Hello everyone, I'm back! Sorry I've been MIA real life has been crazy for my family the last couple of months. Thank you to everyone who has left me wonderful reviews on the last chapter, and to those who are reading favorites, or just reading thank you. And thank you to my beta reader for your help with my story.
I am currently working on the last chapter and then the epilogue. I know you're sadden with the loss of Phil Cohen, so I found a way to keep him alive and I think you'll like it too. *By the way, I get my computer knowledge know how from google. *
A Brother's Revenge Chapter 32
Fenton and Frank followed Chief Collig to the pharmacy and medical stock room. There they found Sam Radley and Dr Bryce standing on either side of the doorframe with grim looks on their faces. Both men greeted the Hardys as they stepped inside the room. Frank noticed right away the room had been completely ransacked; papers and other objects were littering the floor and counters. The shelves and cabinets that were supposed to hold various medications were standing empty. He looked up to see the security officer, a middle-aged man of about average height, standing in front of a counter, beside a stout older woman in pink scrubs. Both were looking closely at a computer monitor. The chief quickly introduced the Hardys to the nurse and security officer.
"There, that's her!" The nurse cried as she pointed to the computer monitor and the security officer hit a button on the keyboard, freezing the image on the screen.
"Are you sure?" He asked her.
"Yes, I am." She confirmed, nervously rubbing her hands together. "That's Diane Jenkins, the new R.N. She told me she just started a few weeks ago."
The security officer had paused the footage and then stepped aside, allowing everyone else to look at the footage. On the computer screen they could see the image of a woman. She looked to be about thirty and was slender with long blonde hair. She was wearing wire-rimmed glasses, pink scrubs and a surgical mask which obscured her face. As they watched the screen, they could see the woman going around the room and stuffing various medications and medical supplies into a bag.
The seasoned nurse said worriedly. "In all my years on this job, this has never happened before... I can't believe this happened. Dr. Bryce, I'm so sorry about this. I was in a hurry to get the release forms that you had asked for, for that young man," She said as she gestured towards Frank, "On top of everything else I had on my plate. Diane seemed like a sweet kind girl helping me out like that..."
"Deloris, it's okay, we'll talk about it later." The doctor replied. "Right now, we have a bigger problem to deal with. Chief, do you need Deloris for anything else? With everything that has been happening we are a little short staffed, so I would appreciate it if Deloris could return to the nurse's station."
"That's fine," the Chief replied. "If we have any further questions, we have her contact information from her statement."
"Do you have a file on this Diane Jenkins?" Sam asked as Deloris left the room.
"I'm sorry to say we do not." The doctor replied with disappointment. "We don't have a record of her at all. No one has heard about her other than Deloris here. It's as if she just showed up and then disappeared. We have no idea where she got the ID that she used either."
"I've had Officers Riley and Baker questioning the staff. So far nobody has recognized the woman." Chief Collig added.
Fenton asked. "Chief, you said over the phone that you think the robbery might be connected to the Hayden case. What makes you think that?"
"Let's just say I have a suspicion of who this woman is? And I think you may know her too."
"I do, How's that?"
"If you remember an incident a few months ago during the Jack Hayden case..."
"Which incident would that be?" Fenton said angrily. The harsh words flew out of his mouth before he could stop them. "The one where that bastard abused my boys in his basement. or perhaps the one where he had Joe kidnapped out at the Morton farm, and for three agonizing days, he was missing with Hayden letting us believe he was dead. Or maybe now where Joe is missing again and there is a very good possibility that he could be in the hands of the bastard's younger brother Ryan? And as much as I'd love to forget about Jack Hayden, I can't. All I know is that the Hayden brothers keep putting my family through hell. I want it to stop!"
The room grew still as everyone exchanged worried looks with each other. Fenton felt their eyes on him as he rubbed his forehead. He was trying so hard to stay strong and keep it together for the sake of his family. However, every time either of the Hayden's name came up it brought back the nightmare that his family was going through. He wanted desperately to put an end to the fighting and work things out with Joe. More than anything he wanted to put his arms around Joe and tell him he loved him, but deep in his heart he was afraid that he'd never get that chance. What if it was too late? Had he lost his baby boy forever?
Frank stood next to Fenton, completely stunned by his father's sudden outburst, but understanding where it was coming from. He too had a feeling that the constant fighting and arguing with Joe was weighing heavily on his father's mind. He was feeling that deep fear of losing Joe as well. Sam stepped on the other side of Fenton and placed his hand on Fenton's shoulder to offer his support.
Fenton rubbed his tired eyes, he cleared his throat, and began addressing the group in the room "I'm sorry, Chief, everyone, that was rude of me and uncalled for. I apologize for my outburst. I… "
"Fenton It's okay. I think I can speak for everyone by saying we understand, you're worried about Joe." Chief Collig interrupted him. Even though he hadn't been happy when he saw Frank enter the hospital room with Fenton earlier, reminding them both that Frank's presence could jeopardize the Hayden case, he felt bad for the detective and eldest son he could see the worry in their eyes having to go through this hell again. Sam and Dr Bryce both nodded in agreement with the chief of police.
Fenton sighed. He decided it was time to let the Chief know about their family history with mental illness with depression. He told him of his father's suicide, as well as his own battle with depression from witnessing his father's death when he was a teenager.
Frank wasn't happy when his father told the chief of his and Joe's battle with depression and Joe's suicide attempt at the pier last night. However, he understood Fenton's reasons for doing so. They didn't know what state of mind Joe would be in once they find him and they needed to be prepared. Fenton was thinking of everyone's safety including Joe's. He had promised Frank that he would not think differently about him and Joe. Especially Joe. He was still the same Joe they all knew and loved, he just needed help. Frank just hoped that everyone else would feel the same.
Chief Collig agreed, hoping to ease Frank's worry and pain. It was hard for him to see the normally level-headed older Hardy boy upset like this. He did care for Frank and Joe. They were good young men, and he didn't want to see them hurt.
After talking things over with both of the Hardy's and because of the dire situation with Joe and Callie missing, the chief agreed to let Frank help with the robbery case, provided that if it was proven or suspected in any way of connecting back to the Hayden case, they would take a step back. Frank gave Chief Collig his word on that and then his statement on his ordeal with Henry Jacobs ending the account with witnessing the explosion at the fireworks show. The Chief was surprised to learn that Frank had refused medical treatment and signed himself out AMA. He wasn't so sure why he was surprised by this, after all it sounded like something that the Hardy brothers were known to do. Frank's reasons for doing so were because Joe and Callie were missing. Then Frank brought Henry Jacobs to his attention by considering him as a suspect in Jack Hayden's murder. His thoughts shifted to the conversation he had had with Frank and his father earlier...
"He led me to the crime scene. He had the motive to do it. He has already proven that he's capable of murder. I'm assuming it was Henry who hit me. We know that he killed Phil and Seth Cohen, and he has attempted to kill me...twice." Frank nodded. Anger rose inside of him just saying that little lunatic's name.
"Now given it was getting late and it was dark so I couldn't see who it was clearly. But it looked like Henry, and I could see that he had dyed his hair dark because some of it was poking out of the red ball cap that he was wearing. Frank cut the chief off when he saw he was about to argue, "Don't worry Chief, I haven't seen the surveillance footage, I'm just going by what Joe told me. He said that the dark-haired figure from the shooting range was wearing the exact same clothes that I was wearing, a long-sleeved red shirt and jeans, but his face was turned away from the camera and it showed him taking my gun. Joe said that the problem is that the footage needs to be enhanced to see the figures face more clearly."
Fenton continued, picking up where Frank left off. "We do have proof; it's sitting in my safe. We could enhance the footage." He said keeping his word to Frank, to see if he could convince the chief of police. "Now I know because of the court order that Frank and I are restricted from investigating Jack Hayden's case. However, the situation has changed from when the court order was first issued. I've already violated the court order because of the threat against my sons. This also might give us a lead to the whereabouts of Joe and Callie." He paused for a moment before adding the next sentence. "Plus, given the situation with Joe it's critical that we get to him before...it's too late."
"You two have brought up some valid points. I would have to agree with you about Henry Jacobs." Chief Collig said, hesitating and mulling over what Fenton and Frank had told him. Coming to a decision he said. "Alright. As soon as we're finished up here, bring the disc to the station. "
A sense of relief washed over Frank and a smile slid across his face. Finally, a step closer to proving my innocence, he thought. "Okay, now back to the case," Frank said. "The one thing we don't understand is if Henry did kill his father, wouldn't Ryan have known about it? Wouldn't it make sense that Ryan would be behind the threat against Joe and I?"
"That's a good question." Chief Collig thought out loud. "Maybe that's just it. Maybe Ryan doesn't know. What if Henry did kill his father and framed Frank for the murder? Maybe he learned his tricks from his father and manipulated his uncle into believing that Frank murdered Jack. That way Ryan would seek revenge against Frank by using Joe. And Callie just happened to get caught up in the chaos."
"The only problem is that I can't see Henry hurting Joe, not intentionally. He's obsessed with him... He thinks that Joe is his best friend or even a brother, his superhero... maybe more than that...I don't know." Frank brought up a point. "Henry hates me, that I do know, but I can't see him letting Ryan hurt Joe."
"Frank, you've been a tremendous help already when you and Callie found the evidence. Your father gave me the plastic bag of the mask and the employee's nametag, both of them had Ryan's fingerprints on them, it was a big clue..." The chief shook the thoughts out of his head and brought his attention back to the present as he said, "I can assure you that we won't stop looking for him. We're going to do everything we can to bring both Joe and Callie home."
"Thank you for that. Let's get back to the case at hand so we can do just that." Fenton replied, steering away from his awkward outburst and back to the main topic.
Chief Collig nodded. "As I was saying, if you remember the incident a few months ago during the Jack Hayden case. It was right after we had rescued your boys from Hayden's basement."
Frank flinched at that. The unpleasant memory of the basement with Jack Hayden standing over him ready to beat him with his belt after abusing Joe and locking him in that rat-infested closet. His thoughts shifted to fear, thinking of the horrible things that Ryan Hayden could be inflicting on his brother at this very moment, and what was happening to Callie? Frank could feel a twinge in his chest and knew that it was Joe calling out to him once more to come and save him. Hold on for me Joe. I'll find you; I'll find my way to you. Ryan if you've hurt my brother, I swear I'll make you pay. That goes for Callie as well, you hurt any of them you will answer to me. Frank swore to himself, before he quickly pushed the thoughts away and focused on Chief Collig's voice to bring him back to the room.
"My officers had taken Jack Hayden into custody and were on their way to the station. Frank and Joe had been taken to the hospital along with Cindy Hayden to be checked out by a doctor for their injuries. Long story short, there was an incident that happened where a mysterious nurse helped Henry's mother disappear from the hospital. We suspect that nurse has been in conspiring with the Hayden brothers."
"You're talking about that crazy nurse, aren't you?" Frank cut in. "She's the one who removed that bullet from Joe's leg. He almost died because of how badly she did it. She helped Cindy Hayden and Daniel Bartend break Jack Hayden out of the mental hospital in Bellevue by setting that fire and she probably helped kidnap Joe from the Morton farm."
"Yes, that is who I'm speaking of." the police chief confirmed.
"Do we know her real name? Isn't there already a file on her? Joe said her name was Matthews, I think." Frank asked eagerly.
A small smile crept across Fenton's face. He could see that Frank's instincts and intelligence were kicking in, and that he really did need to be a part of this. Fenton needed him to be a part of this. He could see that the future of Hardy and Sons' detective agency was in good hands. The only thing that was currently missing was Joe, just as intelligent as his older brother, but also the heart of the team. Fenton's smile faded as he thought about his missing son. I can't lose you, Joe. I can't. I'm going to fight for you with everything I have. Just hang on, son, you just need to hang on.
"Got it! Karen Marshall is her name. a.k.a. Nurse Carolyn Matthews." Sam said, breaking Fenton out of his thoughts. Fenton turned his attention to his friend. He held up his phone which showed a picture of the woman.
Sam handed his phone to Frank. "Yes, that's her." Frank confirmed looking at the picture. It was a photo of the nurse that the hospital had given to the police, Chief Collig had sent copies to both Fenton and Sam. The woman was in her late thirties, of average height, wearing light blue scrubs. Her hair was long and brunette and pulled back into a ponytail. He looked at the woman's picture on the computer screen. That had to be her, he thought, the woman that Joe had referred to as Nurse Crazy.
"I investigated them after we had recovered Joe last time. If I remember correctly from the police report." Fenton said while looking at the woman's picture before handing the phone back to Sam. "Karen Marshall is a person of interest to the police in Southport, New York. The hospital there had fired her after she was accused of stealing medication and conducting herself inappropriately towards a patient. The patient, a man in his late forties by the name of Duncan Edwards, died under her care. He was the brother of her stepfather Delbert Edwards. There were rumors that she had been sexually abused by them when she was younger. We believe that they were murdered by Ryan out of revenge for what they did to Ms. Marshall. In fact, Jack and Ryan Hayden both had a hand in murdering all of their allegedly abusive parents."
"That's right." Sam nodded, "The abuse that we believed she endured because of those men could have played a factor in her seeking revenge against Duncan. It is believed that she injected him with insulin to do it. We also think that she is connected to the murder of Burt Winston, the manager of the Bellevue Motel. That was the body that Frank and Biff Hooper found in a wooded area near the motel when they were searching for Joe. Winston died the same way Duncan did."
"So, there's a good chance that Matthews may have injected the three college students with a large amount of propofol, causing their deaths." Frank said, thinking out loud.
"That's correct."
"Dr Bryce, can you explain what exactly propofol is and how it's used?" Frank asked, turning to face the doctor.
"Certainly, Frank." The doctor nodded. "It's a strong anesthetic that's used for surgery, some medical exams, and for sedation for people on ventilators. It should never be used as a sleep aid. It's administered by IV and should only be given by a medical professional trained in its use. It is very fast-acting and takes effect in a matter of seconds. It works by slowing brain wave activities."
"Is it unusual for propofol to be used outside of a hospital setting?"
"There's no way those kids could've gotten their hands on a drug like that. It should only be used in a medical setting," The doctor said. "Outside of a hospital, it may be used in an ambulatory care center or a doctor's office, but only if it's administered by a trained professional, and not by the doctor performing the procedure. You can't operate properly and administer the sedation at the same time. You can't serve two masters. That will lead to sloppy surgery or sloppy anesthesia care, and patients don't deserve that."
"Obviously the drug is dangerous enough to kill you." Fenton stated.
"Oh, it is. Especially if it's in the wrong hands or the person administering it is not properly trained. There is no room for error with this drug. It's only designed for people trained to do advanced cardiac life support," Dr Bryce said with a heavy sigh, "It induces a deep level of sleep and sedation, and it can cause your blood pressure to go down and your breathing to stop. You can die. Patients must be monitored minute by minute, beat by beat. Basically, any type of drug can be dangerous, whether its insulin or propofol. You must know what you're doing. And clearly this so-called nurse is not properly trained in the medical field. She has no business performing surgeries of any kind like she did with Joe or administering medication to anyone. She needs to be stopped before more people die because of her."
"Can any doctor administer propofol, or is it more controlled?" Sam inquired.
The doctor paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. Finally, he answered, "To my knowledge there's no DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) licensing requirement, so the answer is no. It's not controlled, and any physician can use it," Dr Bryce shook his head, "But I would hope that physicians who are not trained to use it would have the insight to say, 'This is out of my comfort zone. What business do I have using this? None."
"Can someone get addicted to propofol? Is there any prolonged or repeated use of propofol?
"The concern for addiction is always there, but while there is abuse potential among hospital personnel who have access to it, for the general public, that potential is just not there," Dr Bryce answered. "It's an access issue. The public has no access. As for repeated uses, only if you are getting multiple procedures done. But there's no one out there saying, 'Hey, I'm going to get another hernia repair' just to get some propofol."
"So, after someone has been on propofol and "wakes up," how would they feel? How different is it from sleep? Frank asked.
"You would feel alert, unlike with pentothal, that anesthetic often leaves patients feeling really worn out and hungover," Dr Bryce answered. "But while propofol induces sleep, it's not a clean, clear sleep."
"Are there any statistics on propofol abuse?" Sam asked.
"Abuse just doesn't occur, and if there's any abuse potential, it's so small that it's not enough to talk about," The doctor shook his head. "Like I said, there's no access to it, so there's no reason those college kids would want it."
There was one more question Frank felt he needed to ask. "How would propofol effect someone with depression?"
"A high-dose propofol treatment is feasible and well tolerated by individuals with treatment-resistant depression who are otherwise healthy. Propofol may trigger rapid, durable antidepressant effects similar to electroconvulsive therapy but generally with fewer side effects."
Frank stared blankly at the doctor as he processed the information. Suddenly his eyes widened, and he gasped as a searing pain shot across his back.
"Frank, are you ok?" He heard the doctor ask hurriedly.
"Excuse me please..." Frank gasped, before bolting out of the room.
"Frank!" Fenton called after him. He rushed out the door with Dr Bryce and Sam at his heels, Chief Collig following close behind them. Fenton found Frank at the nurse's station one hand clutching his chest, as his other hand clutched the edge of the counter turning his knuckles white with Nurse Deloris hovering over him and making sure that he was alright.
Fenton rushed to his son's side. He put his hand on his shoulder, "Frank..."
"I-I'm fine, Dad. I-I'm fine." Frank panted out between painful breaths.
"No, you're not, you're in pain. It was a mistake for me to let you leave the house."
Frank quickly dashed his tears away, composing himself. Once he got his breathing under control, he released his grip on the counter and turned to face Fenton. "Dad, I-I wouldn't have stayed home..." Frank grunted in pain.
"Frank, I need you to be honest. Is it just your chest that's hurting," Dr Bryce asked, "How about your head?"
"Hurts, everything hurts..., my head, chest, my back... it feels like it's on fire." Frank grunted.
Nurse Deloris immediately brought a wheelchair over to Frank. Frank reluctantly allowed Dr Bryce and Fenton ease him into it.
Fenton stood up and looked at the doctor, concern evident in his eyes. "What do you think could be causing this?"
"It's hard to say," The doctor replied, with a shrug of his shoulders, "He may be experiencing complications from the concussion, or it could also be related to his heart issues or any number of things." The doctor turned to where Frank was sitting in the wheelchair and stated. "This is why you should've stayed here last night, so we could monitor you. The only way to find out what's going on with you is to run some tests. "
"How long will that take?" Fenton asked.
"If the machine is available a CT scan can take somewhere between 10 to 30 minutes or less." The doctor said cautiously, "Of course, that would mean you would have to be admitted to the hospital."
"I can't, I can't stay. It's Joe. I know it is. I can feel him. Something is hurting him, especially his back." Frank shook his head, catching his breath. He rubbed his chest. Then his hands gripped the armrests tightly around the wheelchair as another burning sensation shot through his back.
"Frank, you need to listen to the doctor this time." Chief Collig insisted.
"I'm sorry, Chief. I can't..." Frank grunted, shaking his head.
Fenton knelt in front of his eldest, his worry evident. Frank's current health issues were just like before when Joe had been kidnapped. It was bad enough Frank had a concussion, but now he had a burning pain in his back. Could it all be related to Joe?
"Frank, look at me." He instructed. Frank did as his father asked. It tore at Fenton's heart to seeing the pain in his son's eyes. "If I take you home like this your mother will skin me alive, for sure, the minute that you walk in the door. And you know very well you'll get an earful from her."
Stubbornly, Frank shook his head no, as he hissed as the burning pain shot through his back again.
"Frank, let the doctor examine you." Sam said. "That way you can rule out whether or not the pain you're feeling or sensing is Joe."
"Fine." Frank finally agreed. He added between breathes, "Dr Bryce, run whatever tests you need to do. Just know I'm not staying the night." Dr Bryce and Fenton looked at each other. At least he was giving them something to work with.
Fenton called Laura to let her know what was happening with Frank. Of course, she was as upset as Fenton knew she would be, and she insisted on coming down to the hospital. After a couple of rounds arguing he finally convinced her to stay home and monitor the phone in case they heard from Joe, and he assured her that he'd call her with the news as soon as they knew anything. After undergoing several rounds of tests, Dr Bryce concluded that Frank's headache and chest pains were all stress related because he was worrying himself sick about Joe and Callie and that his concussion wasn't helping matters. As for Frank's burning back pain, it was a complete mystery, especially after it stopped all at once. All Frank could think of was that the pain had to be related to Joe. Something awful was happening to his baby brother and he wasn't there to stop it. I'm coming Joe. Hang on for me, I'm coming, he thought.
Dr. Bryce wanted to run more tests on Frank, but Frank refused to stay and insisted on going home. So, the doctor did the only thing he could do for Frank and prescribed bedrest for the rest of the night. He let them leave with instructions to call him immediately if anymore issues arose. It was late in the afternoon by the time Fenton and Frank got home. And as soon as Fenton told his wife of the doctor's order for Frank, Laura took it to heart, she helped Gertrude prepare an early dinner so Frank could turn in early and rest. By 8 pm all of the Hardy's had gone to bed, hoping and praying that tomorrow they would have Joe and Callie back safe and sound.
FJFJFJFJFJFJ
Sunday morning, Frank was up and ready by 9. Both his headache and his mysterious back pain were gone. He had tossed and turned all night feeling that familiar ache in his chest and he knew it had to be Joe calling out to him. Hang in there, Joe. I'm coming for you. He thought while rubbing his chest.
He went downstairs to his father's office to find it empty. Where was Dad? Had he taken the disc to Chief Collig? I thought he was going to let me be a part of this investigation. I need to see that footage. He looked at the family portrait above his father's desk. He knew he shouldn't open the office safe without permission from his father. Of course, it was the incident with the broken window and breaking into the safe that had gotten Joe grounded in the first place. Frank understood that Joe did what he had done out of fear and desperation to help him clear his name in the Hayden murder. Frank also understood why his father had grounded Joe for disrespecting his authority and for his unpredictable behavior. He also understood that these were a matter of extenuating circumstances, Joe and Callie's lives were at stake. And if the disc was in there, he had to know what was on it. The person on the disc could be Jack Hayden's real killer. If it really was Henry that would clear me of the man's murder. Frank knew what he needed to do. He took a deep breath, entered the office and soon found himself standing in front of Fenton's desk. He went around the desk and up to the portrait. He pressed on the left side of the frame that moved the frame and showed the safe. Inside the safe, he found the disc in a clear case on top of a file. His eyes shifted to the file which he saw contained the blueprints to their new detective agency, the Hardy and Sons Detective Agency, his and Joe's dream which was put on hold for a while. Although their dream may never happen at all if they don't find Joe. Joe was not just his little brother and best friend, but he was also his partner in crime solving. There was no way in hell Frank could ever replace his partner.
Frank's eyes shifted back to the disc on top of a file. The disc, a small and innocuous thing, was a piece of evidence that could prove his innocence, and possibly be the key to finding Joe and Callie. Once he saw the footage for himself then he'd watch it with his father and Chief Collig. He knew what he was risking, and it was a risk he was willing to take in order to find Joe. In truth he wanted to see it for himself. I'm sorry Dad. I hope you'll understand. He grabbed the disc and placed it in his back pocket, closed the safe back up and then left the room.
FJFJFJFJFJFJ
Frank headed downstairs to the kitchen to his surprise he found Biff, and Chet at the table eating pancakes. "Morning Frank!" Chet greeted him before taking the last bite of his pancake. "Morning to you too, Chet, Biff." He replied surprised. He was relieved to see his friends were here and that they were alright. "What are you two doing here?"
"We came to see you. Your mom told us what happened to you last night at the hospital. She asked us to wait for you and to make sure you eat some breakfast." Biff pushed his plate of half-eaten pancakes aside. "Your parents went to visit Harry Garrett's family. Your aunt made us pancakes before she left to go on an errand."
"They're really good too." Chet said, "She left some on the stove for you."
Frank grabbed his plate of pancakes from the stove and sat down at the table. He really didn't feel like eating, however he forced himself to because he didn't want to get into it with his mother for not taking care of himself and he also knew that he needed to keep up his strength and stay alert so he could find Joe and Callie. He grabbed the bottle of syrup and poured some on his pancakes. He cut into them and started eating, admitting to himself that they tasted good going down.
Biff and Chet were quiet while Frank ate his breakfast. They both could see the sadness and worry in his eyes. They didn't have to ask why, they knew. They were feeling the same.
Once all three boys had finished eating and straightened up the kitchen they sat back to the table. Frank quickly told them of his ordeal, from his and Callie's run in with Henry, to him waking up to the explosion and making his way to the pier. He told them about finding Callie's purse and Joe's crutches next to a set of tire tracks on a side road between the woods and the boardwalk that led to the highway. He told them about Little Trevor McNeely who saw the two smoky monsters who put Joe and Callie in the back of a dark van. According to Trevor's vague descriptions one of them was big like his daddy but scary. He ended his account with the hospital robbery and the Nurse Crazy Matthews as a possible suspect.
"We were all at the game area watching the fireworks." Biff began to explain. "I got a text message from your mom telling us that we need to get back to the picnic area. As soon as we got back, she told us what was going on with you guys." He shook his head. "The next thing we knew the whole boardwalk exploded. People were running, screaming and crying, there was chaos all around."
"This whole thing is crazy now with Joe and Callie missing." Chet replied sadly.
"I know." Frank replied, "We're going to find them. We will." He rubbed his chest. He quickly changed the subject. "How long have you guys been here?"
"About an hour." Biff said.
"How are the girls?"
"They're good. Brenda, Marcy and Lizzy are all praying for Joe and Callie's safe return. They said for you to give them a call if you need anything."
"That's good." Frank replied. "Please thank them for me."
"We will."
"Where's Tony?"
"He is taking some time off from his family's restaurant, to help out his Uncle Angelo since he's going be laid up for a couple of weeks because of his broken leg." Biff explained. "Tony and his dad are helping with the renovations to your new office."
Frank asked. "Why would they do that?"
"It was Tony's idea. He wanted to help continue the project, for Joe and for you. He's hoping it will give Joe something to look forward to and hope to see his dream come true."
Frank was deeply touched at his friend's kindness. "Wow, guys, I don't know what to say." He said, rubbing his chest.
"How are you feeling?" Chet asked concern. "Your mom told us about the concussion you got last night. Do you really think it was Henry who hit you?"
"I'm feeling better, no headache, which is a good thing." Frank answered. "And as for Henry, I believe it was him."
"That little jerk." Chet replied, hitting the palm of his hand with his other fist. "I would love to get my hands on him."
"So, would I, Chet. So, would I." Frank said softly.
"Did you really refuse medical treatment and sign yourself out from the hospital last night?"
"I did. For Joe and Callie."
Biff noticed Frank was still rubbing his chest. "Frank, can you feel him?" he asked eagerly. "You've been rubbing your chest, I just thought," Biff's voice trailed off. He looked down at his hands then up at Frank. "Is it Joe?"
"I think so." Frank nodded. He told his friends about the back pain he had experienced late night, with no known cause and how it had stopped all at once. "I know it was him. I can't explain it, but I know it was Joe." Frank felt the familiar ache in his chest begin again. "I've got to find him, guys. I've got to get to Joe, before it's too late. I can feel it, time's running out."
Biff opened his mouth to speak when the phone began ringing.
"Hardy residence." Frank said into the phone as he answered it.
"Hello, is this Frank?" A woman's voice asked.
"Speaking." Frank knew the voice but couldn't place it.
"Frank, hi, this is Paula Cohen, Phil's mom. I hope I'm not calling at a bad time."
"Mrs. Cohen?" Frank's eyes widened; he nearly dropped the phone at hearing her name. Biff and Chet sat up straight in their chairs as they exchanged looks with Frank.
Frank hadn't seen her since the funeral. His thoughts flashed to Phil, his best friend whose life had been taken away. His heart was pounding so fast he thought it was going to fly out of his chest. He took a couple of deep breaths to calm himself down. Once he was sufficiently calm, he cleared his throat and said, "Mrs. Cohen, yes, hi, no, it's okay. I'm glad to hear from you. What can I do for you?"
"I was hoping you could come over to the house. I have something for you."
"Okay, when would be a good time for me to come over?"
"As soon as possible," Mrs. Cohen said, "now would be good if you're able."
Frank looked at his friends as said, "Would you be okay if I brought someone with me? Chet Morton and Biff Hooper are here, and I would like it if they came."
"That's fine. Bring them with you. I have something for them as well."
"Is that okay with you guys?" Frank asked them, covering the speaker on the phone. Biff and Chet both nodded in agreement, and they got up from the table.
"Okay, Mrs. Cohen, we'll be right over." Frank responded. They both goodbye then Frank hung up the phone and turned to his friends.
"What do you think that's about?" Chet asked.
"I don't know. I guess we'll find out when we get there." Frank answered. He had to admit to himself that he was feeling a bit nervous about seeing her.
"It's going to be kind of weird being in Phil's house knowing he won't be there. I don't even know what to say to Mrs. Cohen." Biff said nervously.
Chet said. "It's going to be hard for both us and them. The awkwardness of everyone after Iola died was the worst part. Just be yourself, they will appreciate that."
"Well, let's not keep Mrs. Cohen waiting. Whatever it is she has for us it must be important." Frank said, taking a deep breath. He was nervous about seeing the Cohens, but he could do this for Phil.
FJFJFJFJFJFJ
Less than an hour later, Frank pulled the van into the driveway of the Cohen's two-story Victorian style home on the north end of town. The place was well maintained and looked like something out of a home gardening magazine. Frank knew the Cohen's weren't rich, but they worked hard and invested their money wisely.
"Hey look at that." Chet said, breaking into Frank's thoughts from the passenger seat. Frank and Biff look to where Chet pointing to a real-estate sign in front of the house. Frank's heart sank when he saw the word SOLD across the sign.
"They're moving?" Biff said softly.
"Looks that way." Frank said sadly. "Let's go see Mrs. Cohen."
The boys climbed out of the van and made their way up to the front porch. Frank took a deep breath and knocked on the door. After a few minutes the door opened so they could see a tall slender woman with glasses and graying blond hair pinned up in a bun standing there. She started to tear up the second she saw Frank. "Frank... I..." Her bottom lip started quivering as a tear ran down her cheeks. "I... miss him so much." she started to say. She pushed her glasses up and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.
"I miss him... too." Frank replied, his voice quivering. He welcomed the woman's embrace and just cried with her. With everything that had been happening with Joe, he had pushed away his grief, burying the emotions of how much he missed his best friend. He wished so badly that Phil was here. He wanted to be able to talk to him and tell him everything that was happening... just to have his support with Joe and Callie missing.
Chet and Biff watched and let Frank and Mrs. Cohen have their time to grieve together, they too had tears in their eyes, the loss of their friend had left an empty hole in their lives. After a few minutes everyone had quieted down and were all cried out.
"It is so good to see you, Frank." She sniffed back a sob as she released Frank, and he could see that her eyes were all red and puffy.
"Chet, Biff, it's good to see you as well," She smiled wanly as she opened the door to usher the boys in. "Come on in."
As soon as the boys stepped into the living room, they could see moving boxes stacked all over the room. The walls that had once been covered with family pictures were now empty. Other than the boxes the only thing left in the room was a sofa and two chairs.
"Please, come have a seat." Mrs. Cohen said to the boys. "I'm sorry for the mess. As you can see, we are in the process of moving. I'm sorry that I can't offer you anything, but my kitchen has been packed away."
"That's okay, Mrs. Cohen. We're good." Frank said, sitting down at on the sofa, Chet and Biff agreed as they took the two chairs.
Paula Cohen sat down next to Frank. "I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch with you," Frank said putting his hand on hers. "I know that you and Mr. Cohen are going through a difficult time right now."
"No, I completely understand Frank. You and your family are going through a difficult time yourselves." She said as she patted his hand. "I heard about the explosion at the pier last night and that Joe and Callie are missing. I'm praying for their safe return."
"Thank you. We'll find them."
"I know you will, that's what you boys do."
"Mrs. Cohen, how are you and Mr. Cohen doing?" Frank asked gently and then he inwardly cringed, that was kind of a stupid thing to say. How do you think they're doing, he berated himself.
"It's difficult, but Christopher and I are taking it day by day." Paula pressed her together and held them close to her chin. She started to tear up again, "Everywhere I look in this house it brings back memories of my son. With him gone, it's not our home anymore. We decided that we needed to be closer to our family right now so we're moving to be near Christopher's brother Martin and his wife Jenna. They know what we are going through themselves because they are grieving the loss of their son Seth. They've been spending their time trying to help their two younger sons who miss their big brother and cousin deeply."
Paula's voice choked up on her words as her eyes watered with tears. Frank reached over to squeeze her hand to comfort her. They sat quietly waiting for her to continue. "I'm sorry boys." she said, taking a tissue from her pocket and wiping her tears away.
"There's no need to apologize Mrs. Cohen, we understand, we miss him too." Frank said gently.
Paula nodded. She sniffed back tears, cleared her throat. "We found a little house near them; Christopher is there now taking care of everything that needs to be done before we move in, while I'm here to take care of the movers coming and getting our things." She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. She took a breath and began again, "The only thing left to do is Phil's room. We are keeping some of his things, but I've got his clothes all boxed up so that we can donate them to charity. His bed, mattress and dresser we are giving to his cousins. The only thing left we haven't packed is his computer. I couldn't think of what to do with it. So, I talked it over with my husband and we agreed to give it to someone who would take good care of it, and we thought of you, Frank."
"Me?" Frank's eyes widened and he placed a hand on his chest. "You want me to have Phil's computer?"
"Yes. I think that it's what Phil would have wanted."
Frank was awed by this news. He couldn't find the words. Phil's computer. That was his baby. Phil had built it with his own hands. He remembered when he was with Phil the day that he had bought it at a thrift store. It had been sitting on a shelf in a box in pieces. The employee that worked there at the time practically gave it away for free calling it a piece of junk not worth selling. To Phil it had been gold. He had brought it home and began putting it together over several weekends. He would go to different places or go online looking for components to finish building and upgrading it. It was even more advanced than his own computer at home.
"Please say yes, Frank. I know that it will be in good hands with you. It's the reason I asked you to come over," Paula looked at Biff and Chet. "There are also pictures of Phil with all of you that were on the wall above his desk, I want you boys to have them. They're good memories, Phil's memories, and I hope they will be for you as well, please cherish them always."
"Yes, Mrs. Cohen, I'll take good care of it. Thank you." Frank responded.
"Thank you, Ma'am, we will." Biff added.
'Yes, thank you. We can never forget Phil; he was a good friend." Chet said.
Paula nodded. "Why don't you boys go on up to Phil's room and take a look. I have to wait here for the movers to get here." They all rose to their feet, as she added, "if you see anything else of Phil's that you'd like to have, please, I want you to take it. Phil would want you to have it."
The boys thanked Mrs. Cohen again for the gifts of Phil's treasures and knew that they'd think of him when they saw them. She gave each of them a hug and thank them for being Phil's friends. "If there is anything, you and Mr. Cohen need please, call me." Frank said once Paula released him from the hug. He gave her his cellphone number. "Even if it's just to talk."
"Thank you, Frank, I appreciate it." Paula replied, exchanging phone numbers with Frank. "We'll keep in touch. And again, I'll be praying for Joe and Callie. I know that you'll find them."
"Thank you we will."
After saying their final goodbyes, Frank, Biff and Chet made their way upstairs and down the hallway to Phil's bedroom. As he paused outside his friend's room, Frank stared at the door. He felt a wave of emotion come over him. He understood now why Joe avoided the second floor of the Morton home. Seeing the door to Iola's room had been a painful reminder that the girl he'd once loved, was gone. Looking at Phil's door, Frank felt that pain too, the pain that his best friend was no longer around. His thoughts then shifted from the people who were forever gone, to those that were missing. It would destroy him if he lost Joe and Callie as well. He sighed, rubbing his chest.
"It never really gets easier." Chet said softly, his tone sad. "It still hurts every time I walk by the door to Iola's room. And now Phil..." His voice trailed off.
"Having some of Phil's things will be like he's still with us." Biff said. "Of course, even without the stuff, Phil is still with us."
Biff noticed that Frank was rubbing his chest. He put an arm around his friend's shoulder and squeezed comfortingly. "Are you ready to go in?"
Letting out a heavy sigh, Frank squared his shoulders, somehow finding the courage that he needed at that moment. He finally nodded and wiped the tears from his eyes. "Yes, I'm ready." He took a deep breath and opened the door.
The boys stepped inside to the almost empty room. A few boxes that were filled with Phil's things that were marked fragile or donations. His mattress and bedframe were disassembled and propped up against the wall next to his dresser, ready to be moved. On the other side of the room sat a neat and tidy desk. Frank's eyes landed on the computer. On the wall above the desk was a collage of pictures and awards from school competitions that Phil had won over the years. The boys made their way over to the desk and took in the pictures. Each of the photos captured a fun and exciting time, the smiles of everyone's faces were evident of that. One photo caught Frank's eye. It was a picture of Phil standing next to a New York (NYU) University sign with his arm around a tall sandy-blond haired guy who resembled Phil.
"Is this Seth?" Frank asked pointing at the picture.
"Yes, that's Seth." Chet replied. "He was a real nice guy. Even though, we only met him a couple of times it felt like you knew him forever. I will never forgive Henry for what he did."
"It's shouldn't have happened; neither Phil nor Seth deserved that." Biff growled.
"We finally get to meet. I'm sorry it has to be like this." Frank said to Seth in the photo.
"You know, I'm sure Joe and Tony would like some of these pictures," Biff said, "Callie too. We could take all of the photos and let them pick out the ones they want. We can always get them copied if more than one person wants one of them."
"That's a good idea." Chet said. "I'm sure they'd like to cherish these memories of Phil too."
"I'm sure they would like that." Frank nodded. He sat down at the desk and ran a hand over the keyboard. Phil's computer. This was an amazing gift. He still couldn't believe that Phil's parents trusted him with their son's prized possession. He opened the top drawer of the desk finding only a pen, notebooks, and a calculator. He closed that drawer, then he moved down to the bottom drawer where he found a metal box with a letter with his name on it. He recognized Phil's handwriting. What is this?
Frank took out the metal box and placed it on top of Phil's desk and began to read the letter.
"Frank,
It's hard to believe that we're graduating from high school in just a couple of weeks. It seems like it was only yesterday when we met in Mrs. Harper's first grade class. She let the class go outside for recess after we had lunch. All of the other kids were playing on the equipment, but I wasn't interested in any of that; I had my heart set on reading my new book that my parents had given me for my birthday. Mrs. Harper had given me permission to read it out on the playground, so I found a shady spot under a tree and began reading. That was until the class bully, Allen Mosby, decided to run up and rip the book out of my hands. I jumped to my feet and yelled at him to give it back. He was always picking on me and calling me names because I wore glasses and was far more advanced in my reading than most first graders.
I remember that I started crying when Allen started taunting me. He ripped a few pages out of my book and then threw them across the playground. He took my glasses and threatened to break them and that's when you came to my rescue. You took my glasses out of Allen's hands and got up in his face and told him to leave me alone, or he would answer to you. Allen backed off with that fierce look you gave him. I had never seen anything like it. I mean here you were, six years old, standing up to the class bully for a kid you didn't even know. But I guess you've always had that protective nature even at a young age, especially when it came to your younger brother and your friends. After Mrs. Harper had taken Allen to the principal's office when we, well, you, told her what had happened, you helped me pick up the torn pages of my book and we put it back together. I thanked you and asked if you wanted to be best friends, and you said yes, only that I'd have to be your second-best friend because your younger brother Joe would always be your first best friend. You told me how cool your little brother was and that it was always your job to protect him. You told me once how hard it was for you to socialize and make friends because you were more advanced than most other kids our age.
I know that there have been times that you would have preferred to stay stuck in your room, studying, rather than going out to play with your friends. Even your parents would try their best to always encourage you to go out, have fun and just enjoy being a kid. After all, childhood only lasts so long. But Joe turned out to be the magic solution. He'd always managed to push you into being more outgoing and social. I have to say through the years of getting to know Joe I have to say he's a cool guy and I consider him a good friend as well. He does have a knack for helping you to break out of your shell and to step out of your comfort zone; I know he did for me. Joe taught me that it's okay to laugh at myself and how to have fun and not take life too seriously.
It has always amazed me at how close you and Joe are as brothers. That special bond you share is a rare thing to have, and I think that people wished that they had that in their lives. As you know I'm an only child. My mother often referred to me as her miracle baby. She had several miscarriages and was told that she would probably never be able to have children before she finally got pregnant with me. My mother and I have a close bond and I feel like I can talk to her about anything. She's thinking of retiring from teaching at Bayport U. and wants to do something else, but she's not sure what that is yet. I'm close to my father as well. We've been able to spend much time together lately because he's been putting in long hours at the office. But I guess that's what you get for being the CEO of your own company. He said it's tiring commuting back and forth from Bayport to New York, but it's worth it so he can spend more time with Mom and I.
Dad hired a new computer analyst, Andrea Bender, who has a seventeen-year-old daughter Vanessa. They live just outside of town in a little farmhouse. They are actually only a couple miles down the road from the Morton's' farmhouse. I've not met Vanessa yet, but I've seen her a few times at school, I believe she's in Joe's class. She seems nice. She is tall, athletic, beautiful and I can totally see Joe going out with her. I know it's been a while since he's dated someone because of what happened to Iola, but Joe's a good guy and a good friend and he deserves to be happy and I think, from what I have seen, that Vanessa could make him happy again.
My cousin Seth is the closest person that I have to a brother, and I can't wait for you to meet him! He wants to meet you and Joe as well. I've told him all about you guys being detectives and following in the footsteps of your dad. I've even told him about some of the cases you've worked on and solved, both with your father and on your own. I told him it was your dream to join the family business as full-fledged private detectives and how you were looking forward to working alongside your father. Seth thinks that you guys are superheroes. I may have done a little too much bragging to make him think that way, I told him that you're just normal guys doing a job that you love while helping people along the way. It's just I'm amazed myself at what you guys do.
Frank you, Seth and, I have a lot of things in common. Like us he's really into academics, computers, and other technology. Always looking forward to the latest gadgets. Like you, Seth's also a protective older brother. He has twelve-year-old fraternal twin brothers, Kevin and Kyle. Part of the reason he is protective is that they were both diagnosed at a young age with an autism called Asperger's Syndrome. It's been quite the journey and a challenge for their parents, my Uncle Martin, and Aunt Jenna. The twins are doing great, though. My aunt and uncle got them involved in behavior and communication therapies as well as educational and family therapies. Seth does what he can to help his parents with his brothers while he goes to school. Both Kevin and Kyle look up to Seth the same way that Joe does with you. After graduation Seth is planning to go to NYU and work towards becoming a teacher, specializing in special education. He wants to teach and help kids with learning disabilities because he has had to face challenges of his own, like being bullied and being treated differently because of his dyslexia. He says that it's a way for him to get back at his bullies who told him that 'He'd never make something of himself.' I have to say I'm proud of my cousin for all his achievements.
Anyway, enough of my ramblings, the reason I'm writing you this letter is because it's hard for me to put into words and tell you to your face what our friendship means to me, you truly are my best friend. You inspire me to be a better person and to never give up on my dreams. As we are about to enter a new chapter in our lives, I don't know where life is going to take us with you going to Princeton, and me at MIT, but I promise you that I will always be your friend no matter where life takes us.
Another reason why I'm writing this is because I have a gift for you and Joe. As you know my dream is to start my own computer software company, just like my father. And as you know I've already been working on something. Mr. Hardy came to my dad's office several months back and I happened to be in the office at the time. Your father said that he was in the process of renovating a new building that was to become the new office of the Hardy and Sons' detective agency.
He asked my father to help him design a cybersecurity system that he wanted to set up for the office. He wanted it to be a surprise as a graduation gift for you and Joe. Dad agreed to the project and said that he would contact your dad in a few days to go over ideas he came up with. I couldn't help but be excited for you guys, I know this was your dream. I was just as excited when Dad asked me for my input, and I came up with an idea and he liked it and so did your father. Dad let me take over the project and this is what I came up with.
Joe is the inspiration behind it, and you, Frank, gave me the idea when you asked me to help you come up with the idea of building a tiny compartment into one of his shoes to conceal a lock pick. It was a way to help Joe find his way out of a locked room, because it was one of his biggest fears after falling victim to one of your father's enemies. I kind of took your lock pick idea and took it a step farther. I put our names together (Hardy & Cohen) and created: HC Cyber Software. Basically, it's a computer cybersecurity software program. My dad helped me get it patented and your dad has a copy if it and everything is legal. I put everything in a metal box for safekeeping with instructions in the box.
Thank you for being the best friend a guy could have.
Phil
Frank opened the metal box, and gasped when he saw what was inside. There was a disk in a clear case, three black cellphones in plastic bags, several tracking devices, a camera, and two USB flash drives. He set the box on the desk and took out one of the cellphones. He took it out of the plastic he turned it on, and it came to life as the HC Cyber logo came on the screen. He put the phone back in the box. Then he spotted a large manila envelope on the bottom. He pulled out four sheets of paper, one was a prototype of Joe's shoe with the tiny compartment to conceal a lock pick. The second was a list of instructions on how to set up the electronic devices and the last was another note which he started to read.
Frank
All the devices are all set up and ready to go. All you have to do is put in the default code name and password. Default Code: Hardy Proof, Password: Ace. You can of course change the code and password later.
If you ever need more of these devices, just let me or my dad, Christopher Cohen, know and we'll get you set up. It's kind of a shame that inspiration came out of Joe's horrible experiences, but I hope this project will help you and Joe feel a little bit safer and more secure, when working on a case and in life, as you start to move towards your dream of working as full-fledged detectives with your dad.
Anyway, as I said in my other letter we grew up as best friends. And now here we are about to graduate high school and I still call you my best friend. I know we'll find ways to keep in touch. By the way congratulations on your engagement to Callie. I've always thought she was the perfect match for you, she's a wonderful, smart, funny girl and best of all she makes you happy. I know you both will make each other happy and have a wonderful life together. I wish you all the best.
Phil.
FJFJFJFJFJFJ
This was incredible, Frank thought wiping away tears. Fenton had surprised them with the news of the new agency, but Frank wondered why his father never told them about this part and that Phil had had a hand in it. He wished that Joe was here to share this moment with him. In anyway, he couldn't wait to show this to Joe. He remembered how his brother's eyes lit up with excitement when their father showed them the blueprints of the new agency. That their dream was really happening. Frank wanted to see that life and excitement back in Joe's eyes again. Frank looked at the gift Phil had given them. Maybe this would give Joe hope, and make him want to live and to be happy.
He glanced up at the photo of Phil and Seth. Thank you, Phil, thank you for being my best friend, I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you when you were in trouble. Seth, I am so sorry I never got the chance to meet you, from reading Phil's letter I feel like I know you a little bit better. And I commend you for your achievements. I want to thank you for what you did you for Joe and myself, you risked your life to help us and ended up paying the ultimate price. I promise you Seth, Phil, that Joe and I will get justice for you both. And just like Phil, Seth, I'll always consider you a close friend. When you become friends with the Hardy brothers, you're a friend for life.