Hi everyone sorry again for taking long to update. Still don't know what's going with my beta reader do hope she's okay. So I'm kind of doing this myself and wanted to post it, sorry again for any mistakes.

Thank you to those who left me wonderful reviews, and favorites, following or just reading. Here's my new chapter let me know what you think and how I'm doing. :)

A Brother's Revenge Chapter 7

"I'm so glad that part is over. And Frank will finally be home." Laura commented gratefully.

It was going on 9 o'clock as she walked with Fenton and Joe to the parking lot after leaving the courthouse. It was starting out to be a beautiful morning; the sun was shining up in the blue sky. She just wanted to enjoy the rest of the day with her family and not worry about the case for now. Hopefully they could do just that.

"This will be our last summer with Frank before he goes off to college in August." Laura started to tear up. "Hopefully this horrible murder case is resolved soon."

She was not too happy when Fenton told her about Frank's rough time last night. She was worried that being locked up over night in a horrible cell would make Frank's battle with depression worse.

Then this morning up in front of the courtroom she noted his tired eyes hiding behind a smile that told her, her son was not okay. She just wanted to hold him in her arms like she did when he was a little boy.

She prayed to God for this nightmare to be over soon...and Frank would finally have some peace. So that they would all have some peace.

"It will, Honey." Fenton replied. They made their way to the car. "We're going to get through this." Fenton put an arm around her and pulled her close to him and then kissed her head.

He opened the passenger door for his wife. "Dad," He turned his head to his younger son.

"Yes."

"What happens now?" Joe asked coming up beside his parents with his crutches.

"We're going home to have brunch." Fenton answered although he had a feeling that wasn't the answer Joe was wanting.

"That's not..." Joe shook his head, "I mean about Hayden's murder case." He knew what he was asking was going to lead into a confrontation. But his stubborn pride wouldn't let go, he had to ask it.

"Since you and Frank can't go near the case. Someone...has to investigate Hayden's murder case? Someone has to clear Frank's name." Joe looked around the parking lot at the people passing by them.

"We'll discuss this at home. Not here." Fenton said stalling. He knew where Joe was going with this. And he really did not want to get into it with his youngest.

True to his word, Joe looked back up at his father he wouldn't let up, he kept going, and "Sam is busy working on the hospital fire case..." Joe suggested slowly. He convinced his father to let him go to the shooting range to talk to Pete. Maybe just maybe he could convince him to let him stay on this case.

"I-I could do it."

"No. Chief Collig and his men are perfectly capable of handling the case. "

"But I can help. I can go places they can't.

"No."

"How can we just stay out of this?"

"Joe..."

"The judge didn't say I couldn't investigate Hayden's murder."

"I'll give you a good reason Joe; you're still recovering from a gunshot wound." Laura stated giving her son a serious look. "Your father is right. The police can handle it."

"Besides that aren't you on restriction from detective work?" She looked at Fenton to respond, "He is on restriction, right?"

"I lifted it once." Fenton answered, he hadn't told her about them going to the shooting range to talk to Pete. "He went with me yesterday to talk to someone that had to do with the murder case."

He saw Laura was about to say something, he held up his hand to explain, "I can't go into any details. All I can say is Chief Collig is working on it. Now as for, Joe being on restriction it's certainly looking that way if he doesn't lose the attitude."

"Oh come on Dad," Joe huffed then he looked at Laura, "Mom, I am fine. Physical therapy is really helping me. It won't be long before I can get rid of these crutches." He fought back a wince as a slight pain went through his leg.

"I am your mother; I can tell when you're not fine." She countered back. "And that little pain expression on your face just told me."

"I've been on my leg too long, that's it. But I can tolerate it." Joe argued. He looked at Fenton. "Dad, please."

"Absolutely not." Fenton stated. Joe was pushing his buttons he could feel his temper rising to the surface.

"This is all because of your damn justice system!" Joe shouted causing people to stop and stare. "I'm not a little kid anymore. I can do this. Please let me help work this case to clear Frank's name!"

"Joe..."

"I'm a man...Damn it! Dad, I can do this!"

"Five months Joe, in five months you will be 18!" Fenton fired back. He lost it. He slammed the car door to face and address his short-tempered son. "However, that does not make you a man. You still have a lot of growing up to do. Your attitude needs to change before I can decide what to do about the case."

"We'll see." Joe grumbled.

"Enough!" Laura shouted coming in between them.

"I don't know what's going on, however, this is not the time nor place for this." Laura said directly. "Frank will be coming out here in a few minutes...he doesn't need to see you two arguing."

If his mother only knew Frank was their reason for their disagreement. Joe thought.

He didn't think it was right of Fenton to turn the copy of the security footage over to the police. What if it made things worse for Frank? Joe's mind flashed back to the dark haired guy stealing that gun. It wasn't Frank. Frank did not kill Hayden with that gun. Joe was determined to find out who the guy was on that footage?

Fenton took a deep breath, and said calmly leaving no room to argue. "This discussion is closed until we get home."

Joe responded, letting out a heavy sigh, "Fine."

(FJFJFFJFJFFJFJ)

Frank and Callie walked out the front doors as they made their way down the steps of the courthouse. Carl was beside him with his briefcase at his side.

"Frank, try not to worry about anything." Carl said to his client. "Everything is going to work out."

"Thank you, Carl." Frank said gratefully, "For your help." He smiled then the smile faded into a frown when something in the parking lot grabbed his attention.

"Oh great." He huffed out.

"Frank, what's wrong?" Callie asked concern for him.

She followed his gaze to see his brother and father having a heated discussion. Laura was standing between them as referee. "Oh my gosh."

"I really don't want to deal with that right now." Frank murmured. He knew there was tension between his father and brother. He had a feeling it had to do with him and something that might have to do with Hayden's murder.

"Well you don't have too." Callie said. "I have my car, so I could take you home, or we could just go for a drive. That's not a problem is it Mr. Sims?"

Carl answered. "I don't think that would be a problem. As long as you two stay in town." He turned back to the father and son arguing in the parking lot. "I think I'll leave you here. Frank, tell your father I'll call him."

"I will." Frank nodded.

"Thank you." Callie smiled.

"You're welcome young lady." Carl replied politely. With that he shook hands with Frank, and left to go to his car got in and drove off.

"What do you think Frank? What do you want to do?" Frank felt Callie's hand slide into his. He ran his other hand through his dark brown hair.

"I think a drive would be good." Frank smiled at her giving her hand a light squeeze. Then he wrinkled his nose at his father and brother arguing, "But first I probably should go rescue my mother."

With that he took a deep breath as they headed to the car.

"Hey! What is going on?"

His father and brother backed away from each other, when they saw Frank. "Everything's fine." Fenton replied plastering a smile on his face.

"Yup...fine." Joe replied dryly.

"Yeah, I can see that." Frank simply said, "We saw you guys arguing as soon as we came out of the courthouse. What's wrong?"

"I think we're all just tired." Fenton replied. "It's been a long morning."

Although he wasn't completely telling his son the truth. He really didn't know how to explain to his eldest son about the security footage of the dark haired figure stealing the gun. Given the fact he and Frank couldn't investigate the case made it hard.

However, Fenton believed turning the copy of the footage over to the police was the right thing to do. And the truth will come out and Hayden's real killer will be caught.

Frank didn't say anything, just nodded. He knew that wasn't the whole truth.

"Why don't we go home? Gertrude is preparing brunch." Laura said cheerfully quickly changing the subject. "Callie, you're welcome to join us?"

"I'm not hungry." Joe grumbled. He walked to the back of the car; he opened the backdoor and threw his crutches. Then climbed inside slamming the door be hide him.

Frank made a mental note to find out what this fight was about, but for now he was looking forward to some alone time with Callie.

"Um, Thank you, Mrs. Hardy, but," Callie smiled politely. She looked at Frank and then back at Laura. "I was kind of hoping I could steal Frank away for a little while."

Laura got a glimpse of the beautiful ring on the girl's finger. She couldn't help but smile. "That's a splendid idea."

She was beyond thrilled with Frank and Callie's engagement. She and Fenton both love Callie as if she was their own daughter. Laura couldn't think of a more fitting girl for her son. She was a kind, strong and caring person. What impressed Laura the most about Callie was the way she stood by Frank as he dealt with his health situation and great support system as he deals with his depression.

"I think that would be fine." Fenton agreed with a grin. Spending some time with his fiancé is just what Frank needs. "Why don't you two come back to the house for dinner about 6 tonight?"

"We can do that." Frank agreed.

"Good now you kids go have fun." Laura said cheerfully.

(FJFJFFJFJFFJFJ)

By 10:30, Callie managed to drive through the heavy traffic in her little green Nissan on the north end of town. She glanced over at the passenger seat at Frank, who was staring out of the window. He wore a far off expression on his face; she could tell he had a lot on his mind.

She turned her eyes back onto the road in front of her. She stopped at a red light waiting for her turn. While trying to think of something encouraging she could say to her fiancé.

"Penny for your thoughts."

When he didn't respond she tried again. "Earth to Frank."

Quickly snapping out of his thoughts, Frank turned to her blinking his eyes. "Sorry, I guess I zoned out there for a moment. I hate when that happens."

"It's understandable." Callie replied turning her eyes back to the road. "You have a lot going on."

"Yeah," Frank sigh. "I guess I'll have to get to the bottom of Dad and Joe's argument when I get home. Right now I have a question for you."

"What's that?"

"Where are you taking me?"

Callie just smiled at him. "You'll see." The light turned green giving Callie the cue to go. She had made another turn down Cumberland Street that led to the Bayport University. She drove passed the campus and to a three story apartment building.

She pulled into the parking lot and found a spot next to a sign that read student parking only.

"We're here," Callie sang, "my home for the next four years."

"I am super excited!" She was beaming from ear to ear. "I wanted you to be the first to see it. Well actually you'll be the third...because my parents saw it first. I officially move in August 9th. A two bedroom half bath and a spacious living and kitchen area."

They climbed out of the car, hand in hand and started to make their way through the parking lot.

Frank looked up at the apartment complex. Suddenly his mind was hit with a flash back to the second floor exploding into a fiery inferno. He stopped dead in his tracks. "Frank?" he heard Callie call him. "Are you okay"

He quickly shook that thought out of his head, "uh, yeah," Then he asked quickly changing the subject. "I thought you were going to live in a dorm?"

"I was. But I kind of like the idea of living off campus. I'm two miles from campus. And my first class won't start until 830." They started making their way to the apartment complex.

"Do you have a roommate?"

"Not yet."

He looked at her strangely. "Not yet?" he repeated.

He stopped walking again and suddenly had a feeling he was being watched. He began looking around him at people walking past them and at his surroundings. Was someone watching him? Was he just being paranoid...no he wasn't going to take the chance.

He pulled Callie close to him as they entered the lobby of the apartment building. Frank quickly took the place in a glance; there were black and white marble floor tiles and the décor was elegant and modern.

"Nice." was all he could say. He noted it was a busy lobby, he saw several students walking up and down the stairs. And two young girls stepped out of the elevator, as a few more students waited for their turn. Three girls' two blonds and one brunet he guessed were between the ages of 18 or 19 years old were sitting in a small sitting area. The girls were talking and giggling loudly with each other.

Then he noticed a young guy with dark hair sticking out from underneath a red ball cap. His body was slouched down in a red plush chair reading a car magazine. Although Frank couldn't get a good look at his face, However the strange part he thought was that must be an interesting article he's reading. The kid's face was practically buried in the magazine so oblivious to the cackling girls sitting across from him. He couldn't put his finger on it but he had a bad feeling about that young guy.

"Oh wait, I got to show you this." Callie's voice broke in to his thoughts. Before he knew it she was dragging him by the hand over to the left of the lobby was an area of about 30 aluminum mailboxes on the wall. "See this." She pointed to number B14 on the boxes. "This one is mine." She smiled proudly, "Can you believe it, and I have my own mailbox." Her eyes were filled with excitement.

This made Frank smile, just seeing how happy and excited his beautiful lady was over something as having her own mailbox made him happy. He just wanted to stay in this moment he didn't want to go back to that dark sad place he's been in.

"So what floor do you live on?"

"I live on the second floor."

Frank's smile dropped. "The second floor?" He repeated.

All at once his face paled and his mind was hit with another flashed back to the second floor exploded into a fiery inferno of the hospital... his father...his mother...aunt, Sam were all in there! His eyes were fixed on the big, gaping hole on the second floor. The floor to the room he shared with Joe was just above it. Joe! Oh my God!

Callie noted again of Frank's pale face and heavy breathing. "Frank, Baby, Are you okay?" She framed his face with her hands, to force him to look at her.

Blinking his eyes to force his thoughts away, Frank shook his head and focused on Callie's voice. "I'm sorry, Cal," He cleared his throat. "You can't live on the second floor."

"Frank, I..."

"Callie...I thought...I lost my family...Joe he was up there..."

"Frank..." She started to say then it dawned on her the hospital fire was the reason as to why he was acting this way. "Frank, listen to me. It's not the same thing as the hospital. This place is safe. I am safe here. We are safe."

"I want to show you my apartment, and then we can leave if you want." She suggested. She really didn't want to cause him stress. She was hoping to get him to relax and enjoy their time together.

"Alright." Frank sighed calmly. He had to stop his mind from thinking these paranoid thoughts. Callie was so excited about showing him around her new home, her new chapter in her life that she was about to partake. He wasn't about to take that away from her.

He walked with her over to the elevator. She pressed the button to send the elevator down to them to take them to her floor. Again another flashback hit him of him coming face to face with Ryan Hayden as he got off the elevator ending up chasing him down the hospital stairwell and outside through the courtyard...only to lose him. Again he quickly shook the thoughts out of his head, this is about Callie. Focus on Callie. He told himself.

'Ding!' the sound of the elevator brought Frank to his attention. The door slid open Callie stepped inside she held the door open with her hand, and held her other hand out to Frank. "Are you ready?"

He looked back at the small sitting area, the girls were still there, then his eyes shifted to the red chair, his eyes widen, it was empty! His heart started pounding out of his chest, the young guy with a red ball cap was gone. He was just there a minute ago...he looked around the lobby no sign of him. He was here, Frank was sure of it! He wasn't imagining it... he was here!

"Frank are you coming?" Callie called to him.

"In a minute, I have to check something." No, Frank shook his head, he was not being paranoid...the kid was there! And he was going to prove it. Puzzled by her fiancé's behavior, Callie stepped out of the elevator and watched Frank rush over to the three girls in the small sitting area.

"Excuse me, ladies?"

The girls stopped their chatter and glanced up. "Oh wow," The brunet smiled dreamily at Frank. "Girls, I think I'm going to like college."

"Me too Kim, especially if the guys here look like him." One of the blond girls gushed, drinking in the sight of Frank. "Tall, dark and, sexy." She purred licking her lips as if hungry for a delicious treat.

"Now girls, be nice." the other blond girl swatted playfully reprimanding her friends, "What could we do for you handsome? Whatever it is, it's yours." She seductively leaning forward in her low cut pink top towards him showing off her cleavage of her voluptuous chest.

Frank's face blushed a shade of pink and his feet froze where he stood. His mouth went dry and suddenly felt uncomfortable. The girls were looking at him like lionesses about to pounce and devour their prey.

"Sorry girls," Callie intervened coming up beside Frank hooking her arm around his. She held out her left hand showing off her ring, "He's taken."

"Too bad." one of the girls pouted.

"Come on, Frank. I want to show you my apartment."

'In a minute Callie, I just need to ask them something, it's important."

"Anything for you." The voluptuous girl commented blinking her eyes flirtatiously at him. Callie just glared at her. Don't even think it; you'll have a fight on your hands.

Frank could feel Callie tightening her grip on his arm; he had to admit though seeing Callie's jealous feisty side was kind of a turn on.

He took a breath and cleared his throat, "Did any of you ladies see where the kid went that was sitting here?" Frank asked pointing to the red chair. He just wanted to hurry this up, just to avoid a catfight breaking out.

"No." the girls replied in unison.

"Are you sure? He was sitting right across from you. He was wearing a red ball cap, reading a magazine."

"We didn't see him."

Frank looked at them blinking, how could this be? Of course, he thought feeling frustrated, how could the girls notice anything with all the chit chatting and carrying on they were doing. Then again they noticed me only when I got their attention!

He looked back at the red chair, and ran a hand through his hair, God what was happening to him, was he going crazy? No, He wasn't imagining him... no, no, the guy in the ball cap was here! Damn it!

Callie saw the confusion in his eyes, 'Come on, Frank let's go." Callie said pulling him away from the claws of those girls.

Maybe, I am going crazy. Feeling defeated, Frank took a deep breath and said, "Okay." He walked with Callie to the elevator.