Italics: flashback/video

Joe stared at the expression on his father's and brother's face through the window. Their eyes reflected pure hatred and Joe has never seen hatred reflected in their eyes no matter how many times he messed up. It was always understanding and patience reflected in Frank's eyes in contrast to the disappointment and steely-eyed expression reflected in his father. But this was not one of those times. Emily tried to frame him for his murder. He may have brandished the knife but Emily willingly walked into the knife itself.

He was so furious at Frank. When the roles were reversed, Joe believed him. It took him a half-a-day because he lost his mother but not because he disbelieved Frank. Far from it. He knew Frank didn't kill her. Frank loved his mother the same way that Joe loved her. Despite his own grief, he made sure that Frank was alright. Frank always came first-the thing that Frank never knew is that Joe broke up with Vanessa during the six months and then got back together with him. He suppressed his own feelings, so he could look out for Frank. With Frank and Fenton against him, Joe didn't know who to turn to. Who to believe and who to trust. After all the betrayal and hurt he was subjected to, he couldn't fathom that his own family will be the root of the problem and the most damaging.

Angry tears trickled down Joe's face as he realised that he won't be there for Fenton's last few days. When he gets released, Fenton won't be there. He turned away to hide his tears. The last thing he needed was to see his family's expressions. The squad car drove off to the station.

FGFGFGFG

Three weeks ago Frank didn't believe Joe could commit murder. But after everything that happened. Frank had admitted to himself that Joe was unhinged and unpredictable. Fenton watched his younger son been escorted into a squad car.

FGFGFGFG

Joe was taken to the booking room where his pockets were emptied, the contents were recorded. They placed his belongings in a plain, manila folder. After been fingerprinted and having his mug shots taken. Since he changed his clothes when he arrived home, he had no evidence to present. He hoped that if the evidence showed up, he wouldn't be charged for contaminating the evidence.

Frank had left a few moments after Joe did. As Joe left, he spotted the blood-stained shirt lying on the sofa set. He put it an evidence bag and rushed to the station. "Frank you came back for me" Joe smiled. He went to hug him but Frank dodged Joe's incoming hug. There was a wounded expression on Joe's face . It was at that precise moment Joe eyed the package in his hand and realised something. Frank didn't come to free me, he still thinks I'm guilty he came to bring the evidence. He had come to the police station and handed the Officer his blood-stained T-shirt that Joe changed out of.

"Trying to withhold evidence, Mr. Hardy". The policer Officer questioned Joe.

"No, sir. I wouldn't" Joe protested.

Addressing Joe the Officer stated, "Mr. Hardy, the conviction is not looking too good."

After his brother had left, Joe was escorted to his cell and at three a.m. Officer Mike woke him up. The Officer who questioned him didn't care what time it was. He didn't care about Joe's discomfort. He manhandle Joe. He was Emily's oldest brother. He was nothing like Emily or his family. That's why he became a police officer. To defend people. He let his hatred with his father cloud his judgement.

"Why did you kill Emily" the Officer questioned Joe.

"Emily wanted to die. She wanted to frame me for my murder and turn my own brother against me. Which worked."

"Don't lie to me." He put his hands on the scruff of Joe's neck and pulled him to his feet roughly and slammed him against the wall. Joe gasped. He was breathless. Joe was gasping for air. After he pushed Joe against the wall, the Officer exited the cell.

The next morning,Joe was exhausted. He had only three hours of sleep as he wondered about Frank's behaviour. No matter what happened between the brothers, Frank never ignored his brother no matter how upset he got. So what happened?

"Chief Collig,I'm telling you this as an officer. I didn't want to hide the bloodied T-shirt but I was exhausted after the blood transfusion." He didn't want to tell Chief Collig what happened a few hours ago.

"Its 8 o'clock. Joe. Your brunch will be served at 12 and your dinner will be served at 5pm."

Joe nodded. He was already ravenous. He hasn't eaten anything since last night. He smacked his head. Emily recorded everything. It was evidence that proved he was innocent. He hoped that Emily hadn't destroyed it. Or that if it was taken away. He prayed to God that the damn video would be found which would prove his innocence.

"Chief Collig, Emily recorded everything. If you can find it will prove I'm innocent."

FGFGFG

Vanessa had gotten the news that Joe was arrested and had rushed to her future brother-in-law's house. Her grey-blue eyes were welled in tears as she cried out. "We were supposed to move forward start a family and you're too pig-headed to realise Joe couldn't murder someone who made his life hell."

They listened to her with the utmost shock. They realised that Vanessa had a point.

You weren't there. Frank countered.

Vanessa took her fist back and punched Frank who didn't block it because it happened so fast and he didn't have time to block.

"Look Frank. If Joe didn't kill al-rousasa after he murdered Iola. Why would he murder Emily for putting him through hell. You told me that Joe tried to help the same person who took Iola away from him."

You're right. Vanessa. Frank relented, grimacing as he gingerly touched his right eye.

Frank realized that Joe never got the chance to tell her about his vasectomy. He didn't want to tell her because it was Joe's duty to inform his fiancée. But he didn't want Vanessa to believe in something non-existent.

Before Frank could say anything else, the phone ran and he picked it up. It was chief Collig giving him a direct order.

FGFGFGFG

Chief Collig agreed to send Fenton and Frank to the restricted area in the hospital. Frank and Fenton agreed to drive to the hospital as soon as possible.

FGFGFGFG

At the hospital, Frank and Fenton were given permission to visit the restricted area. They looked everywhere and found the video and their blood turned to ice as they pondered on what was on it. They switched it on and tears swam down their eyes as they watched Joe been beaten thirty times and his blood-curdling screams.

Joe,you're going to help me with something. You're going to take this knife and plunged in through my chest. My family couldn't break your bond with your brother, so you killing me in cold blood should do the trick. I'll be the one to break up your pathetic team. Frank could do so much better than you. He's intelligent and he is saddled with an insipid person like YOU. With that she backhanded him across the jaw.You can't bully me into committing murder. Frank may believe you because he's so logical and methodical but he will realise I'm innocent in the end. He needs tangible proof to believe something. Even if that's something is his little brother. Better late than never I always say.

Oh little brother, I'm so sorry. I hope you find in your hearts to forgive me. Frank thought to what happened at the station;Joe's devastated blue eyes as Frank avoided him when Joe was about to give him a hug. How could he have been so heartless?

Then you leave me no choice. Emily's voice held so much content that Joe flinched.I'll bring Frank here and I'll replay Callie's death over and over again. You don't want Frank's mental state to slowly wither away like Callie, do you?Joe didn't reply for a few seconds. He relented.She tied a knife to his hand and walked into the knife itself. She didn't stop until she wad fully impaled. She gave a strangled yell

Frank and Fenton were repulsive after watching the video. They didn't know that Joe was hurt that badly. A terrible thought came to their mind. Joe's innocent. I need to rescue him and hopefully this will drop the charges against him.

They raced to the station and produced the video and Chief Collig smiled. He addressed Joe. "This proves you're innocent. But we have to still appeal to the jury. The trial will be set at a later date."

"Joe even though it wasn't your intention. You're going to spend three weeks in jail"

"Why?" Joe said,his voice devoid of emotion.

"When Frank produced the bloodied shirt. A member of the jury was already here. They are unconvinced and want you to spend three weeks in jail. They've already convicted you,Joe."

Frank listened to this and looked away. He may have already sealed his brother's fate. He would never forgive himself for this.

FGFGFGFG

During the night, chief Collig opened his cell and woke Joe and told him the news; his father had passed away.

"Hey this is for you. A letter." Chief Collig handed him a letter. He opened it and tears welled in his eyes as he recognised his father's handwriting.

Dear Joe

I love you. I'm so proud of the man you're becoming. Take care of Frank. I believe that you're innocent. Frank and I found the video and proved your innocence. I'm sorry for everything. Joe your brother feels terrible about it. Please Joe. Promise me. That no matter what happens you and Frank will always be there for each other. He needs you Joe. He's tearing himself up because he believes it was all his fault. Mom is also proud of you. Frank will do whatever it takes to bring you home safely. Joe whatever you chose to do as your profession, Frank would never blame you. please forgive me. I should have believed you when you said you didn't kill her.

Chief Collig,please let me go to my father's funeral". Joe begged him.

"Joe,thats out of the question. I'm sorry but I can't permit you to do that."

Joe cried out. "Please shackle me if you have to but let me go to the funeral. You can accompany me. I can't let this happen. Just please. Lock me in jail if you must but my brother needs me so please,please let me go."

Chief Collig pondered on it and he hastily disagreed. He had a job to do. it was one of the things he hated, no despise, about his job.

"Joe, you can't go. Okay. The member of the jury forbids you to go."

Joe's eyes were downcast. "I'm sorry. My hands are tied."

"I understand, Chief Collig." He said in a tone of despondence.

He was in a fetal position. The family took everything away from him. He couldn't even attend his own father's funeral. He didn't want to acknowledge his lingering feelings. Did dad died disappointed in me? Joe's tears soaked his shirt. What did I do that was so bad the Faradic Family wanted to take everything away from me . I know one thing for sure: I'm never going to let them win. With Frank by my side, I know he'll do anything to make sure that I'm released.

The thoughts circulating in Joe's head was so overwhelming that his head started to pound. He couldn't think clearly or act. The Faradic family had broken his spirit. Not attending his own father's funeral was the straw that broke the camel's back. Not even his injuries caused him so much emotional pain. The physical wounds healed sometime ago, but the emotional and mental wounds stayed like a parasite in Joe's mind.

This is my first time writing a jail scene so please bear with me. I've researched legal terms and everything but please tell me if it doesn't appeal to you as an epilogue. Then tell me and I'll fix it. A bit thanks to those who reviewed and followed my story. Your reviews always make me smile. It got me through bad days, when I lose confidence as a writer. So thanks for being with me as I'm starting my first series. I hope to get a lot of reviews and more favourites and follows as I am going to continue this series. This series is known as Betrayal. I'll put the order of my series on my Bio.

Also, the sequel aftermath will pick up a two months later. (After the trial).