Hello everyone thank you to those who've left me wonderful reviews, following, favorites, or just reading you are all awesome. Here is my new chapter I'm sorry for any grammar mistakes, I did this chapter on my own.

I will be starting the next chapter soon I am looking for a new beta reader, If you've read my story and are interested helping me with editing and grammar, please PM me. If you agree be honest, if you need a break or don't want to help then tell me I'm pretty reasonable and won't get angry, just don't leave me hanging, that's I'll I ask, thank you.

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A Brother's Revenge Chapter 10

"Frank!"

Joe's eyes snapped open, breathing heavily. He wiped the beads of sweat off his forehead. He looked around until his eyes landed on his crutches propped up next to the wall beside him, realizing he was in his room lying on his bed. He looked at the time on his phone laying on the nightstand, read 2:00 pm. He winced when a twinge of pain shot up his leg as he got himself up, he swung his legs over the bed and held on to the edge of the mattress for support. Finally, he got himself together.

The last thing he remembered as soon as they got home, he got out of the car as quickly as he could with his crutches refusing to talk to his father. Oh, he was so angry with him! He hurried into the house and up to his room slamming the door shut and plopped down on his bed and must have fallen asleep.

He hated fighting with his father. He knew it was wrong of him to speak to him the way he did. For some reason his father just seemed to be an easy target to project his anger out on him instead of the people, he's really angry with.

He certainly was not going to let anyone frame his brother for murder. He hit a fist against the mattress out of frustration, batting away tears, God, I can't lose Frank... He made a vow to find Hayden's real killer and that is what he's going to do.

Quickly going into detective mode, he thought of the dark-haired figure from the security footage from the shooting range. He had a feeling that guy maybe the key to clearing his brother's name. Joe was going to find him.

If only he could take a look at the footage one more time, he knew it needed to be enhanced to see the dark-haired figure more clearly, all he needed to do was find someone to help him do just that. Joe wasn't that good with computers and all that tech mumbo jumbo. Frank could do it, because that was his area of expertise, only the problem was Frank couldn't get involved because it would be violating the judge's court order. There had to be someone who could help him, all Joe had to do was get his hands on that disc.

Unfortunately, Chief Collig had it. But...wait, wait, Joe thought slowly, Dad has the other copy somewhere in his office...it's probably in his safe...it's where he keeps all his important documents...that had to be where the disc was. If I could get my hands on it...No, no, he shook his head, what am I thinking! he couldn't do that. Dad's office is off limits. No one's allowed in there without Fenton Hardy's permission. It hurt his heart to even think of going against his father.

Suddenly his cell phone ringing brought him to attention. He reached over on the nightstand and picked it up and answered, "Joe Hardy".

"Hey handsome."

"Vanessa?" Joe's eyes widen, Vanessa Bender. His heart was pounding at the sound of hearing that tall blond beautiful angel's voice. She lives with her mother, Andrea Bender, on a small farm on the outskirts of Bayport practically neighbors to the Morton farm.

"Yes, silly." She asked. "Is this a bad time?"

"No, actually you couldn't have called at a better time." Joe all at once felt calm, just talking to her.

"My mother and I were watching the news this morning about the murder of that man the police found and of your brother Frank's arrest. I was worried about you. how are you holding up?"

"As best I can." Joe answered her with a sigh.

"And your brother? How is he?"

Joe thought it was sweet of her to ask about Frank. "Honestly," He said, worriedly. "I haven't had the chance to really talk to him. The last two times were brief, during his arrest and this morning after the bail hearing. He went off with Callie somewhere no telling when he'll be home."

"But from what I could tell, Frank is being, well, Frank like he always does in dealing with this situation like this. He doesn't like anyone to see him fall apart. On the outside he's putting up a brave, strong front, mostly for my benefit, because he thinks he's protecting me."

"But I know him, I know on the inside he's a mess and it worries me especially with him battling his damn depression." Joe didn't know why he suddenly opened up to her like this, but it felt good.

"Your brother has depression? I didn't know that."

"Oh shit!" Joe cursed slapping a hand to his mouth, "I shouldn't have said that. It's kind of a private personal matter that Frank only talks about it with his close friends, family, Callie and Dr. Reese."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." Vanessa's voice deflated on the end of the line.

Hearing the hurt in her voice, "Oh...no, I didn't mean...You." Joe mentally kicked himself for saying the wrong things.

"Joe, you're right...it's Frank's private matter, I hate gossip and I'd never go around gossiping about someone's troubles. after all, I'm still getting to know your brother. I want him to like me. Because I like you." She sighed, and added thoughtfully, "I do hope he's okay. And I'm here, if you want to talk. You can trust me, anything you tell me, will remain between us."

Hearing her say that made Joe smile, he only met her for a short time, he was already falling in love with her, and it scared him.

"Thank you, Vanessa. That means a lot to have your support. Frank is more than just my older brother, he's my best friend. Some people don't understand it, and sometimes we don't either, but we're very close, we can feel each other's pain." He placed his hand over his chest he can feel his brother's heartbeat, "Right now I know he's hurting, it hurts me too." Tears began to run down his cheek.

"Wow," Vanessa replied softly. "That sounds special. I'm an only child...sometimes I wish I had a sibling. But I kind of get what you're saying. My mother and I are very close. It's been just the two of us since my dad left when I was three...she's my best friend and I am hers. maybe it's not the same as the close bond like you have with your brother. But if anything, happen to my mother I'd be lost."

"That's kind of the way I feel about Frank. I'm still getting used to the idea of him leaving for college." Joe cleared his throat, and wiped the tears away, 'Anyway, I know Frank will like you. He may seem to have a tough exterior, but once he loosens up, he can be a lot of fun when you really get to know him...trust me he'll like you. You'll like him."

"What about you, Joe? So far, I've heard you talk about amazing stuff about Frank. Tell me something amazing about you."

"There's not much to tell." He replied grimly.

"Oh, come on I don't believe that." Vanessa said back.

"Well I do have this amazing gift at pissing people off. Always saying or doing the wrong thing gets myself into trouble every time. And then Frank comes in and kicks my ass after cleaning up the mess I made."

"Joe, you're so hard on yourself."

"I can't help it, sometimes I don't like myself." Joe blurted out, "Why do you like me?" He winced suddenly wished he could take the question back.

After a short pause Vanessa came back with a reply, "Well you look damn hot in gym shorts."

"What?!" Joe jumped nearly dropping his phone, but managed to hold on to it. He laughed his face blush he wasn't expecting a comment like that.

"One day during girls' gym class, we were outside warming up with calisthenics, the guys gym class was outside too. And there you were on the football field strutting around, goofing off with the other guys, in those little red gym shorts and shirtless. The girls couldn't stop drooling over you."

"And you."

"Guilty." She giggled. "I'll have you know; you Joe Hardy are the hot topic in the girl's locker room. And now that you're a high school Senior you better watch out. Your popularity has gone up in ranks with the girls."

"Uh hey, I've never been in the girl's locker room. Oh, wait, I take that back there was that one time…only because Biff dared me."

"Tell me."

"I shouldn't..."

"Oh please...please."

"It's kind of stupid."

"I still want to hear it. I won't stop asking until you tell me."

"You are persistent."

"I know. Now tell me."

"Okay fine," Joe laughed and then began to tell his tale. "See Biff and me have these stupid challenges. He dared me to go in the girl's locker room for a minute wearing nothing but a towel around my waist, so I did, of course he had to come with me to make sure I didn't chicken out. Only when I got there before I open the door Biff snatched off my towel and pushed me inside, so there I was in the girl's locker room in all my glory."

"Oh my God!" Vanessa started laughing hysterically.

"I did give Coach Gifford quite a show since she was the only one in there at the time. I could've killed Biff, heard him laughing on the other side of the door. he was pressed up against the door so I wouldn't get out…but that was in junior high…I got detention for it and was grounded for two weeks from my parents, Frank he just laughed at me… I don't know how whenever Biff dares me to do these challenges, I end up in the buff."

He could hear Vanessa laughing in at the end of the line. "Thank you for the visual Joe."

"You're welcome."

She said in between chuckles. "Challenges, you mean there's more 'buff' stories about you."

"Oh, yeah, there's even a epic skinny-dipping story."

"Tell me." She said stifling a laugh.

"That's for another day, anyway." he quickly changed the subject. "So, I'm a hot topic, hu, what exactly are you girls saying about me? And I thought you said you hate gossip."

"Oh, I do, that's why I'm going to spare you the horny details, but I can tell you there's at least twelve girls who would say yes, if you asked them out. But don't bother, they're not even your type."

Joe scrunched up his nose and frowned, "And you know my type?" He ran a hand through his sweaty blond hair.

"I do. You're not into the Barbie doll, superficial whiney with lack of brains type. No, you need a girl who is strong, athletic, not afraid to speak her mind. A girl who carries herself with dignity and poise. She knows who she is and not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty. Someone who doesn't take shit off of anyone, a girl who can keep up with you."

"That is all true, but it doesn't hurt if she's hot, and sexy." Joe smiled. "So you're saying that none of those twelve girls fit that."

"One."

"One?"

"Yeah."

"Who?"

"You're talking to her. Hot and sexy goes without saying." Vanessa said on the other line.

"That you are, my Angel."

"Angel?"

"Yes, the first time I saw you Vanessa in the hallway at school, you looked like a beautiful angel, took my breath away."

"Aw," Vanessa cooed, on the other line, "That's the sweetest thing any guy has ever said to me."

"The last guy I went out with at my last school in Pennsylvania was a self-absorbed immature jerk. He would rather hang out with his buddies play video games. His idea of a date was a lousy monster movie, and a drive-thru dinner to the golden arches, He picked me up in this rusted out yellow truck that he'd named the 'Beast' the thing was practically falling apart."

"Then after we ate our cold food, he decides to take a moonlit drive to this popular make out spot, expecting to get laid, his idea of sweet talk, 'So you wanna do it?' Like that was supposed to be romantic."

Joe didn't know who the guy was, but he wanted to kick his ass. "So, what happened...did he try anything?"

"Oh, he tried, but what he didn't know was that, my mom and I took a self-defense class once because we wanted to learn to protect ourselves. And well the jerk gave me good practice, let's just say by the end of the night I had him crying in pain and singing soprano, when my mom came to pick me up."

"He sounds like a real loser." Joe smiled she's defiantly my type of woman. "You know there's more to me than those red shorts. And trust me you haven't watched a monster movie until you've watched one with me, and I'd pick you up in style and treat you like a lady should be treated. My mom would kill me if I didn't."

"Oh, I know, that's why I'm looking forward to our date, so we can get to know each other better. You asked me out weeks ago." She asked slowly. "The question is when?"

With everything going on surrounding Frank, Joe completely forgot about his date with Vanessa. "Well how about this Friday."

"Friday?"

"There's a July 4th community picnic at the Bayport pier that happens every year. It's a big event that kicks off the summer." Joe explained. "There's games and fun activities for the whole family and then later the awesome display of fireworks."

'That sounds like fun. I could pack us a picnic lunch, we could sit and watch the fireworks together." Vanessa replied.

"The only problem is, Vanessa, I'm not allowed to drive yet because of my leg."

"I have my jeep; I can pick you up."

"I guess that could work."

"Good, see you Friday, oh and I'm looking forward to hearing all about the skinny-dipping story. Bye handsome."

"Bye, my angel." Joe said as he hung up his phone. Finally, a date with Vanessa he couldn't stop smiling thinking of her.

Then his smile faded into a thin line as his thoughts switched back to his plan to get the disc from the safe in his father's office. Was he really going to do this? Was he really going to risk everything with this decision? This could cause a strain in his relationship with his Dad, things will never be the same again if he did do this. He would never be able to trust him.

But it was a risk Joe was willing to take, clearing Frank's name was more important to him than anything. He didn't know when his dad would be home, it could be anytime, his mother and aunt were busy in the kitchen. So, if he was going to do this, he had to do it now.

Joe reached for his crutches and eased himself off the bed and stood up and made his way out of his room. He carefully made his way down the stairs that led to the family room, once he made it to the landing, and paused when he heard his mother and aunt's voices from the kitchen. When he was sure they were not coming out of the kitchen he proceeded down the hallway that led to his father's office.

He stood at the door with his hand on the knob, he took a breath and his heart was beating so fast he thought it could fly out of his chest. Joe entered the room, and soon found himself standing in front of Fenton's desk. Right above it was a family portrait. Now he was feeling even more guilty. He took a breath and went around the desk and up to the portrait. He pressed on the left side of the frame that opened to a safe...

FJFJFJFJFJFJF

Frank and Fenton had just arrived moments ago after making sure Callie got home safely, and explaining to her parents of what's going on and the police protection as a precaution.

Frank left the kitchen leaving his father to talk to his mother and aunt about Callie's car being vandalized and the threatening message against them with the possibility of Ryan Hayden hiding somewhere in town. Frank was on his way to talk to Joe; he made his way into the living room he almost reached the landing when he noticed the door to his father's office was open.

That's strange. Why is the door open? He thought suspiciously. Dad's in the kitchen...unless it's Sam. Suddenly the threat loomed in his head, Eye for an eye... A brother for a brother... soon a Hardy boy will die! Then he heard a noise from inside, someone was in there!

Frank cautiously went up to the room and peered inside, to his surprise he found Joe inside sitting be hide the desk staring at a disc in his hand. Frank's eyes widen when he looked up and saw the wall safe was wide open... it's where their Dad keeps all his important documents. It was off limits...to them. However, Fenton had told them the combination to get into the safe, they were to only use it if something tragic happened to Fenton while working on a case. Joe had better have a good reason for being in here.

"Joe," He whispered, coming into the room. "What are you doing in here?"

"Frank, I... didn't hear you come in." Joe looked up, startled, at his brother coming into the office.

"Did you open the safe?" Frank demanded. dad was right about Joe being unpredictable. He quickly noticed his sweaty face and matted hair, giving him a feeling that something's going on with his little brother. It's a good thing he caught him not a moment too soon.

"Yeah."

"Joe, Dad is in the kitchen talking to Mom. If he comes in here and catches you...I can't save you."

"I know!" Joe was trying to think of an excuse to give to his brother. Frank would see right through it. He huffed out, "It seemed like a good idea in my head...but now," he teared up voice filled with regret, "I'm so fucking stupid!"

"Hey, stop right there." Frank countered back, he hated when Joe talked like that. "You are not stupid, but what you're doing is." He folded his arms to his chest. "What is that in your hand anyway?"

Joe pursed his lips and stared at the disc again. He began debating on whether not to tell him. This was a part of Hayden's murder investigation that Frank can't be a part of, however the two of them have never kept secrets from each other, and he wasn't going to start now. "Something that could hurt your case."

Frank looked at the disc and then back at his brother. He unfolded his arms to run and hand through his hair. "That must be the evidence Dad was telling me about." He let out a breath.

Joe wrinkled his forehead, "Dad, told you?" He asked in surprise.

"Well, he didn't tell me what it was, he said you two came across some evidence yesterday that may or may not make things worse for me. It's also the reason you two are fighting." Honestly Frank's detective instincts were kicking in wanting to know what was on it.

"I'll tell you," Joe said, holding up the disc to Frank, "It shows you walking into the shooting range. You walked up to the counter where you were seen greeting Pete. Then it shows you signing the log and Pete handing you the gun from the gun case. Then the two of you headed for the double doors out to the range."

Frank nodded, "That's what I told the Chief when I was being questioned. I went to the shooting range Wednesday two days before my graduation which would have been Friday. Hayden was killed the following Monday." He began explaining to Joe, he felt it was important to tell him. He wasn't going to keep secrets from Joe. "I was feeling angry and frustrated thinking about Henry. It's his fault that Phil wouldn't be there to graduate with us."

He took a deep breath and reveal a secret about him that he told Fenton during his questioning at the police station. Joe was shocked his brother had turned down the honors of valedictorian, salutatorian, the honor of valedictorian would've and should've gone to Phil Cohen. He understood why Frank did what he did. It just hurt Joe's heart that his brother felt he wasn't deserving of either one.

Frank continued with, "I was still frustrated and angry about that, and on top of everything else going on. I went for a run that morning to clear my head, but it didn't seem to help. So, I had the idea of going to the shooting range. And it did help, I felt better," he added calmly, "I don't know I guess something about blasting large holes in a paper target was very therapeutic for me."

His little brother looked at him blinking after hearing his explanation, "Mom took you to your physical therapy appointment at 2pm. Aunt Gertrude was out running errands and Dad was out working on the hospital fire case. So... I went by myself." Frank sheepishly ran a hand through his hair. "Probably not the smartest thing, but I did."

Joe piped in hoping with his brother standing here in front of him he'll get some answers to his questions. He tapped a finger on the disc, "We saw you on the footage with Pete next to you as you shot off a few rounds. After you were finished the two of you walked back to the counter to turn in the gun. You handed the gun to Pete and left the room."

"I did, I remember." Frank confirmed. "I lost track of time and was late for my appointment with Dr. Reese, I gave him the gun."

"That's what Pete, told us. He said he took care of your gun for you." Joe recounted vividly of two days ago, "A few seconds later, Pete walked over to the counter with the gun. Only he got distracted by two young guys coming out of the locker rooms in a heated argument. Pete hearing the commotion puts the gun on counter and goes over to stop the fighting."

"Within seconds the dark-haired figure comes back into the room wearing the same exact clothes as you had on, red shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow and jeans."

Frank's mouth dropped at the mention of the dark- haired figure. It made him think of his mystery dark-haired kid from Callie's apartment. Was he the same person?

"The guy's face was away from the camera we saw him he picks up the gun off of the counter and rushes out of the room. The gun that was later found at the crime scene where Hayden was murdered. " Joe ended his explanation with frustration. "The problem is the footage on this disc is kind of shitty and needs to be enhanced to see the dark-haired figure more clearly."

"I know it wasn't you on that tape stealing the gun." Joe adamantly shook his head, "Dad, asked Pete to make two copies he gave one to Chief Collig and the other copy is in my hand."

"I told Dad it was a bad idea. If he had waited until we knew for sure, but he goes against me and said we have to do things the legal way." Joe scoffed and rolled his eyes, "for his so-called justice system."

Frank raise a brow he stood staring at his brother processing everything. "What exactly are you planning on doing with it?"

"Find someone who can enhance the footage." Joe slowly suggested to see if he could convince him. "I know... you could."

Frank couldn't believe what Joe was suggesting of him to do. As much as he would love to see what's on that disc. This was wrong, "Little brother...as much as I want to, I can't, but I knew someone who could..." Frank's voice trail off, he swallowed a lump in his throat.

Joe saw a tear forming in his eyes and sadness wash over his face, "You're talking about Phil, aren't you?"

Frank cleared his throat and nodded. "His computer is a little more advance then mine."

"If you had access to it...you could." Joe pushed a little more. Frank just blinked at him and took a step back to think calmly, before he jumped over the desk and strangle his brother's neck.

"I could but I won't." He answered working hard to keep his voice calm and steady. Joe opened his mouth to argue, but Frank kept going. "Dad has his reasons for turning the disc over to Chief Collig. Even if we don't agree with it, we have to trust him."

"Really, knowing what's on it?"

"Yes, now put the disc back in the safe, and let's get the hell out of here before Dad comes in here."

The brothers locked eyes with each other. Frank folded his arms to his chest; he was not backing down. "Joe please, you're better than this, if you want to help me. This is not the way. Put the disc back ".

"Fine." Joe huffed giving in. He did as his brother instructed. He put the disc back into the safe and took his crutches and walked out of the room with Frank.

Once the brothers went back up to Joe's room. Frank closed the door be hide them. Joe was standing at his window quietly. He turned around to face his brother. 'I'm sorry Frank. That was a stupid thing I did...thank you... even though I don't deserve it."

"Joe stop talking like that." Frank shook his head. "This behavior of yours has to stop. I was going to talk to you about something...but now I'm not so sure..."

"Tell me what?" He said, observing the hesitation in his brother's eyes. "Frank, what is it?"

"Well... you have to promise to stay calm before I tell you."

Joe was beginning to lose his patience with his brother. "Okay," he said, "I promise. I'll try to stay calm."

Frank took a deep breath, and told him about Callie's car being vandalized and the threatening message against them, and lastly the possibility of Ryan Hayden in Bayport.

"What!" Joe gasped, feeling his temper rising as he processed this bombshell.

"See this is why Dad didn't tell you about my phone call. He knew you'd react just like this." Frank sighed wearily.

"I am so tired of the shit!" Joe exploded red faced he couldn't stop his temper, "I just made a date with Vanessa on Friday! No way in hell that's going to happen!"

In a fit of rage without thinking he picks up one of his crutches and throws it sending it flying towards the window shattering the plated glass everywhere.