Chapter 37

"So, there's no sign of him at all?" Missy asked as she, Nancy, and Jenkins sat in a private waiting room of the ER.

"None," Jenkins answered, "But there's a BOLO out. We've set up roadblocks and staked out his house. We'll catch him."

"He better hope you get him before my father does," Joe said as he entered the room.

The young detective was pale and still shaky. His eyes held none of their normal humor or mischief and his face lacked it's normal happy go lucky grin. It was clear that everything was taking its toll on the young man and no one was sure how Joe was still standing.

"I take it that means you got through to your parents then?" Nancy asked softly, patting the spot next to her.

Joe nodded and flopped down on the offered seat. "Yeah. They reach Florida Keys in about three hours. Jack, my dad's pilot friend, is on his way down to meet them. They'll be here about ten tonight. Any news on Frank?"

"Nothing yet," Missy answered, "Why don't you try to get some sleep."

Joe just nodded; he didn't feel like trying to explain to anyone that he wouldn't be able to sleep ever again. Or at least, not as long as the image of Frank lying in that freezer was burned into his memory. So he did the next best thing, he stared at the ceiling and tried to block out the conversation around him.

"We should keep uniforms posted outside Frank's room," Missy said softly, still eyeing Joe.

"And one of us should stay with him," Nancy added.

"Already got that covered," Jenkins reassured. "And I'm pretty sure Joe is up for baby sitting," the detective joked, trying to lighten the oppressive mood in the room.

For that, Joe gave his a grateful smile, "Yeah…I'll babysit him…"

The four fell into worried silence, and time passed slowly. It seemed like a lifetime before a doctor came in.

"Joe Hardy?"

"That's me Doc," Joe said, climbing slowly to his feet.

The doctor looked around the room, "And you all are?" he asked.

Jenkins stood and showed the doctor his badge, "Mr. Hardy in a victim in a case that we are investigating."

The doctor nodded, his suspicions put at ease for the moment, "Mr. Hardy, I'm Dr. Paul, I'm the one who treated your brother in the ER. I want to first reassure you that your brother is stable. He is in critical care, but he is in remarkably good shape for what he's been through."

Joe let out a breath he didn't know he was holding; he had never felt more relieved in his life, "You have no idea how good that news is Doc."

The Dr. Paul gave Joe a tired smile, "I think I can risk a guess," he said before growing serious again. "But I have to tell you, that he's still not in good shape, he's better then expected but he's still in critical condition. He's lost a fair amount of blood, he's hypothermic, there is a high risk of the wounds becoming infected, and he has a broken nose. He got luckily with the stab wounds, they're mostly superficial and can simply be stitched closed. Right now, we do not have to put him on a ventilator, but as his temperature rises, there is a chance he could contract a cold or phenomena, and then we would have to vent him. Our biggest concerns at the moment, however, are the threat of infection and his temperature."

Joe nodded, understanding what the doctor was saying but really only caring about two things; "Is he awake? Can I see him?"

Dr. Paul smiled and nodded, "He has been in and out of sleep since he arrived. We have him on a morphine drip and they're settling him in the ICU. I'll have a nurse come and get you when they're done."

LINE

It had been several hours since Frank's rescue. He was now comfortably settled in a private room in the ICU. Joe had not left since he had been allowed in. Missy and Jenkins had gone to the police station to help search for Marks. Nancy had stayed to keep an eye on Joe.

It was now eight o'clock, and Frank was still showing no signs of waking up. The doctors had warned Joe that it might take him awhile to wake up. Once his temperature was back in a normal range, he should show more signs of activity, but for now he just needed sleep.

Joe sighed, and stood up, stretching his back. He stared out the window into the night. A light snowstorm had moved in, dusting the city in a blanket of white. The combination of snow and Christmas lights was mesmerizing and Joe found himself staring off into space.

That was how Nancy found him several minutes later. "Hey you," she called softly, stepping into the room.

Joe looked over his shoulder and gave her a soft smile before looking out the window again. "Where do you think he is?" Joe asked softly.

"I don't know, but I can tell you where he isn't. Missy just checked in, they've narrowed their search down. They're closing in on him Joe."

Joe just nodded, and turned from the window to look at his brother. "He looks like a mummy…" Joe teased as he studied his brother. It was true though; Frank's torso and arms were covered in bandages, and there was a bandage wrapped around his eyes. He had several IV and monitor lines running into him as well as an oxygen mask covering his face. All of this served to make Frank look years younger then eighteen.

Nancy looked over to Frank and smiled, "He kind of does…" she shook her head and sighed. "When was the last time you ate Joe?"

"I don't know. I'm not hungry…"

"Joe Hardy, I will not let you starve yourself."

"Nan, I'm fine. I'm not hungry, besides, I hate hospital food…"

"Go…eat…" a horsed voice ordered causing Nancy and Joe to pause and stare over at the bed.

"Frank?" Joe asked, making his way over to the bed. He smiled, his first real smile in days, when he saw Frank was moving his head from side to side. Joe rolled his eyes and placed a hand on his brother's brow to keep him from dislodging the bandages.

"Can't…see…" Frank complained.

"You're eyes are bandaged," Joe said softly, "You're ok, brother. You're safe now."

Frank nodded slightly.

"How are you feeling?" Joe asked him.

"Cold…Heard Nancy?" was the tired reply.

"I'm here Frank," Nancy piped in.

"Hi…" Frank yawned.

Nancy laughed, "Hi yourself."

"Do you hurt?" Joe asked.

"Little…not bad…" Frank claimed, but Joe knew it was a lie.

"I'll get a nurse…" Joe began but Frank shook his head.

"You eat. Nancy get nurse…" Frank chocked out.

Nancy laughed, "You're out numbered Joe."

Joe sighed, he knew he wasn't going to win, "Fine. I'll get some food. Nancy will get a nurse. I'll be right back? Alright?"

Frank nodded, and Joe had the suspicion that his brother was starting to drift off again. Joe looked up at Nancy, beaming. Nancy mirrored the look, "I'll give Missy a call as well. This'll be some much needed good news."

LINE

"Hey Nan, what's up?" Missy answered on the third ring. She was tired and frustrated, and it was clear in her voice.

"I have good news. Frank woke up," Nancy said excitedly.

"That's great! Thanks Nan, that's really good news…" Missy said, genuine happiness in her voice.

"Anything new on your end?" Nancy asked.

"No, not really - "

At that moment, Jenkins come into Missy's office, furious.

"I got to go Nan. Call you right back," Missy said quickly before hanging up the phone. "What's happened?"

"The story leaked. Some reporter made it public that Frank is alive and which hospital he's in," Jenkins growled.

"Fuck," Missy snapped, slamming her fist on the desk. "Which channel? Can you get them to pull the story?"

"Captin's trying, but it's probably already too late. I've sent more uniforms to the hospital. Better grab your coat, we gotta go."

Missy nodded, "I'll call Joe on the way."