually gone, Cal walked over to the door and peaked through the eye hole. Cal locked the door and bolted the chain across it to be on the safe side. He then turned back around only to find Ethan had fallen asleep. Smiling to himself, Cal gently rearranged Ethan on the sofa so he was comfortable and then threw a blanket over him. Taking off his brother's glasses, Cal placed them on the coffee table. Switching off all the lights, Cal headed to his own bedroom. The next morning, Cal woke up with a stiff arm. He opened his eyes to see that somehow in the middle of the night Ethan had clambered into his bed and was now asleep in his arms. Cal smiled. Gently lifting his arm from under Ethan's head, careful not to disturb his sleep Cal crept out the bed. Going to the kitchen he looked into the fridge to see what he could rustle up for him and Ethan to have for breakfast. The fridge was practically empty so he decided to go out to the shops. Quickly scribbling a note for Ethan he grabbed his keys and jacket. Shutting the door quietly behind him Cal walked down the street, unaware the hidden in the shadows bad news was waiting.
Cal returned an hour later with two bags full of shopping. Upon entering the house a sudden feeling washed over him. It seemed awfully quiet. Then something caught his eye. The carpet was dishevelled and a few photo frames were on the floor as if there had been a struggle. Fear crept up on him and Cal dropped the bags before rushing into his bedroom. Ethan was not there. Storming back to the kitchen he saw something he hadn't seen when he entered. Stuck on the back of the front door was a piece of paper. Pulling it off, Cal immediately recognised the handwriting. It read:
This is the last time you'll ever see your brother again.
Cal screamed smashing his fist against the door. He should have known what his dad planned to do. He probably should have woken Ethan up but, he didn't. Now fearing for not only his brother's safety but, his mum's Cal dialled 999. His dad wouldn't be allowed to get away with this. Cal would not stop searching until he knew his brother and mum was alright.
"999 operator. What service do you require?"
"I'd like to report a missing person and an assault."
10 minutes later two uniformed policemen sat in Cal's flat taking down notes while Cal explained to them what had happened between Ethan and their dad. Having received the full details of the incident, the two policemen informed Cal they would do everything they could to make sure his brother was found. But, Cal couldn't just sit around and wait for news to arrive. He decided to go in search for his brother by himself. Once the two policemen left the flat Cal grabbed his jacket and went out to look for Ethan.
Meanwhile back at his parents' house Steve was watching the TV when there was a knock at the front door. Matilda went to open. She was surprised to see two policemen standing in front of her.
"Mrs. Hardy?" One of the policemen asked her.
"Yes?"
"I'm PC Jones and this is my colleague, PC Devlin. We were wondering if your husband is in?"
"Can I ask what this is about?"
"We would like to speak to your husband if that's alright, Ma'am." PC Jones told her.
"Steve." Matilda called to her husband.
"Yes, what is it?" Her husband appeared beside her and saw the two policemen.
"This is PC Jones and PC Devlin, Steve. They need to speak with you." Matilda informed him.
"What seems to be the problem?" Steve turned to the policemen.
"We have reason to believe that your son, Ethan Hardy is missing and has been in an assault." PC Jones explained to him.
"And what has that got to do with me?" Steve asked, not liking what the police were insinuating.
"We have been informed you have been involved in your son's disappearance."
"There must be some mistake." Matilda said looking at them.
"There's no mistake, Ma'am." PC Devlin said.
"We would like you to come down to the station with us." PC Jones told Steve.
"What for?"
"It's just a formality."
"I have got nothing to say." Steve replied.
"Sir, if you have nothing to hide, then there's no need to worry."
"I said I've got nothing to say to you." Steve snapped.
"If you don't come with us voluntarily," PC Devlin explained. "We are going to have to caution you."
Steve wasn't having any of it. He was about to slam the door in the two policemen's faces when PC Jones put his arm out and stopped the door from closing. PC Devlin then grabbed Steve's arms behind his back.
"Steve Hardy, I'm arresting you for the disappearance and assault of Ethan Hardy. You do not have to say anything. Something you may rely on later in court. Anything you do say may be used in evidence against you."
The two policemen led Steve to the waiting police car. Matilda stood watching as her husband was driven away, tears rolling down her cheeks. At the police station while being questioned Steve denied everything he was accused of.
"Sir, we have reason to believe you were involved in your son's accident. An accident that led him being hospitalised. Do you deny any involvement?" A DS Lewis demanded.
"No comment."
"Your other son, Caleb Knight informed us you regularly lose your temper with his mum and brother. How often do you lose your temper?" DS Lewis questioned further.
"No comment." Steve repeated.
"For the tape, I must confirm that Mr. Hardy is refusing to comment to any questions posed towards him." DS Lewis said.
Just then the door to the interview room opened and a policewoman entered. DS Lewis got up while his constable remained seated.
"DS Lewis has just left the room. Interview suspended at 13.15" DC Brooks said.
Minutes later DS Lewis returned.
"DS Lewis has returned. Interview recommenced at 13.20."
"Mr. Hardy, we have been informed your son has been found. He's been admitted to hospital were a sample of DNA has been taken from his injuries. We would like to take a sample of your DNA to clear your name." DS Lewis informed him.
Cal and his mum sat beside Ethan. He was unconscious and was now in a coma. Neither of them had any idea if he was ever going wake up.
"How could I have let this happen to him?" Matilda said.
"Oh, mum." Cal said. "This isn't your fault."
"But, it is. I knew your dad was drinking too much. I just never thought it would get this bad."
"You should have listened to me in the first place. He needed to get help."
"I know. But, how could I? I was scared."
"It's going to be alright now, mum."
"Sorry, to bother you." A young nurse told them. "But, the police are here to see you, Mrs. Hardy."
Matilda nodded her thanks. She then left Cal to stay with Ethan.
"Everything's going to be fine, Nibbles." Cal whispered. "Just stay strong for me and mum. You'll pull through this."
Matilda soon returned. Cal turned towards her and saw her nod her head.
"Your dad's been charged with Ethan's assault."
Cal turned back to Ethan and stroked his hair.
"It's okay, little brother. He means nothing to us now. It's just going to be the three of us from now on."
