Hello I'd like to thank, Drumboy100, Candylou, MargaretA66, HNB FJRAY, caseykam, racey losh, Delaney Mc, Bkworm4life4, Briella J, Sofia, t4swp for your wonderful reviews, love reading everyone's feedback and its a good feeling to know you like my story. It helps me to want to keep writing. And thank you to those who are following, favorites, or just reading you are awesome.
A BIG THANK YOU goes to Bkworm4life4 you've been a big help to me with my story. Here's my new chapter it's kind of a long one and things are about to go out with a BANG!
A Brother's Revenge Chapter 13
Midnight. A few days before July 4.
Carolyn had no clue as to why Ryan had asked, or more like ordered her and Henry to gather into the kitchen at this hour to go over his plan.
"Ryan," She slammed her beer bottle down on the table while glaring at her boyfriend. She blew a strand of her raven hair out of her eyes, "whatever this damn plan of yours is it had better get us the hell out of this place." She was getting sick and tired of being cooped up in this cabin and she was more than ready to go.
"My plan will be revealed in due time." Ryan replied coolly. He leaned back in his chair and drank the last of his beer. "Once Frank Hardy is dead, then we will disappear from this hellhole for good."
"How are we going to get anywhere near him? This whole damn town knows our faces. Need I remind you, that you killed two of their police officers AND you set the hospital on fire."
"With your help." He shot back.
"Yes, I did. You're lucky I knew my way around the hospital. But don't forget," she reminded him, "Frank Hardy saw you at the elevator on the second floor before the hospital went up in flames. He chased your ass through the courtyard."
"Yes, but you caught up to me before he did"
"Oh, and don't even get me started on the whole Joe Hardy kidnapping fiasco shit." She ranted on. "Don't forget, Fenton Hardy lives in Bayport... I'm sure he's hot on your trail, and if he isn't he soon will be. We don't have Bartend to get us out of legal trouble any more. He's laying cold in the cellar along with that old couple that we killed."
"I had to get rid of him, you know that! Bartend couldn't be trusted anymore after he fucked up Jack's plan. Besides, we've literally gotten away with murder, long before we ever met that dumbass."
"I know. It's just we don't have Jack and Cindy to have our backs anymore. You know that Cindy was helpful in most cases; except when it came to her damn kid, but it was Jack who always took charge of everything. Even when things went wrong...he knew what to do... and now he's dead. And it's just the two of us."
"Carolyn, relax. I have learned a thing or two from my dearly departed big brother. It will work. Trust me." Ryan said responding to her rant. "Believe me Jack would be proud."
"I hope you're right." She huffed.
"My sweet, I've always taken care of you and protected you, haven't I?"
Carolyn nodded. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Her voice trembled. "You've been there for me when no one else has. I love you and I would do anything for you."
"And I you." He leaned over and kissed her lips.
Carolyn quickly wiped the tears off her face. "Now enough of this mushy shit." She said narrowing her eyes at him as her voice grew hard. "Tell me about this damn plan of yours. It had better be a good one."
Ryan replied with a smirk. "Oh, it is. In fact, part of my plan should be arriving any time." he said looking at the time on his watch.
"Someone's coming here?" Her eyes widened.
"That's right."
"Who?"
"An old acquaintance of Jack's. Apparently, they met years ago. He got into a bit of trouble selling illegal goods and Jack helped him to go underground and lay low until the heat died down. I contacted him earlier and told him about Jack and he's returning the favor. In fact, he's bringing me a present that will help us get rid of Frank Hardy. That's why we're up at this hour waiting for him to get here without him being seen."
"Okay who the hell is he? What is this present? "
"His name is Sal Mancini, although he prefers to be called 'Picasso'. He's an artist. As for the present you'll see. "
"Artist?" Carolyn repeated cocking her eyebrows up. "I've never heard Cindy mention this guy before. You or Jack either, for that matter."
"Jack and me were involved in a lot of illegal shit through our teen years long before we met you girls. Some of it involved this friend of Jack's."
"So, what does he have to do with your plan? Which I still haven't a clue as to what it's about!" She was getting pissed at his game.
He smiled coyly at her, picked up her hand and kissed it. "I'll explain everything once he gets here."
Ryan got up from the table and walked over to the fridge to get another beer. "And it's not just the two of us. We have Henry." He popped off the cap and threw it into the sink. Then casually leans up against the counter. He took a drink before saying, "He's already a chip off the old block. When he killed those kids, I could see that there's potential in him."
"However, he's still got a hell of lot to learn about his place in this family." He took another sip of his beer. "It'll be up to me to finish what my brother started with him. He's not going to be a weak, snively little bitch like his mother. He's going to be strong and fearless. He's Jack Hayden's son, damn it! I'll beat it into him if I have to!"
Ryan paused for a moment as he just realized. His eyes scanned the kitchen. "By the way, where is the little shit?" he set his beer on the counter. He turned his head towards the hallway that led to the bedrooms.
"Henry get your ass into the kitchen!"
Expecting to see Henry come running into the kitchen to Ryan's surprise the back door opened and Henry walked in from outside acting all nonchalant. He had on his usual black t-shirt with a red Spider-Man symbol on it and black jeans. Ryan swore it was the only thing that the kid ever wore, except for the new red cap that was on his head.
Henry shut the door behind him and walked in front of his uncle and grabbed a beer from the fridge. He popped off the cap and joined Carolyn at the table. He leaned back casually in his chair and took off his cap and set it on the table and propped his feet on the chair that Ryan had just vacated.
Ryan exchanged a quick glance with Carolyn. He shifted his eyes back to his nephew. "Where the hell have you been?"
Henry took a drink of his beer, and let out a satisfied sigh. He ran a hand through his dark hair, looked up at Ryan. "Out." He replied his eyes darkening.
Ryan saw red.
In a rage, Ryan flew up to Henry, yanked him out of his chair by his shirt, forcing his feet onto the floor and knocking his chair over with a loud crash! He pulled his nephew close to his face until they were nose to nose. Giving him an icy stare, he said, "Listen you little shit, I ordered you not to leave this cabin. Where did you go!"
"Chill. I went for a walk. No one saw me." Henry lied. He pulled away from Ryan.
"What the hell have you been up to?" Carolyn demanded backing Ryan.
Wouldn't you both like to know? Henry thought to himself glaring up at his uncle. "Nothing." He answered out loud. Quickly changing the topic. "So, what's this plan of yours. Does it involve killing Frank Hardy? What do I have to do?"
"It does. If you fuck up this plan." Ryan lean down to look at him straight in the eye. "I will beat the living shit out of you. Do you understand me."
"Crystal." Henry replied unfazed by his uncle's threat.
"Enough." Carolyn cut in. "Ryan let's get on with your plan."
A sudden loud pounding on the door interrupted them. Ryan went to answer it.
"Hey, Hey, Ryan baby…long time no see." A man of about thirty greeted him. He entered the kitchen with Ryan. "Damn shame about good ol' Jackie boy. May he rest in peace."
"If it wasn't for him my ass would've been locked up years ago. Now I come to pay an old debt owed to your brother by helping you to avenge his death…and to get the son a bitch who took him out."
"Carolyn, meet Sal "Picasso" Mancini." Ryan introduced him.
Carolyn took in the man's look from his dark hair slicked back into a ponytail to his dark jeans and a t-shirt with a leather jacket over it and black leather gloves. She was not impressed with him at all. However, she was curious about the two large black duffle bags that he was carrying at his sides.
"Pleased to meet you, Babe. But please call me Picasso. You know, after the famous artist." The man said as he slowly chewed his gum. He gave her arrogant smirk followed by a wink. "I am an artist myself."
Carolyn just glared at him.
"Did you bring me a present?" Ryan said quickly getting right to the point.
"Hell yeah!" Picasso exclaimed. He placed the bags on the table. "Got it right here in my bag. All I have to do is put the damn thing together."
"Good. I need it ready in two days."
"Two days! Shit! That's gonna be tight! You can't rush perfection, you know. If you want it done right, you have to give me more time than that, I'm an artist! I got this stuff on the black-market, and let me tell you it ain't cheap either!
"How long will it take?" Ryan demanded.
"Depends. If I start working on it now, I'll let you know when I'm done."
"Fine." The younger Hayden brother huffed wearily. "This will give us more time to proceed with the rest of my plan."
"What's in the bags?" Carolyn said skeptical of all of this as she scrunched up her nose.
Ryan replied. "I told you yesterday that we're going to hide in plain sight. However, in order for us to do that we have to change our appearances."
"We've done that so many times already," Carolyn grumbled folding her hands to her chest. "It's getting harder to come up with new looks."
"I brought you new ones." Picasso said, he patted the suitcase on his left, "Trust me, Babe, you're going to love them."
"Don't call me, Babe!" she snapped.
"Touchy." Picasso snarked back at her.
"Anyway…" Ryan cut in before it could go any further, "this is phase one, so we're going to use the identities of the old couple in the cellar."
"Wait, who is this son of a bitch who killed Jack?" Picasso questioned cocking his head to the side.
"Frank Hardy."
"Hardy? Hang on a sec, he wouldn't be any relation to that damn Fenton Hardy, the detective, would he?"
"Yep, Frank's his son, in fact he's got two brats."
"Whoa, oh!" Picasso exclaimed beaming from ear to ear. "Let me tell you the black market is scary as shit and the Hardy name isn't exactly well liked with those who do business there. Let's just say if I were to take out the big fish, I'd be a very rich son of a bitch."
"Well, I'm more interested in taking out his two little fishes." Ryan replied heatedly. "More precisely the older one, Frank, but before we can get him, we will need to get to his baby brother."
"No!" Henry interjected, red faced and angry. He banged his fist on the table. "It's Frank you want to kill! He's the one who killed Jack! Don't touch Joe! He's mine!"
"You got the hots for him or something, kid?" Picasso crudely remarked. He wiggled his eyebrows. "Kinky."
"It's not like that!" Henry growled.
"Hey, hey kid, I don't care. Whatever floats your boat." Picasso shrugged.
"Shut up!" Henry exploded, as he jumped to his feet glaring at Picasso. "I'm not in love with Joe!"
"Henry, knock it off 'cause I don't give a shit!" Ryan fired back. "I'm going to get my revenge on Frank Hardy AND I'm going to make him watch me kill his brother! And if you think blowing up the elevator was bad…you ain't seen nothing yet!" He picked up Henry's beer bottle and threw it against the wall smashing it into pieces and landing on the floor.
Henry kept his glare on Picasso as opposed to his uncle. You hurt Joe and you'll regret it. He thought to himself.
Suddenly it dawned on Carolyn as to what the present was. "You're building a bomb, aren't you?" She shifted her eyes from Ryan to Picasso.
"Yep, that's phase two." Picasso said grinning like a Cheshire Cat. He patted the other black bag.
FJFJFJFJFJFJ
After two long grueling days, Friday was finally here.
Friday July 4th to be exact. It was going on six in the evening and as Joe sat on his bed getting ready he was feeling nervous, stressed and anxious. Thoughts whirled through his mind at a dizzying rate. His date with Vanessa was in less than two hours. He had worse case scenarios of everything that could go wrong running through his head.
Things weren't going the way he had planned and hoped. There was the fact that Vanessa was the one who was picking him up because he couldn't drive due to his leg. He had reluctantly agreed to this stipulation that his parents imposed, even though it felt wrong to him, because the doctors hadn't cleared him yet to drive. He should be the one picking Vanessa up at her house, bringing her flowers, meeting her mother, and doing all of the things that you're supposed to do on a first date. And group date no less. What the hell! This wasn't junior high for Pete sakes! He cursed to himself.
However, Joe guessed he couldn't complain too much. After all he was still able to go on his date. He owed it all to Frank, and he couldn't be more grateful. His big brother had once again come through for him in keeping his word. Frank didn't have to do what he did in convincing their parents to let him go on this date with Vanessa in the first place.
Joe sighed, he didn't deserve this privilege especially after the way that he'd been acting out. He was ready to correct his mistakes and continue to try to make things right with his dad. He did love his dad and felt horrible about the way that he treated him.
His father had always been his hero, next to Frank of course. Joe thought back to when he and Frank were younger. They had always looked forward to their father coming home after saving the world from the bad guys. They would be waiting anxiously for Fenton to walk through the front door. Then the moment would come and he would walk through the door looking all tired, and worn out, but there would always be a smile that would appear on his face when he saw them. He and Frank would then run up to Fenton greeting him with excitement and hugs, and his dad would do the same in return. After the initial greetings were over they would then begin peppering Fenton with questions about his case. Their mother would often have to tell them to let their father sit down and rest, and to let him eat the dinner that she would have waiting for him.
Then right before their bedtime Fenton, even as tired as he was, would somehow find the energy to come up to tuck them in. He'd sit by their bedside and begin telling them about his latest case. Of course, he'd give his young sons an age appropriate version leaving out some of the more gruesome details that their young ears shouldn't hear, including more details as they grew older. The boys never said a word about it though when Fenton came home with cuts and bruises on his face, or bandaged up, because they understood that his job was dangerous at times and that he had to sometimes have scuffles with criminals in order to catch them.
Now that Joe was older, he understood and was still learning more of his father's job. The bad side of it was dangerous and gruesome and sometime the bad guys did win. Jack Hayden getting off was a good example of that. However, there was a good side to the job that Joe liked very much. The side that allowed him to fight for what was right and to help those who were unable or too afraid to speak up and defend themselves. And getting the chance to kick some ass during the process, didn't hurt either. He smiled. He couldn't wait to be part of it. Hardy and Sons' Detective Agency was happening! He couldn't wait to be done with college and work alongside his two favorite heroes.
Joe wanted to continue to build a trusting and respectful relationship with his dad. In order to do that he had agreed to go to counseling, a process which he was not looking forward to. His smile faded into a thin line and his head dropped to his chest. In fact, he felt sick just thinking about it. But he would deal with that when the time came. In the meantime, he had to focus on his upcoming date with his beautiful angel.
Joe got up and went into the bathroom and up to the mirror. He picked up his comb off the sink and began running it through his hair until he got it just right. He took a deep breath and stepped back. He looked down at his red polo shirt and tan colored khaki cargo shorts then back up to look at his reflection in the mirror. "I look stupid." He frowned in disgust.
"Joe! Aren't you ready yet?" Frank called from the other side of the door. " Vanessa will be here soon to pick you up."
Joe grabbed his crutches and slowly opened the door that connected to Frank's room. His brother was sitting on the edge of his bed, ready to go, dressed casually in a white t-shirt and navy-blue shorts, which looked really nice on him. Except for the annoyed look on his face. That was Joe's fault, and he couldn't really blame Frank for being annoyed, he had practically held him hostage for the last hour or so to help him pick out what to wear.
"How do I look?" Joe asked nervously.
Frank looked at the clothes his brother had on. "You look fine."
"You said the same thing about the last two outfits that I had on!" Joe exclaimed in a frustrated voice.
"Well I meant it the last two times as well." Frank said, which was the truth, but Joe was so anxious he couldn't convince him of it.
Frank felt like banging his head against the wall, He was getting tired and bored of sitting here and waiting for Joe to make up his mind about what to wear, he didn't ever remember him being this nervous before. This was almost worse than going clothes shopping with Callie. He loved his future wife with all his heart, but sitting in a clothing store while she tried on just about every outfit on the racks for an hour or two was his least favorite thing to do in the world. However, he did it anyway. Why? Because he loved her. As far as he was concerned it was the same way with Joe. He loved his little brother with all his heart and he would do anything for him. But truthfully at this point he didn't really care what Joe wore, he just wanted him to pick something already!
Frank wanted so much to escape, what he wouldn't give to have his mother call his name needing him for something. But he couldn't do that to his little brother. Joe was more nervous than Frank had seen for a long time. He sighed and sat where he was as patiently as he could, waiting for Joe to decide what he was going to wear.
"Aren't you guys ready yet? Callie said knocking on Frank's bedroom door.
Oh, thank God! I'm saved! Frank thought, extremely relieved to see his fiancé. As usual she was dressed to the nines, looking as beautiful as ever in a navy-blue scoop-neck tank top paired with white knee length capris and sandals. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She even had a pair of red star earrings dangling from her ears. Very festive and patriotic at the same time.
"Your mother sent me up here to tell you guys to get a move on. She and your aunt are packing up the last of the food into the coolers and everything else is ready for the picnic. Your dad is helping them load everything into the car. They're almost ready to head to the pier."
"Hey, I'm ready. I'm just waiting for Joe to make up his mind." Frank said.
"Hey, I don't want to look stupid." Joe shot back.
"For the last time what you're wearing is fine. It's the 4th of July. It's summer! Everyone will most likely be dressed in casual and comfortable summer clothes. Some of them will be sitting on the ground having their picnics and watching the fireworks." Frank said, frustration creeping into his voice.
"I don't want to look fine...I want to look... well I don't know…but fine is not it." Joe let out an exasperated sigh and turned to Callie. If anyone could help him out with his problem she could, after all fashion was her area of expertise. "Will you help me please?" He asked, giving her sad puppy-dog eyes. He shot Frank a dirty look. "Since your fiancé is no help!"
Frank threw up his hands and gave let out an exasperated sigh of his own. He gave Callie a pleading look that said "save me".
Callie suppressed a giggle. "Sure Joe, how can I help you?" she said walking into Frank's room.
"Oh, thank you, Callie. Okay how do I look?" He propped his crutches against the wall and then spread his arms out so she can get a better look at his clothes.
She looked at the red polo shirt and a khaki cargo shorts he had on. "You look fine."
Joe threw his arms down and gave her a sour look. He huffed out shaking his head. "You two were made for each other, you know that? You're even dressed alike."
Frank and Callie looked at each other's outfits and then at their own and then back at each other realizing Joe was right and burst out laughing.
"I guess we are." Frank said laughing. "We didn't even plan it that way."
"Well I guess that it means that we're already thinking like an old married couple." Callie said laughing.
Frank scooted over so Callie could sit down beside him on the bed. Once she sat down, he put an arm around her shoulders and she placed her hand on his knee and leaned forward to kiss his lips, as he touched the side of her face and returned the kiss right back. Damn he missed the taste of her sweet lips! Before they knew it, their lips were in a full on make out session, both of them oblivious to the fact that Joe was still in the room.
"Ugh! Will you two give it a rest" Joe grumbled out of annoyance. "You can do that later!"
The couple started and quickly parted their lips from each other, their faces flushed pink as they realized that they had gotten caught up in the moment. They held each other's hands as their fingers entwined together.
"Sorry Joe, we forgot you were still here." Frank sheepishly replied.
"Ha, Ha, yeah, yeah. I could tell." Joe laughed dryly. "Can we focus on me now? I'm the one that's supposed to be getting ready for a date."
"Yes, Joe, we're sorry." Callie said holding back a laugh.
A thought struck him, "Wait, wait, Callie hasn't seen me in the blue one." Joe said as he grabbed his crutches and hurried into the bathroom.
"Joe, come on we don't have time for this!" Frank called to him, but it was too late, the door was already closed.
"What is this all about?" Callie asked. "I don't think I've ever seen Joe like this before. Since when is he that into his looks?"
"I know. He's been like this all day and he's driving me crazy. I could kill him but I won't." Frank ran a hand through his hair. "His anxiety has been through the roof today. He wants this date with Vanessa to be perfect. But he's worried that something's going to go wrong and its going to be a catastrophe." He paused to take a breath.
"So how are you doing?" Callie asked concerned.
"I'm doing the best that I can. One day at a time." Frank replied with a lopsided smile. He was doing his best to hold it together. If he was honest with himself, he wasn't having the best of days and his depression was kicking his butt today. He wasn't in the mood for this 4th of July picnic. He knew it would be fun and exciting, and that his friends and family would all be there to join in all the fun. However, he was feeling tired and worn out and all he wanted to do right then was to be alone in his room curled up in bed where he could shut the world out and go to sleep.
"All my focus has to be on Joe right now." He was working hard to keep his depression at bay. Frank sighed, "It… This date has to go well. It just has to."
"Frank." Callie could see the worry in his brown eyes.
"In fact, I have a lot riding on this date myself and it's for very different reasons. I feel so guilty for even thinking this and it's not fair to put all of this on Vanessa's shoulders, but she's my only hope." Tears began forming in the corners of Frank's eyes. As he batted them away, he said in a voice riddled with emotion, "If this works out, I won't have to worry about him as much when I'm away at college, that is if I'm not in prison...or if I'm not here for some other reason. Joe will have someone else to focus on. God forbid... if this threat against me and Joe is carried out...or something happens on this date and Vanessa gets hurt or even you… It'll be like what happened with Iola all over again and I don't know if Joe would be able to recover from that."
Callie wiped a tear from her eye. She began rubbing his back and shoulders. Seeing Frank get emotional like this was difficult. He had called her two days ago to talk about Joe's behavior, the broken window and his concerns. How he and Joe were working things out with their father and agreeing to go to counseling. Callie was happy for them and supported this huge step that they were taking. She knew that it would be a difficult road for all of them, but she also knew that they would persevere and survive. If the Hardy's could face dangerous hardened criminals as part of their jobs, then they could get through this dark time and be back stronger than ever.
"Frank, everything is going to work out, you'll see. You're not going to go to prison because you did not kill Hayden. You will be cleared; you have to believe that." Callie reassured him. "Have you heard anything about how the case is going? I mean, I know you can't investigate, but... "
"No, nothing yet." Frank shook his head, "However on the vandalism case, Dad did talk to Officer Baker this morning and the results came back from the lab on the fingerprints that were found on the black spray can. They may have a match."
"Really?"
"Yeah the prints belong to a Bruce Linksy. They did a criminal background check on him. Turns out he was arrested two years ago for not showing up in court over unpaid tickets. Which doesn't make sense. Why would he vandalize your car and leave that message on the windshield? The only possible reason we could think of is that he may have some sort of connection to Jack or Ryan Hayden."
Frank continued, "According to Chief Collig, Linsky and his wife are an elderly couple in their late sixties. They lived in an apartment building in town. Collig talked to the landlord who said that the couple haven't been paying their rent for the last couple of months. The landlord was going to evict them, but then they moved out in the middle of the night two days ago without a word to anyone. Collig has been having his officers trying to locate Linsky, but so far, they are not having any luck. They have even been trying to locate family members and again no luck. He has asked Dad to help him locate him. Dad agreed but he is only treating it as a case of vandalism, until we know for sure on whether or not he has some connection to Hayden. Collig is going to be sending Dad any information he has and a description of Linsky.
"Do you think this Linksy person could have a connection to the mystery dark haired kid?"
"That's what we're hoping for."
"You know Frank," Callie said wrapping her arms around herself and leaning in to him for comfort. "It still gives me chills seeing the tires on my car slashed, and that threatening message against you and Joe. I asked my dad to sell the car once we get it back from the shop. I know its silly, but I can't drive it after this. I'm still getting use to the idea of having a police car stationed outside my house. I know the officer is there to protect me, it's just that it's a constant reminder that we're in danger."
Frank put an arm around her shoulders and held her close to him. "I'd never let anyone hurt you." He kissed the side of her head. "I have to tell you something. I have to tell someone, and I can't talk to Joe about this right now because it will get him worked up, but I think I'm going crazy again."
She pulled away from him a little to look at his face. "What?"
"I went for my run early this morning because, I'm trying to get back into my regular routine, but because of everything that has been happening I didn't take my usual route. I ended up staying close to home, so I went around a couple of blocks and then came back. The whole time I was on the run I felt like someone was watching me, just like before. The thing is I never saw anyone, just like I never saw anyone before. Maybe I'm just being paranoid again, but I would swear someone was watching me."
"Have you told anyone about this?" Callie asked worriedly.
"No not yet, but I am going to tell Dad, and I don't want to say anything to Joe just yet, because I don't want him to freak out. He needs to focus and have fun on his date."
"I won't say anything and by the way, as far as I am concerned, with everything that has happened to you both, you're not being paranoid," Callie reassured him, "but you do need to tell someone sooner rather than later."
She quickly changed the subject, "Back to Vanessa, I've had her in a few of my classes, including gym class and we have become good friends. Not only is the girl beautiful, she's a fun, caring, and kind person. She has a great sense of humor and is very athletic. And she doesn't take crap off of anyone. I think that she would be perfect for Joe and I can tell you personally, from her mouth to my ears that she really does like Joe."
Joe! Frank suddenly realized his brother had been very quiet for quite awhile. At once he jumped to his feet and rushed to the bathroom door. "Joe, are you alright?"
Frank grew alarmed when Joe didn't answer. He knocked on the door. "Joe?" Still nothing. "You better answer me, don't make me knock this door down." He was about to turn the knob, when the door slowly opened.
Joe slowly stepped out of the bathroom with his crutches wearing the same clothes that he had on before, but his face had a grim expression on it. When Joe had left Frank and Callie to change into another outfit, he froze as he felt his anxiety begin to kick in, overwhelming him, God he hated this feeling.
"I can't do this. This is a mistake." He said as he let out a heavy sigh, "when Vanessa gets here will one of you tell her to forget it. The date is off. Tell her I'm not feeling well or something."
"Don't you dare break this date Joe." Callie told him firmly, getting to her feet and standing next to Frank. "You will regret it."
"Yeah but...what if..." Joe started to say.
Interrupting him Frank said in a stern voice, "Joe, look at me,"
Joe looked at his brother as Frank spoke, "If you keep worrying and focusing on the bad stuff that could happen, you're going to miss out on all the good stuff that can happen! Besides Vanessa's already on her way here."
Frank continued, "There's going to be lot of people coming out to the pier for picnics and the fireworks. And you know between Chief Collig and Dad that the place will be heavily secured with officers patrolling the area just in case. Little brother you need this. We all need this. We all need to have some fun, and to laugh and to allow ourselves to have a good time. All of our friends are going to be there including Biff, Chet and Tony, and they are bringing their dates as well."
"Not everyone will be there." Joe said despondently, "Phil won't be there."
Frank and Callie exchanged sad looks with each other. Tears filled their eyes as their late friend came to the forefront of their minds. It still hurt knowing that he was gone and that they would never see him again.
Frank wiped the tears away and cleared his throat, "I know for a fact that if Phil were still here, he'd be telling you the same thing we're telling you."
"Yeah, Phil, wouldn't want us to stop having fun." Callie added, sniffing back tears. "So, what do you say, are you ready to have some fun? Where is the Joe Hardy that we all know and love? That carefree guy who is always the life of the party. The guy who likes to crack jokes and make everyone laugh. We all miss that Joe Hardy smile. You know the one. The one that can light up a room when you walk in."
"Joe…" Frank said as Joe looked like he was about to protest what Callie was saying.
The sound of the doorbell ringing cut off Joe's response to them. Laura knocked at the door and then entered Frank's room, standing near the doorway.
"Joe, Vanessa's here. She's talking to your father and aunt, and let me tell you I think she's a very nice girl. I like her already." As she smiled, Laura quickly noted the sad expressions on their faces, and knew that something was wrong.
Frank decided to try one last approach. He knew that once his little brother saw Vanessa, he would change his mind about calling off the date. "Joe, Callie and I are not going to lie for you. If you want to call off the date, you'll have to go downstairs and tell her yourself." He folded his arms to his chest.
"Call the date off? Joe, no, don't do that." Laura protested.
Joe suddenly felt all eyes on him. He thought about what they were saying and they did bring up valid points. And Frank was right. This was something that he had to do himself. Finally, he made his decision. Without a word he grabbed his crutches and hurried out of the room leaving Frank, Callie and Laura in suspense and following after him down the hall.
Joe carefully made his way down the stairs that led to the family room. Once he made it to the landing, he paused when he saw his father and his aunt talking to the most beautiful sight his eyes had ever seen.
She was tall and slender, with long, ash-blonde hair that hung loose down to the small of her back. With the way that the light struck her as she was standing there she looked like an angel, his angel. Vanessa Bender.
Joe drank in the sight of Vanessa standing in the hall wearing a white cami romper with a red floral print. The outfit showed off her long beautiful legs. He couldn't take his eyes off of her, God she took his breath away.
As soon as her conversation with Fenton and Gertrude had ended, Vanessa turned her head giving Joe her attention. Vanessa's gray-blue eyes and Joe's baby blues connected instantly and everyone in the room swore they saw electricity spark between the two of them.
Frank, Callie and Laura were watching the scene from the top of stairs with anticipation and Fenton and Gertrude also turned their attention to the younger couple.
"Oh my gosh. Do you see the way that they're looking at each other?" Callie gushed, whispering in Frank's ear. 'They're in love."
"I will strangle Joe myself if he backs out of this date." Laura whispered into Frank's other ear.
"We'll see." Frank said softly to both of them as he made his way down the stairs to stand next to Joe on the landing. Callie and Laura following close behind him.
"Hi Frank, it's so good to see you again." Vanessa greeted Frank with a friendly smile.
"It's good to see you too, Vanessa." Frank politely replied.
"Joe's told me a lot of things about you."
"All good I hope."
"Oh yes, all good. Very good. Oh, by the way, Frank congratulations on your and Callie's engagement. It's so exciting!" Vanessa said excitedly, "She showed me the ring the other day and it's gorgeous."
"Thank you." Frank replied.
Callie made her way to Frank's side locking arms with him. "Hi Vanessa," she smiled, "Oh my gosh, I love that romper you're wearing; it looks so cute on you."
"Thank you." Vanessa replied gratefully. "I love that scoop-neck tank top you're wearing." She said gushing over Callie's top. "You and I are going to have to go on a shopping date some time."
"Just name the time and place."
"Well, I think it's about time we head out, if we want to get a good spot to watch the fireworks." Gertrude said. "Vanessa it was a pleasure meeting you."
She stood next to Fenton who said, "Yes, Vanessa, it was nice meeting you, young lady, you are welcome here anytime."
"Thank you, Mr. Hardy, it was a pleasure meeting you as well, all of you."
"Yes," Laura said making her way down the stairs joining her husband. 'You and you mother have an invitation here for dinner anytime. We look forward to getting to know you both."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hardy. Hopefully you will be able to meet her tonight as she will actually be at the picnic."
"Oh good, I can't wait to meet her, you will have to be sure to introduce us."
As the adults said their goodbyes they headed out the door to get in the car to head to the July 4th picnic leaving the young people knowing that they would be arriving there shortly.
Vanessa pushed her hair off of her shoulder, and smiled at Joe. "So, you ready to go handsome?"
"Hey Joe, wasn't there something you wanted to tell Vanessa?" Frank said giving Joe a slight nudge in the arm with his elbow, breaking Joe out of his trance.
"Yes Joe?" Vanessa inquired.
"Huh? Oh yeah...I wanted to tell you something, um," Joe replied blinking. Now what was it? He started racking his brain. He felt his anxiety kicking in and he was worried that something was going to go wrong on his date, however, like Frank had pointed out, he didn't want to miss out on all the good stuff.
He did want to have fun, and to laugh and to have a good time with his friends. And to be in the company of the beautiful angel who was standing in front of him. He was a lucky, lucky man. He wasn't going to let whomever it was behind the threats spoil this night. Come after him all they wanted but if anyone tried to harm his angel; they were going to get the Joe Hardy ass kicking of a lifetime. Then all at once something clicked in Joe's head, he felt a sudden boost of confidence come over him. Something he hadn't felt in a long, long time.
Frank swore he saw the moment when a spark had ignited in Joe's blue eyes, then he saw a huge smile that lit up the room spread across his face. God, he missed that smile.
"Oh sorry, Vanessa, I forgot what I was going to say," said Joe, flashing her a witty, mischievous grin. "The minute I saw you my mind went blank." He went up to her with his crutches and put an arm around her waist pulling her close to him. "You better not stand too close to the fireworks, though."
"Why's that?" she giggled.
"You might set them off, cause you're so damn hot!" Joe said with a wink.
The four of them burst out laughing. That was probably the cheesiest pick up line that they had ever heard come out of Joe's mouth. However, it was music to Frank's ears, because to him it meant that Joe was slowly coming back to being himself and it was a glimpse of hope that things were starting to shift in a positive direction for a change. At least for tonight.