Joe was surprised when his father walked into the garage basement. The boys had left Danny, Paul, and Anita at the hospital earlier that morning, and were now playing pool and drinking sodas. (Joe having convinced the other guys that Danny's recovery did not mandate celebratory beers.)
"Dad?" Joe stated in surprise, "What are you doing down here? What happened to not giving the assailant the idea that Paul hired detectives?"
Fenton responded grimly, "Since you called me this morning from the hospital, I've been researching Adler Haas. Right now, he is our number one suspect-"
"Isn't he dead?"
"Reportedly, but he also wouldn't be the first to fake his death. He's dangerous."
"Well yeah, I almost got blown up last night." Joe said sassily as the listening boys around him sniggered.
His dad's raised eyebrow made Joe shrink a bit. Did he just sass his father? He was spending way too much time with these guys.
"Think, Joe." Fenton spoke with gentle chastisement. "All the attacks, except perhaps the bomb, were fairly mild. They could be considered warnings. We now know that Adler, should he indeed be the perpetrator, is no stranger to extreme violence. He doesn't seem to care who he hurts. It is time to exercise caution."
Joe nodded with chagrin. "Sorry, Dad. You're right. What should we do?"
Fenton now addressed all the boys- Ron, Elijah, Randy, and Adam. "I want all of you boys to lay low for a while. Stay at home. If your home situations aren't acceptable, stay with a friend . I don't think you boys are the targets. The attacks have been getting closer and closer to Paul. I've arranged a friend of mine, Sam Radley, to take Paul to a safe house. It's just for a few days, to see what we can ascertain on our end."
Joe and the rest of the boys gathered their jackets and made to leave. They all agreed that caution was probably best for the moment. Randy went with Adam to his house, while Ron and Elijah each returned to their respective homes. As Joe retied his shoes by the entrance of the garage he asked his father, "I was going to take Iola out tonight; I guess not a good idea now, is it?"
Fenton clapped Joe on the shoulder. "I'm afraid not, son. But we're getting close. You can call her when we get home."