A/n: Welp, I did it again, didn't get as much done as I wanted. so while this chapter is finally complete, I do NOT have anything going further so it may be longer before the next exciting update. sorry. But I scrapped the way I was headed about halfway through this chapter which messed up my time table by a lot but I at least have a better feel for how everything is going to happen from now on.
Chapter Six
Joe made his way around his desk and sat down. He turned on his laptop and waited for it to cycle through, tapping his fingers impatiently as he watched all the auto start programs kick in. By force of habit, the first icon he clicked on was Spider Solitaire although he paid little attention to the cards as they skittered across the screen. He was cycling through his inbox, deleting spam and moving some messages to various folders when the phone rang. "Joe Hardy speaking." he spoke into the mouthpiece crisply.
"Hey. It's me." The voice on the other end sounded defeated. "Alex is dead." when he heard that, Joe sat straight up with a curse.
"Tell me what the f-ck happened!" he spat out in a loud voice even as he glanced at the closed door hoping Frank hadn't heard.
"You were right, of course." Bruce said sadly. "Mel told me to mind my own business and to stay the hell out of her way." Joe heard the resigned sigh at the other end of the phone. "She at least closed the campground but refused to bring in any outside assistance.So she and Alex were checking out that treeline where you got shot."
"Go on," Joe encouraged the distraught Paramedic.
"Don't know any details, just that the Department got called to the location." Bruce continued. "My Chief pronounced Alex DOA from multiple gun shot wounds."
"Hell, Bruce, I am sorry man. I wish we could have done something." Joe felt bad for his friend.
"Nah, not your fault.Mel got hurt too." Bruce paused, waiting for a reaction. Joe let out an explosive breath with a hiss.
"She okay?" While he was still furious at the Park Ranger for the attitude he had been subjected to, she was still Halloran's oldest and dearest friend, despite their current estrangement. In fact over the last couple of days he had ben trying to get her to reconsider her 'firing' of Melody as Maid of Honor.
"Hit in the shoulder and a graze along one thigh." Bruce spoke, relief evident in his voice. "She somehow managed to get back to the parking lot on her own.She'll be fine.But Joe?" he continued hesitantly. "I don't know what to do now."
Joe sighed. "I don't know what to tell ya, Bud. Stubborn as she is, Melody is a big girl and if she doesn't want help, we can't make her accept it. All I can think of that will come next is the Feds will be brought in, since a Government employee was killed. When they get around to questioning you, send 'em our way." Bruce agreed, the desperation in his tone indicating his true feelings.
After he hung up, Joe sat there, debating whether or not to tell either his brother or his fianceé. Eventually he decided Frank would not react any differently than he had but Halloran would want to know. He did, however, decide to wait until they were home together to break the news. He spent the rest of the afternoon with his office door shut, coming out only once or twice to take a break and grab some coffee. Frank, surprisingly, left him alone the entire time. But Joe didn't dwell on his unusual autonomy and forced himself to set aside the lingering unease over letting a case go unfinished while he continued to make headway on what he could accomplish.
He was so engrossed that when Frank rapped on the door a little before 6, Joe jumped about two feet in the air and dropped the pen he had been tapping against the desk in unconscious rhythm with the rock song playing in the background. "Sheesh. Give a guy a heart attack will ya!" Joe groused as Frank chuckled in the doorway.
"Get a lot done?" he asked mildly, still grinning.
"As a matter of fact, yes, I did." Joe retorted haughtily. "Reed sent some information on two new kidnapping cases that meet the criteria." Joe was referring to his self imposed project that he began after Danny Frisk's kidnapping and subsequent rescue. Rather than be an official case the Agency had been hired for, this was something he worked on in between cases or when he had some down time. It hadn't quite become an obsession with him, but Frank wondered what the fascination was. As long as it never interfered with the cases the Agency got paid for, though, Frank was willing to let it slide.
"Well," Frank continued. "I am about done for the day. Meeting Phil for drinks over at the Pub. Wanna join us?"
Joe considered, but shook his head after a moment. "Nahh. Hall made Cincinnati Chili." It was still weird to eat 'chili' over spaghetti, but he could not deny it was quite the tasty meal regardless. And the leftovers worked just fine on hot dogs. Besides he wanted to tell her what had happened as soon as possible. Frank just nodded and said "Lock up before you go then."
"Always do, Bro." Joe replied. He absentmindedly waved as he returned to his task. Frank regarded him only a minute longer before shrugging and turned to leave. He met Phil upstairs and sent a few minutes just chatting with Pam as Phil did a quick change out of his suit into a polo shirt and Dockers.
Joe, meanwhile had finished up what he was doing and quickly closed out the office, making sure the alarm was set. He was late enough getting out that traffic was mostly sporadic and he made good time home. As he walked in, he inhaled the faint aroma of cinnamon. The first time he watched Halloran make it, he was flabbergasted at the addition of what he considered a baking spice, even if he himself used it frequently in coffee. But there was no denying it added a little something to the recipe and he surpassed even his own wildest claims that first time and consumed 4 heaping servings. He ate so much in fact, that Halloran had had to boil another batch of spaghetti and chop a second onion.
The last couple of days, Hall had been a little less her usually bubbly self. She was still mourning her falling out with Melody. Joe slipped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist in a gentle squeeze. "Hey Gorgeous. How was the exciting world of Number Crunching today?" He got a scoff in return, although she did turn in place and slipped her arms around his neck. He let her pull him closer without much resistance and gave her a long, lingering kiss. "Hey, Sexy" he whispered in a husky voice, wondering if dinner would be ruined if it sat and simmered a little while longer...
Turned out that Cincinnati chili can simmer a very long time indeed. The spaghetti, however, did not fare so well so Joe was pressed into making a new batch "Since it was all your fault the first batch was ruined to begin with!" Halloran teased. Joe laughed in resignation and tossed out the glob of starch and filled the pan with fresh water to boil. He used the time to procrastinate telling her, and to brainstorm on just how exactly to do so. But eventually there were no more ways to put it off. He piled his bowl high with fresh spaghetti, ladled a generous portion of chili on top then sprinkled enough onions over that that Halloran declared that if he wanted any more kisses he'd have to brush his teeth first. He responded by covering everything with enough cheese to make one of Tony's double cheese pizzas.
The meal was quiet, quieter than normal. Joe was wrapped in his own thoughts and Halloran was still brooding although she was well aware of Joe's mood. She finally sighed, pushed her bowl away and said "Okay, out with it." she was unswayed by the innocent look Joe sent her way. "Something is bugging you. Is it work?"
"Have you been taking lessons from my brother?!" Joe asked little sourly. "Only he can tell when I am antsy about something."
Halloran made no reply, just placed her hand over his. Joe responded by taking is free hand and wrapping it gently over their clasped ones. "Bruce called me this morning." he said gently. "There was another incident." At her horrified gasp, he tightened his grip. "She's fine" he hastened to reassure her. "But the other Ranger is dead." Halloran's eyes welled up with tears at the announcement.
Joe took a deep breath, knowing his next words would be harder to take. "Melody was shot too." A little shriek escaped Hall's lips and Joe immediately stood up and came around the table, pulling her close. "She's okay Babe, I swear. No worse than I was." It took a long time, though, for her trembling to stop.
Joe finally led her into the living room and got her settled on the couch, where he tucked the throw around her before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll be right back." he whispered and returned to the kitchen where he made two steaming mugs of green tea and dosed them liberally with honey. By the time he got back to the living room, Halloran had regained some measure of control although her eyes were still red and puffy. She accepted the tea with a wan smile and shifted so that Joe could sit next to her. She leaned into him as he explained everything that Bruce had told him earlier in the day. She didn't respond to much, only nodded here and there to indicate she was paying attention.
"Honey?" he finally asked tentatively. "D'you want to call Melody?"
"Yes. But I'm not going to." she said sadly.
Joe was confused, and said so. "She's made her choice, Joe. And I have made mine. She's been pushing people away for years, and nothing anyone has said or done to convince her otherwise has helped. I'm sorry, I just don't have it in me any more to keep trying to help, when it is so obviously not wanted." Halloran's voice was sad and resigned.
"Sweetheart, she's your friend, you don't just abandon them..." Joe began, a tone of rebuke in his voice.
"You do when they become ungrateful users of your sympathies and emotions." Halloran responded tartly. "Honestly, it's been a long time coming. I was fed up with her attitude a long time ago, years, even. It was only a sense of duty and responsibility that kept me from walking away sooner." she smiled up at his concerned face, "You are lucky, you know that? Between Frank, and Phil and Tony and all your other friends. You have always had a great relationship that was based on mutual respect and caring. When any one of you is having a bad time of it, you all rally around, no matter what. Even when one of you moved away, you all still kept in touch." she touched his face in a gentle caress. "and what's even more amazing, is when someone new comes along. You all immediately make someone feel welcome and liked. First me, then Pam. Surely you haven't forgotten the way Mel treated you the first time you met?"
Joe had to suppress a grimace at that. He still vividly recalled the almost hostile interrogation at Melody's hands that afternoon. And nearly every encounter since then. If he didn't know better, he'd swear that Melody was possessive of Halloran. But he didn't think it was that sort of possession. "it just seems like giving up, is all.."
"You know what the definition of insanity is, dear? Doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome. I've decided I don't like being insane. Too much effort." She smiled again, this time a little more warmly. "Of course I regret this. Melody was there for me, in her own way, when dad died and then Mark. But I am not giving up. She made that choice for me. I am sorry that she has chosen to go the route she has, but I can't wallow anymore. In fact!" she suddenly sat straight up in realization. "That's exactly what she kept me doing, wallowing!" the dark haired woman turned a shocked face to her blond fiancé. "Every time we got together it was all about the past. I just realized. She didn't help me move on.. you did. Oh, Joe!" she flung herself into his startled embrace. They sat there, holding tightly to one another as Joe tried to process the information and Halloran finally allowed herself the luxury of letting go without guilt.
The next two days, Joe spent his time divided between preparing a statement for the inevitable visit from the Feds, probably FBI, working on his mysterious kidnapper case and current Agency business. He had confided in his father the news about Alex and Melody, and sought his mother's insight on Halloran's revelation and begged for some way of deciphering a woman's psyche. Fenton had listened gravely and suggested that it would not be amiss to continue keeping abreast of any further developments just in case the feds wanted additional help( they had both lightly scoffed at that notion) and Laura had simply smiled and said she was not about to give away any advantage her gender had.
As for Frank...The next morning he had told Frank that Bruce had called and gave the bare facts. Frank, for his part, took the news rather calmly, almost detached. Joe had gotten the impression that if the name Melody Harper was never uttered in his brother's presence again, it would be too soon. After hearing the news, Frank had nodded and passed over a file on their latest case, asking Joe to let him know when he felt up to field work again. "Just make sure you are ready, no jumping the gun." in an affectionate but teasing tone. Joe tried( and failed miserably) to look innocent.
The third day, Joe was once again at his desk although very little was getting done besides Spider Solitaire. He was frustrated over having given up, in his own mind at least, the mystery surrounding the Park. It rankled him on more than one level that everyone was so willing to let the matter drop. But he also knew it was useless to push the issue with Frank, who had been quite clear from the get go he wasn't all that keen on getting involved in the first place. Bruce had called the day before, remarking that the Feds had been by and he duly passed on their contact information so Joe should be expecting a visit any time. He was so engrossed in whatever he was doing Joe not only never heard the little bell jungle that heralded a visitor, he also completely missed the fact that two people were standing in his open doorway for a good five minutes before one of them pointedly cleared their throat.
"Gimme a sec, Bro. Almost got this stupid thing to tell me where those blasted emails to Meyers came from." Joe was referring to a current client who had been receiving threatening emails at work and at home regarding his very acrimonious divorce and custody issues. Meyers thought they were from his soon to be ex wife's boyfriend, and the man he now suspected of being the father to his youngest child.
"Mr Hardy." The voice was unfamiliar and Joe looked up in surprise to find a pair of individuals who just screamed "FEDS" from their identical grey suits, somber ties and regulation shoulder holsters that peeked out from underneath their armpits. "I am Special Agent Connely and this is my partner Agent Mayweather. May we have a few minutes of your time?" the shorter of the two men spoke in a pleasant voice.
"Uh, yeah, sure. Sorry, never heard anyone come in." Joe hastily stood up and offered his hand, which was duly accepted by each man. "You here about the National Park incidents?"
"Would there be any other reason the FBI would need to speak to you, Mr Hardy?" Connely asked with a hint of amusement.
"You'd be surprised, Special Agent." Joe grinned as he gestured for the men to return to the reception area and offered them coffee. Both declined. Joe rapped on his brother's (closed) office door and spoke. "Frank? Company."
Joe returned to his office for a moment, returning with a small envelope and a larger file folder, which he handed to Agent Mayweather. Mayweather accepted it with a puzzled look. "It's the bullet fragments we dug out of the tree and my vest, and the file folder is my report. I am sure Frank will have more to add."
Their surprise was evident although both men covered it well. By then Frank had come out, apologizing as he had been on the phone. Another round of handshakes later and he asked if they had any further questions. The next half hour or so was spent with the brothers recounting their tale, pausing to answer clarifying questions either agent asked. At the end, the two FBI Agents traded significant looks with each other. Frank noticed and called them on it.
"Our apologies, gentlemen. I am afraid we had some preconceived notions that were less than flattering of you and your professionalism." Connely spoke with a hint of embarrassment.
"Don't believe anything Ranger Harper says about our character and only half of what she says about our ability to do our job." Frank's tone left nothing to the imagination. "We were asked to look into the matter by her cousin Bruce and after my brother was shot and Melody's subsequent temper tantrum we cut our losses."
"Still pisses me off though, and I bet we could have prevented the other ranger from being killed." Joe groused.
"Perhaps." Connely was noncommittal. Would you be interested in finishing what you started, albeit at our request, not Miss Harper's?" he continued. "Quite frankly, we don't have the man power in the area at the moment as we are dealing with a high profile case involving drug manufacturing the next county over and it is sucking up all our resources. But a murder has occurred and of a Federal employee at that so naturally my superiors and those at the Park Service are anxious to not only bring the perpetrators to justice, but to avoid any unflattering publicity."
"Umm, won't passing the buck to a couple of PIs look unflattering?" Frank commented wryly.
Mayweather chuckled. "Maybe, but we really aren't concerned with appearances. We have a lot invested in this drug case and it would be a pain in the ass to drop it or bring someone else up to speed. On the other hand, you are already involved with the situation at the Park, and my guess is, would not let something so petty as a difference of opinion get in the way of your professional pride." he looked significantly at Joe, who nodded.
"Frank, you know my feelings. I'll do it alone if necessary, but I want to finish this. And you know why. I hate leaving things undone. Plus I have a grudge against the bastard who shot me." Joe looked earnestly at his brother. "You said to let you know when I was ready to go back to the field. I'm ready. Not even a twinge any more. Tell me it doesn't irritate the shit out of you that we let ourselves be run off by Melody?!" Joe's voice left no doubt of the contemptuousness he felt at that prospect. "How many times did Collig warn us off 'his' territory and we ignored him? Or Dad?"
Frank sighed. "I know, Joe and intellectually, I agree with you. But some things are not worth the ulcers." He turned to the two Agents. "And even if we did agree, she'd block us every step of the way, just because she can. Hard to do your job effectively that way."
Mayweather snorted. "He has you there, Terry." Both agents had been on the receiving end of Melody's acerbic tongue and abrasive attitude. Connely, however, was frowning a little as he contemplated. Seemingly coming to a decision, he whipped out his cell phone and accessed his address book. "Sir. Connely here. Got a fairly detailed report from the Hardys. My earlier suggestion, have you thought about it?" the voice on the other end must have responded although none of the others could hear what was said. But Connely nodded and turned to his partner as he said "Thank you, Sir. I appreciate it. I believe we can report some progress upon our return." and with that cryptic comment, the Special Agent hung up.
He stood up, causing the others to follow suit. "Gentlemen. I appreciate your candor, and the thoroughness of your report. I'd still like to turn this over to you to finish, and to that end I have asked my Boss to put a little pressure on Miss Harper's Boss. If Miss Harper is removed from the equation, would you be willing to continue?"
"Wait, you mean like get her fired?" Joe exclaimed. "Not sure I'd be willing to go that far." even Frank looked uneasy at the prospect.
"No, not at all, actually on paper she's damn good at her job. But it has not gone unnoticed that her people skills are , shall we say, lacking." Connely hastened to assure the brothers. "Merely reassigned elsewhere for the time being, or failing that, told in no uncertain terms that she is not in charge."
"But she knows that area better than anyone else and whoever ends up working the case will need her expertise." Frank logically pointed out.
"Yes, I happen to agree with that assessment, Mr Hardy." Connely smoothly said. "And after meeting with you two, I think you are the only ones who can not only handle the case, but also deal with Miss Harper." he continued blandly.
"Somehow I am not sure that's a compliment Special Agent Connely." Joe wryly commented. Mayweather had to stifle a laugh, which was quickly converted into a cough.
Connely's own grin was quickly hidden beneath a mask of cool professionalism. "Gentlemen. Thank you again for your cooperation. We'll be in touch." and with a final round of hand shaking, the two FBI agents went on their way, leaving the two brothers to stare bemusedly at one another.
"Frank?" Joe asked bewildered. "What was that all about?!"
"Little Brother, I think we just actually got treated with professional respect by a couple of FBI Agents." Frank sounded as if he didn't quite believe what he was saying.
"Wow. Think Dad'd believe us if we told him?"
"Dunno." Frank shrugged. "Lunch? I feel a need for a paper bag full of french fries."
Joe was up for that and so they made a quick trip to the local Five Guys. They discussed their options over burgers and the aforementioned fries, bag split open and liberally doused with vinegar. "So, uhh if Melody is neutralized, would you be okay with going back there?" Joe asked around a mouthful of bacon cheeseburger.
Frank took his own large mouthful of burger and chewed slowly as he organized his answer. "I will admit to being mildly irked that we got unceremoniously fired especially since she wasn't the one who hired us in the first place. And yes, it bugs me that somebody died and that we might have been able to prevent it. But Joe, we'd still be going in there blind, and no matter what kind of orders she gets, you know damn well Melody is going to resent us being there." he pointed out. "And let's not forget the fact that you got hurt and she didn't even seem to give a damn. Pretty unprofessional of her." Frank was not about to let her off the hook.
"Technically, Frank, we quit. Or rather you took us off the case." Joe pointed out. "And yes I could have pushed the issue but I didn't cuz like you I didn't want to deal with it, or her. But then my competitive nature reared its' ugly head. I hate leaving something unfinished, Frank."
"Except homework. I seem to recall you never had issues with leaving homework unfinished." Frank teased.
"Pbbtht." Joe responded very maturely. "All I am saying is, if they call us back and ask us to return to the case, think about it before turning them down, okay?"
"I'll think about it." Frank replied.
"Thanks, Bro." Joe cleared the table and tossed everything away before joining his brother back at the car and returning to the office. They each went their separate ways into their offices and put the somewhat strange encounter with the two FBI agents in the background as they returned to work.
A/n: Mmmm Cincinnati chili. I am partial to Skyline although a few cousins insist on Goldstar. I make it from scratch, too. in fact we are having leftovers on hot dogs tonight for dinner( we err, uhh ran out of spaghetti...) If you have never had it, you are missing out.