Disclaimer: I do not own the Hardy Boys or any of the book characters. There are OCs that are mine, but that's all.
Rating/Setting: Rating is T. Setting is pre-blue spine and AU. This story is a sequel to "Taken" which should be read before reading this story. Boys are about 16/17.
Author's Notes: Okay, so I should have put in the last chapter that they removed those flowers from Joe's room. After Wendylouwho10 mentioned it, I had to laugh. I can just imagine those flowers in Joe's room practically mocking him... Yes, Laura would have definitely removed them.
I'm not a law expert, but I did check a few things. Hopefully, most of them are right.
And yes, this last chapter is shorter than most, but it ends this part of the story appropriately. I am nearing the end of the next part of the story: "Retribution." I should begin posting that one in just a couple of weeks. Just know that it's only half the length of this one.
Chapter Thirty-Four
The next day, Joe was released from the hospital. He was returning home for the second time in less than a week to recuperate. As Frank and Laura were once again escorting Joe from the hospital in a wheelchair, Joe turned to his brother and said, "I'm afraid I haven't gotten you anything for your birthday tomorrow."
Frank gave a small laugh as he looked to his mother. "I think we're all just happy that you're alive and coming home."
Returning Frank's smile, Laura added, "It will be a double celebration. Frank turns eighteen and Joe comes home. I think it calls for cake and ice cream."
"Can it be chocolate cake?" Joe asked. "With chocolate ice cream?"
"You know I like pound cake, Joe," Frank said with a laugh.
Joe turned pleading eyes to his mother who was to his right. "Mom?"
Unable to resist, Laura laughed and said that she would fix two cakes. She gave Joe a stern look as she said, "I'll have plenty of time today and tomorrow since I won't be leaving you alone."
Joe had the grace to blush and look away.
Turning to Frank as they opened the doors on the van under the portico, she said, "We'll have the party after you get home from school." Then after giving a quick glance to Joe who was arranging himself in the van, she added quietly to Frank, "Maybe you could see if Iola and Callie wanted to come over?"
Frank gave his mother a big smile. "I'm sure they will." Frank opened the passenger door and got in up front with his dad while his mom got in the back with Joe.
"I'm tired of making this trip, Joe." Laura looked at her son carefully. There were no additional bruises or breaks from this hospital stay. Nothing to show that his heart had stopped and his body had barely managed to keep him alive for a few hours.
"I know, mom." Joe's voice was quiet as stared at his mother's feet, unable to look her in the eye.
Laura reached out and lifted Joe's head so that he looked her in the eye. "Making a recording saying that I shouldn't blame myself isn't enough, Joe. I need you around, not just your memory." Her eyes misted up. She hadn't meant to have this conversation with him here and now, but she couldn't seem to stop. "Don't do that to me again."
Joe reached up and took his mother's hand. He nodded. It wasn't a promise, but it was the best he could give.
.**********.
The next evening, things were festive at the Hardy house. Callie and Iola had come over for supper and the impromptu party. Frank had opened presents and there had been two types of cake for everyone along with chocolate ice cream.
Joe and Iola had moved into the living room away from the main area of the party which was still in the kitchen.
"You know I'm sorry for everything," Joe began but was cut short by Iola.
"Don't, Joe. Don't keep apologizing. We both made mistakes in all this." Iola gave him a wry smile as she added, "Of course your mistakes were a little more life-threatening than mine."
Joe smiled back at her. "Lessons learned."
"Better be," she replied as she stood on her toes to give him a quick kiss on the lips.
Just as Fenton came into the room and cleared his throat, the doorbell rang. He gave a laugh as he moved toward the door. He called over his shoulder to the young couple, "Saved by the proverbial bell." Joe and Iola took that opportunity to clear out of the living room and back into the kitchen. Fenton laughed as he opened the door. Seeing the bundled up officer on the porch, he stepped back and said, "Con, come on in! We're having cake and ice cream to celebrate Frank's birthday and Joe coming home from the hospital. Would you like some?"
Con gave Fenton a big smile as stepped inside and the door closed. "No, Fenton. I'm on patrol but wanted to let you know what we learned from the DA today."
Fenton gave a wary look to the kitchen before asking, "And?"
"Since Camille is sixteen, she has the standing of an adult offender. The recording Joe made along with all the other evidence makes for strong case that she purposefully tried to make Joe depressed and then attempted to kill him twice."
"I knew it was strong case, but what did the DA say?"
"Because a case could be made for premeditated murder, the defense is willing to deal." Con paused as Fenton snorted. "As I was saying, they're willing to deal. The DA is recommending a mental facility to start with and an as yet undecided amount of jail time in a women's facility. Because of her age, they're still trying to determine what is appropriate."
Fenton looked at Con. He understood. Camille was just sixteen. Was it justice to send her to prison for the rest of her life? What about fifteen years? She'd be over thirty before she got out. He sighed. He knew that Joe would argue against a lengthy sentence in favor of mental health treatment. Fenton glanced back toward the kitchen and then back to Con. "Joe will give another impact statement?" At Con's nod, he said, "I'll call the DA and tell them what Joe thinks. I'm sure that he'll ask them to recommend therapy instead of a lengthy sentence."
"But you don't like it." Con stated rather than asked.
Fenton shook his head. "I don't want Camille Montoya to rot in jail for the rest of her life… But Joe already has one crazy woman hunting him. I don't want him to have two. I'd feel better if she wasn't out quickly."
Con gave him a grim smile. "I understand, Fenton." Pulling his coat tighter, he said, "Time for me to go. Please give the boys my best."
"I will," Fenton replied as he let out the officer.
After locking the door, Fenton went back to the kitchen and stood in the doorway. Frank was standing with his arms around Callie. Joe was seated at the table and Iola had her hands on his shoulders as she stood behind him. His wife was scooping more ice cream into a bowl that had to be for Joe. Fenton smiled. The year was drawing to a close. At least for now, the mood was warm and cheery. He sent up a holiday wish that the new year would continue in that vein. However, only time would tell.