CHAPTER 14

Joe was pacing the hallway as he waited with the police for an ambulance to arrive. The bald-headed man, whose name was Randy Marsh was still unconscious. His partner, Simon Halloway had been taken away. The principal had made an announcement over the P.A. system for all students to remain in their classes until further notice. Jason, Carl and James were told to go back to class after they gave their statements.

Joe noticed that Carl and James went in a different direction than when they had come to help, and wondered if they were going to ditch class now that the excitement was over. Joe didn't know that James took Advanced History with Frank and wanted to check if his teacher was okay so he could relieve Mrs. Hardy's fears.

"Finally," mumbled Joe in frustration when he saw the EMTs heading in his direction. He left Officer Morgan to go in search of Frank, but hadn't gone very far when he saw Con and Frank walking beside the Chief of Police.

"Joe, thank God you're all right!" Frank hurried over to his brother.

"Yeah…well, I had a little help," Joe grinned.

"You're not hurt are you?"

"Nah…just the back of my head aches…I kind of bumped it into one the thugs." Joe gently rubbed his head.

"If he used his head he's fine then," laughed Con.

"You know, that joke is getting a little old…but then so are you!" grinned Joe mischievously.

"Shouldn't you let your wife know you're all right…or did she not know this was going on?" asked Con, changing the subject.

"I sent her a message…those two other students who came by are in her class," Frank explained when he noticed Con's perplexed expression.

"Which way to the principal's office? I need to let him know everything is okay."

"Follow me, Chief…I still remember the way. Frank needs to get back to his class." Joe lightly tapped Con's arm. He took a few steps, stopped and turned, grabbing Frank. The two brothers hugged each other.

"I'm glad you're okay," they said in unison.

Giving Frank's shoulder a friendly squeeze, Joe smiled before turning and leaving with Con.

.. ..

Frank walked back to his classroom and found the students gathered around Tyler, Scott and Bernie, who were the center of attention since they had prevented Mr. Hardy's kidnapping. Frank cleared his throat to get their attention, and pandemonium erupted as the students rushed over to Frank. The students all talked at the same time, demanding to hear his version of the incident.

Getting his students back in their seats, Frank gave them a very condensed version of why someone wanted to kidnap him.

"Wow, Mr. H…that guy wanted to get revenge on your dad by hurting you? That's just wrong!" commented Tyler.

"Does that happen a lot, Mr. H?" asked Scott.

"Not as much as it used to," replied Frank dryly. That started a whole new discussion.

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Joe wasn't too surprised to see Fenton at the police station. He figured that Con had called him, informing him of the latest attack. He wondered if Vanessa and Laura knew also. He was thinking about giving Vanessa a call when he saw her walk into a room carrying two Styrofoam cups.

"You okay, son?"

"Mom and Vanessa are here?"

Fenton and Joe started to laugh as they had spoken at the same time. When they got control of their emotions Fenton indicated to Joe that he would wait for his answer.

"I'm fine Dad. I had a little help from two students."

"How did that happen…were they just at the right place at the wrong time?" asked Fenton.

"Not really, you see…" Joe went on to explain about roaming the halls and meeting up with Jason. Spotting the two men…shoving Jason in his locker…Jason texting for help…Scott and Bernie answering the call.

"I'm glad to hear that there are still some good kids out there. And yes, Vanessa and your mother are here. Your mother answered the phone when Con called, and demanded he tell her what was wrong when he kept insisting he needed to talk to me…I don't know how many times I've told Con never to call me on the home phone!"

Joe was clutching his sides, he was laughing so hard. He had the perfect visual of his mother yelling into the phone and Con cowering on the other end. Wiping the tears from his eyes, Joe took a couple of deep breaths before he could speak.

"I better go in and let Mom know I'm okay…I'll see you in a bit, Dad."

Just before he entered the room Con happened to walk by, causing Joe to go into another fit of laughter.

"Oh, Joe sweetie, are you all right?" Laura jumped out of her chair, pulling Joe into a hug.

"I'm fine, Mom…and so is Frank. We caught Lassiter and he's in custody."

"It's over then?" asked Vanessa.

"Maybe not." Fenton stood in the doorway. "Randy Marsh has been talking. Seems his cousin John was the driver. He gave a description of the van and license plate…it was Marsh's van."

"Do you think this John person would finish what Lassiter started?" asked Vanessa.

"I don't know…he may try to get Lassiter out, but truthfully…I think he's going to let his cronies rot in jail."

"I have to agree with Dad."

"Well, I hope so," said Laura.

Fenton was right, for at that moment John – having ditched the van – was driving out of Bayport in a vintage 1969 Mustang convertible. In the backseat was a carry-on bag filled with the last remaining cash belonging to Lassiter.

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Joe came out of the bathroom, towel-drying his hair. He had on a pair of pajama bottoms and his bare feet patted across the floor. He smiled at Vanessa as she turned down the bed. Vanessa had on the matching pajama shirt. Dropping the towel in the laundry basket, Joe climbed into bed. He fluffed up the pillows and leaned against the headboard. Vanessa snuggled next to him, her head resting on his shoulder.

"Have you told them yet?" asked Vanessa.

"Not yet…I need to talk to Frank first. I want to…I still need to get something straightened out with him."

"I thought you worked all that out when you called him a few weeks ago?"

"Not really…I mean…I told him a few things but I didn't tell him everything," Joe replied softly.

"I think you're worrying over nothing. Everything will work out. You'll see."

"I hope so. Van…"

"Hmm…?"

"Are you sure you want to do this? This is a pretty big decision."

"I know, that's what makes it so exciting! Mom is pretty excited too…don't worry, she can keep a secret." Vanessa chuckled when she saw the worried expression on Joe's face.

"Dad wants to grill some burgers tomorrow. Frank and Mackenzie will be coming over…I'm going to pull Frank aside so we can talk."

"Sounds like a plan to me….now come on, let's get some sleep."

Vanessa reached over to turn off the lamp. Joe slid down onto the bed and Vanessa once more snuggled into his arms. He let out a contented sigh as he drifted off to sleep.

*endofchapter*

Authors Note: Please read the author's profile for this story. The author, copagirl, passed away in 2013. I am posting these stories up with the permission of her family, who want her to be remembered as well. Lola was a long-time member of the Hardy Detective Agency and we miss her soooooo much! Love you Lola!

Thanks to those of you leaving feedback! I know copagirl would love all of it.