Cast of Characters
Regulars:
| Joe Hardy - | Blue eyed blond hair 6’0 tall seventeen years old teenager who is a detective |
| Frank Hardy - | Joe’s brown hair brown eyed 6’1” tall brother by one year who’s also a detective |
| Fenton Hardy - | Joe and Franks father. Frank favors him in looks department |
| Laura Hardy - | Joe and Franks Mother. Who Joe favors in looks department |
| Gertude Hardy - | Fenton's older sister |
| Callie Shaw - | Frank's girlfriend of a few years |
| Vanessa Bender - | Joe’s girlfriend of six months |
| Tony Prito - | 18-yr. old olive skinned friend of the Hardy. Work at Mr. Pizza |
| Chet Morton - | 17 yr. old friend of the Hardy. Who likes to eat but is always ready to help them out |
| Phil Cohen - | 18-yr. bespectacled friend of the Hardys is good with computers. |
| Biff Hooper - | 17-yr. friend of the hardy, he’s the muscle of team when needed |
| Chief Collig - | Head of the Bayport police department |
| Con Riley - | Police officer in the Bayport police department |
| Original Characters | |
| David Cohen - | Phil’s 18 yr. old cousin that lives in Northport |
| James Peterson - | David’s best friend |
| Mr. Jenkins - | New science teacher at Bayport high |
Frank and Joe are talking to their father Fenton about a new case his working on.
“The only thing we know.” Fenton said, “is that he kidnaps seniors from local high schools. Keeps them for a couple of days and then dumps their bodies in front of their houses. So far all of them have remained in coma. And we no closer to knowing who he is.
Frank: “isn’t they any evidence to give us any idea who it might be”
Fenton: “No so far whoever it is has been very good in covering up his tracks.
Joe: “ If we take another look at the list of victims maybe we can find a connection”.
Joe, Frank and Fenton all take another look at the list when a name pops at Frank. Turning to both Joe and his father and asks “David Cohen, do you think he’s related to Phil”
“Why don’t we call him and ask him” Joe asks
“Good idea” Frank says, “I’ll call him”.
Frank made the called and then turn to his brother and father. “He will be in a half and hour.” “I going to start on my homework”
“Might as well start on mine also.” Joe commented and both leave their father’s office
While doing their respective homework Frank hears Joe mumbling to himself. “What’s wrong Bo having problems”
“It’s Mr. Jenkins class he expect us to learn the Periodic table by tomorrow”.
“Why don’t I help you with it”
“Okay”
As Frank is helping Joe with his science homework their mother Laura comes into Frank’s room to tell them Phil had just arrived
Finding Phil in the kitchen with their Aunt Gertrude, who’s their father’s older sister, having a piece of pie.
“Hey Phil thanks for coming by.” Frank greets him, “why don’t we go to my room and talk.”
The three of them go into Frank’s room. Joe tells Phil about his father’s new case and tells him that they noticed a name on it and were wondering if Phil knew the person.
“David Cohen” Phil faced paled as he repeated the name
“Yes” said Frank
“That’s my cousin” Phil then went on to tell them what happened. “Right before the end of his senior year this past May he disappeared for about 3 days. And then the next thing my uncle and aunt knew he was in front of their house unconscious. It was determined at the hospital that he was poisoned and he has been in a coma ever since.
“If you don’t mind me asking you what type of person is your cousin.” Joe asked
“No I don’t” Phil answered “His would have be valedictorian of his school. Had a GPA of 3.9 and was liked by the rest student body and teacher alike. Now the doctors don’t think he will ever recover unless they can find a cure.
“Don’t worry between us and dad we will find him.” Vowed Joe.
Frank cell phone began ringing. When he answered it was one of their other friends inviting them to Movies and then for pizza after at Mr. Pizza. The left the house to meet up with their friends. Once at Mr. Pizza the subject turn to school.
“What do you think of the new science teacher Mr. Jenkins” one the hardy other friend Biff asked
“I think his one of the best science teacher I ever had” Frank answered “but I think Joe has other ideas”
“Come on only two weeks into the new school year and he excepts us remember to the periodic table by tomorrow by heart.”
“Didn’t he give us that assignment the beginning of this week” Chet who’s in the same class asked
Frank looked at his brother who gave him an innocent look. Knowing how much his brother hated schoolwork he just shook his head and gave him a look saying they will talk later. They spent another half-hour and then said goodbye to their friends and went home.
Once home Frank had his talk with Joe about the importance of not waiting to the last minute to do his homework. Joe promised to try his best. Then the talk turned to the case.
“I wondered how they are all connected” Joe asked his brother
“The only thing I noticed is that they all seniors who are probably in the top 10 percentile of their school.”
“I just feel bad for Phil’s family to have to go through that.” Joe said.
“Don’t worry like you told Phil before” Frank said as he put his arm around his brother shoulders, “between us and dad we will find him.”
“Yeah, I better get to bed I have a long day tomorrow.” Joe said as he rolled his eyes.
Frank just laughed as smacked his brother across the head as Joe was leaving the room.
The next day at school Frank and Joe met up with their friends at the normal table in the lunchroom. Joe sat next to his girlfriend of six months Vanessa Bender and a Frank sat next to his girlfriend Callie Shaw. Rounding out their friends were Biff Cooper, Chet Morton, Tony Prito and Phil Cohen. Phil asked them what was happening with the case. Everyone else wanted to know what’s happening. So they told the rest of the group what the case was about and how Phil was involved. Once Frank recounting the story everyone else gave Phil their support and encouragement that since the Hardys were on the case it will be solved.
“I know they will.” Phil said “I have the utmost faith in they ability.”
Both Frank and Joe turned red in the face from the compliment that they friends brought upon them. Just then the bell rang for the start of the next period and all plan to meet after school to go back to Mr. Pizza.
Joe’s last class of the day was Mr. Jenkins science class. After class as he and Chet were walking back to their lockers to get the rest of their books Joe remembered that he left his science book in the class.
“Tell Frank I will be there in a few minutes” he told Chet as he went back towards the classroom.
“Okay”
When Joe got back to the classroom he noticed that Mr. Jenkins was still there and was having a conversation with himself. Joe eyes went wild when Jenkins mentioned the name of his brother Frank and Phil, who were two the smartest kids in school. He was able to get his composure under control and make his presence known.
“Sorry to interrupt but just like my book here”
“No Problem” said Mr. Jenkins as he acknowledges Joe.
Joe grabbed his booked and hurried at of the class. He can’t get out of his mind what he just overheard and knows that he needs to talk to his older brother about it when he has the chance.
Joe didn’t the chance until both he and brother were ready to go the bed. He walked into his brother’s room and told him what he overheard.
“It’s probably nothing,” Frank said to him
“ How can you say that he mentioned that it will be easier to get to you than Phil because of Phil connection to David.
“But it doesn’t make sense why would a teacher especially one just like Mr. Jenkins want to harm someone”
“How would I know but we always told by Dad to expect the unexpected when we work a case.
“ I still think that you are wrong”
“I hope for your sake that you are right” Joe tells Frank as he is leaving is room
The next day after school Joe decides to follow Mr. Jenkins to his house. Once there he carefully makes his way to the side of the house and looked in one of his window. What he saw made him worry. Mr. Jenkins was looking at the computer and on it was Frank’s school transcript. After Mr. Jenkins got up and then went down some stairs. Joe found the window to the basement. He watched Mr. Jenkins prepare what looked like some type of potion. Knowing that he had what he needed Joe head home
“Frank” Joe, yelled as he ran up the stairs
“What?” Frank answered
Out of breath Joe told Frank what he found out. Frank stared at his brother in disbelief.
“I don’t believe you”
“What’s not to believe he was looking at your Transcript and making something with chemicals.
“He’s a science teaching may be he was preparing for a class” Frank retorted
“What about looking at your transcript” Joe came back with
“He must have his reason” Frank said as he looked at his brother when a thought came to his mind. “Or could it be that because you don’t like him you are making him the bad guy.
“That was low Frank you know me better than that”
Joe then left his brother and decided to tell his father about what he felt. Like Frank his father couldn’t believe that teacher of Mr. Jenkins standard could hurt anyone based on what he knew about him.
“Dad didn’t you always tell us that anything is possible”
“That’s true or could it be you just have a personal grudge against him”
Joe then left his father office and went back to his room. Deep in thought he didn’t hear his brother coming into his room.
“Joe” his brother tried to get his attention “dinner is ready”
After dinner Joe went to his room to finish his homework and then he went to sleep. The next morning he woke up more tired than he went to sleep. All he could think about while sleeping was that his brother was in danger.
At lunch the next days Frank and Joe friends notice how the Two brothers were avoiding each other. Trying to get them into a conversation was like pulling teeth. Having enough Phil asked them what was their problem.
“I tell you what the problem is” Joe answered “My dear Brother here could be in danger and doesn’t want to acknowledge it.
“Joe I’m not in any type of danger” Frank said, “he has this strange notion that Mr. Jenkins is the person responsible for what happened to Phil’s cousin and the others.
Everybody looked at Joe made they opinion known all but Callie. They all agreed with Frank that Joe was out in left field on this one. Joe didn’t talk for the rest of lunch period. Once the bell rang he got up and left without saying goodbye
Callie waited for Joe in front of their Math class. “You really believe Frank is in danger”
“Yes I do not that anyone else believes me”
“I do”
Joe looked at her in shock. Seeing this Callie couldn’t help but to laugh. “Just because we “hate” each other doesn’t mean I wouldn’t believe you Callie said with a twinkle in her eyes. “But I do know one thing for certain is that we both love Frank. So how are we going to prove to everyone that you right”
“What do you mean we”
“You can’t do it alone”
“Okay okay” Joe relented. They decided to go to Northport over the weekend and see if they could speak to David Cohen’s Parents. Once Saturday came Joe picked up Callie and they drove to Northport General hospital knowing that will be the best place. When they got there they asked the nurse at information desk for David’s Room. Room number 360 she told them. They reached the room and there they found not David’s parents but another teenager. The teenager turned around and asked them what they wanted.
“Sorry to bother you I’m Joe and this is My Friend Callie” Joe answered him
“We just wanted to ask David’s parents a few question”
“About what” David friend whose name turned out to be James Peterson question them
“IF they remember the last place he went before he disappeared,” Joe asked him
“ I can answered that” he told them “ he went over our science teacher house. Mr. Jasper”
“Do you have a picture of Mr. Jasper” Callie asked Him
“I just happen to have our yearbook picture here hoping that I could make comments about it to David and get some type of response”
James opened up the yearbook and found the page where Mr. Jasper was located. When Joe and Callie looked at it they both turned to each other. Noticing their pale faces James asked them if they were okay. Callie answered for both of them.
“So this is Mr. Jasper.”
“Yes why”
“Well we also know him,” Joe said “But not as Mr. Jasper. He’s known as Mr. Jenkins and I think he the one responsible for wants happening.”
“So how you planning to do?” James questioned
“I’m planning to prove that he’s guilty” Joe answered him”
“How?”
“I going wait for him to make a mistake”
“And if he doesn’t”
“He will everyone gets over confident and when he does make a mistake I will be waiting for him.”
“Why is it so important to you “
Callie answered for Joe. “We believe that his next victim will be Joe’s brother Frank who’s also my boyfriend”
“Well if you need my help in any way here is my phone number and address. After getting the information Joe and Callie left the hospital. On the way home Joe came with an idea which Callie Vetoed.
“Cal it may be the only way” Joe reasoned
“No it to dangerous letting him know that you suspect him”
“Think about Frank then if I don’t do this he will go after him”
“That’s low Joe even for you but remember this” Callie said to him “ if anything goes wrong I not coming to your funeral”
“Fair enough”
Joe then dropped Callie at her house and heading home. Once home he headed into the kitchen and took a piece of pie from the fridge when his mother Laura walked in
“Where were you Joe?”
“I went for a ride”
“Well your brother was looking for you”
“Where is he?”
“He’s outside. Weird thing he couldn’t located Callie either.” Laura said while looking at her son’s eyes.
Joe averted his eyes and told his mother he had no idea why Frank couldn’t locate Callie. Making his mother suspicious. He then went out to look for his brother.
“Where were you?” Frank questioned him
“Like I told mom I went for a ride”
“Alone”
“Yes alone why”
“It just weird I just that I can’t locate Callie either and the two you looked prettily chummy yesterday”
“What are you applying that me and Callie went away somewhere together?
“Well did you?”
“What if we did we are friends”
“Don’t make me laugh you two can’t stand to be in the same room together.”
Frank then left his brother standing in the yard. Once Frank went back into the house Joe called Callie on his cell phone. They talked a few minutes and decided that this development can be blessing in disguised. It was decided that Callie and Joe would make believe that they are seeing each other behind Frank and Vanessa back so that it will be easier for Joe to get closer to Mr. Jenkins without worrying About Frank.
The next day they decided to put their plan to work. They made sure that they were the first ones to the lunchroom. Once Callie spied Frank and Phil walk in she leaned over to Joe and started to whisper in his ear. Phil noticed it first and from where he was standing it looks like it was something more than two friends talking. He turned to Frank and saw that he noticed it too. Just than Vanessa walked in with Biff, Chet and Tony. Frank and Phil turned around when they heard a gasp. Vanessa turned white and put her hand to her mouth and then ran out the lunchroom. Everyone else was shocked at what they were seeing.
Frank walked up to his brother and girlfriend. “I knew something was going on. You two make me sick”
“Frank is not what you think”
“Joe don’t you talk to me Just looking at you make me want to vomit.” Frank said to Him
“Frank its not what it seems” Callie tried telling Him
Frank turned to her and told her that she should also be quiet and that from that day forward he no longer had a girlfriend or for that matter a brother. As he turned and walked away he didn’t noticed the tears in their eyes.
Now the only thing left was for Joe to do is implement the next part of his plan. He managed to get his science class before anyone else and leave a note on Mr. Jenkins' Desk. The note basically told Mr. Jenkins that he will be watched and that he would not do to Frank what he did to the others. Joe even went as far as signing his own.
Mr. Jenkins came into class and saw the note. After reading the note with a look in his eyes that said let the games begin. As the class continued Mr. Jenkins looked at Joe every chance he got. Once class was over Joe was the last one and as he was walking out he heard. “You will never prove it”. He slowly turned and looked at Mr. Jenkins.
“I will prove it and make sure you get what’s coming to you for what you did to David Cohen and the rest of them.
“Why is it so important to you”
Joe didn’t answer knowing that it could Frank in harms way so he just walked out the class. Mr. Jenkins sat there and ponders making the connection between Joe and Frank. He knew that he could use this to his advantage being that Frank was one of his best student.
After Joe got what he needed from his Locker he headed outside. Once he reached the spot where he and Frank normally parked their van he noticed it wasn’t there. Sighing he pulled up the collar of jacket and started the walk home when heard a car horn honking behind him. Turning he noticed Callie car. Getting into the car Callie immediately asked him what happened in Mr. Jenkins Class.
“He basically told me don’t have a leg to stand on”
“So what’s the next step” Callie wanted to know
“I’m going to continue to following him around and wait for him to show his hand”
They talked a little more until they reached Joe house. Saying goodbye to each other Joe got of the car and walked into his house. He headed for kitchen where he greeted his mother and Aunt Gertrude. Instead of greeting him back his aunt let him know under no circumstance how she felt. “How dare you do that to your own brother don’t you have any morals.
Just before Joe could answer his brother voice came from behind “Morals what Morals?”
Joe turned and looked his brother seeing the hatred in eyes he lowered his own eyes and left the room. At dinner Fenton realized something was wrong and ask what was the problem. Laura told her husband what had transpired between Joe and Frank. In shock Fenton turned to Joe “I thought I raised you better than this. I never thought you were capable to do something as terrible as this especially against your own brother who never showed anything to you but love.
Joe realizing he better leave before he spilled out what was really going excused himself saying that he had a lot of homework. Once his homework was done he left the house. Taking his motorcycle he went back to Mr. Jenkins House. Once again he found Mr. Jenkins in the basement mixing some chemicals. He stood watching him for over an hour and then called it a night. He then called Callie and told her to meet him at Mr. Pizza.
Already at Mr. Pizza spending time with the some of their friends was Frank. Sitting at the table with him was Phil, Chet and Biff. Tony was actually working that evening but when he had the chance he would talk to them
Tony was the first to notice Joe and Callie walk in. “ Oh great look they just had to ruin my evening.”
The rest turned to door to see what he was talking about. Seeing Joe and Callie Phil leaned over to Frank and said “They not worth it”. Frank didn’t say anything but just smiled at his friend’s support.
Joe and Callie sat down at a table near them since it was the only one available. As soon as they sat down they put their heads together and started to speak about what they were planning to do next.
To the others it looked like they were having an imitate conversation.
“Do you believe the audacity they have flaunting their relationship like that” Biff seethed
“I’m not letting it get to me just like Phil said they not worth it” Frank said
“Well I better get over there and take their order” Tony told them
Callie noticed Tony first since she was facing the group so she kicked Joe under the table. Joe got the hint and they started a total different conversation
“So How about after school tomorrow you come over the house and we can watch some videos” Joe asked Callie.
“Sounds like a plan”
Noticing Tony waiting at their table impatiently Joe and Callie put in their orders as soon as left they went back to their original conversation
“I still think its was stupid to sign your name to the letter” Callie admonished Joe
“I wanted him to know that he’s not as clever as he thinks he is” Joe came back with
“I’m just scared that its going backfire and you will be caught in the middle of it”
Joe theatrically put his hand to his heart and said, “does this mean that the almighty Callie actually cares what happens to me”
Callie laughed and slapped his hand away but then she grabbed on to it and held on. “ I already told you just because I “hate” you doesn’t mean I want to see you hurt in anyway”
“Thanks”
By that time they order came Joe convinced Callie to continue with the plan. While eating they decided to talk about other things. Callie realized at that moment even though she loved Frank with all her heart. She now knew that Joe would hold a special place in it also. Wanting to show him what she felt she went to the jukebox and picked at a song and asked him to dance. Joe was surprised at the request but took her hand anyway and then he nodded in agreement when he heard the song playing. The others just sat in shock and watched what was unfolding in front of them
| When you're down and troubled |
| and you need a helping hand |
| and nothing, whoa nothing is going right. |
| Close your eyes and think of me |
| and soon I will be there |
| to brighten up even your darkest nights. |
| You just call out my name, |
| and you know wherever I am |
| I'll come running, oh yeah baby |
| to see you again. |
| Winter, spring, summer, or fall, |
| all you have to do is call |
| and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah. |
| You've got a friend. |
| If the sky above you |
| should turn dark and full of clouds |
| and that old north wind should begin to blow |
| Keep your head together and call my name out loud |
| and soon I will be knocking upon your door. |
| You just call out my name and you know wherever I am |
| I'll come running to see you again. |
| Winter, spring, summer or fall |
| all you got to do is call |
| and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah. |
| Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend? |
| People can be so cold. |
| They'll hurt you and desert you. |
| Well they'll take your soul if you let them. |
| Oh yeah, but don't you let them. |
| You just call out my name and you know wherever I am |
| I'll come running to see you again. |
| Oh babe, don't you know that, |
| Winter spring summer or fall, |
| Hey now, all you've got to do is call. |
| Lord, I'll be there, yes I will. |
| You've got a friend. |
| You've got a friend. |
| Ain't it good to know you've got a friend. |
| Ain't it good to know you've got a friend. |
| You've got a friend. |
“Whatever happens this will be our song.” Callie tells him
“Always” He tells her.
After they finished their dance Joe decided it was time to leave so He went to register and paid for both him and Callie. A few minutes later the rest left and each went to the respective houses.
The next day at school Joe made sure that Mr. Jenkins knew that he was being watched whenever he had the chance. Mr. Jenkins started to get nervous and every time he walked the halls he would look over his shoulders.
At lunch that afternoon Callie and Joe decided to eat outside in the courtyards so they could talk in private.
“So how’s operation making Mr. Jenkins nervous going” Callie inquired
“He’s been checking over his shoulder every few minutes. I think he’s getting nervous.”
Just than Joe noticed Tony, Biff, Chet, Phil, Vanessa and Frank walk towards them so he pulled Callie towards him and whispered in her ear. They then counted to twenty than they slowly turned slightly to make it look like they were kissing.
As soon as they heard a gasp, which came from Vanessa, they pulled away.
“You two are amazing” Tony yelled at them. “Don’t you have any decency”
“Why because we decided we don’t want to live a lie anymore” Joe retorted. He got to his feet and then helped Callie up.
“Come on Cal let’s go back inside.”
“Ok.” So hand and hand they walk away from the others who just stood there watching them go. Finally Vanessa broke down crying and Frank held her.
“Shh. Nessa its better we found out now what two lowlifes those so called people are”
Vanessa couldn’t believe the venom she heard in Frank voice knowing how close he and Joe once were but she could understand it.
Inside instead Joe and Callie had stopped holding hands and were leaning against a wall. Callie looked over at Joe and noticed that he was trying to keep his composure. She than grabbed his hand again and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He looked over and gave her a look of thanks. They then went their separate ways to go to their classes.
After School Callie dropped Joe home telling him she would be over around 7:00 to watch videos with him as planned. Joe got out of the car and walked into his house. Instead of greeting anyone he just walked to his room and started to do his homework.
At 6:00 he heard his aunt saying dinner was ready so he left his room and went down to eat dinner.
For the past couple days dinner was one of the hardest part of the day for Joe. Because in the past he was always in the middle of any conversation that was happening around him. But now it was like he didn’t even exist. So as soon as he was finished he got up and cleared his dishes, washed them and put them away. He looked at the clock in the kitchen and noticed it was almost 7:00.
At exactly 7:00 the doorbell rang. Both he and Frank headed for the door but Frank beat him to it. Opening the door he looked at the person on the other side with disdain. “Oh its only you”
“Hi Cal come on in.” Joe said at the same time
Callie walked in and went over to Joe. They both went into the living room to watch the video. Joe sat on the end of sofa with Callie leaned against him. Gertrude noticing this just shook her head went to her sister-in-law.
“That boy needs a good talking to” she told Laura “he and that hussy are sitting they all lovey dovey with poor Frank right in the same house”
“From what I understand they been doing the same thing at school and in public”
“Well I’ll tell you right now I only have one nephew and that’s Frank.”
Having heard everything from the living Callie looked up to Joe. “We can end this right now”
“No we can’t we have to see it through to the end”
“Its killing you to have your family think you turned against Frank.”
“But if it keeps Frank from getting injured or worse I’ll do it”
With that Callie got up and walked to the bay windows and looked. Joe got up after and hugged her from behind. She leaned into and whispered “what’s going to happen if doesn’t work out like we want it to and Frank finds out.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
Callie looked at her watch and saw it was already past 10:00. “I should be going. I pick you up tomorrow around 7:00.”
“Okay.”
Joe then walked her to the door and gave her a kiss goodnight. He stood out on the porch and waited for her to get into her car and leave. As he turned he saw Frank standing behind him.
“Yes Frank did you want something?”
“No. I just thinking about how stupid I was to ever trust you.” With that he turned around and walked up the stairs to his room.
Joe just stood where he was with tears starting to form in his eyes he then went up the stairs to his room. Once in his room he noticed through his bathroom door that the door going to Frank’s room was closed. Making how his brother felt about all the more clear since as long as he could remember those doors were never closed unless one of them was using the bathroom. Sighing he closed his own door. He got ready for bed and then he lay down and had restless night of sleep.
For the next few days Joe continued his following around of Mr. Jenkins. Then one day Mr. Jenkins decided to turn the tables on Joe. He made a formal complaint to the principle of the school saying that Joe was stalking him. That he wanted him transferred out of his class and wanted a restraining order against him.
Joe was in English class when a student came from the office requesting his presence. Once there he noticed his friend Con Riley from the Bayport Police force. Con told him why he was there and wanted to hear Joe side of the story. Joe refused to say anything so Con told him he has no choice but to serve with the paperwork. The principal than told him that he schedule has been changed. He will now have Science 4 period and History 9 period and the change will be effective immediately. Once 9 period came and he walked into his new class he noticed that both Vanessa and Callie were in the same class. When they both saw him Vanessa just turned her head and started to talk to the boy next to her. Callie on the other hand motioned him over to an empty desk next to her.
“What are you doing here aren’t you suppose to be in science class now” she asked him
“Our wonderful teacher decided to transfer me out and put a restraining order against me.”
“What?”
“We’ll talk about it later I have another plan”
Right then the teacher walked in and started the lesson. Callie kept looking at Joe wondering what kind of plan he would come up with next. The only thing she knew for a certainty is that she wouldn’t like it. After class ended they walked out together because Vanessa was in the class they decided for appearance sake to hold hands when they did. Once they were out of sight they let go they hands.
Once again Callie drove Joe home. When he told her his idea she looked at him in disbelief. “Do you really have a death wish”
“It may be the only way”
“So how are you going to do it.
“I’m going to leave a note in his mailbox asking him to call me on my cell phone.
“What I’m suppose to do”
“Nothing”
“Joe” Callie started
“NO Callie you were right when you said this could be dangerous”
Once Joe got to his house inside was the same as always until his father called him into his office.
“What this about a restraining order against you”
“It just a misunderstanding between me and the teacher I will get it straighten out soon”
“You will do no such thing you are grounded from now until further notice.” Fenton told him. “Now please leave my sight”
Joe left his father office and went up to his room. On the way there he passed Frank not being able to confide in his brother was killing him. He wrote the note to Mr. Jenkins asking him to call his cell phone.
The next day he managed to get in the school office a place the note in Mr. Jenkins Mailbox. At exactly 6:00 p.m. his cell phone rang and he answered it. On the other end was Mr. Jenkins.
“So what’s this proposition you have for me”
“I can’t talk here why don’t you meet me at old Mr. Barnes farm”. Joe gave him the directions to farm and Mr. Jenkins agreed.
Joe then called Callie and told her it was a go. As he was walking to the front door his father voice stopped him. “Where do you think you are going didn’t I tell you that you were grounded”
Joe braced him and turned around to look at his father and simply said, “I’m going out”
“If you go out that door don’t come back”
Joe just opened the door a left. He went into the garage to get his motorcycle leaving the van for Frank. As he drove to farm he kept on thinking all the good times he had with his family especially with his older brother Frank.
When he got to the farm he noticed that Mr. Jenkins was already there waiting.
“So what is this proposition”
Joe told him the proposition which would consist of him having one week to prove Mr. Jenkins guilt but in the meantime Mr. Jenkins would have to give the antidote to the hospitals that were taking care of David Cohen and the others.
“What will happen after the one week and you can’t prove anything”
Joe took a deep breath and answered him “I will be become your voluntary test subject. You could do to me what your black heart contents.”
“Well let the games begin” with that he left
Know that he couldn’t go back home Joe called Callie and told her that he was leaving Bayport in order to find the others and for her to keep her cell phone with her at all times because he would be checking in. Callie asked him to stop over her house before he left. He agreed. A few minutes later he reached Callie house and saw that she was already waiting for him.
“I just wanted to give you this” Callie told him as she hand him an envelope
Opening the envelope Joe looked at her in shock. “Cal I can’t accept this”
“Yes you can. You going need to eat, get gas for the motorcycle and find a place to sleep at night. And if you need anymore call me and I will wire you more”.
Callie had given him over $2,000.00 dollars. Not knowing what to say Joe just hugged Callie. He then got back on his motorcycle and rode off.
Jenkins realized that Joe would try to get in contact with both David Cohen and James Peterson parents told them to be aware of Joe and not to give him any information.
Once Joe got to Northport he went to James’ house to speak to him. James mother came to the door and told him that James wasn’t home.
Can you please ask him to call either these two numbers Thank you” Joe said to her.
She took the paper and closed the door. As soon as she walked into the house she ripped the paper and threw it away. James walked into the room.
“Who was at the door”
“It was someone trying to sale a vacuum cleaner” His mother answered him.
James not knowing that it was really Joe just went back to his room. Joe other hand called Callie and told her that he spoke to James’ mother and to expect a call from him. If she received the call to tell James what was going on.
A Couple of days past by but Callie never received the phone call from James. So during lunch she sat by herself at table near the rest of the gang. Sitting there alone she watched Frank enjoying himself with they friends. She decided she needed to talk to someone so she called Joe to get an update.
Joe was frustrated because every lead he had he was getting stonewalled at. So as soon as heard his phone ring he sighed knowing that it was Callie who was calling.
“He has gotten with you yet has he” Speaking of James
“NO he hasn’t maybe his changed his mind”
“I hope not without him our hopes of bringing down Jenkins will go down the drain”
“How about the others have you been able to speak to any of them
Joe went on to tell her that he was able to locate only three on the list and every one of them refused to speak to him or look at Mr. Jenkins picture.
“Its almost like they scared or something” he told her.
As they were talking to each Biff elbowed Chet to look at Callie Direction. Everyone noticed this movement and look over also
“I bet she talking Joe. Frank has Joe contacted you since he left” Phil asked his friend
“No Not that I want to ever talk to him again” Frank looked around at his friend “that reminds me I going to getting rid of all of Joe stuff that he gave me. If anyone wants to bring stuff over” looking particularly at Vanessa. “We put it together and take it to the dump ourselves.
“When are you planning to do it” Tony asked him
“Sometime this weekend. I’ll let everyone know”
“Okay” they all chorused
Meanwhile Callie and Joe finished they conversation. Right before hanging up Callie told to Joe to be careful even though she knew that he wouldn't.
That afternoon back at the Hardy house Frank is in the living room with his Parents watching TV when the Phone rings. His aunt Gertrude answers it and then hands it over to him.
“Hi Phil”
“You will never believe want happened”
“What”
“My cousin David is out of his coma”
“How”
“I don’t know all the hospital told us they received a unmarked package yesterday by courier. There was a typed note telling them it was the cure. It took them a couple of days to test but everything came out fine. So they finally tested it David and after a few hours he woke up.”
“That’s great but it doesn’t mean Dad and I will not continue to look for who did this to him”
“Do you have any ideas yet”
“No not yet” Frank told him changing subject “can you call Biff and Tony and tell them I will be going to the Dump tomorrow evening and I’ll call Vanessa and Chet
“Okay”
They then said goodbye to each other.
Back in Northport James was wondering why he hadn’t heard anymore from Joe or Callie concerning Mr. Jasper who they claimed to know as Mr. Jenkins. He was happy to learn his friend would recover.
That Friday exactly one week later Joe still didn’t find anything to prove Jenkins guilt so he headed back to Bayport. He rode to Callie’s home so he could thank her in person for everything she did. They stood by his motorcycle with Joe trying to calm Callie down when she began crying. She tried to convince him not the go through with it
“ I have to. If I don’t he will go after Frank.”
“Please don’t go through with it”
Joe saw the pain in her eyes and just took her into his arms and held her “I have to I made a deal”
Unbeknownst to them that at that moment Chet and Vanessa stopped at red light watching them. Neither said anything to the other but just waited for the light to change.
While still holding Callie in his arms Joe took out his cell phone and called Jenkins.
“So so Joe Hardy found anything out” Jenkins unmercilessly taunted him
“Where do you want meet” was all Joe said
“How about the same place we met the last time at 6 p.m. “
“Okay”
Joe then disconnected the call and turned to Callie. Handing his cell phone to her. She looked at him in confusion.
“I’m not going to needing that anymore.”
Now understanding fully what Joe was implying Callie answered him “I’ll just hold on it until you return.”
Joe just smiled with sad eyes but didn’t say anything because he knew that his chance of surviving would be almost none existent. He then handed her an envelope and a wrapped box. She opened up the envelope first and notice that there was still about $1,500.00 in it. She looked at him and just shook her head. She then to her attention to box and unwrapped it. When she saw what was inside made her gasp and look up at Joe in surprise. For in the box was a beautiful Bracelet engraved with the following words. To Callie my friend and sister for life love Joe. She just grabbed on to him and cried. Joe just held on to her but then he notice that it was time to go so he slowly untangled himself from her embrace.
Right before he got back onto his motorcycle he made her promise to go to mall next week a pick up the anniversary gift he had gotten his parents. She agreed to pick it up and deliver to them in person. He then leaned over and gave her a kiss on the forehead goodbye. She stood on the sidewalk with her arms wrapped around herself watching him ride off until she couldn’t see him anymore. She then went into her house and locked herself in her room and cried.
Callie ran out of house with the hope that she will be able to talk to Frank. Maybe she will able to tell him what’s happening and he and the others can reached Mr. Barnes farm before it was too late. At 5:50 Callie reached the Hardy’s house. When she rang the bell Laura let her in. She walked into the living room and noticed all the boxes
With trepidation she asked, “what’s going on here?”
Frank answered her “these are things you have given to us” showing some of the boxes. “That we no longer want”
Looking at the rest of the boxes. “How about those”
“Those are Joe’s” Fenton answered this Time. “They going to the dump”
“No you can’t” Callie begged them. Knowing that once the truth came out it they would regret it. “I’ll take them also”
“Fine”
With that they helped Callie load all the boxes in her car. While this was happening Mr. Jenkins reached Mr. Barnes Farm and helped Joe put his motorcycle into his van. Joe got into the passenger seat and Jenkins turned to him. “I’m going to have so much fun with you”
Joe just looked out the window and didn’t answer him. All he could think about how he would never see his family and friends again. He realized that they were not heading to Jenkins house. He looked over at Jenkins with questioning yes. Jenkins noticed this and said to him “do you really think I would be stupid enough to keep you at my House.”
“Aren’t people going to wonder why you don’t return home”
“I already got that covered I told everyone I was taking a leave of absence from work to take of a sick relative”
About twenty minutes later they reach their destination. It was a depleted house twenty miles out of Bayport in town call Oceanview. Jenkins pulled Joe out of the car and took him in to house. He then placed Joe a bed with restraints. Joe watched with trepidation as he started to hook him to an I.V. As Jenkins was attaching the bag to the I.V. he explained to Joe want to expect.
“You will initially feel like your body is on fire. After the sensation passes it will passed through your heart cause it speed up making you feel like you ran the marathon. Don’t worry I will not let your heart rate get to high.”
Joe just looked at him with contempt but held his mouth. As the poison slowly entered his body he could feel like it was just like Jenkins describe it. As soon as he thought he couldn’t take anymore Jenkins looked at the heart monitor also attached to him and noticed that the heart rate was high enough. He switched the bags and gave him the cure.
“Tomorrow is another day” he told him as the cure was working through Joe body.
Once the cure completed it course through Joe body. He looked at Jenkins with contempt. Right before Jenkins left him for the night he gave him a sedative. “Don’t want you to try to escape” he whispered to Joe as he was falling asleep
With that he went up the stairs and closed the light. He then went to his living room and started to prepare for his lesson for the next day.
The following Monday in Science class Frank noticed a substitute teacher who explained that Mr. Jenkins had taken a leave of absence. After class Frank met up with Chet and Phil in the hallway and they all walked to lunch together. Once there they sat at the usually table where Vanessa, Tony and Biff were already waiting. Callie again sat at the next table only but when she saw Frank she broke down in tears and ran out.
“What’s her problem” Biff asked
“Who cares” Chet responded
“Yeah at least we don’t have to look at her for the rest of lunch” Tony inserted
“Let change the subject” Phil suggested. He then turned to Frank “what time should we be at your parents house for they anniversary party
“7:30 p.m. should be fine” Frank told everyone
They all agreed to be there at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Which will be exactly one week that Joe became Jenkins test subject.
Phil asked Frank if it was alright to bring his cousin David and David’s friend James to party since they were spending the weekend over the Cohen's house. Frank said that would be fine. He really wanted to meet Phil’s cousin
The rest of week past by and every night Jenkins would increase the poison that put into Joe. Joe wanted to scream out in pain but didn’t want to give Jenkins the satisfaction. So after Jenkins gave him the cure and he would leave him alone in the dark. During this time Jenkins also stopped giving food and only gave him water twice a day. Once in the morning and then again at night. Now being weak not only from the poison but also hunger Joe didn’t know how much longer he could hold out.
“You are a lot stronger than the other ones” Jenkins said to him
Joe decided to take that moment to ask the question that was bugging him.
“Why are you doing this?”
“Why I doing this I’ll tell you why all through my school years I was teased by the so called smart kids in school because I always just fell short. I then decided I would work hard in science and use my knowledge against all smart people. It became perfect when I became a teacher because I can get rid of them when they younger and can’t use them so call intellect in the real world.
Joe just laid there with his eyes wide opened. He couldn’t believe how delusional Jenkins was. “Just because you were teased doesn’t mean all smart people are the same like those you knew.” “I personally know a lot of smart people who if you spoke to them they wouldn’t laud over you that they are smarter .”
When the night of Laura and Fenton party came around Callie was in her room debating with herself. Joe had made her promise to deliver the gift he had gotten for his parents. Even though she knew that they would refuse she decided to go to the house and least let them know that he didn’t forget. When she got there Gertrude opened the door and asked her what she wanted. She asked to speak to Laura and Fenton. Gertrude told her to leave but she refused instead she walked right by her into the living room where the party was taken place.
“Sorry to bother you but I just wanted to let you that Joe asked me to give you this. ” Seeing that Laura was about to interrupt she held up her hand and continued. “I know you are not going to accept it but I felt it was my duty to let you know that he didn’t forget it.”
As she was speaking Phil who still wasn’t there arrived with David and James. They walked into the living room as she was finishing. She turned around to leave when she noticed James. They just stood there in shock looking at each other. James recovered first.
“Callie?” he asked then he looked around “where’s Joe?”
Callie then recovered from her Shock “Like you care” she yelled
She started to walk away when he grabbed her the arm and pulled her into another room. The rest of them were wondering what was going on.
“What do you mean I don’t care. He never got in touch with me”
“Yes he did he went to your house and spoke to your mother”
“When was this?”
“About three weeks ago”
James thought about what happened three weeks before and remembered that his mother had answered door. He then pulled out his cell phone. Callie watched him and wondered whom he was calling.
“Hi mom” James said, “do you remember three weeks ago that salesman that came to door what was he selling again. James listened to his mother and then he said goodbye.
“Why was it so important for you to call your Mom now” Callie asked him
“Because three weeks ago someone came to the door and my mother told me it was someone trying to sale vacuum cleaner. Now she told me it was someone asking for direction.”
“Which means it was probably Joe”
“And I never got the message. But what does have to Joe not being here. ”
Callie then told him where Joe was and how he got there. James just looked at her and couldn’t believe what he just heard. “You mean to tell me that he just gave himself to that monster.”
“Yes it was part of the deal”
“OH I’m sorry Callie”
Its not your fault he must had gotten to your parents before Joe could and made up some type of lie.
“So what’s the plan now?”
Just as Callie was about to respond they heard a glass break. Turning around they saw David breathing heavily . Phil was trying to find out what was wrong but David just kept a repeat as mantra the name Mr. Jasper.
Callie and James then reached them and heard what he was saying.
“what about Mr. Jasper” James questioned his Friend
Looking at his friend David showed him the Bayport school newspaper. In it was a picture of Mr. Jenkins.
“That’s Mr. Jenkins” Frank told him
David then turn to look at Frank with fear in his eyes “if he’s not Mr. Jasper he surely resembles him”
“Whose Mr. Jasper.” Biff asked David
“He was my science teacher. And he was also responsible for what happened to me
“Are you positively sure?” Callie asked him
“Yes I’m sure. I was at his house working on an extra credit project when he start to act weird.”
“How?” Vanessa wanted to Know
“he started to rant and rave about how I thought I was so smart and the next thing I knew he had drugged me. When I woke up I tied to a bed. He then when on to describe what happened to him. Of how the poison would make him feel like he was burning up and then he heart would race. “that was one set of poison he tried on me. When he gave the last set of poison and I felt myself losing consciousness I felt relief because I could get away from the pain”
Everyone Just looked at each other when Fenton spoke. “We better call the Cops and have him arrested. After he made the call he told them Chief Colling would be touch
When Con and officer Bradley reached Jenkins house they noticed he wasn’t home and looked like know one had been there for while. Meanwhile back at where Joe was being held Jenkins increased the dosage of the poison making it impossible for Joe not to whither in pain.
Jenkins watched in satisfaction on Joe reaction to the poison and knew it will only be a matter of time that Joe would ask for relief and he would give it to me inform of the last poison. That which would put him into a coma.
Con decided he would go to Hardy’s house personally and tell them what happened. When he got the house and told them the news Callie began to shake.
“Are you sure no one was there”
“Yes the house looks like it hasn’t been lived in for a while”
Callie then just covered her mouth and ran for the bathroom. While in the bathroom she began crying. ‘ohmigod, Joe be ok’ she thought but knowing in her heart he wasn’t. When Laura asked if she was ok. She answered yes and walked out the bathroom.
At that moment Tony remembered that Joe was suspicious of Mr. Jenkins and voiced this.
“Yeah you right, Callie why don’t you contact since he probably won’t answer if anyone of else calls” Frank requested.
“I can’t”
“why not”
Not ready to divulge Joe’s plan and knowing that she actually had his cell phone she adamantly refused. Frank decided to make the call himself and everyone was surprised to here the phone ringing in Callie’s bag
“Why do you have my brother’s phone”
Callie knew that she couldn’t keep what she knew to herself anymore. She told them how Joe decided to prove Mr. Jenkins guilt.
“so you mean there’s nothing going on between you and Joe” Chet asked
“No, the day in the lunch room when Frank and Joe had their disagreement about Mr. Jenkins. The rest of you agreed with Frank I didn’t because I saw the fear in Joe’s eyes.”
“but that still doesn’t explain why you have his phone” Frank told her
“I have his phone because he gave it to me when he lost the deal.”
“What deal?” Con questioned
Looking at James for reassurance Callie started to tell them from the moment they spoke to James to the time Jenkins had the restraining order against Joe placed.
“The day that Joe left the house and you told him not to return Mr. Hardy. Joe was meeting with Mr. Jenkins to propose a deal. Which he accepted.”
“What was the deal” Fenton wanted to know.
“The deal was that he had one week to prove Jenkins guilt” Callie told him
With fear setting in the pit of his stomach Frank asked Callie what would happen if he didn’t prove it .
Callie looked at him and said “Joe agreed to become his test subject”
“He what? You mean Jenkins has him”
“Yes it’s been already a week”
Frank started to shake and turned to his father. “we have to find him”. Seeing the fear in his son’s eyes he assured him that they would.
Con told them APB was being put on Jenkins and soon he was picked up they were questioned him on Joe was being held. Knowing that the chances of that happening were slim to none Frank decided he would look for his brother on his own.
At this point everyone decided to call it a night. Frank went into his brother’s bedroom and sat on his bed. Thinking about his brother he started to cry. ‘oh Joe’ he thought ‘why didn’t I listen to you when you try to tell me. I promise you I will find you’.
Four more days past and still they were no sighting of Jenkins or Joe. Frank was going out of his mind with worry knowing that everyday Joe wasn’t found meant finding him alive would diminish.
Frank didn’t know how right he was because at that moment Jenkins decided to give Joe the final poison.
“Before I give you this poison let me tell about the changes I made to the formula”
“What changes?” Joe gasped out.
“you see the previous one only put you into a coma. This one instead slowly shuts down all of your organs. So in other world you’ll die in a few days
Joe began to struggle against the restraint but to no avail. The poison slowly began to go into his system and he could feel himself loose consciousness. The he then saw his life go through his mind like a home movie. The last picture he saw was of his brother. ‘I love you big brother” with that thought he lost complete conciseness.
Jenkins then left Joe and decided to go out. He went into to town where one of the local police saw him. Calling into his station he notified of his findings.
Chief Johnson of the Oceanview police department contacted Colling and told him that Jenkins was sighted. Colling called Con into his office.
“Get to the Hardys and tell them Jenkins has been sighted in Oceanview”
Con rushed over to the Hardys to break the news to them. He noticed that all of the Frank and Joe’s friends were there. He also noticed that once again Callie and Frank were sitting close to each other.
“Chief had me come over to tell you that Jenkins was spotted in Oceanview”
Frank was relieved to have a break in finding his missing brother. Callie and Vanessa hugged each other and cried. Laura cried and held on to Fenton in relief.
“So when are they going to pick him up” Biff asked Con
“According to the chief they going to follow him and then pick him up at where he is keeping Joe”
Jenkins noticed that he picked up tail during his time in town. So instead of took them away from way he was keeping Joe. In fact he took them back to Mr. Barnes farm. Once at the farm the police officers arrested him and search for Joe. When they couldn’t find Joe they questioned him. He decided not to speak. Knowing they weren’t going get anything from him they placed him in the car.
Con riley along with chief Colling went to the Oceanview police station to speak to Jenkins. Jenkins refused to tell them where Joe was. Chief Colling then called Fenton and told him the bad news.
Gertude noticed her brother’s face. “Fenton what’s wrong”
“that was Colling he told me that they picked up Jenkins but Joe wasn’t with him”
“What?” Frank screamed “he has to be there”
“apparently he knew he was being followed so he took them somewhere else.
Callie who had been going to their house everyday asked “where was he picked up”
“do you know I never question that hold on” Fenton answered . He called back Colling and asked him
“it was about 10 miles out of town”
Fenton turns to the other and held his hand over the mouthpiece and repeated the information. Callie thought about it and realized Mr. Barnes farm is about 10 miles out.
“Mr. hardy ask him if it’s near Mr. Barnes Farm”
Fenton asked Colling Callie question and was told them it was Mr. Barnes Farm he was arrested.
Fenton told Colling thank you and hung up the phone. Turning to Callie he asked her how she knew.
“That was where Joe met with Jenkins. So that means that the only place Jenkins would think of going.
Frank and Fenton decided to go to the Oceanview police station to speak to Jenkins. Callie asked if she could join them. They said goodbye to everyone and promised to report as soon as they can. Biff, Tony, Chet and Phil told them they would go with them and search around the area for clues about Joe whereabouts. Vanessa promised to stay with Laura and Gertrude until they heard back from them.
Fenton, Frank and Callie reached the station. While they were waiting for Jenkins. Frank turned his Father.
“if anything happens to Joe I’ll never forgive myself”
“Don’t worry Frank”
“what do you mean by don’t worry. My baby brother’s life is in danger”
“I didn’t it mean it that way. What I meant is that Joe is fighter and he will not die if we have anything to say about it.
At that moment Callie who was listening to the exchange noticed the door open hit Frank on the elbow. Frank and Fenton turned a saw Jenkins being escorted into the room. Even before Jenkins sat at the table Frank started to fire questions at him’
“where’s my brother, what have you done to him?”
Jenkins just look at him in amusement and started to laugh. “do you really think I will tell you.” He then turned to the cop who escorted him and asked to go back to his room. But before leaving he turned around and look at Frank once again “Remember this if your brother dies it’s your fault”
Frank stared at him in shock until he remember that Joe came to him with the suspicion that he was going to next on his list. Frank covered his head with his hand. When he looked up he had tears welling up in eyes “Joe took my place.” At that moment the D.A. came and informs them they couldn’t hold Jenkins without any proof.
“You can’t do that” Callie and Frank said at the same time.
“I’m sorry but it’s the law without proof we can’t hold him” she told them
“What about if one of his other victims identifies him?”
Frank understanding his father called Phil. When Phil answered he asked him if his cousin David would be willing to come to police line up. Phil told him would call his cousin and asks him.
A few minutes later Frank cell phone rang.
“Frank he said yes and that he and James could be there within 45 minutes.
“Thanks.” He then told the others what Phil told him
While this was going on the poison was causing Joe to fall deeper into the coma. Every time he fell deeper the less he other organs worked. At this point they were working at 75% capacity.
David and James reached the station. David was then taken into a room with a one-way mirror. When he looked at the line up he choice number 4, which happened to Mr. Jenkins. Now having the identification the D.A inform Jenkins that he was being formally arrested.
Fenton decided to return home while Frank and Callie decided to join the others in the search for Joe. David and James also asked to be part of the search. When they met up with Tony, Chet , Biff and Phil they went over the areas that were already searched.
They continued to search until nightfall but instead of going home they decided to rent a room at a nearby hotel. The next morning they began asking people if they recognized either Jenkins or Joe. Finally someone recognized Jenkins as person who acquired about an abandoned house about 5 miles out town.
“Do you know where it is” Frank asked her
“If you go to the Golden Apple real estate and ask for Amy she would be able to tell you.
The gang raced over to the Golden Apple and asked for Amy.
“How can I help?” she asked them.
“We wanted to know if you recognized this man?”
“Yes, he came he asked about an abandoned house about 5 miles north on Route 75.”
They thanked her and headed for their cars and started to drive north on Route 75. Frank turned to Callie and told her to call his house and tell his father what they had found out.
“Mr. Hardy.” she said, “We have a lead and are going to check it.”
Fenton relayed the message to his wife, sister, and Vanessa.
They reached the destination and saw the house. They all ran for the house and located the basement door. Not knowing what to expect they slowly descended. Frank was the first to see his brother lying there. Racing to his brother's side he noticed that was breathing shallowly. He removed Joe from the I.V. By this time Joe was at 60% capacity.
“Call an ambulance!” he yelled.
Twenty minutes later an ambulance came and took over Joe’s care. Frank went with them and gave Biff the keys to his van.
While in the ambulance, Frank softly spoke to his brother.
“Joe, I don’t know if you can hear me or not. Please don’t die, I love you and need you little brother. Without you, there is no me." Frank squeezed the hand he was holding until they reached the hospital. Which for him was not soon enough.
Once they reached the hospital Joe was taken to one of the rooms to be examined. Frank called his house at told them at what hospital Joe was in.
“He’s at Oceanview General,” he told them.
While waiting for the doctor to come out and inform them of Joe's condition, Fenton, Laura, Gertrude and Vanessa arrived. Laura went to hug older son. Everyone then impatiently waited.
Finally a doctor came out and introduced himself as Doctor Franklin.
"Let me tell you what we found out. First of all his malnourished. But that’s not our main concern. We determined that he is in a coma, and his organs are slowly shutting down.”
Everyone stood in shock. James, recovering first, asked the question everyone dreaded.
“How long do you think he has?”
“From my estimate, I will say maybe 24 to 48 hours at the most.” He answered. Seeing the distraught look on all their faces he bid them goodnight and left the room.
After Joe was settled in his room Frank entered. He stood at the entrance of the door and looked at his brother. He couldn’t believe how small his brother looked in the bed. Joe had so many tubes and wires attached to him. He looked at the heart monitor for a little bit but had to turn his head away from it. He couldn’t bear to see how low his brother's heart rate was. Frank knew that the doctors would do their best to keep Joe alive but without the antidote it would be only a matter of time before he died.
With tears starting to form in his eyes again Frank walked over to his bed. He sat in the chair next to his bed and grabbed one of his hands being mindful of the tubes. He started to speak to him again.
“Joe, I’m sorry that I didn’t believe you. I promise I will never take for granted anything you say.”
Frank stayed by Joe's side and refused to leave for anything. At one point Callie came in.
“Frank, you need to eat something.”
“How can I eat when my brother lying here near death?”
“I know it's hard Frank, but he wouldn’t want you to starve yourself.”
“I’m not leaving him.”
“How about I bring something up to you?”
“OK, that sounds good. Thanks.”
Frank then leaned over and gave her a kiss.
Callie left the room and Frank turned his attention back to his brother. He took a moment to look up at the heart monitor. He stood up and raced to door to call for a doctor. Doctor Franklin came in and looked the monitor himself. Seeing that his heart rate was going down he injected him with something to try to raise it up. But after a few minutes they realized it didn’t work.
“You better come out with me for a moment.”
Frank walked out of the room. Once the doctor and everyone was gathered he told them that Joe’s heart rate was dangerously low and with out the cure he would be dead by the next morning. Frank felt his knees give out when he the news. He hurried back into his brother’s room and fell back into the chair next him and began crying.
Callie came in after him and watched him. Feeling her presence, he turned around and stood up. Motioning to her, she headed for his opened arms and they stood hugging each other.
“I never thanked you for being there for Joe.”
“Even though Joe and I don’t agree on anything. We do agree on one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Our love for you.”
Frank and Callie held on to each other for a little while longer. Until Frank pulled away from her.
“Callie do you mind, but I want to be alone with Joe.”
“No I don’t Frank but remember the rest of us are just outside if you need us.”
Frank didn’t respond because the only person he needed right now was lying in the hospital bed. Callie could see in his eyes what he was thinking so she just leaned into him and gave him a kiss on the lips and walked out.
Alone with his brother Frank once again sat next to him and held his hand. He sat there contend to just look at Joe. Exhaustion finally took over, and he rested his head on Joe’s bed.
Outside the room everyone heard someone crying and moaning. Laura realizing it was Frank went in to check on him. She slowly went to him and began to shake him.
“Frank darling wake up.”
Frank, feeling someone touching and talking to him, woke up with a start. He frantically looked around. Noticing that Joe was still there he looked at his mother.
“Mom what’s wrong?”
“You were having a nightmare, Sweetie.” She answered.
Frank began to shiver when he remembered his dream. Seeing this, Laura put her arms around her son. “Why don’t you tell me about it.”
“I dreamt that Joe was screaming for me to help him. I looked and looked for him. When I finally found him he was sinking in quicksand. Instead of getting closer to him I was pulled away farther. What scared me was the look in his eyes. He looked like he was giving up. Mom, I don’t know what I would do if anything happens to him.” Frank told his mother.
Laura held onto Frank and just let him cried onto her. Once he finished crying he picked up his head and looked at his mother. Laura looked at her son and without another word go up and gave his kiss on the head and walked out of the room.
As soon as she got back to everyone else they asked her what happened. They all wanted to know if Frank was alright. She told them about the dream. They all promised to be there for Frank if the worse should happen. Hoping against hope that it didn’t. Then each them remembered how mean they were not only to Joe but also to Callie. When they started to apologize to Callie she held out up her hand.
“Please you don’t need to apologize- she started to say but Vanessa stop her from continuing.
“Yes we do after everything we said to both you and Joe. We know we don’t deserve your forgiveness but if you can find it your heart to.”
Callie looked at everyone and just shook her head. “There’s nothing to forgive." Seeing crestfallen look on everyone face she quickly rectified. “What I mean what’s there to forgive. Joe and I know what would happen if everyone saw us together. So I speak for Joe also when I say there’s nothing to forgive because you all acted the way we expected you to."
Frank had gotten up to stretch out his legs after sitting down for so long. He was at the door and was able to hear what Callie said. Walking back to his brother, he leaned over and gave him a kiss on forehead. He then sat down again and began his one sided conversation with Joe.
Unbeknownst to him Joe was actually hearing everything he was saying. Joe began to struggle to wake up. But the more he struggled the faster the poison moved through his body.
‘Please Frank, don’t be sad. If anything happens to me it because I chose it. I love you big brother, and I would do anything for you. If I have to die to do it so be it. I know you're probably wishing it were you here instead. I’m happy it isn’t because that would mean my greatest fear had came true.’
Fenton decided to go back to station to see if he could convince Jerkins to give him the cure. On the way there he came up with an idea. Once Jenkins was escorted to the same room they met before Fenton began talking.
“From what I understand you like to make deals. Well I have one for you. If you don’t tell me what the cure is I will make certain you don’t survive your stay in prison.”
“You can’t do that!”
“Try me.”
Seeing that Fenton was dead serious, Jenkins began fearing for his life. He gave Fenton the components of the cure. With the information in hand he raced for the hospital. When he reached there he was told that Joe was getting worse.
He gave the information to Doctor Franklin, who told everyone that they would have to do extensive testing before administrating to Joe.
After hours of waiting, Doctor Franklin came out with a smile on his face. Seeing his expression everyone hoped he had good news.
“After extensive testing we have determined that this is the cure. Now be aware that it might take time for it work.”
Frank didn’t care about that. All he cared about was getting his brother back. He once again sat by his brother waiting for him to wake up.
The night came and went, but Joe still didn’t wakeup. Even the next morning he didn’t wake up but his heartrate started to improve.
Finally during the following night while Frank was laying his head down on his brother’s bed Joe began to stir.
Slowly Joe opened his eyes and turned and saw his brother sleeping there. A smile came to his face.‘I knew you would come for me’ he thought.
“Frank?” he called three times.
Frank, dreaming that he is hearing his brother'a voice, smiled in his sleep. Joe noticing this and chuckled. This time he decided to squeeze the hand holding his. Frank jumped with a start.
“Joe,” he screamed happily.
“Frank,” Joe whispered hoarsely.
Frank pressed the button to call for a nurse. When the nurse came in she saw that Joe was awake and went to call for the Doctor. Doctor Franklin came in and examined Joe.
Everyone waited outside with bated breath. Frank couldm't sit down because he was nervous. When Doctor Franklin finally came out everyone rushed over to him and began asking him questions at the same time.
“Is he okay?”
“When can he go home?”
“There won’t be any side effects from the poison?”
Doctor Franklin laughed and began talking. “He’s resting right now. From my initial examinatoin I would say the he going to recover with no major side effects. But I would like to keep him he for a few days just to be sure.” Right before leaving them he turned to Frank. “He was asking for you”.
Frank didn’t needed to be told twice he all but ran to his brother side.
Joe smiled when he saw his brother. Frank went over to his brother and gave him a hug. When Frank began crying Joe just held him and told him that he loved him.
A few minutes later everyone else was able to go into the room. Even though it was actually against hospital policy Dr. Franklin made allowance for this one time.
Joe noticed everyone first and nudged his brother. Frank looked up and wiped at his eyes. Not at all ashamed of his crying.
Joe knew he had to make the first move. So he held out his hand to Vanessa. Like Frank, Vanessa didn’t hesitate and went straight for Joe. She hugged him and began telling him how sorry she was that she accused him of cheating.
“Don’t cry Beautiful, I love you,” Joe consoled her.
He then looked up at everyone else and made sure that they knew how he felt about them. Callie stood back a ways happy to just watch Joe and everyone else.
Gertrude always the sensible one, decided they were tiring out Joe. So one by one they said goodbye. When it was Callie's turn they didn’t have to say anything. They just hugged each other knowing that they relationship was forever changed.
Joe noticed that once again it was just him and Frank. Fenton came back to the room to get Frank.
“Frank, come on Joe needs his rest.”
“No Dad I spending the night and every day with him until he comes home.” Frank told his Father.
Joe smiled knowing that everything was back normal with that he closed his eyes and went to sleep.
Frank looked at his brother sleeping and softly kissed his forehead. “I promise to always by your side.”
The next morning came and Dr Franklin came in to check on Joe.
“So Joe, how are you feeling this morning?”
“I feel fine so when can I go home?”
“You can go home in a few days. You may think you're fine but your body is still recovering from being comatose.”
Frank chuckled when he saw the glare Joe gave the doctor. He knew how much Joe hated to be in the hospital. When it was lunchtime the orderly bought in two trays. Frank helped Joe eat his soup because he was still weak and couldn't hold the spoon without spilling.
After lunch, Joe slept and Frank quietly watched TV when he noticed that school had ended and ½ hour earlier. Before he could wonder what the gang was doing he heard someone at door.
“Hey Frank how is he?” Phil asked him
Upon seeing Phil and the rest of the gang with the exception of Callie he told them he was sleeping.
“Where’s Callie?”
“She had a dentist appointment.” Vanessa answered, “She said she will be by later.”
Vanessa then went over to Joe and gave him a kiss being careful not to wake him.
“So how is he doing?” Chet asked Frank.
“He was able to hold down his food so that’s a good sign.” Frank answered, “But Doctor Franklin doesn’t what him out of bed for at least a couple more days.
Everyone knew how crazy that was probably making Joe, a person that they knew who always on the move and couldn’t sit still for a period of time, let alone lie down.
“Don’t worry he be out of here before you know it,” Tony told him.
“We can’t stay any longer.” Biff now said. “We just wanted to see how he was doing and to give you these.” He and Phil handed Frank some papers.
Frank took a look at the papers and noticed that they were different lessons, homework and take-home tests from his and Joe’s teachers.
“We spoke to each of your teachers and told them the situation” Phil explained. “They were more than happy to give us everything that would help the two of you not to fall behind.”
“Thanks,” Frank said.
With that they left.
A couple hours later Callie came to visit. She managed to get Frank to leave for awhile as she wanted to spend some time alone with Joe.
When Joe woke up and saw Callie there he smiled but when he didn’t see Frank his smile faltered.
Upon see this Callie reassured him. “Frank will be back he just went to get some fresh air. Plus I wanted to spend some time alone with you.”
Joe and Callie spoke until Frank came back. Once Frank came back Callie decided to leave knowing that Frank wanted to spend quality time with his brother, and she didn’t want to intrude on it.
After saying goodbye to Joe. Callie left. Frank came over to his brother and told him that the rest of the gang was over earlier but he was sleeping. Noticing Frank holding some papers. Joe asked him what were they were.
“These are just lesson, homework and take home test so we don’t fall behind,” Frank told him”
Joe just groaned and Frank laughed because he knew how much Joe just loved school.
“Don’t worry little brother I will help you.”
“Thanks big brother.”
A couple days past by and Joe was able now to get out of bed. With Frank's help he was allowed to walk in the hallway for 15 minutes every 3 hours. Once he walked his allotted time, he and Frank went back to his room to work on their schoolwork. As promised, Frank helped him with what he didn’t understand.
That evening they parents and Aunt came to visit. Laura went over to how son and did how own check up.
“How are you feeling?”
“Better.”
“Are you getting enough rest?”
“Yes, Frank is making sure. He’s also making sure I’m getting enough to eat. That I don’t overdo it. And that I don’t fall behind in my school work.” Joe told his mother forestalling any other question she might have.
Frank snickered knowing how much Joe hated to being babied. Even though he was the one probably the most guilty party. To him what he did was not babying but making sure nothing happened to his brother.
Fenton then brought up the subject that nobody wanted to speak about, Mr. Jenkins.
“I just wanted to let you know that that his trial will being next month.”
“Do I have to testify,” Joe wanted to know.
“Yes you do son,” Fenton answered him.
Joe leaned back in his bed and sighed. Frank was quick to reassure him that he was going get through the trial and that he wasn’t alone. Everyone one would be there to support him.
Fenton, Laura and Gertrude stood for a few more minutes before calling it a night. After giving both Joe and Frank kisses and hugs goodnight they left them.
The routine the next day was the same as the day before with the exception Joe was able to walk five minutes more. Once Joe and Frank got back to they room they were surprise to find Phil’s cousin David and his friend James there.
James, not knowing what to say automatically began to apologize to Joe.
“Hey buddy there’s nothing to apologize for.” Joe said to him.
“I just feel like it's my fault that they didn’t see through my mom that day.”
“Why? Because as a son you took what your mom told you at face value. I would have done the same in your shoes,” Joe told him.
David watched the exchange and turned to Frank, “He’s amazing.”
“That he is,” Frank replied.
David and James stood for a few minutes longer, but then had to leave because David had an appointment. But before leaving David turned to Joe.
“I just wanted to say thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me. I had selfish reason for doing it.”
“I don’t care what your reasons were. If wasn’t for you I would be here now.” He and James then left.
A couple more days passed when Dr Franklin came in, and told Joe and Frank that Joe would be able to go home the next day but with the restriction that he was to rest for a least another week. Frank promised the doctor that he would make sure that Joe rested.
When the next day arrived Joe couldn’t wait to get out of the hospital. He actually got up before Frank. Something that had never happened before. When Frank finally did wake up he noticed Joe was up and already dressed he chuckled. “Are you planning on going somewhere?” he teased.
“Hardy har har.” Joe said back to him, “I was ready to be somewhere else since I woke up.”
A couple hours later Fenton came to pick them up. Once the release papers was signed they left the hospital. When he arrived home not only his family and Friends were there but also David and James to welcome him. The only person missing was Callie
“Why isn’t Callie here? You two not still on the outs. I thought you guys were okay now,” he asked Frank.
“Yes we are.” Frank answered him, “I’m going to call her.”
Just as Frank was going to call Callie the doorbell rang. “Sorry I’m late but I need help with something.”
Bewildered everyone followed her outside to her car. Inside they saw the boxes that held Joe things.
“I figured that you will eventually learn the truth and would want these back. That's why I couldn’t let you throw it away.”
Laura hugged Callie and thanked her for her thoughtfulness. Joe mocked glared at his brother who just sheepishly grinned at him. Everyone picked up the boxes that belong to them and took them into the house. Everyone stayed for a few more hours but once it starting to get dark out they bid the Hardys goodnight. Vanessa and Joe now back to get made plans to go out as soon as Joe could. They decided they will double date with Frank and Callie.
Frank and Joe gave their mother and Aunt goodnight kisses and Joe hugged his father. Once upstairs Joe and Frank got ready for bed. Frank went into Joe’s room to talk to him before he went to bed.
“I want you to promise me that you will never do anything that stupid again. I don’t know what I will do if I lost you.”
“I can’t Frank. If I have choice between your life and mine I choose yours.”
Frank looked at Joe and realized he would make the same choice. He would choose Joe’s life over his. Frank started to get up when he noticed Joe eyes starting to close. Joe, feeling the bed move, opened his eyes and stopped his brother from getting up.
“Can you stay with me for tonight?”
“Sure,” Frank said to him. He settled himself next to his brother, placing his arms around his body and held him tight to him. Joe, feeling safe in his brother’s protective arms, slept like a baby.
This was how Laura found them the next morning when she checked on Joe. Smiling she closed the door and let them sleep in.