Fenton had wanted to get home and call the Network so Frank had promised to drive Camille home as soon as he had let his mom know he was all right. If his dad returned home alone he knew his mom couldn't help but think that something had happened to him too. She would have to see for herself. Frank knew he could at least save his mother from worrying a little. And besides, Camille had called her father when they touched down in the states so he knew she was okay.
"What took you so long?" Joe greeted them with a grin as they entered the living room.
Frank's mouth fell open and his eyes widened in shock. He stood that way, staring at his brother until a relieved shout erupted from his father who raced to Joe and enveloped him in a strong bear hug. "I was so scared I had lost you," Fenton whispered in a voice thick with emotion.
"You're not that lucky," Joe told him. He had been almost two full days now without the medication Curan had given him, and he was feeling more like his old self.
"Aw, Baby Brother," Frank finally spoke, going to Joe after their father released him and hugging him. "What happened? How did you get away? Where's Matt?"
Joe told him, his father, and Camille about the ambush. "Tippoli's son took over," Joe explained. "He wanted revenge for his father's death so he ordered his men to kill Matt and bring me back. Matt got away but I was brought back to Bayport and dropped off out front," he ended.
"You really do lead an exciting life," Camille commented.
"Just a lot, yeah," agreed Joe, smiling at her. "I'm sorry you got involved in all of this," he told her, growing serious. "And I understand completely if you never want to go out with me."
"After all I've been through?" Camille demanded, her eyes widening in indignation. "You at least owe me dinner and a movie."
"You're serious?" asked Joe in surprise. Camille nodded. Joe looked at his dad and quirked an eyebrow. It was obvious he wanted permission to do this soon. Fenton bowed his head once then left the room to find Laura who was upstairs resting.
"How about Thursday?" asked Joe.
"Why not tomorrow?" Camille countered.
"Gotta give your dad a night with you," Joe explained. "Plus, we all have a lot of schoolwork to catch up on."
Camille made a face but didn't dispute the point. "Speaking of my dad, I should really get home," she said.
"I'll take you," Joe and Frank offered at the same time.
Joe glared at his brother. "Or better yet, Joe can take you and I will hit the shower," Frank withdrew his offer.
Joe and Camille left a few minutes later. "Callie told me about your association with the Assassins," Camille said as they neared her house.
"Oh," Joe said dully. He wasn't proud of the relationship even though he knew he wasn't to blame.
"I don't think you should worry about it," Camille told him. "Being switched at birth really isn't that much different than being adopted. You were raised by people who love you and taught you their morals and standards. No matter who your real parents are: you are you."
"Thanks," Joe said, smiling gratefully at her. "I'm glad you think so but sometimes, I wonder," he confessed.
"What do you mean?" queried Camille curiously.
"When I lose my temper, I want to hit something," Joe explained. "When I get really angry, I spend hours at the gym."
"Do you hit people when you get angry?" Camille asked him, a bit worried.
"No," Joe replied. "At least, not yet. And I hope I never do. But I've never seen Frank or Dad lose it like I do."
"You don't hit anyone and you go to the gym to work out your anger," Camille summarized what Joe had told her. "Sounds like you control it pretty well."
"Yeah, but is that an "Assassin" thing or a "Hardy" thing?" Joe asked.
"It's a "Joe" thing," Camille answered at once. "You are who you are and there is no way to change that. You just have to accept yourself and move on."
Joe wasn't quite sure he followed but he was grateful she seemed to be trying to help. Camille just might be who he had been looking for. "I'll make sure you get inside and then go on home," Joe said, coming to a stop in her driveway. "Maybe your dad won't totally hate me after he sees you're all right."
"Good idea," Camille concurred, looking away from the front window of her home and turning back to Joe.. "Um... there's something I've kind of been wanting to do," she said. "Do you mind?"
After what she had just been through because of him he couldn't tell her he minded even if he knew what she had in mind so he just shook his head. Camille smiled, leaned over, and kissed him. Several minutes later, she pulled back. "That was better than I thought," she murmured. "I'll be looking forward to Thursday," she added, getting out of the car.
Grinning like an idiot, Joe watched her go to the door and open it. Her father stepped to the doorway, gave Joe a slight wave, then escorted his daughter inside. Joe put the car in reverse and backed out of the drive. Soon, he was on his way home.
Camille preceded her dad into the living room and scowled at the person she had seen looking out the front window moments before. "You shouldn't have been watching," she scolded him.
"He likes you," the man said, grinning.
"And eventually, he will love me," Camille added, nodding her agreement. "Just like you want him to do, Matt."