The Pain of Silence

Chapter 14

"You really think we should do that?" Tony asked as he paced around the living room. He was on the phone with Frank as both Vanessa and Brooke listened.

'Yeah. I think it's worth a shot. Who knows where he is. At least we can get dinner and keep an eye out for him. He won't suspect we're on the watch."

"All right, so we're meeting in a half hour at the mall? In the food court?" Tony asked.

'Yes. We'll see you then. I just have to drop Callie off. Her mom's insisting she come home.'

"Okay, I'll let them know. See you in a bit." Tony hung up his phone. "Well, that was interesting. Frank and Joe want to go to the mall and try and lure your father out in public. They think that if we're out in a public place, then he'll be more than likely to think we're not suspecting anything and the moment you're alone, that he'll try and get you," Tony informed them.

"You guys really think he'll try and kidnap me or something?" Brooke asked.

"Well, from what he explained, there was a witness who said a man tried to stop your mother from getting into her car. So, yes, they believe it, and so do I." Tony sat down next to her. "As much as I don't like the idea, I think it's for the best. We can't keep worrying that you'll be kidnapped or something will happen to you."

"If you think it'll work and it's for the best, then so do I," Brooke said and looked at Vanessa. "Are you coming?"

"Of course! I want to help. I'll drive and you two can sit in the back. How's that sound?" she offered.

"That'd be great. Thanks so much."

"No problem, just let me use the bathroom and we'll leave." Vanessa departed the room.

Brooke leaned on Tony's shoulder. "I'm really nervous."

"This may not even work. We'll come back to check on your mom after we get something to eat. Hopefully she'll be awake by then."

"Thank you for everything. I think I'd be going insane right about now if you weren't here," she admitted.

"That's why I'm here." He gave her a kiss.

Vanessa walked back in the room and smiled at the pair. "You want to leave now?" she asked.

"Sure, let's go," Tony said and they stood up and walked out to her car.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the mall and went into the food court. The trio pulled two tables together for when the Hardys arrived.

"Let us know if you spot him," Vanessa said, noticing Brooke nervously glancing around the mall.

"Why do I have a feeling this is a bad idea?" Brooke asked.

"Well, it should be a quiet night. There aren't too many people, so if he was dumb enough to fall for this, then there's a better chance we'd spot him," Vanessa said. "Since we have about ten minutes, do either of you want a drink? I'm thirsty."

"I'm all set," Brooke answered. "I don't think my stomach can handle anything right now."

"I'll take a Gatorade please. Any flavor is fine," Tony requested, and Vanessa got up and went to the Chinese food vendor and ordered the two drinks. "You can share mine if you get thirsty."

Brooke smiled. "Thank you."

Vanessa returned with the drinks and sat back down.

"Do you ladies mind if I use the bathroom? I'll be quick," Tony asked.

"Go ahead. The guys will be here any minute," Vanessa replied.

Tony stood up and gave Brooke a kiss. "Be right back."

"Okay."

When Tony left, Vanessa smiled. "You two are adorable!"

Brooke laughed. "I like him a lot. He's sweet."

"He's a wonderful guy. You two make a cute couple."

"You and Joe are great together too. Everyone seems to be doing so wonderfully. Frank has Callie, you have Joe and hopefully things work out for Tony and me." Brooke looked up and saw Tony returning.

Vanessa was about to reply when she saw Tony gazing across the room. He picked up his pace and stopped behind Brooke and bent down. "We need to go! Your father is already here! He must have followed us! This is happening too fast!"

"Oh my God! Where is he?" Brooke tried to act normal.

"He's near the fountain at a table. He's behind the display over there. You can't see him from here. He's trying to hide, but I recognized him."

"What should we do?!"

Vanessa stood up and grabbed her purse. "Follow my lead," she said and started walking, then paused waiting for her friends. "Let's go!"

Brooke stood up, grabbing Tony's drink, pretending like nothing was wrong, and followed Vanessa.

"Hey guys! Wait up!"

They all turned and saw Frank and Joe walking in their direction. Neither of the Hardys noticed Scott sitting at a table because his back was turned.

"You two wait here. I've gotta tell them without making a scene," Tony said and the girls nodded. "Keep walking towards the exit." He started to walk towards the Hardys.

"Wait!" Brooke ran over to him and gave him a kiss. "Be careful."

"I will. Call the police." Tony moved casually towards Frank and Joe. He noticed Scott stand up from his table, but the man kept his back to them. Thinking no one had noticed, Scott started walking in the direction of Vanessa and Brooke.

"Frank! Joe!" Tony pointed to Scott, knowing that something had to be done before he got to his friends.

Scott, hearing Tony's cry, gave up trying to be discreet and darted through the tables, heading for Brooke. Frank and Joe started after him, but Tony was the closest. He lunged at Scott, tackling him to the floor.

Scott scrambled to get up. He pulled his fist back and swung, striking Tony in the face.

"Tony!" Brooke yelled and Vanessa held her back.

"You can't! He wants you!"

"No…" Brooke watched in horror as her father pulled something from his pocket. It was a gun!

Screams arose from shoppers in the food court when they saw Scott pull the gun, and people suddenly began scrambling to get away from the area.

Scott aimed the gun at Tony.

"No! Dad, don't!" Brooke yelled and her father looked from Tony to her.

Tony looked over at Brooke and Vanessa, blood streaming from his nose. "Get out of here!" he rasped.

Scott rose to his feet and backed away from Tony, swinging the gun to point it at Frank and Joe, who were slowly closing in from the side.

"Come on Brooke!" Vanessa pulled her friend towards the exit while she quickly took out her cell phone and called the police.

Glancing back, the girls saw Tony kick out and hit Scott in the legs, knocking him off balance. Tony managed to scramble away and Joe went for Scott, who was trying to steady himself.

Frank grabbed for Joe, trying to stop him, but he was out of reach.

Scott saw Joe coming towards him, pointed his gun and fired!

This time it was Vanessa who screamed. "No! Joe!" She saw her boyfriend fall to the floor, clutching his shoulder as blood poured through his fingers!