Hello everyone, I'm back with another chapter, thank you to everyone who left me wonderful reviews, favorites, following or just reading you are all awesome. And thank you to my beta for helping me with my story you are awesome. Here's my new chapter heads up there is some sexual content towards the end of the chapter. Please let me know your thoughts. God bless.
The fourth installment of the Hardy Boys Pressure Series: Second Chances
Chapter 6
Saturday morning dawned clear and bright, waking early Frank went for a jog by the lake. It was his birthday, and he was expecting everyone to arrive later that day so that they could celebrate. However, without Joe being there he wasn't in the mood to celebrate. As Frank ran, he thought about his father's recent visit with Joe and the discoveries that Fenton had made when talking with the Director. Frank was unsettled to learn that Mr. Gregory could be making legal and medical decisions for those entrusted to the care of Second Chances without asking their parents. Could the fact that the director had legal power over Jason be the reason that Jason was so terrified and had begged Frank not to say anything when he had heard Joe's name?
Fenton had spoken with the family lawyer, Carl Sims, about his concerns. Carl had explained that normally, it was not legal for a director or anyone else to make decisions for minors without their parents' or legal guardians' consent. There were a few exceptions, depending on the situation and the law. For example, school officials could act "in loco parentis" (like a parent) at school and make some decisions without parents' consent. In emergencies, medical professionals could treat minors without waiting for parental consent if the child's health was at risk. Carl had also mentioned that he could only guess about the situation without reviewing the legal agreement between Mr. Gregory, his lawyer, and Jason's father. The details would depend on what the boy's father had agreed to, especially if he was the only guardian.
Frank was puzzled by the situation. What kind of father would behave this way? Fenton had revealed that as a contractor Jason's father traveled to distant countries all over the world for extended periods of time. He would only visit his son early in the month when he was in the States. They didn't know the name of the man as Mr. Gregory had refused to disclose his name or contact details, citing the privacy policy of Second Chances, so they could not verify that what the director said was correct. This was a mystery that they needed to unravel in order to understand the troubles that Jason was facing, and to try to figure out Joe's involvement. The questions swirled around Franks brain as he ran: Who is Jason's father, and what is Mr. Gregory concealing? During Fenton's meeting with him he had mentioned the name of Jason's mother, Alice, and Frank knew that Sam was working on tracking any information on her down.
On the surface the rehab center appeared to be almost too good to be true. Frank was having a difficult time trusting any of the staff that he had met. The center appeared to be doing excellent work on the surface, many parents brought their children to the center seeking help, but that help's reliability was in question if the staff were not trustworthy. Frank and his parents had placed Joe, in the care of the center on the recommendation of Dr. Reese. Joe was the heart of their family, and past betrayals by trusted individuals had left scars on all of them. Frank was sure that any decisions that were made by Mr. Gregory and his team about Joe without the family's permission would anger his parents. Despite the issues that Frank had with him, Dr. Stephens, Joe's primary physician at the center, had been professional and respectful with Fenton during the examination that he had observed. When Fenton had asked about Mr. Gregory, he found that Dr. Stephens became defensive and mentioned the privacy policy regarding disclosure. This defensiveness about privacy seemed to be a common pattern among the staff whenever questions were asked, even when they asked questions that they should have been able to get a response to.
Fenton, Laura and Frank had discussed the situation at length, and they had all agreed that if it wasn't for Dr. Reese's commitment to help Joe, his brother would be out of there so fast that heads would spin. Dr. Reese was the only one that he trusted to care for Joe and Frank was grateful for her both in helping him and Joe through their depression and other issues. The only other person that Frank liked and felt that he could trust at the center was Joe's physical therapist. Dr. Bear Makwa.
Bear, along with Dr Reese, hosted an annual retreat to help young individuals reconnect with Bear's Ojibwe heritage. Frank was grateful for the man's assistance in helping his father face his depression and encouraging him to try to mend his relationship with Joe. After conversing with the man, Fenton had dedicated himself to supporting Joe's recovery, putting his career on hold to do so.
As he continued his run Frank hoped that Fenton's unwavering support would be the catalyst for Joe's recovery. Laura had spent the previous day with Joe, and it was Frank's turn to visit this morning. Yet, Frank knew that he couldn't face seeing his brother today; Joe's empty gaze was just too heartrending. His father had shared with them that Dr Stephens had placed a nasogastric tube in Joe to provide nutrition given his condition. The mental image of the tube taped to his brother's cheek had brought Frank to tears, but he understood its necessity for Joe's survival. Every morning when he woke Frank would gently stroke his chest, longing for a response from his brother but it never came. The previous evening Fenton had asked Frank if he wanted to see Joe on his birthday and Frank had admitted to him that he wasn't ready. Fenton understood, stressing the need for Frank to be mentally and emotionally prepared for such a visit and reminded him to keep faith in Joe's recovery.
Instead of visiting Joe, Frank planned to visit the town library, and he also felt compelled to stop by the Sea Spray's berth and to check out the boat. Before that though he wanted to revisit the place where he had seen a blonde person who had disappeared into the woods, so he ran in that direction. The previous evening, he had updated Fenton on his findings regarding his meeting with the Porters and relayed what they had told him about the Sea Spray, Allen Rogers, and Paul Meyers. Frank also told his father that he learned the name of Ethel's father, who was the original owner of Sea Spray. Fenton agreed that the matter deserved more scrutiny and urged Frank to delve further, albeit with caution.
When Frank arrived at the spot where he had previously seen the mysterious figure, he followed the same route that he had seen the figure had take; across the hill and towards the lake, to where the figure had disappeared. It was inconceivable that they could have entered the lake and not been seen. The notion of the figure walking into the water didn't make sense. Observing the soft waves, the sunlight reflecting on the water, and the expansive sky, he saw boats in the distance, too remote for anyone to have caught a ride. Distracted by memories of Joe, Frank couldn't unravel the mystery. Swamped by the absence of his brother, he chose to dismiss it temporarily and refocus. He went back home, informed his mother of his plans to go to the library, got into his Durango, and set off for the town, aiming for the library and Sea Spray, hoping to be back before Callie, his aunt, and his friends would arrive.
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It was midmorning when Frank arrived at the Cedar Lake Public Library, a hub of knowledge and community in the quaint seaside town's heart. Just blocks from the shore, the library's exterior exuded a rustic charm and coastal elegance, with weathered gray shingles and a bright white trim that mirrored the traditional New England style. A small, meticulously maintained garden full of native plants and flowers encircled the building, and benches provided a peaceful place for visitors to read and enjoy the outdoors.
Upon entering the building, Frank was greeted by the comforting scent of aged books and polished wood. As he looked around, he saw that the interior of the library was inviting and expansive, with large windows that bathed the space in natural light and offered stunning lake views. The main reading room, with lofty vaulted ceilings and visible wooden beams, felt open and airy. As he took in the space, he observed people lounging in cozy armchairs or sitting at wooden tables, engaged in reading or studying. As he approached the front desk, Frank saw Ethel organizing a cart of books. Hearing him approach she look up and beamed at him.
"Good morning, Frank," she greeted warmly.
"Good morning, Ethel. How are you today?" Frank responded, giving her a smile.
"Enjoying the day, and you?"
"I'm good, but I would be even better if Joe woke up today," Frank responded.
"I guess that there's been no change with your brother these past few days," Ethel said as she placed the last book on her cart.
"Unfortunately, not," Frank said, his frown deepening, then added with a hopeful smile, "But I'm hopeful. It's my birthday wish for Joe to wake up."
"Oh, that's right," Ethel exclaimed, her eyebrows raised, her forehead creasing with excitement. "Laura mentioned that your birthday is today."
"Yes," confirmed Frank.
"Then let me wish you a happy birthday, and I truly hope that your wish is granted."
"Thank you, Ethel. That really means a lot to me."
"Now, you didn't come in here just for me to wish you a happy birthday." Ethel said, "Is there something that I can help you with?"
"Actually yes! I really enjoyed it when you showed Mom and I around. The Fishermen's Catch and the farmer's market were excellent." Frank said, and then continued "I came in to see if I could learn more about the history of Cedar Lake and find out any information that the library might have."
"I'm glad to hear that," Ethel said smiling, she then turned to lead him through the library "Follow me, and I'll show you where to start."
As they walked Ethel highlighted the library's programs and collection, including their extensive local history section. "We host community events like story-times, book clubs, and author talks. We also offer Wi-Fi, public computers, and a quiet study room," Ethel explained. "And here is the local history room, the perfect place for exploring Cedar Lake's past."
"I'll leave you to your research. If you need anything, just let me know," Ethel said after she had shown Frank the old newspapers, photographs, and documents of the town's heritage that the library had preserved for future generations.
"Thanks, Ethel," replied Frank gratefully as she left. "This is perfect."
Frank decided to turn his cell phone off so that he would not to be disturbed, although he knew that his mother wouldn't be happy with him for doing so. He then began his investigation into the history of Cedar Lake, the Sea Spray, and its current owner, Allen Rogers, being careful not to draw Ethel's attention to what he was doing.
Frank found himself engrossed in the historical articles of Cedar Lake. The narratives held his attention, and he continued to read until he encountered the term "Sea Spray" within an obituary. "Cedar Lake laments the loss of Hugh Walters, the former proprietor of the Sea Spray, who died on June 19th, 1984. His considerable efforts extended over many years, collaborating with the crew to catch lobsters from the '70s through the late '80s." Frank took in the grainy image of a white-haired man at the top of the article. As he studied the image he could tell that Walter's face was weathered from years of hard outdoor work. The obituary went on to say "Hugh leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Maryam, and their daughter, Ethel May (nee Walters) and her husband Paul Meyers.
Frank paused and wondered if there were any articles about Paul and his disappearance. His search led to a newspaper article dated July 23, 1984, with the headline: 'Man Missing After Sea Spray Accident.' The article stated that an accident took place on the Sea Spray, in which a man from Cedar Lake lost his life. The incident happened during a storm, and the man was swept overboard and was missing, presumed dead. Frank was puzzled as to why someone without expertise like Paul was allowed to do such a dangerous job on the boat, without safety gear or being supervised.
As he sat there thinking he remembered Loretta Porter had said that Paul had joined the crew of the Sea Spray solely to curry favor with Mr. Walters. Rumors had suggested that Paul was a gold digger and that his marriage to Ethel was for her inheritance, as her father owned the Sea Spray. Frank was disturbed by the idea of Paul exploiting his wife in such a manner, especially since Ethel was so nice and was undeserving of such treatment. Additionally, Frank found it strange that Paul's disappearance came barely a month after the death of Ethel's father. He recalled Ethel mentioning that Paul was involved in a dispute with Allen Rogers just before his departure on the boat. Was this merely a coincidence? Finding no further leads on Paul Meyers Frank turned his attention to Allen Rogers.
As he searched Frank unearthed old newspaper articles, photographs, and documents detailing the town's history. His excitement mounted as he discovered an article accompanied by a photo of a large commercial vessel with a blue hull, a white deck, and a gray wheelhouse. "Sea Spray" was emblazoned in large white letters on both the bow and stern, and the registration number was visible on the sides. The wheelhouse bore the "Sea Spray Lobster Co." insignia, and even in the picture Frank could tell that the deck was lined with reflective strips for safety. The article detailed the Sea Spray's recent change in ownership. As he read further, he found out that Allen Rogers had acquired the Sea Spray lobster boat and its company thirteen years ago, however the article was brief and lacked a photograph of the owner. Struck by this oddity, since all of the other articles that he found which mentioned the Hugh Walters had contained a photo of the captain, he continued his search, but Frank could not find any images of Alan Rogers.
Frank recalled the Porters saying Allen Rogers was a tough employer. The Sea Spray's crew had grown less approachable with the new leadership. Inquiring about Allen Rogers yielded nothing; he remained a mystery to all. Edward's comment that Rogers was often aboard the vessel made Frank question who managed the company's affairs. It seemed his next stop would be the Sea Spray. With that thought, he began tidying up, organizing books and newspaper clippings back into their places.
While putting away the materials he had used in his search, Frank's gaze fell upon a large, well-worn book entitled 'The History of Cedar Lake.' He carefully took the book and settled back at the table. Turning its brittle pages, he discovered accounts of the town's origins as a thriving harbor and the mysterious vanishings that had long troubled the locale. Frank then focused on historic maps that were housed in a broad, flat drawer. Carefully rolling them out on an adjacent table, he followed the lines with his fingertip. Depicted on a map from 1923 Frank discovered a sequence of dashed lines extending from the shoreline to the town's core. Motivated by curiosity, Frank headed to the library's local myths and legends section. There, he discovered a book entitled 'Legends of Cedar Lake.' The book was filled with tales of hidden tunnels and passages that were used by bootleggers during Prohibition as well as suggestions of an underground network related to the Underground Railroad. Within these tales, one narrative caught his attention. It was an 1895 letter from a townsperson reporting peculiar sounds coming from under the ground and nocturnal sightings of elusive figures by the lake. Reading this, Frank felt an adrenaline rush, sensing a link to historical secrets.
Sitting back in his chair he thought about what he had just read. 'Underground tunnels?' His mind raced back to two days prior when he spotted the mysterious figure near the lake. Could that account for the figure's swift disappearance on the trail? A tunnel seemed like the most plausible explanation.
He glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it was one in the afternoon and was surprised. He had been so engrossed in his research that he hadn't noticed the morning slip away. He knew that he needed to leave shortly as everyone would soon be arriving at the house.
"Frank, were you able to find what you were looking for?" Ethel asked, entering the room.
"Yes," Frank responded. "I've just finished reading some very interesting articles. Have you ever heard anything about underground tunnels beneath the town and on the way out to the lake?"
"There have always been rumors about things like that, but they're merely hearsay; nothing has ever been confirmed to my knowledge," Ethel replied.
Until now, Frank mused. "Ethel, may I copy some of these maps and articles? I'm quite intrigued by them."
"Certainly," Ethel beamed. "I'll assist you with making the copies that you need."
After Ethel had helped Frank make the copies, he gathered his notes together and closed the books, returning them to the shelves where he had found them. He had discovered many fascinating clues and fragments of stories, but much of the mystery remained. He knew that the tunnels beneath the town were not just rumors—they were a mystery that demanded solving, and Frank was determined to uncover the truth. When he was finished, he thanked Ethel for her help and left. Settling into the Durango, he placed the folder with the copies on the passenger seat.
He knew that his next step was to go to see the Sea Spray, but he also knew that it would have to wait for another day. Not only was their company arriving shortly for his birthday, but suddenly his heart wasn't in it. Gripping the steering wheel, a surge of sadness and longing for his brother came over him as he glanced at the empty passenger seat, the seat where Joe normally would be sitting in discussing their findings with him. Pursuing this mystery wasn't the same without his brother and partner. Frank touched his chest, searching for a sign of Joe's presence, any feeling at all, but only encountered an empty void. His chest grew tight, and he took several deep breaths. Resting his arms on the wheel, he bowed his head and gave in to tears. He normally detested crying as it always left him a headachy mess, but it was all he could bring himself to do. As he sat there with his head bowed, he thought 'God, how I miss Joe. I need him. Little brother, please wake up soon.'
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"Someone let me out! Please someone!" cried a little voice from somewhere in the darkness. "I don't like it in here. Please let me out! It's dark! Please, please, I'll be good... Daddy, I'm scared. Daddy, please find me! Don't let him hurt me! Please Daddy!"
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After he had composed himself, Frank returned home, dreading his mother's reaction to his turned off cell. Exhausted from the emotional release that his tears had brought, he longed for Joe and felt no joy about the upcoming birthday gathering. As he tried to sneak into the house and up to his room, he was spotted by Laura who was standing at the island talking on the phone.
"Frank Hardy, where have you been?" she demanded, as she hung up the phone and rushed to embrace him. "You said that you were heading to the library this morning and that you would be back for lunch." Releasing him, she continued, "I've been trying to get a hold of you all day, and now you walk in at two! I was just about to call your father and tell him that you were missing, but he's currently sitting with Joe, and I didn't want to interrupt his time with him. You were supposed to be here a couple of hours ago to help me get things ready. Callie, your aunt, and your friends should all be arriving shortly."
"I'm sorry, Mom," Frank responded, his voice filled with remorse. "I was at the library, and I lost track of time."
"You were there the entire time?"
"Yes ma'am."
Laura sighed deeply, her concern evident. "I'm already worried about your brother, and this isn't helping. Ignoring calls and messages isn't like you, Frank. That's more Joe's behavior, not yours. And your reluctance to visit Joe is out of character," she said, her tone laced with anxiety and a touch of disappointment. "Are you okay?"
"Mom, I turned off my phone so I wouldn't disturb anyone at the library and because I needed some time alone," Frank said. "Everything that has happened with Joe has been overwhelming. I went to the library to try to detach from it all." He handed her a folder filled with documents. "This research might help with my case, but I can't focus on it. My thoughts are with Joe—he's my best friend and my partner; we're the Hardy boys, for Pete's sake. I broke down in the library parking lot. Celebrating my birthday is the last thing I want to do right now. Just the thought of visiting Joe today is unbearable. Seeing his vacant stare and the NG tube that's keeping him alive are devastating. I can't help but think about what Kirk Shepherd could have done to him to cause this and it just feeds this dark depression I'm in," he said, struggling to hold back his tears. "Mom, I just want Joe to wake up. I'm sorry if I'm not acting maturely; but I can't control my feelings. I just want my little brother to wake up."
"I know, sweetheart, I know. I pray every day for him to wake up," Laura said, her voice trembling as she fought back tears and pulled Frank into her arms. She held him close as he began to cry. After they both gathered themselves together, they separated. "And I owe you an apology for dismissing your feelings the other day about Dr. Stephens and his nurse taking care of Joe. You were justified in your anger. You may be a man, but in some ways, you're still just a boy. I love you so much, Frank."
"I love you too, Mom. I'm sorry for turning off my phone. I didn't mean to cause you to worry. I'm going to head upstairs," Frank said. "I need some time alone and maybe a nap before everyone gets here."
"Alright, dinner will be ready soon," Laura responded. "I'll call you when they arrive."
Once Frank was in his room, he tossed the folder onto the desk, closed the curtains, and lay on his bed, shutting his eyes. 'Depression sucks,' he muttered.
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Frank felt a soft, gentle touch on the left side of his face and, upon opening his eyes, he saw Callie's beautiful face. Believing it to be a dream, he closed his eyes again as he didn't want the dream to end. Callie gently kissed his cheek, sweet and tangible, and smiled at his action and said, "Hey handsome."
"You're not a dream. It's really you!" He exclaimed as he bolted upright in bed. The sight of his fiancée brought a wave of relief and peace over him; reaching out, he caressed her face, sharing his joy at her presence. Callie started to reply but was cut short by Frank's passionate kiss, to which she surrendered. They lay together on the bed talking, holding each other close, their love for one another palpable. Frank voiced his happiness at her being there, and Callie reciprocated with declarations of her love. She informed him of their arrival an hour ago and updated him on his aunt and friends in the kitchen. His mother had briefed them all on Joe's current condition and suggested that Callie's visit might help to lift Frank's spirits.
"I try daily to remain strong for him," Frank admitted, tears brimming as he met her gaze. "I miss him, Callie."
"I know you do," she whispered, her kiss halting his tears, her hand tenderly stroking his cheek. "But you mustn't give up, Frank. If you do, so will Joe. He admires you and he relies on you to help fend off the monsters. Deep down, I know that Joe is fighting his way back. Promise me that you'll continue to fight this depression, for yourself, for Joe, and for us and our future. I know that it seems hopeless right now, but I'm positive that Joe will wake soon."
"I promise. I'll keep fighting." Frank said softly, leaning into her touch. He suddenly felt a bit better, and things just seemed a little brighter with Callie here. He was still missing Joe like crazy, but Callie was right he couldn't give up on his little brother. 'Joe is fighting, and I will keep fighting with him' he thought.
"I'll be here for as long as you need me, Frank," Callie assured him.
"Really?" Hope flickered in Frank's eyes.
"Yes," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I meant every word that I said when I promised you my full support—for both you and Joe during this tough time."
"What about university and your classes?"
"I have the summer off, and I don't have to be there until fall. Besides, nothing is holding me back in Bayport. I need to be here, with you, for you."
"Thank you, my love," Frank whispered, leaning in for another kiss. They sat up in bed, hands entwined. "Are you certain about this? What about your parents? And Joe's situation could complicate things."
"My parents will understand. They know about what's happening with Joe and why you and your parents had to temporarily move. They're praying for his swift recovery, and I want to be here; your family will be my family eventually," she said, resting her head on his chest. "Just so you know, Vanessa also wants to stay. She misses Joe terribly and wants to be here to support him and since her mother is in New York right now with the Cohen's I think that being here would be good for her. And the guys are ready to stay for support as well."
Frank sat back to look at her. "We'll have to sort out the arrangements of where everyone would stay, but that would be so nice."
"We will," Callie smiled, gripping the covers. "Now c'mon, you should get dressed; everyone is downstairs waiting for you."
"Okay," Frank agreed, and after a quick kiss, as he got out of bed, he said, "But first, I have something for you."
"For me?" Callie's eyes followed him as he took a small box from the desk and handed it to her. "What's this?"
"Just open it." Frank said, smiling.
"But it's your birthday, I shouldn't be the one getting a present," she said with a smile.
"Having you here is the only present that I need. Now, open it."
Callie opened the box and when she saw the beautiful necklace that Frank had gotten her, she gasped. "It's gorgeous."
"Just like you," Frank said, kissing her cheek. "Callie, you've been my anchor through these tough times with me and Joe, and I can't imagine life without you. Nor do I want to."
"I love it," she said with a radiant smile. "Could you put it on for me?"
"Absolutely," he said, carefully lifting the necklace from the box. She gathered her hair together to allow him to fasten the chain around her neck.
Dropping her hair, she gazed upon the necklace and then looked back at Frank. "How does it look?" she asked.
"Beautiful."
"Thank you," she said, getting out of the bed. "Now we need to get dressed." The vision of Callie, with her divine figure and tousled hair, sent him into a frenzy. Extending her hand towards him, she whispered, "Frank..."
Frank grasped her hand and brought her back to him on the bed. "Not yet, I'm prepared for round two."
Callie glanced down at his 'reaction.' She looked back up, meeting his eyes. "But everybody's waiting?"
Frank shrugged. "They can wait a bit longer. After all, today's my birthday," he said, his love for Callie evident. He kissed her.
"You know, when your mother asked me to come up and cheer you up, I don't think this is what she had in mind."
"Please don't talk about my mother right now."
She responded with a seductive smile on her lips. 'Happy Birthday, Frank. I love you too.' She reciprocated the kiss as they surrendered to passion.
FJFJFJFJFJFJ
Slowly, Frank and Callie made their way down the stairs, hand in hand, to join their friends on the deck. At the table, Laura and Gertrude were engrossed in a deep conversation, while Biff and Chet reclined in their chairs with ease. Vanessa and Tony stood by the railing, looking thoughtfully over the lake.
"Well, it's about time you two showed up," Gertrude remarked, drawing everyone's attention to them.
"Sorry, we were sidetracked, and time just flew by," Frank confessed, offering a sheepish grin.
"Yes, we heard, which is why we opted to come out here—to afford you both some privacy," Laura added. Callie's cheeks turned pink as she caught the teasing glances and knowing expressions from their friends.
"We were also taking in the breathtaking view of the lake and the house," Vanessa contributed, easing the tension. "It's absolutely beautiful."
"I can't wait to dive into that water," Biff announced.
"Or to canoe across it," Tony continued, still captivated by the lake.
"I bet the fishing here is excellent," Chet speculated.
"You'll have the chance to experience all that later," Laura said, cutting in, "but for now, let's go inside so you can freshen up, and then we'll sit down for dinner. In honor of Frank's birthday, I've made his favorite, a pot roast."
"Thanks, Mom, that sounds perfect," Frank replied, his face lighting up with joy. As they got up, Frank's friends and aunt exchanged hugs, handshakes, and birthday greetings before heading indoors.
FJFJFJFJFJFJ
While Frank's friends prepared themselves, and Laura occupied herself in the kitchen, Gertrude paused to speak with her nephew. "Frank, I have something for you," she said.
"What is it?" he inquired.
She walked over to the counter, retrieved several envelopes from her tote bag, and handed them to him. "These are get-well and birthday cards for you and Joe, from the folks back home."
Frank shuffled through the envelopes, reading names like Chief Collig, several of his officers, as well as the McNeely family. He opened the one from little Trevor McNeely and saw crayon-drawn figures on the front. "Happy Birthday and Get Well Soon, Frank and Joe," it read. Frank smiled. "This is really sweet of him. I know that Joe would think so too," he said.
"I thought that you'd appreciate them," Gertrude beamed, then gesturing to the cake on the counter she continued, "As you know, I always bake your favorite chocolate cake for your birthday every year. Vanessa is a gem, a perfect match for Joe. She even drives as fast as your brother, but I was still able to ensure that the cake arrived intact."
"It looks amazing Aunty, and I'm sure it tastes just as great," Frank responded. "With store-bought frosting, right?" he teased.
Giving him a stern look Gertrude put her hands on her hips. "You know me better than that, young man. Everything here is homemade, except for the raw ingredients," she retorted. "And of course, the special ingredient is love, for one of my dearest nephews," she said, giving him a wink.
"I love you too, Aunty," said Frank, hugging her.
"I miss you all so much," Gertrude said as she released him from the hug and started to tear up a little. "That house is so empty and quiet. I'd give anything to hear Joe tromping through it and to hear his laughter again. I can't wait to see Joe. I pray that he wakes up soon."
"We've missed you too, Aunty. We all know that my only birthday wish is for Joe to wake up." Frank said as he rubbed his chest, sending Joe a silent plea.
"Your mother has kept me updated about his situation and about how tough it has been. We can't give up hope. Your father is with him now, helping with his therapy," Gertrude said, touching his cheek softly. "Just keep believing."
Frank smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, "I will." Turning to his mother at the counter, he asked, "I take it Dad won't be joining us for dinner?"
"That's correct," Laura replied, setting the pot roast on the counter after taking it out of the oven. "He said to go ahead and start without him. He wasn't sure how long he would be."
"It's okay," Frank nodded, "Dad is exactly where he needs to be right now. The last time Joe spoke, he called for Dad. I'm sure he'll do it again."
"Frank, we need to discuss something before we sit down to eat," Laura interjected.
"I'll bring the roast to the table," Gertrude offered, carrying the dish to the table, leaving mother and son alone to talk.
"What is it, Mom," Frank asked, "Did I do something wrong?"
"We need to sort out the sleeping arrangements while your friends are here," Laura explained. "I understand that you and Callie are engaged and have missed each other. However, you both need to exercise some self-control, if you catch my drift. This is Sam's house, and we must be respectful of that. I also know that you're stressed and that your emotions are running high."
"Alright," Frank said, nodding in agreement.
"Good, now let's go eat."
After freshening up, everyone gathered at the dining table to savor the delicious dinner that Laura had made. Once the meal was concluded and the dishes were cleared, Gertrude brought Frank's birthday cake to the table, placing it before him. Nineteen candles flickered atop the cake as everyone sang 'Happy Birthday.' Following the song, Frank closed his eyes, made a heartfelt wish, and blew out the candles. Opening his eyes, he noticed tears in everyone's eyes, and he could tell that everyone shared the same wish for Joe's recovery.
"Speech! Speech!" Biff encouraged.
"It's okay if you don't want to," Chet reassured.
"No pressure," Tony echoed.
Frank cleared his throat, brushing away tears. "I just want to thank everyone for joining me to celebrate my birthday. I was nervous about it because of Joe... he really ought to be here. He would always make a joke on my birthday about being perpetually younger than me, regardless of our ages, and then he'd present me with some ridiculous gag gift…" he paused, his voice fading.
"Frank, we all feel Joe's absence," Vanessa cut in, her voice trembling. "We miss him too, and I'm certain that he's fighting hard to return to us."
"Ya know," Biff remarked, acutely aware of his best friend's absence. "It feels weird with Joe not being here; he's the life of the party, even when it's not his celebration. It feels unreal to picture him being catatonic."
"One often doesn't recognize someone's value until they're gone," Tony said. "I still miss Phil and Seth, and now with Joe..." He paused, glancing at the Hardy's. "Sorry, Mrs. Hardy, I didn't mean to imply Joe is gone for good. I'm just struggling to find the right words."
"It's okay, Tony," Laura reassured him. "We're all struggling."
"I understand what you're saying, Tony," Callie interjected. "We should never take anyone for granted and we should always show our gratitude while we can. I believe that we'll have that chance with Joe; he will come back to us."
"Exactly! Thank you, Callie, that's exactly what I meant," Tony replied, his voice filled with frustration. "Those people had no right to treat him that way. It's not fair. Joe didn't deserve any of that."
"Joe will definitely get better; he's a fighter and he'll get through this," Chet said, his voice heavy with emotion as he fought back tears. "We have to believe that he's going to make it back to us."
"Mrs. Hardy, when do you think we'll have the chance to see Joe?" Vanessa asked, hope in her voice as they all looked to Laura for her response.
"I don't know. I know that you all want to visit and see Joe, but Second Chances has strict visitation policies, so it may not be possible for all of you to visit Joe. Fenton and I will work with the Center to schedule times for your visits. Just know that we are deeply grateful for your ongoing support for both of my sons." Laura said.
"I'm planning on going home on Monday, and I plan to visit Joe as often as possible until then," Gertrude declared, "unless his condition changes or we are unable to visit."
"Chet and I," Biff chimed in, "don't have to get home at a specific time, and our parents are aware that we want to spend as much time as we are allowed with Joe and Frank."
"Exactly," agreed Chet. "Mom and Dad wanted me to make sure that you know that they send their best wishes and to let them know if there is anything that they can do."
"I'm only able to be here for the weekend," Tony said, sighing. "I need to be back in Bayport for my shift at the restaurant Monday evening. Business is slow though because of the curfew, since that fugitive was seen in Bayport, so if something changes with Joe, Mom said I might be able to stay another day."
Everyone fell silent, thinking about the nationwide manhunt for Kirk Shepherd and angry at whatever he had done to cause Joe to become catatonic.
Breaking the tense silence and squeezing Frank's hand reassuringly Callie stated, "As I've already told Frank, I am able to stay for as long as necessary,"
"Same here," Vanessa added. "Mrs. Hardy we all realize that hosting everyone is demanding and that you will need your space. but we're ready to assist with cooking, cleaning, and any other tasks that you need done. Just tell us what you need, and we'll do it." Her desire to see Joe was strong, yet she knew that there was a great stress on the family, and she was determined to help in whatever way that she could. Biff, Chet, Tony, and Callie all nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, Vanessa, for saying that" Laura said gratefully, she looked around the table at her sons' friends, "thank all of you," Laura said, "I'll talk to Fenton about scheduling you all to see Joe. In the meantime, we'll work out sleeping arrangements so that all of you can stay here."
"Now that we've got that settled, let's eat the cake," Gertrude said as she began to pass out plates of cake.
"Well, Aunty, you've outdone yourself. The cake was fantastic," Frank remarked as he finished his slice. He pushed his plate away, giving a smile to convey his appreciation for his friends and aunt celebrating with him. Yet, despite his best efforts to appear cheerful, everyone could tell that his mind was elsewhere, consumed with thoughts of Joe.
"I must admit, that was the finest chocolate cake that I've ever eaten," Chet declared from across the table. He patted his stomach and added with a grin, "Aunt Gertrude, you're second only to my mom when it comes to baking the best cakes and pies."
FJFJFJFJFJFJ
Meanwhile, at Second Chances
That afternoon, Fenton joined Bear Makwa, Joe's physical therapist, to assist with his therapy that afternoon. He approached Joe's bedside with deliberate, gentle movements, and followed Bear's instructions. Bear, with a calm voice, guided Fenton to start with the basic exercises to maintain Joe's muscle tone and mass. During the session Fenton was attentive and soft-spoken, continually reassuring Joe, who laid there limply while they worked. Seeing that his son was still unresponsive, he felt a pang of sorrow, nonetheless, he remained hopeful that the exercises would help to contribute to Joe's recovery. Heeding Bear's advice, Fenton checked the NG tube to make sure that it was secure and not bothering Joe. With that confirmation, Bear directed Fenton to start the gentle range-of-motion exercises that they had planned. Fenton carefully rotated Joe's arm in slow circles, as Bear highlighted the need for joint flexibility. He repeated the process with Joe's other arm, continually speaking encouraging words to his son as it accompanied his careful touch. Under Bear's direction Fenton moved to Joe's legs, executing slow bends, which would aid his circulation and muscle strength. Throughout the session, Bear skillfully maneuvered Joe's limbs, and reminded Fenton to watch out for the NG tube to prevent any complications. Once they were finished, they carefully repositioned Joe comfortably on his side, with Bear affirming the day's progress and the plan to continue daily for Joe's recuperation.
Fenton sat by Joe's bed, softly stroking his hair and whispering words of comfort, reassuring his son of his presence and safety. Looking up from his son's unresponsive eyes, he expressed his gratitude to Bear, "Dr. Makwa, your help with Joe is invaluable. It may not seem like it, but he is getting better. I have faith Joe will awaken."
"I'm pleased to assist you both," Bear responded, taking a seat in the chair across from Fenton. "Progress is evident, yet patience is crucial. Much work remains to reach your son."
Fenton nodded. "Confronting my past is daunting, but for Joe's sake, I'll do whatever's necessary," he declared, looking at his son. He opened up to Bear, "My father was distant, and never showed affection to my sister and me. He raised me to believe that tears were a sign of weakness. I didn't fully understand love until Laura and our boys entered my life. When I was the same age as Joe, I found my father as he took his own life, which plunged me into deep depression. I hid this information from my sons until recently and revealing and dealing with it has triggered a flood of emotions. They're both now facing depression as well and I wanted to shield them from what I went through when I was their age." Taking a moment to compose himself, Fenton focused his gaze on his youngest son and continued, "Frank manages, though he has his own battles. But Joe... he's caught in a fierce battle. There have been a few times where he has been nearly consumed by darkness. My worst fear is that he decides that it is hopeless and follows in my father's footsteps. I will do anything to stop that from happening. Joe is our baby and the bright spot in our world."
"Mr. Hardy, it's clear you love your son," Bear remarked.
"I do; I dearly love both my sons." Fenton responded, "And there's nothing that I wouldn't do for them."
"May I ask about the nature of your relationship with your sons was during their upbringing?"
"I want to believe that it was a strong relationship. I have always tried to be involved in their lives, whether it was at school or home," Fenton admitted with a hint of regret. "But, being a private investigator made it challenging and difficult at times."
"How so?"
"After leaving the NYPD to become a private investigator, Laura and I decided to relocate our family to Bayport. It is a quiet town a few hours away from New York, because we wanted to raise our boys in a quiet and peaceful environment. Opening the investigative firm marked a peak in my career, yet I didn't anticipate the risks that it would bring to my family. I had sworn to protect the boys from the moment that they were born, but now, I feel as though I've let them down. As a detective, it's difficult to come to terms with my inability to safeguard and protect my own children. I feel that I am partly to blame for Joe's current condition. The last time Joe spoke, he reached out for me. He became catatonic after an intruder, entered his hospital room in Bayport. We don't know what Shepherd did to harm Joe, and just the thought of it is horrifying, but I am determined to find him though and my partner is currently working on tracing his whereabouts." Fenton said, running a hand through his hair, "I hope Joe will wake up soon, but honestly, the thought of his return to consciousness scares me."
"Why's that?" Bear inquired.
"Joe and I had a fierce argument the last time we talked, which led to him having a massive panic attack," Fenton confessed. "He felt a great deal of resentment towards me, and I'm concerned with what my presence will do to him when he wakes. I'm afraid that it might exacerbate his condition and, honestly, the last thing that I want is to do is to cause more pain or trigger another episode. I need to repair our relationship. The thought of enduring a strained relationship with my son, like the one I had with my father, is unbearable."
"Perhaps, to mend your relationship with your son, you need to address your feelings towards your father," Bear suggested.
Fenton looked at him, bewildered. "How can I do that? He's been gone for years."
"You can still connect with his spirit."
"I'm confused. I've always been spiritual, I mean, I believe in God. But the idea of communicating with my father's spirit seems…" Fenton paused, searching for the right word, "implausible, at best."
"My forebears held that reconciling with a departed parent might appear strange, yet it is a recognized method of spiritual and emotional recuperation." Bear said as he elaborated. "One method involves conducting internal dialogues or penning letters to your father's spirit. This practice can assist you in expressing any unresolved feelings and emotions and help you to achieve a resolution. Envision a dialogue with the aspect of him that was kind and nurturing, which may help to mend your emotional scars. Furthermore, finding solace in your faith can be consoling. Many attain serenity through prayer and by entrusting their trials and tribulations to God, seeking a heavenly guidance and strength to mend the bond with their offspring."
"I can't recall a single instance when my father was kind and loving," Fenton said regretfully.
"Perhaps your father's spirit is unsettled and simply seeks peace,"
"How?"
"By forgiving him and yourself. Once you can do that then the right path will reveal itself when the time comes," Bear responded.
Before Fenton could reply, a knock at the door interrupted them. He looked up as Mr. Gregory entered the room. "Good afternoon, gentlemen," he said, focusing on Joe. Joe remained curled up on his side, his vacant eyes staring blankly at the wall. Instinctively, Fenton stood but stayed close to Joe's bed, wary of the director. His trust in the man had greatly diminished following their last discussion. The notion of Mr. Gregory making decisions for minors without parental consent disturbed Fenton and they needed to unravel the mystery of Jason's father and figure out what secrets Mr. Gregory was hiding. Should Jason Dolton be in any danger, Fenton was determined to uncover the cause and what Joe's connection was to them.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Gregory. Is there something we can assist you with?" Bear inquired, rising to his feet.
"Good day, Dr. Makwa. I've come to inquire about the progress of our newest resident," Mr. Gregory responded.
Fenton remained standing by his sons bedside, trying not to glare at the man.
"Oh God, he's back... no... not him... please not him..." a faint voice whimpered from the shadows at the sound of Gregory's voice.
"Joe has completed his therapy exercises for today," Bear announced, aware of the tension between the two men. "As you can see, the boy's condition is currently stable."
"We are hopeful for the young man's recovery," Mr. Gregory commented. Turning to Fenton, he added, "Mr. Hardy, I would like to apologize for my part in our heated discussion previously. Words were exchanged in haste and my—"
"Apologies are not needed, Mr. Gregory," Fenton interrupted. He moved closer to Joe's side. "The only thing I require from you is a name. Who is Jason Dolton's father?"
"Daddy... please... don't let him hurt me..." the small voice pleaded once more from the darkness.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Hardy, but I'm unable to reveal that information due to the center's confidentiality policy."
"You can't even give the man my contact information and request that he call me?" Fenton pressed.
"Again, Mr. Hardy, I apologize, but I am not at liberty to do so."
"Take note of this," Fenton stated firmly. "I will be monitoring this center and its staff closely. If anything happens to my son, the response will rock this place to its foundation. I stand by my words: I am determined to uncover whatever it is that you're concealing. Should Jason Dolton be in any trouble, rest assured, I will discover the reasons and Joe's involvement."
"Detective, you may investigate to your heart's content," Gregory responded, his nose twitching slightly, "but mark my words, your efforts will be in vain."
"Is that a fact?" Fenton replied calmly. "Your reaction has only fueled my determination."
Mr. Gregory assessed Fenton, his nose twitching again, he then turned his gaze to Dr. Makwa. "Dr. Makwa, I have faith in your approach. I am certain that he will be up and about shortly." Turning back to Fenton he said, "Mr. Hardy, I sincerely wish Joe a swift recovery." Checking his watch, he added, "Please excuse me, I must attend a meeting. Have a good day, gentlemen."
A hush fell over the room, after Gregory had left. Bear was the first to speak. "Mr. Hardy, this concludes today's therapy session for your son. If you wish to be here for tomorrow's session we can arrange a time that suits you."
"I will be here as long as necessary to assist Joe with his therapy." Fenton responded as he turned from watching the door. He was still visibly shaken and he swore that he would uncover why Gregory's expression unsettled him so deeply.
"Very well, I'll arrange for you to spend some time alone with your son." Bear said as he nodded in understanding.
"Dr. Makwa, I do appreciate your help with my son and myself," Fenton said earnestly. "However, I must be honest. I need to know that Joe is safe in your care, as my trust in the staff here isn't complete. You've mentioned individuals with 'ominous shadows' and I'm prepared to take any necessary steps to ensure Joe's safety," he continued, thinking of Mr. Gregory and Dr. Stephens. "There are already a few individuals that I don't trust."
"I assure you, Mr. Hardy, my only desire is to serve the best interests of our young residents," Bear responded, "and help them to navigate their pain and guide their journey toward recovery."
"Thank you for that," Fenton said.
"Now, I'll leave you to spend some peaceful time with Joe." He paused before exiting. "Remember, to repair your relationship with your son, you must undertake the quest and face your past." With that, the men exchanged farewells, and Bear left the room.
Fenton did several breathing exercises to steady his nerves. Once he had regained his composure, he turned back to Joe. "Son, I…" His words trailed off as he saw tears trickling from Joe's vacant eyes. He gasped when he heard Joe murmur faintly. "Daddy… please… don't let him hurt me…"
"Joe," Fenton said, his heart pounding. "I'm here, son. I'm here."
FJFJFJFJFJFJ
The frightened little boy sat curled up in the dimly lit room, his legs pulled up to his chest and his arms wrapped around them as he cried. "Please let me out! It's dark! Please, please, I'll be good… Daddy, I'm scared. Daddy, please find me! Don't let him hurt me!"
The boy froze as the door creaked open. Overcome with fear, he observed the shadow of a towering figure looming over him, intensifying his sense of smallness. "It's time to play our special game, Joey," the man's voice echoed. Joe recognized the voice, and it terrified him. The man reached for the boy, picked him up, and dragged him out of the room.
"No! No! I don't want to play!"
FJFJFJFJFJFJ
"No! No! I don't want to play!" Joe felt hands grip his shoulders, trying to hold him down. He struggled, desperately tried to get free, but the man wouldn't let go. "Daddy… please… don't let him hurt me…" Images of a man's hand with a red ring caressing his leg and inside his pants began to flash through Joe's mind.
"Joe, it's Dad. I'm right here," said Fenton, his voice steady yet urgent. "It's Dad, I'm right here."
To Fenton's astonishment, Joe began to thrash in the bed, flailing his legs and arms as though he was trying to escape. "Daddy… Please… Don't let him hurt me! It hurts! I'm sorry… I'm bad… I'll be good… I'll be good…"
"Joe!" Fenton said more forcefully this time. "It's Dad! I'm right here." He refrained from calling the medical staff even though he was worried that Joe might hurt himself or dislodge the NG tube, he had a feeling that his son needed him more. Giving in to his instincts, Fenton climbed into the bed and held his son tightly. "I'm here, son. Ssh, calm down, you're safe. It's okay. Daddy's here. No one will hurt you."
"Daddy… Please… Don't let him hurt me! It hurts!" Joe writhed in his father's arms. "It hurts! I don't want to play anymore!"
"Who is he?" Fenton inquired, softly stroking Joe's hair to calm him. "I'll make sure that he can't hurt you. Shh, you're safe now, son. Daddy's here. Can you tell me what the man looked like?"
"Red ring, the big man... hurts!" Joe cried, as he instinctively turned towards his father's voice and clung to him, seeking comfort like a scared child. He buried his face in Fenton's chest and wept, "Daddy... please... don't let him hurt me!"
"Tell Daddy... how the big man is hurting you?" The anguished cries of his son tore through his heart and Fenton struggled to control his emotions; he had to remain strong. He thought that he already knew the answer, but he steeled himself as he soothed and held his son tightly.
"Red ring, the big man... finger... inside me... hurts! NO! DADDY!" Joe cried.
"Shhhh. You're safe now, Joe, I need you to calm down. Daddy's here. The bad man can't hurt you anymore," Fenton murmured, as he continued to stroke Joe's hair. As the tension in Joe eased, Fenton whispered, "Can you tell me anything more about him?" When no answer came, he looked down to see that Joe's eyes were closed and he had fallen asleep. A wave of relief and anger washed over Fenton as he mulled over the few details Joe had given about his assailant, confirming his worst fears. "Oh, dear God, please not that," he silently pleaded as he made sure that the NG tube was correctly positioned. He sat there holding his son protectively while he slept and he made a silent vow to do whatever he needed to do to protect him from any further harm.
Drifting towards sleep himself, Fenton was jolted awake by a small voice saying, "Daddy." Looking down, he saw Joe's blue eyes focused and looking at him in bewilderment. Overcome with emotion and seeing recognition in his son's eyes he wiped away his tears and whispered, "Joe."
Fenton rose from the bed and carefully positioned Joe on his pillow. Sitting beside his son, he fought back tears while gazing into Joe's blue eyes.
"Dad... What?" Joe's attempt to speak was muffled by the feeding tube. As he reached to grab it, Fenton gently took his hand and brought it away from his face.
"It's okay, Joe," Fenton soothed. "The tube is there to aid your recovery; you also have an IV in your arm. Both are crucial for your healing, so let's not take them out until the doctor says it's okay."
Fenton could tell that Joe was tired, as he blinked slowly, eyelids heavy yet trying to fight off sleep. With a faint whisper, he implored, "Stay... Daddy..."
"I'm here, Son. I won't go anywhere," Fenton comforted him, stroking Joe's blond hair. "You're in safe hands. Daddy's here. I love you, Joe."
"Love you too, Daddy..." Joe murmured in return, as he drifted off into sleep. Hearing these cherished words, Fenton's eyes brimmed with tears.