Here is the next chapter along with a surprise twist that I foreshadowed in the last chapter. please review. Amber.

Chapter 16

Callie ordered the food in a carry out from the restaurant they were going to go to. They were waiting for Fenton Hardy to return from the field office. Callie was eating pistachio gelato. "I'm so glad they accommodated us."

Frank chuckled over his cake. "Yes, well you did tip them handsomely."

"True."

The door opened Fenton walked in. "Both of the survivors are out of surgery. They both want a deal." He sat down at the large table to eat. He saw his family looking at him intently. "What?"

Laura Hardy started the ball rolling. "How come our cars are bulletproof?"

Fenton swallowed his bite of food. "It was a good thing for today. I got the clearance from the FBI to protect its assets."

Laura Hardy scoffed. "What assets? I know you work for the FBI as liaison."

Fenton nodded. "Yes, that is my job but my rank is an ASAC."

Joe piped up. "But that is only one asset. You said assets plural."

Frank thought to himself. 'Shit!'

Callie put it together. "It's you isn't it Frank."

Frank swallowed a sip of water. "Yes. The FBI reached out to dad two years ago because of my hacking skills. I've been working as an independent contractor for them. You know I want to join the FBI Callie."

"Yes I know that. I just didn't realize you were already working."

"Only part time like once or twice a month for eight hours."

Laura Hardy narrowed her eyes. "So the FBI recruited you Frank."

"Yes."

Joe whistled. "That's cool."

Fenton nodded. "Frank's considered one of the best talents in the world with computers. He will be a valuable asset to the FBI."

Laura stood up. "Well, that makes a lot more sense. I was confused. We were lucky nobody was hurt."

Fenton squeezed her hand. "I agree."

Laura said. "Frank, Callie your father and I want to reassure you about something."

Frank took a bite of bread. "What's that?"

Fenton sipped his drink. "You two are married now. You live in our home, but it's yours too."

"We know that dad." Frank said.

Laura narrowed her eyes. "Do you? Let me put it like this. Your father and I were newlyweds once. It's a wonderful romantic time. Don't deny yourselves to each other just because you're under our roof. Our house is a home. Understand."

Frank and Callie both blushed but nodded.

Fenton added. "Just make sure you lock the door."

On that note, Joe decided he wanted to watch ESPN. He left his parents with Frank and Callie and went to the room he shared with his parents. When he opened the door he found a man he hadn't seen in over a year. "Arthur Gray."

"Hello Joe."

"What do you want? You're lucky that dad wasn't with me."

"I need to talk to you. The Network was swallowed up by the FBI I'm now assistant bureau chief."

Joe went to the minifridge and pulled out a soda pop. "Sweet, but aren't you a little itchy not being in the field."

"I'm older now so the work is stimulating enough. So you've now heard that Frank has signed a contract with us after he obtains his masters degree."

"More or less."

"I know your brother works better with you close by. You have a gut instinct that is rare and has solved more cases than most of my agents have in a lifetime."

Joe sputtered. "Are you offering me a job now?"

"Yes, you sign a contract after college and work for us. I know you have been looking into medical schools. Your grades are very reasonable. Frank is more known for his intellect but you are smart too. Both you and your brother have nurturing attributes, you both have compassion and that is not always easy to find with your generation."

'Hell, he hadn't even told Frank about his searches into Med school. Now the Gray Man knew. This was great. NOT!' "Look I'm just looking at my options. I don't like getting shot at. It's stressful. But I like to solve a good mystery, trying to find out what's wrong with people is a mystery too."

The Gray man tilted his head. "Or a medical examiner. I could get you an assistant medical examiner job to start at a field office that has one."

Joe said. "I'll think about it."

"Fair enough." He took out a card and handed it to him. "Call me anytime once you've made a decision."

"Okay. Thanks."

Joe walked the man to the door and stood there for a long time. He decided he needed to come clean about his future. His brother was going to laugh at him. He just knew it. But it was time to tell his family. He went back to Frank and Callie's suite and knocked. His brother opened the door. "Was the game that boring?"

Joe smiled sheepishly. "I didn't even turn it on. I'd like to talk to all of you."

Frank gestured inside. "Please find a way to change the subject." Frank whispered. "Mom just practically admitted that she and dad...two nights ago before we left."

Joe grinned at Frank's discomfort. "Aww. Come on Frank they are married."

"I know they're married and probably...you know do it. But I don't need to know when."

"Don't worry Frank I'll help you out." They walked into the room.

Fenton looked up. "Hey Joe. You've got your serious face on. Is everything okay?"

Joe sat down. "This is going to come out of the blue but I want to ask you guys a question first. What do you guys see me doing as a career?"

Laura held up her hand. When she did that it was best to let her have her say first. "Joe ever since you were a little boy you had a nurturing heart. What was one of your favorite games growing up."

Frank answered. "There were two, one was his hot wheels, the other was that medical kit Santa gave him when he was six. He pretended he was a doctor all over the house."

Laura smiled. "Honey ever since that time your father and I knew you'd look into or were at least interested in the medical field. Today proved it. You helped that boy that was shot. You didn't have too but you did, quite effectively I might add."

Joe bit his lip. "So you guys won't laugh or think I'm crazy for wanting to go to medical school?"

Callie, Frank, Fenton, and Laura all said simultaneously. "NO!"

"Joe I think it's wonderful! What kind of medicine do you want to do?" Callie asked.

"I really want to do emergency medicine."

Laura smiled. "I can see you doing that. A trauma coming in and you trying to solve the problem. Just know you won't save them all."

"I know mom but it's something I've been thinking of for a while. It's just I know I'm not as smart as Frank. But I get pretty good grades too. I'm going to apply at both Boston College, New York U, my long shot Columbia, and Syracuse. I've been working really hard and signed up for anatomy and physiology next year."

Frank said. "Joe don't compare yourself to me. You have good instincts and those instincts are going to really help you if this is what you really want."

Joe said. "It really is. So bro...do you think you can manage working at the FBI without me?"

Frank laughed. "I think I can manage it Joe."