A/N Hello, everyone, I apologize for the lateness of updating. I am currently on vacation in Florida which has caused delays.

Thanks to all Reviewers!

Dedication: To MCR-1993 for her review! :)

Disclaimer: I own Sofia, Anthony, the various other mobster people. In short I own whatever characters you don't recognize as part of the traditional Hardy universe.

The trial was not going well for Fenton and Laura Hardy. Not at all. Day two had begun and they had both been called to testify, Tosino had made it look as though they had deliberately and recklessly placed their children in danger. And, when Anthony was called to testify his lawyer managed to make him look like a sweet old grandfather regretful of having to get between his son and his children but believing it to be necessary for ensuring their welfare.

It was an excellent performance. Fenton could be ill.

The day's events had ended with the Judge admonishing the two Hardys that they might want to think long and hard about what was best for their children, even if it wasn't the result they wanted, even if it meant a separation.

It was looking increasingly like Fenton was going to have to make a deal with the devil.

Which is how he found himself sitting in his rental car, just outside the gates to his father's house. He really didn't want to do this.

-Story Break-

Meanwhile, Frank, Joe, and Sofia were seated in their 'sitting room' discussing the events of court that day. They had been moved into new more permanent rooms, which were a suite style, three bedrooms opened up into a sititng room, with a forth door leading to a bathroom. They had also been provided with a well-stocked mini-fridge. Essentially, they lacked any excuse to leave the rooms.

"What happened today?" Sofia asked from her position curled up in an armchair across from Frank and Joe were seated on the couch.

"Our parents testified, as well as our grandpa." Joe spat the last word out venomously.

"It went badly, didn't it?" Sofia asked sympathetically.

"That's one way to look at it." Frank replied grimly. "Our parents were made to look as though they were a terrible danger to us, while our dear Anthony came across like an angel sent straight from heaven."

"That bad?" Sofia asked with a wince.

"Worse." Joe confirmed.

"I think we're going to be here for quite awhile." Frank concluded.

-Story Break-

Fenton steeled himself for the upcoming events and drove up to the gates. He handed his identification over to the guard and explained that he would like to speak to his father. THe guard had gotten onto the phone with Anthony and listened for several minutes before informing Fenton that his father had consented to speak with him. The gates opened and he was able to drive through. The detective parked is car and headed to the house. He was greeted at the door by a man he didn't recognized and led to a sitting room and told to make himself comfortable, and that 'Mr. Russo would be with him shortly.'

He hadn't wanted to see his father again. It looked like the choice was out of his hands.

"Fenton." His father greeted and something flickered across the mobster's face, remorse, maybe? But Fenton blinked and then it was gone. He concluded that it was a flicker of the light.

"Dad." The word came reluctantly from his lips.

Anthony sat down in the chair opposite his estranged son. "I'm sorry it had to be this way, Fenton."

"Don't take this out on Frank and Joe." Fenton pleaded.

"I'm not." Anthony replied. "I don't want to lose my grandsons like I lost you." He added.

Fenton often thought his father had a very twisted conception of love. "Virtually holding them hostage will do little to endear them to you." He said finally.

"Perhaps not." The mob boss admitted. "But, I have not gotten to see them their entire lives, so if this is the only way that I can..." Anthony trailed off. "What happened, Fenton?"

"I didn't want to be a part of your world, Dad." Fenton answered levelly. "I don't enjoy violence."

"Neither do I. It is as they say, a necessary evil."

"Don't take my sons away, Dad."

Anthony looked at his son for several moments before replying. "I don't want to." He said finally. "Do you know how I felt when you left?"

Fenton didn't answer. He knew that it had probably hurt his father when he left. But it was hard to feel sympathy for him when he knew how he made a living.

"I don't want to lose anymore of my family." His father looked old then, truly old for the first time that Fenton could remember.

"Neither do I." Fenton replied. "End the custodial suit, Dad, let them come home with me."

"It's not so simple as that." Anthony replied. "There is still the alliance to be considered. The Sianos do not like to be messed with, and they will never consent to this, you may consider me to be brutal, and perhaps I am, but Roger is far worse than I am. Sofia will not be treated well if this falls through."

"She and Frank are married, therefore she is outside her family's control legally." Fenton replied.

"You know the bonds of the law mean little in my world." His father replied warily.

"Can't we reach a deal of some sort?" Fenton asked. "One which allows me to keep custody of Frank and Joe?"

Anthony steepled his fingers clearly deep in thought. "There is one way..."

A/N Review!