Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving. I wanted to thank you all for taking the time to read and review my last chapter. I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while, been busy with work schedule especially with the holidays. I'm trying my best to wrap this story up. I've decided to do both Aftermath and A brother's revenge.

I'm still not sure about all the court stuff but I'm willing to give it a try. So anyway here's my new chapter. Hope you like it.

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Pressure chapter 26

"Con, I feel the need to apologize to you for the way I acted." Frank said, feeling ashamed. After the blowout he'd had with Joe he'd taken a walk to calm himself down and now he was back to make things right.

"My behavior was inexcusable; I assure you that that will change." The elder Hardy boys held out his hand to Con. "And thank you for stepping in when you did. You've been a good friend to us throughout this case."

"Apology accepted and you're welcome." Con replied, accepting Frank's handshake. "Hey, somebody has to look out for you right? I mean, Lord knows your parents can't do it alone. You guys are a handful." He said with a slight grin.

Frank smiled back at the response. "Now do me a favor and go work things out with your brother." The officer nodded towards the restrooms down the hall.

"I will." Frank answered with a sigh.

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As he approached the bathroom door, he took a deep breath and let it out. "Stay calm and behave in a rational manner". He quietly spoke to himself before opening the door and stepping inside. His heart sank when he found Joe sitting on the bathroom floor with his head buried in his arms. Joe was crying. He hated hearing his brother cry.

Here we go, Frank thought as he shifted into big brother mode, sitting down in front of his brother so he and Joe could talk face to face.

"Joe?"

"Go away, Frank. Please... Just go away... away."

"Joe, we need to talk."

"No. Just go... away."

With a deep sigh, Frank said calmly. "Neither one of us is leaving until we talk." He tried to lighten the conversation with humor, "Think of how embarrassing it would be, if someone were to walk in and find two guys sitting on the bathroom floor."

"I don't care."

Frank ran a hand through Joe's hair. "Come on little brother." He said in a more serious tone. "Talk to me."

"It doesn't matter." Joe stifled a sob. "Because, as usual you were right and I was wrong."

"Actually, little brother, it's the other way around. You were right and I was wrong."

Slowly, Joe raised his head. Frank saw his eyes were reddened and puffy. He sniffed back an angry sob and quickly wiped his eyes. "Don't patronize me with that little brother stuff."

"I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"Joe…"

"How am I was right?" Joe interrupted. "You warned me about Henry's abusive behavior. He did exactly what you said he'd do."

Frank looked Joe in the eye without hesitation, "Yes, you were right. I was being unfair to Henry. He might behave the same as Hayden, but, Henry is not Hayden." Joe could see that his brother was being straight with him and speaking from the heart. Frank began to tear up. "I don't hate Henry. I hate what Hayden did to him. I hate Hayden for this whole lousy situation."

"I hate the fact that you got hurt. I was scared you'd get hurt again. And that I couldn't stop it. And I'm sorry for yelling at you… I was wrong for putting my hands on you." His voice was heavy with emotion as Frank spoke. "I promise that I'll never ever do that to you or Callie."

Joe looked at his brother carefully. It was good to see Frank being so open with his feelings. It meant that he trusted him and that he felt comfortable enough to share some of what he felt.

Frank continued wiping away his tears. "You're also right that I need to let you figure things out on your own; it's just hard, I'm always going to want to protect you. It's part of who I am".

"I know you can't help it. Like you said, it's part of who you are. It'll take time for us both to get used to these changes but we can help each other get through it. And just so you know, I fully support you in your decision to go to Princeton." Joe said clearly.

"Truthfully, I was wrong too. I was wrong for hitting you… and for the awful things I said. You're not him, Frank. You're not. You could never be abusive like Hayden."

"I hated every single minute of being in that closet. But what frightened me the most was the idea of him beating you with that belt. I could feel how terrified you were," Joe clutched at his chest as he added, anger in his voice. "There was nothing I could do to stop it. But thank God… Dad… got there in time."

Frank swallowed the lump in his throat as he thought about it. He instinctively touched the bandage on his wrist. "But I would've let it happen, for you."

"I guess neither one of us could be abusive monsters like Hayden. It's just not in us. We both recognized that our negative actions towards the other were wrong. We were both willing to take the pain for the other. I mean, I would've taken the belt for you." Joe touched his bandaged lip, "I'm sorry you got hurt, Frank." His voice cracked and he blinked back his tears as he reached forward to hug Frank.

"I'm sorry you got hurt too." Frank hugged him back blinking back tears of his own.

"I don't know about you but I'm through with being Hayden's victim. I think it's time to take back the control over our lives." He pulled away from Joe, looking at him straight on. He kept his voice strong, "What do you say? Are you with me?"

Joe's answer was a shrug, "I don't know."

That wasn't the answer Frank had expected to hear. "You don't know? What happened to my tough as nails, kid brother?"

"I can't be that person anymore." Joe touched his bandaged lip. "When Henry threw his tray at me, it triggered a memory of Hayden and sent me into panic mode. Because Hayden did the same thing when he threw that book at me. It just reminded me of how much of a coward I am."

He said, tears in his eyes. "I don't know how to be Joe Hardy without saying or doing the wrong thing. Maybe that's the kind of man I'll always be, loud and impulsive?"

Frank sat back for a moment, trying to think of something encouraging to say. "Well yes, the loud and impulsive part is true." Frank said finally. Joe gave him a confused look.

"That just means you're full of passion and determination. I think you're starting to come into your own. Joe, you're gonna make mistakes along the way. I know I am. I've been making a few of them myself. I think part of being a man is learning from your mistakes."

"I see that Joe Hardy sitting in front of me right now. He's an amazing kid brother who drives me crazy at times. But, he's also an amazingly kind and caring person who has a heart of gold."

"A coward he is not." Frank continued on, "He's the kind of person who's willing to stick up for a friend, when everyone else has turned their backs on him, including his older brother."

"Joe Hardy has the balls to tell you the honest truth, no matter the circumstances. If he has to knocks down walls or shout it from the rooftops, in order to make people listen, he'll do it."

Joe was starting to like this bold side of his brother. He repeated his view, "I tried to get people to listen. I tried to believe in Dad's justice." He cleared his throat.

"I tried to fight back and look where it got me." Joe pointed to his bandages on his arms and mouth. "Let's face it. Joe Hardy has lost his will to fight."

Joe's insecurities were starting to make themselves known Frank could see that, lucky for him he knew exactly how to push his brother's buttons.

"Really, so you're just going to sit back and do nothing?" Frank challenged Joe. "This is exactly what Hayden wants, for us to be his victims. In fact, he's probably sitting in jail right now, laughing his ass off. And you know who he's laughing at? Us, Joe. He's laughing at us. He's playing us for fools. The Joe Hardy I know wouldn't stand for it; instead he would want to kick the man's ass."

"What am I supposed to tell Henry?"

Joe just looked at him.

Frank continued to think out loud. "Yeah, we saw the abusive side of him. But, maybe, just maybe, we need to give him the benefit of the doubt and hear his side of the story. It's the right thing to do."

He pulled Henry's drawing of Joe out of his pant pocket. "I still don't know what to make of this guy. Maybe it is just a drawing?" Frank stared at the character's face that resembled his brother. He still found the picture troubling. "But, I'm willing to hear Henry's reason for this without judging him."

Then something else occurred to him. "What if this is what Henry's been waiting for?"

"A superhero?" Joe asked looking at his brother strangely. "So what, I'm supposed to put on a metallic blue suit and mask and jump in with my galactic ray gun and save the day?"

"In a way, yes if that's what it takes." Frank stated simply. "Henry's life is still in danger. He's scared and needs someone he can trust. And that someone is Joe Hardy and his faithful sidekick Frank."

"You?"

"Well, yeah, who else?"

"We're the amazing dynamic detective duo of Bayport, are we not?" Frank said, suppressing a smile. "However, I draw a line at wearing tights, although a cape might be nice."

A grin spread across Joe's face as he shook his head laughing. "You're such nerd for a Princeton man."

"We still need to be cautious and keep our guard up around Henry." Frank said in all seriousness. Joe reluctantly nodded in agreement. "I haven't left for Princeton yet, and as long as I'm here we might as well finish the job. And we never quit a case; we see it through until the end." Frank said, rising to his feet.

"You want to do something therapeutic let's put on our detective capes and investigate both Mrs. Jacobs as well as Nurse Matthews' disappearances. There's something more going on there I can feel it."

"So come on. Henry needs you; I need you." Frank held his hand out to Joe. "Are you with me partner?" Frank was silently praying that what he'd done had worked on helping Joe.

Joe stared at Frank's hand debating his answer. He began mulling over what his brother had said. He instinctively touched his bandaged lip as Hayden rose to mind. Everything that so called teacher had done to him; he'd been arrested and then locked in a rat infested closet because of that man. Then there was what he'd done to Henry and what he'd almost done to Frank.

"Hayden wants us to be his victims. He's playing us for fools. He's probably sitting in jail laughing his ass off at us." Frank's words echoed in his head.

Then Joe pictured Hayden sitting in his jail cell doubled over in laughter, he could just hear him, "those stupid Hardy brothers." He suddenly felt rage began to boil up inside of him. Laugh at us will you, oh hell no! I'm not going to be a laughing stock.

"Henry needs you; I need you."

"I'm done being a victim; it's time to take back control of our lives." Then he saw it: a spark had ignited in Joe's blue eyes.

"Yes I am partner." Joe took Frank's hand in agreement, "Now let's go kick some ass!"

(OOOOOOooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO)

A few minutes later the boys headed back to Henry's room. To their surprise they found their father standing outside the room talking to Con. And he did not look happy.

Fenton looked up as the boys approached, his eyes going from Frank to Joe as he noted their eyes were red and puffy. ""Con was just filling me in on what's been going on," the father began. "He told me all about the argument you two had." Then he changed tactics and asked directly. "Is everything okay?"

Joe exchanged looks with Frank then glanced over at Con. "Sorry." Con apologized.

"It's okay," Joe said. "Yes, Dad everything is fine." He glanced at Frank, letting him answer Fenton.

"What Joe means, is that we're working things out". Frank knew their father would not accept any vague answers.

Joe was dreading finding out just how much their father had been told and just what he was going to do. "So you know about what happened with Henry?"

"Yes." Fenton nodded. He wasn't happy to hear about how Henry had thrown his tray of food at Joe, causing his son to go into a panic attack. But, he admitted to himself, he was angrier with himself for having given Joe permission to see his friend in the first place.

Before Joe could respond Dr. Reese stepped out of the room. "I'm glad you're working things out but remember: my door is open should either of you want to talk," she offered.

"Thank you. And we'll be talking to you soon." Joe answered hoping it would help convince their father that he and Frank were making an effort to work out their issues.

"Yes, once this case is over." Frank said in agreement. Joe then asked a question, concern for his friend foremost in his mind. "But, first how's Henry?"

"He's doing fine now." Dr. Reese replied.

"What happened?"

"Henry said he was having a flashback of his father hitting him. He was in the middle of a panic attack when you entered the room."

"I didn't mean to scare him." Joe said feeling guilty. "I feel really bad about that. Would it be okay for us see Henry?" He asked the doctor before shifting his eyes to Fenton knowing he would have the final say.

"Yes, that is if it's okay with your father." Dr. Reese answered.

"Dad, can I?" Joe's blue eyes pleaded. "I really need to talk to him. And Frank will be in there will me. So he'd still be keeping his word to you." He shot Frank a pleading look.

"Yes, I'll be in there with Joe." Frank said coming to Joe's rescue.

There was a heavy sting of silence in the air. Even though he wasn't happy about Henry getting violent with Joe, Fenton had to focus on the bigger picture and the reason he was here. He didn't know how Joe would handle the news that Henry might have to testify against Hayden in court.

"Actually, before I make a decision," Fenton cleared his throat. He'd already informed Con and Dr. Reese of the news as soon as he arrived, and now he had to explain it to his sons. "There is something I need to talk to you boys about. It's the reason that I'm here."

There was a look on their father's face that told Frank and Joe that something was going on. "Does it have to do with Henry?" Joe asked, though he already knew that particular answer. He could see the concern on Dr. Reese's face and the anger on Con's face told him that they at least, already knew.

"Yes, I'm afraid Henry is very much involved in this."

"Dad? What is it?" Joe didn't like this.

Fenton took a deep breath and began by telling them that the charges against Joe had been dropped. From there, he went on to describe Hayden's mental breakdown, including him threatening suicide while being questioned, and ending his impromptus speech with the possibility of a trial. "In fact, as I was visiting Hayden, he had another 'breakdown".

The boys were furious when Fenton mentioned Hayden claiming to be out of his mind and never meaning to hurt his son. He was also trying to overcome his abusive childhood. And Hayden had claimed to love his son? Frank and Joe both agreed all of Hayden's claims were a load of crap.

"A hearing is set to be held in two weeks. The judge will determine if there's enough evidence for Hayden to go to trial."

"So you believe Hayden is playing the victim?" Frank said slowly as he thought aloud. "What you said about him being a sociopath; the manipulation, the lack of empathy, it does make sense."

"Yes, I believe so." Fenton confirmed. "Daniel Bartend, Hayden's lawyer is pushing for an insanity defense. That would mean Hayden could get a lighter sentence, or even no jail time at all."

"Instead Hayden could end up being sent to a mental health facility for treatment. Not only that, but Bartend is also trying to get the attempted murder charge dropped; he's determined to prove his client is incompetent to stand trial."

"Bartend is also representing Principal Ryan. And so far, it looks like all Ryan will be getting, is a slap on the wrist." Fenton was still fuming over that one. "But right now, our main focus is Hayden."

"Carl Sims will be prosecuting the case. As you boys know, he has to prove that Hayden is competent to stand trial. I'm not concerned about that; he has all the evidence he needs". He paused, mentally preparing himself for the next part of his talk with his boys. "As difficult as it will be he'll need to subpoena the students who reported being abused by Hayden, to testify. You boys would also be called in to testify."

"Oh no, that would mean…" Frank looked at Joe.

Joe felt his father's hand land on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Joe but I think you knew it was coming to this. Henry may have to testify as the star witness; his testimony might be our only chance in getting Hayden convicted."

"No, there has to be something else." Joe argued. "Some other way?"

"I'm sorry son."

"He's not ready. He just had a panic attack for crying out loud!" Joe felt his anxiety start to rise. "Henry won't open up to Dr. Reese about his father. How the hell are we going to get him to talk about him on the witness stand, in front of who knows how many people!?"

"Joe," Frank cut in. "Calm down." He stopped Joe's rant before he had another panic attack.

Finally taking in a deep breath, Joe let out a sigh to calm his nerves. "I'm sorry Dad. I didn't mean to yell. It's just…"

"It's okay, I understand you're upset." Fenton said calmly. He knew Joe would be upset with this and how much he cared about his friend. He wished there was some other way. He hated to see his son in pain. His eyes lingered on Joe's bandaged lip, "You boys have been through a lot yourselves. I didn't want to put either of you through this; I don't have a choice though."

"You know whether or not there is a trial." Joe brought up. "Henry loses. I guess the only thing we can hope for is Hayden's being mentally unstable. Then at least he'd be locked up in the loony bin."

A prison sentence of 25 years. Hayden could get 25 years. For all the pain he'd caused everyone. For every student he'd abused, Frank thought. He agreed with his brother in that Henry was in no way ready to stand witness at a trial, but at the same time Henry could still be used as their main focus to getting Hayden where he belonged, in prison.

"I think Henry could do it." Frank spoke up.

"What?" Joe gasped, dismayed.

"I think Henry could do it." Frank repeated.

"What do you mean?" Fenton inquired.

"Joe, you faced your fear when you were locked in that closet." Frank continued on before Joe had a chance to argue, "Maybe its time for Henry to face his. He's been Hayden's victim for too long. It's time for him to take back control over his life."

"If there's going to be a trial, then we need to get him ready for it."

"Yeah, but how?" Joe asked. He didn't know where his brother was going with this and he wasn't sure if he liked it.

With a flourish Frank handed Henry's drawing to his brother. "All he needs is Justice."

Fenton got his first glimpse of the drawing. He studied the character's face closely and thought how strange it was that it resembled his younger son. "What the heck is that? Is that supposed to be Joe?"

"Henry drew it. It's his hero." Joe looked at the drawing. Frank was right. It wasn't going to end like this. Somehow, some way Henry was going to get justice.

Then a crazy idea that he knew his brother and most definitely his father would disagree with, popped into his head. But then again Frank did say he was willing to give Henry the benefit of the doubt and hear his side without judgment. It meant Frank was trying and that meant a lot to Joe. So maybe…he could take a chance with his idea hoping his father would agree with it.

He took a deep breath and decided to go for it anyway. "Dad, I know I'm not supposed to be alone with him. I need you to trust me on this." Joe saw Fenton clench his jaw, a sure sign of his disapproval.

"It's just that I think having too many people in the room would be overwhelming for Henry. One on one might be easier for him. I might be able to get Henry to open up, to face his fear, if I'm the only one there. Maybe I can get him to open up to Dr. Reese."

"Joe, I don't know." Fenton huffed at Joe's idea.

"Please, Dad, at least let me try. It's not like you'll be far away. You, Con and Dr. Reese would be right outside that door if I need you."

"Actually, it might be worth a try." Surprisingly, Frank spoke up in Joe's defense. "Joe's already connected with Henry, aside from the tray incident. I think he sees Joe as his hero."

Joe blushed at his brother's praise.

"If we want Henry to testify against Hayden, then we need to let Joe try." As hard as this was for Frank, this was Joe's decision and he was going to let go and trust Joe.

"However, I wouldn't mention anything about a trial just yet." He advised his brother. "We have to ease Henry into it. Maybe you could start off talking about the drawing."

"I can do that." Joe nodded.

"I'm not quite sure I understand the drawing," Fenton said, something about it just didn't sit well with him, but that was for another conversation with his sons, for which the time wasn't right now. "I do however agree with Frank that we need to prepare Henry for a trial."

"Does this mean I can have one on one time with Henry?" Joe asked hopefully.

"Yes, as long as Frank is in there with you."

"Yes, of course, Dad, thank you." Joe said graciously. He smiled at Frank, "I don't know what I'd do without my faithful sidekick."