Hello I'm back again. Sorry for the long wait. Real life gets crazy sometimes, I am working on the next chapter it's slow going but I'm getting there. Like I've said before I won't abandon my story it might take a while, but I will finish it. I want to thank those who review my last chapter, following, favorites, or just reading. And a thank you to my beta reader for helping me with my story. Here's my new chapter hope you like. :)
A Brother's Revenge Chapter 25
"Alright, Fenton, why are we here? You said that you had news on Linsky?" Chief Collig grumbled as he stood outside of the Bayport Pier's administration building along with Sam Radley and Fenton. He wasn't exactly in the best of moods. He along with his officers had spent most of the day being visible and patrolling around the pier while everyone was gathering and having fun. On top of all that there was the vandalism case as well as the ongoing investigation into the murder of Jack Hayden, of which both cases seemed to be going nowhere. Now that the evening was fast approaching, he was hungry, tired and wanted to go home more than anything. Unfortunately, that wasn't happening any time soon because as the chief of police he had to be a visible presence and stay professional while he went about his job.
Collig's mood had lifted slightly with hope when Fenton had called him asking him to meet, he and Sam at the administration building of the Bayport Pier Department because he had information on Bruce Linsky. He had also requested that the Pier's administrative director, Mark Johnson, meet with them as well for his help with urgency on a police matter, which is why they were currently waiting outside of the building. Mr. Johnson had not yet arrived as he was in the midst of the preparations for the fireworks show as the event would be starting in about forty-five minutes. Thankfully the man had agreed to meet with them at his office in ten minutes. The place was locked up for the night, so they were waiting outside for the man to arrive.
Sam was eager to know what Fenton had found on Linsky. He had sent Fenton a text when he had arrived to let him know that he was at the pier. Fenton had insisted that he meet with him along with Chief Collig at the Bayport Pier's administration building, saying that it was urgent. Of course, Sam knew that the main reason that Fenton wanted to stay close to his family was due to the death threat against Frank and Joe. Sam fully understood as he was concerned about it as well. The Hardy's were his family and he cared for them very much. He would do everything that he could to help protect them.
"I do, Chief." Fenton said keeping his voice strong and steady, he knew that he had to keep it together for the sake of his boys. He quickly filled them in on the two possible sightings of Bruce Linsky from Tony Prito and Frank. "Tony told the boys about an elderly couple came into his family's restaurant around two or three days ago. He said they both fit the description of the Linsky couple we've been looking for."
"This is good news." Sam replied. "Hopefully this will mean that we can clear Frank of Jack Hayden's murder."
"Indeed, this could be the break we need." Chief Collig said and then turned and asked Fenton. "Frank saw the same man, correct?
"Yes. Well... sort of. Frank said that he thought that he saw the same elderly man today, here at the pier."
"Wait. He thought he saw Linsky? " Chief Collig replied. "Did Frank actually see him or not? I get you and your family have a lot going on and I know how much you want to clear Frank's name of Jack Hayden's murder, but..."
"Are you implying Frank is lying?" Fenton snapped. "I fully stand by Frank's claim that he saw Linsky."
Sam was surprised at his friend's sharpness; but he understood why. His mind was still reeling over the startling conversation that he had with Fenton of the events that happened earlier that day... "Joe's panic attacks have gotten worse recently. I think a big part of it is that he's scared of losing Frank. He was slowly adjusting to the idea of him leaving for Princeton because he knew that he was just a call away. Then the health scare with Frank's heart just added to his fear and anxiety. I know it did for Laura and myself..." Fenton sighed, "Joe just wants to clear his brother's name. He's angry with me because I won't let him be a part of the investigation in addition to turning the first disc over to the Chief. Right now, I can't trust his behavior because I don't know what he'll do next. He blew up at me again tonight when I told the boys that the first disc had been destroyed and that I was going to give the Chief the other one. It's the only evidence we have to identifying Hayden's real killer." Fenton then went on to tell Sam what had happened with Joe on the boardwalk.
"Joe almost did what?" Sam whispered as he listened intently his face paling as Fenton spoke.
"Sam, he has this resentment towards me, and I can't figure out why or what I did to cause it to start. Then again, I'm sure that my actions lately aren't helping the situation. I did yell at him earlier and then I didn't give him a chance to explain why he showed up late to the picnic. He says I don't understand him and maybe he's right. All I know is," Fenton paused to take a breath, then with tears clouding his voice he choked out. "If Biff Hooper hadn't gotten to him first, I strongly believe that we came pretty damn close to losing Joe tonight." He said, as his voice trailed off and he hung his head.
Sam couldn't believe it, Joe was in such a bad place that he had tried to take his life. "So what happens next?"
"I contacted Dr. Reese and she is coming back early from her vacation and is going to talk to the boys tonight. She is making arrangements for Joe to undergo a full mental health evaluation," feeling Sam's eyes on him, Fenton sighed wearily and continued, "at Bellevue Hospital in New York."
"Bellevue?" Sam repeated in disbelief, "The place Hayden was taken to for his assessment and issues?"
"That's the one.'
"Why would you send Joe to that place? After everything that happened there. The nightmare Hayden caused you and your family when Joe went missing and not knowing if he was alive. And Joe. How do think he's going to feel about that? Isn't there another facility that you could send him to? Maybe avoid the bad memories and associations by doing so?"
"I don't like the idea either Sam, but Bellevue is the only plan we've got right now. Due to the fighting between the two of us, Joe is refusing to go to counseling." Fenton answered. "After what happened on the boardwalk... Joe is in serious trouble. Something has to be done and it needs to be done fast. I can't let him share the same fate as my father."
"Does Frank know about what happened at the pier and about Bellevue?"
"No, not yet. But I think he knows that something is going on. He's been asking questions...and so far, I've only given him vague answers. Although Laura and I have noticed that he's been rubbing his chest a few times tonight. I know that he's stressed out at the thought of going to jail for Hayden's murder, and I'm sure his depression is not helping things. I pray to God that the real killer is found soon. What's worrying me now is how he's going to handle Joe's situation. I'm not even sure if I'm handling the situation, correctly. I should've been honest with the boys from the beginning about their grandfather's mental illness and suicide and my own battle with depression. Then they would have been aware of the signs and might not be going through hell themselves. It's bad enough that Frank is dealing with it, and now Joe too. It's not fair. " Fenton added, "We're going to tell Frank tonight. He's not going to like this and will fight us on it, which is why we wanted to have a plan in place before we told him. Dr. Reese is going to talk to him first to see how he's going to handle Joe and Bellevue. I'm hoping that if we can get him on board with this, then it will make it easier talk to Joe as Joe will look to Frank for his response."
Sam nodded. He was still processing all that Fenton had said. "Well, it sounds to me like you both have this situation handled. You and Laura are doing what's best for the boys just like you always do. You've called in the doctor for her help and are planning on following her recommendations. If Bellevue doesn't work out, I know you'll find other places you could send Joe for treatment..." Sam shook the thought out of his head and focused his attention on Fenton's voice to bring him back to the present. He placed a hand on Fenton's shoulder to remind him to stay calm.
They paused for a moment as people walked past them, Chief Collig replied evenly after the coast was clear. "No, Fenton, I'm not implying anything. From what you said it sounds like Frank is unsure if he saw Linsky." The Chief bit his tongue to force himself to stay calm. He respected Fenton Hardy very much and understood that the man was under a great deal of pressure, but even so, he was beginning to lose his patience. "I feel like there's something missing... did something happen? Was he distracted by something?"
The Chief remembered that Fenton had acted the same way during the interrogation of Jack Hayden. Hayden had gone as far as injuring himself due to his so-called mental breakdowns. All because he refused to answer their question regarding the alleged crimes that he had committed, including the whereabouts of Joe Hardy, who had been missing at the time. He also remembered how livid Fenton had been during the whole thing. Fenton had refused to believe that the man was mentally ill, stating, 'The man is a sociopath. He knows how to manipulate the situation. He's playing the victim to avoid prosecution'. Perhaps all of that was true, that it had all been an act. They even had the documentation that proved Hayden did have a mental illness. Which later on led to one of the many issues that got Jack Hayden a mistrial. And now Hayden was dead, and the eldest son of the famous detective was being accused of killing him.
It didn't help matters that the disc with the footage from the shooting range had been destroyed while in evidence lock-up, the Chief thought. He didn't believe for one second that Frank Hardy murdered Jack Hayden, but they were running out of time to find the real killer. He didn't blame Fenton for being so stressed out. However, the Chief couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to the detective's behavior.
After seeing the unimpressed look that the Chief was giving him, Fenton tried to explain his shortness and conduct. "I'm sorry, Chief, I didn't mean to blow up at you, it's just..." Fenton paused, he had never mentioned to Chief Collig about his family's history with mental illness and that he himself had battled with depression due to witnessing his father's suicide. And Frank and Joe were dealing with their own battles with depression. It's not that he didn't trust the Chief of police, he just wasn't ready to share anything of what was going on with the boys. Not only was it a personal family matter, and he was still processing the idea of sending Joe to Bellevue, but he didn't want to mention it in case it added to the evidence that they had against Frank. He was also reluctant to give the Chief the other disc. It was part of the reason that he and Joe were fighting, and he had to admit to himself that Joe had a point, that disc was currently the only evidence that they had to identifying Hayden's real killer, it was the missing piece to the puzzle, but he knew that he had to turn over his copy.
"Yes Chief, Frank did get distracted." Fenton continued. "Joe had gotten sick from something he had eaten at the picnic and rushed to the bathroom and Frank went after him to make sure he was okay. Along the way he saw a man sweeping up the ground right outside of the bathrooms who fit Linsky's description. Frank said that the man was wearing a blue polo shirt with the Bayport pier logo in red print on the front with the name Jim on the badge that was clipped to his shirt. He had seen him for a split second but was more concerned about Joe at the time."
"So, you think there's a chance that Linsky could be an employee here?" Sam asked.
"Correct, I think that both he and his wife could be working here. They may be here posing as some of the crew members or actually got themselves hired as temporary workers." Fenton said. "And you're right, Chief, I want to more than anything to clear my son of Jack Hayden's murder. However, you did ask for my help to locate Linsky. And I've done that. That is why we are here waiting for Mr. Johnson. We need to get a list of employees from him to see if this 'Jim' is listed so that we can check him out to be sure. The thing is you and Sam have to take the lead in this meeting. There is a chance that Linsky may have a connection to Hayden, and I won't risk jeopardizing Frank's case. If he does have a connection to the Hayden brothers then that means that Ryan Hayden and his associates could be here at the pier as well, ready to carry out his threat against my boys. THAT is why I'm here. I need to know if that man Frank saw is in fact Linsky, not only for my own peace of mind, but most importantly for Frank."
Fenton paused for a moment. The next part wasn't going to be easy for him to say. None the less it had to be said. After all this was for his boys. "Will you help me?"
As those words left Fenton's mouth; the chief saw the desperation in the man's eyes. In all of the years he had worked alongside the renowned detective, he had never been one to ask for help, normally, Fenton was the one leading the charge to rescue someone in trouble. Something had to be really wrong for Fenton to ask him for help.
"Of course, Fenton. As soon as Mr. Johnson gets here, I'll ask for the list." Chief Collig confirmed. "Anything to get this case cleared up. If Ryan Hayden is here, I want to get his ass behind bars, not just for your boys, but for taking the lives of Officers Jenko and Miller as well."
"Thank you." Fenton replied gratefully. "Were your people able to find out anything on the threatening message that Joe found on Vanessa's Jeep?"
"Nothing. It came back clean. My guess is whoever left the flyer must have been wearing gloves."
"Damn." Fenton cursed under his breath. "I was hoping we could catch a break."
"Maybe we'll get some information from Mr. Johnson on this Jim person." Sam said. "And we can hope that he is Linsky."
"Chief Collig!" A man's voice called out.
They turned to see by the glow of the streetlights a tall man middle aged man with a short black haircut. As the man got closer to them, Fenton noticed he was wearing a pair of jeans and a blue polo shirt with the Bayport pier logo in red print on the front with director Mark Johnson on the badge that was clipped to his shirt.
"Thank you for meeting with us Mr. Johnson. I know that you're busy preparing for the fireworks show." Chief Collig said after introductions were made.
"Yeah, no problem. I believe I spoke to you on the phone, Detective Hardy." Mr. Johnson said nodding to Fenton. "Something about an urgent matter?"
"We did." Fenton nodded. "Could we discuss this inside? Where it's more private."
"Yes of course." Mr. Johnson said, and he pulled a set of keys out of his pants pocket. He unlocked the office doors and turned on the lights as he stepped aside to let them inside. He led them past the reception area and down a narrow hallway that led to a small office at the end of the hallway. The office had a few pictures of different areas of the pier and the boardwalk hung on the white paneled walls. There were big grey filing cabinets lined up behind the metal desk which had a computer sitting on it.
Mr. Johnson walked around his desk and sat down in the leather desk chair. "Please have a seat." He gestured with a hand at the two chairs in front of his desk. "Can I offer you coffee or anything?"
All three men declined the offer. Chief Collig and Sam took a seat, Fenton opting to stand near Sam's chair. "So, gentlemen, how can I help you today?" Mr. Johnson asked leaning forward in his chair and resting his arms on his desk.
"First off, we need to ask you a few questions about your employees. Do you know if you have someone by the name of Jim working here?" the Chief asked, getting right to business. "Perhaps, someone in maintenance or grounds? He would be an older man in his late 60's with gray or graying hair? I realize that we don't have a warrant for the information, however he's a person of interest in a case we are working on, and we need to speak to him."
Mr. Johnson turned to his computer and hit a few keys on the keyboard, bringing up a list of employees on the screen. "I have a Jimmy Parker. Jim Stevens and a James Linsky. He printed out the list of names and handed it to the chief.
"Did you say James Linsky?" Sam said exchanging looks with Chief Collig and Fenton.
"I did." Mr. Johnson confirmed Sam's question. "James Bruce Linsky, he works in maintenance. He signed up about three months ago, along with his wife except she signed up to work one of the game booths. That being said I just received complaints before coming here that both of them have disappeared from their assigned stations about two hours ago."
Fenton held his breath when he heard the name Linsky come out of the director's mouth. This could be the break in the case they needed. He couldn't help himself and he knew that he should stay out of this and let Sam and the Chief handle this meeting, but his detective instincts were kicking in. "You know Jim is a nickname for James." He said thinking out loud. Could this be the 'Jim' they were looking for? Were they getting close to finding Bruce Linsky?
"That is true." Chief Collig said handed the list to Sam after reading it. He took out a note pad and pen from his pocket and began making notes. He asked as the director. "Could you give us a description of James Linsky?"
"An older man with a grumpy disposition in his late 60's with gray hair."
"And his wife?"
"Uh, Margarite Sue Linsky late 60's gray curly hair, just as grumpy as her husband."
"Did they leave an address or phone number?"
"105 N. Main Street. Apartment number B12. When I heard that they disappeared, I tried calling to find out where they were but the phone number they gave is not in service."
"That's the address of the apartment their landlord was going to evict them from." Chief Collig said to Sam and Fenton.
"Mr. Johnson, you don't sound too concerned about your missing employees." Sam noted as he observed the director's nonchalant tone of voice and demeanor in his actions.
"To be honest with you, Mr. Radley." Mr. Johnson replied sitting back in his chair. "Employees come and go all the time here. In fact, most of them are a just a bunch of temps looking for a summer job who think that working here is an easy or a quick way to make some money. Which yes, it is when you do the job you signed up for. Except some of them are teenagers and college students who lack the enthusiasm to actually do the job that they were hired to do. I have already had three of my employees disappear on me today. They've decided to take a 45-minute break, and no one has seen them since. So, no, I'm not to concerned about the missing employees. Irritated, yes, but if they don't want to work here, then that's fine by me. I have much bigger concerns right now. Like getting the fireworks show to go off on time, which, is about to start soon." Mr. Johnson stood up to leave. "If you gentlemen excuse me, I have to go."
"Hold on." Fenton said sternly. "Maybe you should show some concern about your employees. Especially the older couple as they may be involved with a murder. And we need to find them."
"Can you give us the names of the three missing employees?" Chief Collig asked.
"A Stacy Coleman and a Nate Weaks both of them are in their late thirties they were supposed to be setting up for the fireworks. And Jarrod Parker, a college kid, looked to be in his late teens early twenties, who never showed up to work over at the game area."
"Did you try calling them?"
"Yes Chief, none of them are currently answering their phones."
"Why don't you give me their phone numbers anyway and along with their addresses so that we can try and locate them." The Chief said. Mr. Johnson just shrugged and handed over the information that he was asked for.
"I'll have Officers Baker and Riley look into locating the three missing employees. Something is wrong. This is all too coincidental." The Chief said moments later as he Fenton and Sam stepped out of the building as Mr. Johnson locked the doors and left to get ready for the fireworks show. "And I'll inform the rest of my officers to start looking for Linsky and his wife as well."
"I'll help too," Sam added.
"That goes for me too." Fenton said. He was determined to join in the investigation, despite the risk. He felt they were a step closer to finding Linsky and clearing Frank of Hayden's murder. "But first I need to get back to the boys. I need to tell them about what is going on and to warn them to keep an eye out." He also needed to check in with Joe he thought to himself.
A smile spread across Sam's face; he had known that it wouldn't take long for Fenton to be a part of the case. When he heard his friend's suggestion with Jim's nickname for James it was exactly the distraction that Fenton needed. He said, "Well we know one thing for sure, Frank was not being paranoid about spotting Linsky."
FJFJFJFJFJFJFJFJ
Back at the picnic area:
"So, Andrea, what do you think of Bayport so far?" Gertrude asked as the women were sitting at the picnic table. Pete's leg had been bothering him, so he decided to go for a quick walk to keep it from stiffening up, he had left his wife and the Hardy women to talk and get to know Andrea Bender as they waited for Little Trevor and the teenagers to get back from the game area.
"Oh, I love it here. It reminds me of the small town I grew up in." Andrea answered with a smile, taking a sip of her bottled water. "It's so quiet, and peaceful not to mention that everyone here is very friendly."
"If you don't mind me asking, where are you from originally?" Lindsey asked, while tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I don't mind at all, I'm from Sunnybrook, Pennsylvania."
"Sunnybrook Pennsylvania?"
"That's right, born and raised. I graduated from high school and married my high school sweetheart, but that ended in a messy divorce, of which I will spare you the nasty details, but the best thing I got out of it is my beautiful daughter."
"Does your ex stay in contact with Vanessa?" Laura asked, concern in her voice, she was doing her best to be kind and polite and give Andrea her attention, but it was hard when she couldn't stop worrying about Joe.
"Sadly no. He hasn't seen her since she was three." Andrea huffed. "I used to rock my daughter in my arms every night as she cried herself to sleep wanting her daddy to come home. She eventually stopped crying for him as she got older and understood that he wasn't going to be coming. I made it clear to her that his leaving was not her fault. He doesn't call or send her so much as a birthday card. I've always told her that it's up to her on whether she wants to find him or have contact with him if he decides to find her."
"Of all the nerve." Gertrude remarked. "That man has a responsibility to his daughter."
Andrea sniffed a tear away thinking of that memory. "It was her and I versus the world. I basically raised her on my own while working at dead end jobs to keep a roof over our heads, to put food on the table, clothes on our backs, and so she could go to a good school. I learned how to be a strong and independent. I also had to learn how to fix things around the house because we couldn't always afford to hire someone, and we didn't have anyone else that we could turn to. I wanted to teach Vanessa how to be a strong and independent person as well and to never give up on her dreams, I certainly didn't and now I'm working my dream job as a computer analyst for a great company in New York! However, I didn't want to live in the city, and I wanted to be away from all the noise and congestion. That's why we moved to Bayport and thankfully I have a boss who is kind and caring enough to allow me to move here and work remotely so that way I can be home with my daughter and New York is close enough that I can make it a day trip if I ever need to go into the office."
"Wow Andrea, you have had an amazing journey. It's so inspiring, I guess every mother has that will and drive to love, provide and protect their children." Lindsey rubbed her little baby bump. "Pete and I are going through struggles of our own financially, and I know we are going to get through it. I'm determined to make sure my children have everything they need." She said wiping the tear away, "Sorry my emotions are over the place. I was the same way when I was pregnant with Trevor. I know that I drove Pete crazy."
"Well, that's understandable with that little bundle you're carrying." Andrea smiled. She reached across the table and put her hand on top of the young woman. "In the short time I've met your husband, he seems like a really nice guy. You're a very lucky young woman to have such a loving and supportive partner. It's hard to find men like that these days."
"Thank you." Lindsey smiled. "I can't imagine my life without Pete. I love him so much."
Laura looked away slightly as she started to tear up herself. It made her heart ache for her boys and the pain that they were going through. She couldn't stop her rambling thoughts; she couldn't lose her baby boy at the thought of him trying to take his life. What if Joe tries it again? She knew that Fenton was doing what he thought was best for Joe, and she fully support his decision. She was grateful that Dr. Reese was on her way back to help them, but, what if sending Joe to Bellevue was a mistake? There were so many bad memories for all of them associated with it.
Her thoughts quickly shifted to her eldest son and his issues including his own battle with depression, not to mention the murder charge hanging over his head. Frank was supposed to be going to Princeton and making wedding plans with Callie. Not to mention he was still dealing with the loss of his good friend Phil Cohen. How would Frank react to his brother's suicide attempt? What if the stress of it all was too much for him and landed him back into the hospital again? Oh, dear God, I can't lose either of my sons, Laura thought.
"Andrea, do you and Vanessa live in town?" Gertrude asked changing the subject, noting her sister- in law was getting upset. Laura shot her a quick smile for the distraction and turned her attention back to Andrea.
"No, actually we live in a beautiful little farmhouse on a five-acre lot. it's about a mile outside of town. I hope to get us a chicken coop and a few chickens, so we can have fresh eggs every morning. I've also planted a little garden out back. There is a little shed that I plan to make into my office. My boss is actually from Bayport. He was kind enough to help me find it. Perhaps you know him? Christopher Cohen."
Gertrude's eyes widen at the mention of the name. "Yes, we do." She answered softly. "Christopher and his wife Paula are dear friends of ours. As a matter of fact, their son Phil was a good friend and school mate to Frank and Joe. Phil and their nephew Seth were tragically killed a few weeks ago. It's been a difficult time for them."
"Yes, Christopher told me about Phil and Seth. He and his wife are having a difficult time with everything. He took a leave of absence from work because of what had happened. It's so awful. I can't imagine the thought of losing my child."
"Did you say you live a mile out of town?" Laura asked, steering the conversation away from where it was headed.
"Yes, I did." Andrea said, noting the quick change in topic.
"Oh, then you must not live too far from Charles and Donna Morton. They live out that way in a beautiful 19th century farmhouse on a farm just outside of town. The farm and the house have been in the Morton family for generations."
"Are they the ones with that beautiful big red barn? I drive past there all the time when I have to go into New York for work." Andrea inquired, tilting her head slightly.
"Yes, that's the one. They actually use the barn to host parties on special occasions. Sometimes they'll rent it out for wedding receptions."
"That's fascinating. That would be a beautiful location for a wedding especially under that big old tree looking over their pond. Vanessa mentioned that your family will be planning a wedding before too long."
"Yes, it would. However, Frank and Callie have decided that they are going to enjoy being engaged and hold off on making any wedding plans until after college." Laura replied, as she thought to herself, that is if Frank isn't in jail for that horrible man's murder. She prayed to God her son's name would be cleared soon.
"The Morton's sound like good people." Andrea said.
"Oh, they are. In fact, their son Chet and my boys grew up together. Chet's actually here with the rest of their friends over at the game area with Trevor. The kids have all spent many summers out there playing on that farm." Laura smiled softly at the memory. She wished so much that she could go back to those fun happy times when her boys were younger and shield them from the pain that they were going through now.
"Regrettably, I haven't had the chance to get to know my neighbors yet, with all of the traveling back and forth for work." Andrea said. "I do remember reading in a news feed about something horrible that took place there a few months back. Where a man I think it said his name was, uh, Jack, Jack Hayden? He had broken into their house, and someone was kidnapped."
Laura's face paled at Andrea's mention of the events that had taken place at the Morton farm. Those events had turned her world upside down. Joe being kidnapped by Hayden's associates... those grueling three days of not knowing whether her baby was alive or dead… the relief when he had finally been found, followed by the horror at what he had gone through and how sick he was. She felt Gertrude's hand on top of hers attempting to comfort her.
Not realizing the effect that she was having on Laura and not noticing Gertrude and Lindsey trying to get her attention, Andrea continued speaking, "The young man was missing for something like three days, and everyone had feared the worst..." She paused when she saw Laura start to tear up and then it dawned on Andrea as to the reason why Laura was upset, "That young man was one of your sons, wasn't it?"
"Yes, my youngest, Joe. The man responsible for all that was Jack Hayden, and I almost lost my baby because of that man. " Laura quickly wiped the tears away from her eyes.
"Jack Hayden. That's that man Callie was telling me about, that he had hurt your sons? And isn't he the man who your other son Frank is being accused of murdering a few days ago?" Andrea said reiterating.
"Yes, that's right." Laura nodded. "There is no way that Frank would kill that horrible man, that type of violence is just not in him. Hayden was an abusive man, a sociopath really and did despicable things to many people including my sons. He almost beat Frank with a belt...And Joe...Oh God, what that man did to my baby..." All of a sudden Laura buried her face in her hands face broke down crying she couldn't take it anymore.
"Oh, Laura, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to upset you." Andrea exclaimed. "There I go shooting my mouth off again."
"It's alright," Laura said quickly getting herself together. "I just thank God every day that Joe was found alive. He's still recovering from the ordeal but he's getting there. It's been really hard for all of us, and now with what's happening with Frank... it's just a lot to take in." Not to mention the mental health issues that both of her boys were dealing with, she thought.
"Yes, thank God that Joe is alive." Gertrude said patting Laura's hand. "Both boys are both strong and resilient, and they will be okay."
"Like I said before," Andrea said. "I hope that everything gets resolved soon for your family, Laura, so that way you all can have some peace of mind." She paused and then added, "and I am looking forward to meeting the rest of your family, especially Joe. "
"Thank you." Laura said softly.
"You're welcome. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go freshen up before I meet your son." With that Andrea stood up from the table grabbed her shoulder bag and headed for the bathroom area.
"Are you alright Laura? I know that conversation about Joe upset you." Gertrude asked patting Laura on the arm.
"I'll be fine once this nightmare is over and my boys can have some peace." Laura replied. "What time is it?"
"It's about 7:45. Almost time for fireworks." Pete said coming back from his walk.
"Hey Baby." Lindsey smile as she got up from the table and greeted him with a hug and kiss. "Is your leg feeling better after your walk?"
"Yes, much better." He replied back with a quick kiss. " I guess I was over doing it."
"Speaking of overdoing it I hope that Joe is..." Laura said worriedly.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Trevor shouted with excitement in his voice cutting off Laura's words. They turned to see the little boy running up to their table while hugging two red and blue footballs against his chest.
Biff, Chet, and Tony, along with their girlfriends followed right behind the little boy. Laura noticed right away that the teens were tense and concerned. The fake smiles across their faces went from ear to ear as if nothing was wrong, but they weren't laughing and joking with each other like they had been doing earlier. Lizzy, Brenda and Marcy, came over to each get a bottle of water out from the cooler before going to sit on their blanket on the ground and talking quietly with each other.
"Wow, what 'cha got there, Bud?" Pete said to his son as he sat down next to his wife.
"Two Footballs! Joe and I won them!" Trevor said beaming from ear to ear. He quickly filled his parents in on how Joe had won him the first football, and how he had helped him win the second one on his own.
"Sounds like you had a lot of fun, Sweetie." Lindsay said giggling. She gave him a hug to congratulate him.
"Yep, and Daddy guess what, guess what!" Trevor shouted excitingly, pulling away from his mother.
"What?! What?!" Pete exclaimed mimicking his son.
"I want to play football now. Can I?" He said casting his dad a pleading look.
"Football?" Pete repeated not sure of that idea of his rambunctious son playing the game. "What about soccer? I thought you wanted to learn how to play..."
"I did...but...I changed my mine...I want to play football like Joe, can I? Please?" His son pleaded again. Pete exchanged looks with his wife. She smiled with a sigh, "Well talk about it when we get home."
"You kids look like you're worn out. Is everything okay?" Laura asked the teenagers plastering a fake smile of her own and trying to sound nonchalant.
"Yeah, a little. Trevor gave us a good workout with that tag game. Other than that, we're all good." Chet spoke first. Although that wasn't exactly all true. He couldn't stop his worried thoughts about Joe. He glanced over at Tony and Biff and the look on their faces told him they were just as worried as he was. God, I hope our plan works, Chet thought, Frank needs to know about Joe.
Laura looked over to the way that they had come and began searching for her sons her heart dropping when she didn't see them. She knew that something was wrong. Did Joe have another outburst? Was Frank, okay? She got up from the table. "Where are Frank and Joe?" She asked trying to stay calm.
"Joe's leg was hurting him so Frank stayed back with him." Trevor answered turning around from his parents to face Laura.
"Thank you, Trevor." Laura smiled at the boy. She turned her attention to Biff for more of an explanation.
"Yeah, Mrs. Hardy, Joe over did it with all of the moving around playing the game." Biff answered. "His leg started bothering him and he needed to sit for a few minutes. Frank, Callie and Vanessa decided to stay behind to make sure that he's okay. He asked us to bring Trevor back to his parents so that he wouldn't miss the fireworks. They should be here shortly."
"Are you sure that's all that happened?" Laura asked, arching an eyebrow as she caught Biff exchanging concern looks with Chet and Tony as they each grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler and joined their dates on the blanket on the ground. Biff turned back to Laura, and he leaned forward towards her, Laura's stomach churned when he whispered to her, "Joe had a panic attack and needed a minute but he didn't want to worry Trevor."
"Hey everybody! Who's ready for some fireworks! They are about to start." Joe exclaimed, hurrying up to them with his crutches, with Vanessa at his side.
FJFJFJFJFJFJFJ
Meanwhile on the way back to the picnic area
Callie tucked a strand of hair back into her ponytail as she walked with her fiancé; she could see that Frank had a lot on his mind. He was lost in his thoughts and worry lines were all over his face.
"Frank, Are you alright?" She asked as she slid her hand into his.
"Why won't Joe talk to me, Callie?" Frank asked in frustration as he ran his other hand through his dark brown hair.
"We've always been able to talk to each other about anything...good or bad. We haven't ever kept secrets from each other, but now… He's having panic attacks; he's fighting with Dad. I know this thing with my arrest is bothering him, and I think he may be suffering from depression as well. I have this feeling something big happened tonight; but Joe's too scared to tell me what it is and I have this feeling that my parents and our friends know." Frank continued as he intermittently rubbed his chest. "I just want to know what's going on?"
"Frank, is your chest hurting?" Callie asked worriedly.
"It's fine." Frank shook his head.
"No, you're not fine." Callie said abruptly as they froze in their tracks. She said looking up at his stress filled brown eyes, "I love you so much and I hate seeing you like this. You know your arrest is bothering me too. But what bothers me even more than that is seeing you all stressed out worrying yourself sick over Joe. I'm scared to death of losing you too. You need to keep calm or you're going to be back in the hospital again. You need a break from everything for a while." or more precisely a break from Joe, she thought.
She suggested out loud. "Why don't you and I go for a walk? We can find a quiet place to sit and watch the fireworks."
"I can't, not now. I can't..."
"I know, you can't leave Joe. He's in trouble." Callie said finishing his sentence and rolling her eyes. "But Frank, when is he not in some sort of trouble? I've put up with this when we were dating through-out high school, but tell me, is this how it's going to be when we're married? Is Joe going to end up being the center of our marriage?"
Frank just looked at her, confused at her comments.
Callie slapped a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry, Frank, I shouldn't have said that." She knew she shouldn't have negative thoughts about Joe. Vanessa's advice flashed in her head, 'I would ease up on the jealousy and the accusations. I'd try to talk and work things out with Joe, because you could inadvertently end up pushing Frank to the point where he's forced to make a choice between the two of you, and I don't want to see that happen. 'She didn't want that to happen either. She did want to talk to Joe and work things out with him, however she couldn't bear to see Frank like this, all stressed out and in pain. She couldn't bear the thought of him going back to the hospital again. She loved her fiancé so much; he was her world.
"Callie," He began finally finding his voice, "it's not going to be like that. But you know how hard it is for me to be separated from Joe. I don't know what my life would be like without him in it. We were already adjusting to being separated with me going to Princeton, but now it looks like it could be prison. It's been a major adjustment for both of us. Hopefully I'll be cleared of Hayden's murder and then everything will calm down."
Frank felt the ache in his chest eased up a bit. He took both of her hands and kissed the top of them as he glanced down at the ring on her finger. He leaned forward to kiss her lips.
When his warm lips met hers, she returned his kiss and smiled at him when he pulled his head back. " Frank, I miss this. I miss you. That moment we shared back at my, well our, apartment, it was special. I want us to be like that again and have more of those moments." She gazed up at him; once again, she lost herself in his brown eyes.
Frank missed her too and wanted so much to express his love for her in every way possible. He pressed his forehead against hers. "Callie, I love you too. And I'm sorry for worrying you like this. We haven't had any alone time with everything going on this evening, and I'm sorry for that. I will make it up to you I promise, but can we talk about this later? I really need to check on Joe because I have a feeling that something is terribly wrong."
Callie looked at Frank and sighed. There was no point in saying anymore. She should be used to this routine by now, she huffed, "Sure." She put her hand in his as the two headed to the picnic area where they found Joe and Laura in a heated discussion.