TISSUE WARNING -You may need some Tissues I know I did…

Chapter 23 – This Can't Be Happening

The FBI agents made quick work of securing the area. Sam ran into Frank's arms and Frank hugged his son for all he was worth. Fenton ran to where Joe and Liam lay. "Oh God, Frank!"

Frank looked up, his heart instantly turning to ice at his father's tone. "Frank! Frank! Joe has been shot! It's bad!"

At this, Frank and one of the agents rushed to Fenton's side as another agent placed a call for an ambulance.

Liam was beginning to hyperventilate underneath his father. "Dad! Dad!" Whether it was fear or the weight of his father on his chest, Liam didn't know, but he couldn't breathe.

"Frank, help me roll your brother over, carefully!"

Frank knelt down and gently grasped his brother's shoulders and helped to roll him onto the ground. Everyone gasped when they saw the blood oozing out of Joe's chest. Frank trembled as he ripped off his jacket and balled it to hold against his brother's wound.

Joe choked in pain. Liam choked "Dad! Dad! No! Please, no!"

As Fenton, Frank, and the FBI agent did what they could for Joe, Sam slipped over next to Liam and wrapped his arms around him. Liam continued to draw shaky breaths and call out for his father as he rested his head against his cousin's shoulder.

Joe was fading and he knew he couldn't hold on much longer. Joe grabbed Franks hand and mouthed "Liam" Frank leaned over and touched Liam's shoulder "Liam, your dad wants you kiddo" Liam leaned over to look at Joe as he whispered "I am so proud of you, son. I love you so much! Look after your mother Lee, and help James and Katie know that I love them." With that, Joe faded into oblivion.

"Joe! Joe!" Frank smacked gently at his brother's face. "Don't do this, Joe! Not now! Please, Joe! We need you! We all need you so much! Stay with us, baby brother, please, Kiddo, please!" Tears ran freely down Frank's cheeks as he continued to try to hold the very life of Joe from pouring out all over the dirty cement floor.

Sam wrapped his arms around Liam again, this time from behind, as Fenton tenderly brushed the hair from Joe's forehead. Fenton's heart was broken. He knew Joe was dying and he knew there was nothing he could do about it. He hurt so deeply, he could not speak. He just sobbed quietly as he caressed his little boy and watched him fade away.

The paramedics arrived and two of the agents had to forcibly help to remove Fenton, Frank, and Liam from Joe's side so they could work.

Liam broke free and tried to run back to his father. Joe was cold, and grey. Frank pushed aside his own pain and stepped forward for his nephew. "Let the paramedics work on him, Liam" Frank said gently, his voice hoarse with emotion.

"I'll kill Rousassa, I mean it, I'll kill him!" Liam hissed in complete hysteria. Liam tried to break free of his uncle's hold and run in search of the man who killed his father.

"Liam! Liam, no!" Frank snapped as he wrapped his arms around the flailing boy. Liam fought for all he was worth until exhausted, he fell to his knees.

"I'll kill him!" He sobbed as he buried his face in his hands, fists still clenched in anger.

Fenton knelt down next to him, put his hand on Liam's head and said gently, "He's already dead, son."