Missing Witness

Missing Witness
Chapter one
*******************

A stranger slipped onto the pouch of the Hardy’s house with a bundle under it's arms, checking to see if anyone was watching her, before placing the bundle beside the morning paper, darting off the pouch, ducking into a bush watching and waited.
*******************
Joe Hardy yawned as he walked down the stairs of their home on the corner of High and Elm Street Bayport, he could hear that his family was gathered in the kitchen for breakfast, he smiled as he heard his twin laughing at something that was being said.
His mother called out, “Joe is that you?’
“Yup,” Joe called back.
“Can you see if the paper has turned up yet?”
“Sure can.” Joe walked to the door opening it he looked down seeing the paper and the basket, staring wide eyed, he called out, “I think we have a problem here.”
Wiping her hands on a towel, Laura walked over to him saying, “What do you mean?”
Licking his lips as he stared wide eyed at the bundle that laid beside the paper, Joe asked, “Since when has the paper started delivering babies?”
Surprised his father asked, “Did you say Baby?”
“Yeah dad, you heard me right, I said baby.” Joe replied.
Bending down he lifted the child out of the basket, holding the child to his chest, he walked out onto the walkway to see if anyone was on the street, not seeing anyone, Joe rejoined his mother and father on the pouch.
Handing the baby over to his mother, he joined Frank in checking the basket over for clues, spotting a note in the basket, he picked it up by the corner and read it’s contents, Joe, I know that you don’t know me, but my friend speaks highly of you, so I ask of you to please look after my daughter Toni till I can come for her. You are her next kin, a man may come and claim to be her father but he is not, Toni father is dead, please he is not to know where she is please protect her with your life. I’ll explain when I come and get her. Take care of her for me, Cindy.
Looking over at the child in his mother arms, he said, “Her name is Toni and her mother has asked me to look after her till she comes for her.”
Laura looked over at her youngest son and said, “Joe, this is a big responsibility. I think we need to call in the cops to handle this.”
Sighing Joe closed his eyes, wishing he was still in bed and asleep.
Jessie said, “What a cute child.”
Frank checked the child over she was wearing a blue jumpsuit with a pale yellow hat and blue booties, looking Toni over he smiled as she wiggled about in his mother’s arms, he asked, “How old do you think she is mom?”
Laura said, “I’d say between a month or two we can get a doctor to confirm her age.”
Joe pulled the mattress out of the basket muttering, “What is this?”
Holding up an envelope, he opened it and read what it said, In my last will and testament. In case of my death, I wish my daughter Toni Sky to be raised by Joseph Hardy and his family... Joe stopped stunned he said, “I don’t know this lady and she wants me to raise her baby? Why would she do that?”
Fenton shook his head, “I don’t know Joe but this is what she wishes and it can’t be change, no court in the country can over power this and she covered of all the bases by naming you the next of kin.”
“But I’m only seventeen not an adult, surely they would take that into consideration? What if a member of her family come and what her?
Frank still trying to clear his head of the facts said dully, “That why she put Joseph and family as a back up. There nothing here to say that they can.”
His dad nodded saying, ‘That what I mean, this Cindy lady, has thought of everything to keep Toni with us. Joe my boy, you have to keep this child safe from harm.”
Joe eyes popped open saying, “I’m not ready to become a daddy.”
Jessie gazed over at him saying, “You know that we’ll help.”
Joe mind was spinning trying to catch a thought, he said, “Does that mean I have to give up school and go and find work?”
Laura smiled and said, “Don’t jump the gun Joe, you’re getting ahead of your self. Calm down, I know that this is overwhelming right now but don't get all riled up, this Cindy woman will come in a couple of weeks and get her baby.”
Looking eye wide at her, he took deep breaths trying to calm down, “Whoever she is, she just dumped a load on me.”
Frank said, “Yeah on all of us but this Cindy must trust you alot with this child, personally I wouldn’t trust you with a kitten.”
Joe smiled and said, “Well I like to think that maybe she doesn’t trust you big brother.”
Fenton cut in before Frank could reply, "Ok you two stop it. Mmmm I wonder why she did chose you Joe.”
Joe shrugged, “I haven’t the faintest clue why she chose me, I’d choose you and mom, then Jessie or Frank, not me I wouldn’t put myself on the list.”
Jessie said, “I’d choose you to look after the kids. Do you even know a Cindy?”
Joe looked  over at Frank as he dug into his mind to see if he remembered a Cindy, frowning he shook his head sending his hair into his eyes blinking head pushed it back saying, “Not me at least not from the top of my head.”
Laura walked into the house saying, “Lets move this into the house.”
Carrying the basket into the house Frank asked, “Should we call the cops?”
Fenton replied, “Not sure, whoever this Cindy is she made it clear that Joe is to look after the child till she returns for her.”
Jessie frowned saying, “That could be never.”
Looking at her with a thoughtful look he agreed, “That is true and if that the case, she had covered all her bases.”
Jessie glanced at her watch, “Damn I have to hit the road or I’m gonna be late.”
Frank placed the basket by the door saying, “Late for what?”
“For practice there a sound check for tomorrow concert.”
“Shoot, I forgot in all the excitement, that I’m meant to met Biff over at the ramp.”
“Wanna ride with me? Since we’re both heading that way.” Jessie call over her shoulder.
“Yup just let me get my gear and I’ll be with you.”
“Ok met you at the car then.”
Frank raced up to his room and threw his gear into his bag then raced back down stairs calling out, “Catch ya all later.”
Laura called back, “Can you remind Jessie to stop at the shops on your way home?”
“Sure will.” Frank called back.
Jumping in beside Jessie who had the engine already running.
*******************
Meanwhile at a hotel Room just outside of Bayport, a woman entered her room when she heard, “Well lookie here Mack, who finally arrived.”
She glared at the two men saying, “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Where is it?” Asked one of the men who towered over her, with greasy brown hair and meacing brown eyes.
“Where is what?” She asked.
Grabbing her arm and squeezing it, he said, “No more games, Karl wants it back, now where is the gem?”
Yanking her arm out of his hand, rubbing it as she said, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Grabbing her again he jerked her toward him as he hissed, “You know where it is and we what it back, you have twenty fours hours to return it.” Pushing her towards the bed, he and his partner walked towards the door, “Remember have it or pay the price.”
Glaring at them as they walked out of her room she yelled out, “Tell Karl to go to hell.”
Jumping off the bed she gathered everything together and threw it into a suitcase thinking, ‘How the hell did they find me so damn quick? Well this time I’m leaving the state, till the trial is over, hopefully he'll get thrown into prison and I’ll be out of his reach, till then I have to keep Toni out of his way. I hope I made the right choice leaving her with Joe and his family.' Closing her bag she carried it to the door slowly opening the door a crack, she peered through the gap to see if the coast was clear, seeing no one in the hall, she slipped out and headed for the lift.
*******************
Arriving at the venue that was hold the Rabble that year, finding a parking space Jessie parked.
Frank jumped out saying, “I’ll met you back here around three?”
“Yup, I’ll be finished by then, have fun.” Frank raced off to met Biff, while Jessie headed over to where the stage was set up.
“Hey Jeff how is everything going?” She asked when she got to the stage.
Jeff smiled, “Hey sweet thing what you doing here?”
Looking over at him as she replied, ‘We have a sound check to do if I'm not mistaken.”
“Not right now we don't, you have to go and see Mike about something, he was looking for you earlier.”
“Ok I’ll cruise over and check it out.” Heading over to the Manger office spotting Mike talking to Karl, “Ahh here she is, Karl I’ll talk to you later,” Waiting for Karl to leave Mike told her, “Jessie thank you for coming over, we have a problem.”
Frowning she asked, “We do? What is it?”
“It that Nancy girl, she been asking questions about Ghost Rider.”
Closing her eyes Jessie knew that this was bound to happen, then with a sly smile and a gleam in her eyes, she said, “You know what? I think I have a perfect plan to stop her in her tracks.”
“Ahh that why I love this sort of work. Do tell my dear.”
With a gleam twinkling in her blue eyes, she told him, “I think Ghost Rider what to reveal who she really is.”
**************
Stunned Mike asked, “She does?”
“Yup and she wants to get her fans in on it as well.” Looking at him, she asked, “How does having a competition sound to you? Get the fans to find out who she really."
“Sounds good to me but how is that going to stop this Drew from solving it before everyone else? She has a big head start over everyone.”
With a smile, Jessie explained, “That where the rules come in.”
With a smile that became even bigger as he got the idea, he nodded saying, “People who are entering the competition as skaters and the such can’t enter in?”
With a nod, Jessie said, “But in Nancy case because she has a head start, it wouldn’t be fair that she would be allowed to enter.”
“Jessie you’re sneaky.”
“Thanks I aim to please. Now if you what to iron out all the details and get it printered up, I’ve got a sound check to do.” Walking out the door, she heard Mike mutter, “Woman.”
With a chuckle Jessie walked back to the stage, Jeff saw her calling out, “All done?”
“Sure am now, now where is everyone?”
“Watching some of the kids do their thing, there some really stiff competition this year.” Jeff told her.
Hearing a roar coming from one of the ramps, Jessie said, “Well lets see what has them so interested in over there shall we?”
With a nod Jeff jumped off the stage, and joined her, as they headed over to the crowd pushing through the group, Jessie saw Frank and Biff who were working on a team move.
Jeff leant towards Jessie asking, “What are they doing?”
With a smile she told him, “They’re doing a move called Lein to tale that means they have to be perfectly timed, if they aren’t it won’t work.”
“If they’re not what will happen?” Jeff asked.
Without taking her eyes off her brother, she said, “Something we don’t want to happen.”
Frank felt the eyes on him and Biff, as they practiced not wanting to give everything away until the day of competition, stopping they took a bow, they headed over to the food stand as they moved through the crowd they received back slaps from the crowd, a man called out, “Great job guys look forward to seeing it in full.”
Turning Frank saw a tall man with blond hair and green eyes who was smiling at him, Frank smiled at him saying, “Thanks, say aren’t you Karl Knight?”
With a smile, Karl nodded, “Was the last time I checked.”
“Wow it’s a pleasure to met you, I’m Frank Hardy and this is Biff Hooper.”
“Nice to met you, I think I better keep an eye on you two.”
Just then they heard, “Hey Frank great moves, keep that up and you just might win.”
Frank looked over Karl shoulder with a smile seeing Jessie and a man he had never seen before, “Hey sis you finished already?”
“Nope, haven’t started rehearsing yet you and Biff were distracting my crew, they thought it was more exciting watching you and Biff than getting ready, hey Karl don’t tell me, you were watching as well?”
“Yup I sure was, now Jessie who is this brother of your?”
“I’m one of them, our other brother Joe at home.” Frank told him.
Just then Jeff asked, “Any relation of Fenton Hardy?”
Smacking her forehead she yelped, “Where are my manners? Jeff this is Frank my brother and  Biff Hooper a friend of ours, I know that you know Karl. Guys this is Jeff.”
While everyone was shaking hands, Jessie spotted Joe and Kandi walking towards them calling out, “Hey Joe, Kandi over here.” Waving her hand in the air till they joined them, “Who looking after Toni?”
Joe turned while saying, “Right here, Kandi and I went for a walk, bringing her with us.” Turning again so he was facing them, he carried on, “Mom also asked me to remind you to buy the diapers.”
Jessie rolled her eyes asking, “God I know I have a bad memory but I don’t think I’m that bad am I?”
Sammie who was behind her said, “Yup girlfriend you memory is that bad, surprise.”
Spinning Jessie laughed, “Why you stirrer, yours is just as bad.”
Holding her hands up, laughing she said, “Woah I know, no need to remind me but correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t we meant to be checking everything for tonight?”
Jeff stepped in before Jessie saying, “You can lay the blame at Frank and Biff’s feet for the delay, we were there, where were you Sammie?”
Chewing her bottom lip she said, “A sleep.”
Frank roared with laughter leaning against Biff, he said, “At least she didn’t make any lame excuses.”
Jessie smile shaking her head at him saying, “Well we better check that everything ready for tonight, catch you later. Joe are you gonna run through that song later?”
Joe nodded saying, “That one of the reasons I’m here and to practice my moves.”
Sammie asked, “Your moves?”
Shaking his head, he said, “Catch you later Sammie.”
“OK, ok I can take a hint.”
Jessie asked, “What time do you want to run it through?”
Looking at his watch then back at her, he asked, “How does an hour from now sound?”
Looking over at Jeff, she asked, “We should be finished by then?”
“You’re the boss, we finish when you wanna finish.” Jeff replied who was grinning away at her.
“Ok Joe, we’re see you then,” Grabbing Jeff’s arm and Sammie, she dragged them off saying, “There work to done and it ain’t getting done by standing here all day.”
Frank and the other could hear Sammie and Jessie giggle as they walked away.
Biff shook his head asking, “Was that me or was that a whirlwind that just came through here?”
Joe smiled saying, “It’s like that at home as well once Sammie and Jessie get together its mad, gonna miss her when she goes back to her family.”
Biff who didn’t know was surprise asked, “When she leaving?”
Frank said, “When school breaks for the summer. Sammie and PJ head home with their aunty.”
Stunned Biff said, “Wow I hope there are plans in the makings to send her off?”
Before the boys could tell Biff, Karl cut in, “Well guys nice meeting you all, hope to see you later.”
“Nice meeting you as well Karl, Good luck.” With that Karl walked away, Frank watched him walk away saying, “Wow he was nice wasn’t he?”
Kandi who was making faces at Toni asked, “And who was he exactly?”
Biff grinned saying, “Only the best boarder in the world.”
Frowning she asked, “He is? Isn’t he quite young to be the best?”
Frank smiled and explained, “In this career Kandi, the younger you are the better, start young and get to the top and then you can retire while you’re still young enough to enjoy what left.”
Kandi stunned said, “I think I’m in the wrong career.”
Joe laughed saying, “It’s a hard career, you have to stay at the top, cuz anyone can knock you off, there is always better skaters that can knock you off and the moves change all the time, you have to keep up with everything.”
Kandi nodded, “Ahh got you now, well Joe give me Toni, so you can practice your thing.”
Slipping his arms through the straps of the baby carrier, he handed it over to Kandi saying, “Toni due for a fed soon, so if you can take her home for me that would be great.”
Slipping Toni carrier onto her back, Kandi asked, “What time is your mom expecting her?”
“About eleven.” Joe told her.
Frank looked at his watch saying, “It’s nearly that now, give me the keys and I’ll take them home.”
Joe looked at him weirdly as he told his brother, ” Keys? Frank we walked here and you can’t ask Jessie for her keys, cuz she doesn’t have a baby seat in the car, that what mom and dad are getting today.”
Kandi said, “Well I’ll head off now, how will I get into the house?”
Frank said, “Biff and I will walk with you.”
“Well lets hit the road then.”
Joe said, “Don’t bounce back.”
Frank took a swing at Joe, as his made his way pass ,saying, “Pass a message on to Jessie for me, when you met up with her later.”
“Yup I’ll tell her you went home with Kandi.”
“Thanks see you later.” With that Frank, Biff and Kandi headed off for home.
Joe headed toward a ramp that was free of riders, he had booked the day before so he could get some much needed practice that day.
**************
Frank and Biff talked about what moves they had to work on, Frank said, “We need to get that buzz move down pat, I wanted to work on it today, but that crowd was watching and it was making me nervous.”
Biff chuckled, “You and me both, we need to find a place where we can work on it without a whole crowd watching.”
Kandi piped up, “What about the Shore?”
Frowning Biff asked, “ Shore? What Shore?”
“It’s where Jessie skates, ask her where it is, she never gets bothers over there.”
Frank stunned asked, “Jessie skates ?”
Kandi shot him a look that said, ‘You’re kidding me.’ “Yeah Jessie skates been skating since she got here, I've see her at the ramps at Shore Road.”
Biff nodded saying, “She did know some of the moves we were doing. When did Shore Road get ramps?”
Kandi replied, “Been there for a while now, I skate there myself.”
Biff asked, “You broad?”
“Nope I blade and yes I’m in the Rabble in the female under 20’s.”
Frank frowned saying, “You know this explains a lot about where Jessie keeps disappearing to lately.”
**************
Dumbfounded Kandi asked, “You didn’t know that Jessie skated?”
“I saw a board a few times but never thought much about it.” Frank told her, “Does Jessie know that you've seen her over on Shore Road?”
“Nope there are three ramps over there, we use different ones.” Kandi explained.
Frank looked over at Biff saying, “What have you got planned for this afternoon?”
“I was going to go and see Chet and Tony but I can postpone it till later.”
“Bring them along, we’ll make a day of it.” Frank replied.
The three young people turned into Elm street, while walking up the drive Frank noticed that his dad car was gone, wondering where he was, it wasn’t usual for his dad to go at a moment notice because of his line of work.
Spotting his mother in the garden pulling weeds, hoping to sneak pass, he just got to the door when he heard his mom say, “Frank the lawns need mowing.”
Grimacing Frank said, “I’ll do them later.”
“No, I want them done now Franklin, your father got out of them and so did Joe, so that leaves you or Jessie and since you’re here now and she not, you can do them, young man.”
Frank knew that when his mother used that tone and his whole first name, which wasn’t often, it wasn’t worth fighting her over it.
“Ok mom, I’ll just dump this stuff and do them.”
“Thanks Frank, I knew I could count on you, don’t worry when Joe gets here there enough work for him and Jessie as well and for that fact Sammie as well, more than enough, over the time everything has mounted up.”
Frank nodded, everyone who knew Joe and him, knew that if they could they would get out of yard work, but they did pitch in even with out being told to.
Kandi asked, “Can I help out anywhere Mrs. Hardy?”
Shocked Frank and his mother looked at her, “My god Kandi in this place that a shock to the system to be asked, No thank you if you just keep an eye on Toni will be enough. Biff are you staying for lunch?”
Looking at the others before saying, “Sure if you don’t mind.”
Frank headed inside dumping his stuff in his room and changing into shorts and tee shirts, he headed back downstairs and into the garden shed, where they keep the mower and things, wrestling with the catcher and mower, all the while grumbling about being stuck with mowing the lawns one job he hated to do, along with all the males in the family it seemed.
**************
After he finished his run, Joe headed over where Jessie was waiting for him, “Hey sis.”
“Ready are we?” Jessie asked.
“Yup.” Jumping upon the stage, Joe threw his bag to the side, waving to Sammie as she talked to the other dancers.
“Ok lets get this done.” Jessie walked towards Sammie saying, “Listen to this and watch, see if it suits the mood of the song."
Joe waited for everything to get sorted out, while waiting he scanned the crowd, he saw his dad talking with a man he didn’t know, Joe left at the same time as his father but heading in opposite direction, Joe wondered who the man was but he knew if his father wanted him to know he would have told him, letting his gaze wander over to the ramps, he gasped in surprise, seeing someone he thought he would never see ever again, he felt the fear rise up in him, he was glad that he didn’t see him, standing still as the fear took over.
Jessie called out, “Hey Joe are you ready?”
Not get an answer from him, she strolled over to him seeing that he was shaking, she ran the last couple of steps saying, “Joe are you alright?”
Not hearing her, Joe continued shaking and muttering something she couldn’t quite catch, looking over at the general direction that he was looking in but seeing nothing that could frighten Joe so much, spotting their father talking with someone, she called out, “Sammi go and get dad, he over there talking to some guy.”
Sammi jumped off the stage and raced over to where Mr. Hardy was talking, she said, “Sorry for butting in Mr. Hardy but Jessie sent me over to get you.”
Fenton broke off his conversation glancing over at as she breathed deeply from her mad dash over to him, he asked, “What wrong Sammie?”
Gulping in a large breath, she blurted out, “It’s Joe.”
Fenton looked over at the stage where Jessie was to perform during the Rabble, he saw Joe rooted to the stage, shaking like a leif, taking it all in he raced over, climbling up onto the stage he asked, “What happened?”
Shaking her head as she said, “I don’t know, he was looking over there for a while, I can’t figure out what set him off.”
Looking towards the ramps where his son eyes were fixed upon he said, “Jessie take him home now.”
Startled Jessie looked over at him and saw fear in his face, she started to ask, “Dad what wrong?”
Without looking at her, he snapped, “Get Joe out of here now Jessie.” Without waiting Fenton jumped down and headed over to the ramps.
Wrapping her arm around Joe’s shoulder, she lead him over to their bags calling out, “You can take the rest of the day off, I have to get my brother home.” Picking up her bag and handing Joe’s over to Sammie who followed her to her car.
Sammie asked, “What is going on?”
Strugging her shoulders as she settled Joe in the car said, “Hopefully dad will explain when he gets home or Joe will when he can.”
Looking over at him she knew whatever it was Joe, wouldn’t tell them a thing, whatever he saw over by the ramps had scared him deeply. Walking over to the drivers side she got in and started the car and headed home, in the excitement she totally forgot about the list of things she had to shop for.
**************
Meanwhile Fenton stormed over to the ramps, spotting the person, he was after he demanded, “What are you doing in town?”
The man in question turned to face him replied, “Is that anyway to greet your brother-in-law Fenton?”
Fenton growled, “You know that you’re not allowed in Bayport.”
“Tsk, tsk I’ve come to see my sister, Franklin and Joseph. How are the dear boys?”
“You’re not welcome here, leave town, Ethan NOW!”
Ethan glared, “You have no right to order me around Fenton, Laura is my sister and I aim to see her with or without your permission.”
Glaring at him Fenton warned him, “You step one foot near my family, I’ll have you arrested again so fast that your head will be spinning.”
“Well now, I take that you are going to hold this against me for the rest of my life.”
“You got that right Ethan, they should have locked you up for the rest of your damn miserable life for what you did to my boys.”
“Now come on, I think the boys have forgotten, I know that Franklin would love to see me again, for that matter so would Joseph.”
Cringing at Ethan use of his boys names and the tone he used, he said, “They will never see you again, they'll never agree to see you again.”
Looking over at him, Ethan smirked saying, “They will, once they see me again, they love their good old uncle.” With that he walked away saying, “Never fear Fenton, I will see my sister and nephews and you can’t stop me.”
Fenton yelled, “I have the law on my side Ethan remember that and remember this, if you harm my family, I will hunt you down and kill you myself and that is a promise.” Watching Ethan retreating, he turned and headed off to his car.
**************
Laura heard Jessie pull into the drive and saw that Joe was pale as a sheet, sitting next to her, moving swift over to the car as Jessie jumped out and raced over to the other side saying, “Something wrong with Joe, he won’t stop shaking and dad ordered me to get him home.”
Taking a good look at Joe, Laura knelt beside the door asking, “Joe?”
Slowly turning his head towards her, he said one word, “Ethan.” With tears streaming down his face, he collapsed into his mother’s arms.
Shocked Laura bundled Joe into her arms and started to rock him saying, “Get Frank, Jessie, he's in the backyard.”
Sitting on the back pouch, Frank was enjoying the sun as it shone down onto his bareback, sipping a coke as he took taken a break for a bit to cool down, hearing someone's feet pounding on the walkway and his name being called, “Frank?”
“Over here sis.”
Jessie rounded the corner saying, “Come quick, it’s Joe.”
Jumping up, Frank followed Jessie to her car and saw his mom on the ground with Joe in her lap, tears flowing down her face he asked, “Mom what is it?”
Glancing up at her elder son, she whispered, "Ethan.”
**************
Frank paled at the name, asking, “Joe saw him?”
With a shake of her head, Laura replied, “I don’t know Frank and I hope that he not in town, he’ll have hell to pay if he is, he breaking the restraining order if he is.”
Just then Fenton pulled into the driveway, seeing his family surrounding the driveway, he jumped out exclaiming, “Frank help me get Joe into the house, he saw Ethan.”
Frank gulped saying, “So it’s true?”
Fenton nodded grimly, he knelt beside Joe, carefully gathering Joe into his arms, he slowly got to his feet, with grunted as he got to his feet, he tried to lighten the mood as he groaned, “Sheeze he not exactly a lightweight is he? Jessie can you get the door?”
Shaking herself out of her daze, she raced ahead and opened the door for him.
Frank stood beside the car, as his family followed his father into the house, he was shocked, he thought that he would never hear that name mentioned ever again, after all these years, he thought that Joe and he could forget the nightmare called Ethan but it haunted them still.
Walking slowly into the house he could hear Toni crying and Kandi saying, “I think it’s best if we leave, Jessie call me if you need me ok?”
Jessie nodded as Kandi handed Toni over to her saying, “Thanks.”
Juggling Toni, she exclaimed, “Damn.” Handing Toni over to her dazed brother, she said, “Frank I forgot to get the things mom wanted. I’ll go and get them now, be back soon.”
Nodding Frank closed his eyes, trying to block the crying baby from his mind, he felt like crawling under his bed and hiding for awhile, like he did when he was scared, with a thin smile, he didn’t think he could fit under it anymore, slowly walking up the stairs, he walked into Joe’s room and placed Toni into the crib that someone had dragged down from the attic that morning, it was Joe’s old crib, placing some toys close by, he straighted up and groaned, “Why now, after all these years, why come now?” Not sure where they took Joe, he wandered into his room and saw his parents in there with Joe on his bed, looking over at his brother, he noticed that he had slipped off to sleep.
Fenton looked over at Frank saying, “I hope you don’t mind but Joe wanted to be put in here.”
Frank smiled saying, “I’m glad, I don’t mind. I’ll drag his bed into here for awhile.”
Frank understood why Joe wanted to sleep in his room, when Joe got scared he always slept in his room.
Laura rubbed her face saying, “Why now?”
Frank sat on the desk that housed his computer saying, “I was just asking myself that as well.”
Gazing over at him she said, “This has to be upsetting you as well love.”
“It is but I didn’t see him and if I do, I know I’m gonna be hiding under my bed or try to.”
Laura nodded, many a time she had found Frank under his bed crying, sometime both boys, Joe liked to hide in the closet or in the tree house that Fenton and them built when they moved here from New York.
Frank licked his lips asking, “Did you talk to him dad?”
Fenton nodded curtly saying, “I order him out of town.”
Laura asked, “Did he tell you why he was here?”
“He wants to see you and the boys.” He replied.
Grimly she said, “He has a lot of nerve coming here thinking I’d see him after what he did.”
“I never what to see him again dad for as long as I live.” Frank exclaimed jumping off the desk and begun pacing, “If I see him, I know that I’ll do some I may regret later.”
His parents watched as he muttered, “I won’t let him destroy everything we regained, Joe still has nightmares about it and we’ve got our lives sorted out and he wanders in and wham our lives are upside down again, one glance is all it took to upset Joe. We can't let him win, he lives for control and I won’t let him control us again.” Tears running down his face, Frank stopped and slumped into the computer chair.
Laura knelt beside him saying, “He will never get his hands on you or Joe again, I'll kill him first Frank I swear.” Wrapping her arms around him, Frank buried his face into her hair as his father watched feeling helpless as his family fell apart yet again because of Ethan.
**************
Jessie was half way down the stairs when the doorbell started to buzz calling out, “I’ve got it,” When it sounded the second and a third time, she called out, “Hold you horses, I’m coming.” Jumping down the rest of the stairs, she opened it saying, “Ok it’s opened, you can leave the bell alone now.” Looking up, she saw one of the major sponsors for Rabble standing there before her, “Mr Lane, what are you doing here?”
Scowling down at her, he replied, “I could ask you the same thing Jessie, and if it’s any business of yours, I’m here to see my sister.”
Stunned Jessie swallowed hard saying, “I really thing its unwise for you to be here at this time.”
“Nonsense, my sister will see me.” Ethan shot back as pushing pasted her, he walked into the house.
“Mr Lane, I think it really wise to leave right this minute.” Jessie said grabbing his arm, she tried to drag him back out of the house.
“Young lady release me this minute and go about your business and wait till I tell Laura what you tried to do, you’re a guest to this house, you have no right to order me out of her house.” While saying that  he looked around the sitting room with distaste.
Chewing her bottom lip, she stood staring at him from the doorway, knowing that she couldn’t deflect the show down that was coming between him and her family.
Trying another tact, she asked, “Do you think she would honesty see you?”
Before he could replied, she heard her dad call out, “Honey who is it?”
Glancing up the stairs, wanting to hide before the bombs dropped replied, “Ahh Dad, I think you better come down here.”
Missing the look that Ethan threw her way but heard him say, “Jessica?”
Facing him, she nodded saying, “That me and I think I’ll just go and warn mom that you’re here.”
Heading out to the hallway and stopped her dad before entering the sitting room, she told him, “Dad, it’s Ethan, he barged in and wouldn’t leave.” Throwing a cautions look into the room, she saw him running his hand along a table top and inspect it for dust.
As soon as Jessie told him, Fenton said, “Jessie honey call the police and stay upstairs with you mother and brother's, till I give the all clear.”
With a nod she darted up the stairs and into Frank’s room, grabbing the phone she asked, “What the number for the police around here?”
Her mother asked, “Why?”
“I’ll explain later please what is it?”
“4578564222” Frank told her
Punching in the numbers she tapped the table impatiently, “Come on answer already.”
Hearing yelling from downstairs, she closed Frank’s door saying, “Dad said to say up here till he gives the all clear.” She told them as they moved towards the door.
Laura asked, “It’s him isn’t it?”
Holding her hand up, she said, “Hello, yes I need a squad car sent to the Hardy’s residents, we have a man here who causing trouble....... Ok thanks.” Hanging up she turned facing them saying,“Yeah its your brother mom....” Before she could finish her mom and Frank rushed out of the room.
Laura rushed to the door throwing it open, she raced down the stairs with Frank right on her heels.
Jessie followed them at a slower pace when she got half way down the stairs, she could hear her mother screaming just as she heard a gun shot blast.
**************
Racing down the rest of the stairs, entering the sitting room, stopping at the scene before her eyes, fighting the urge to be sick as she watched Ethan who had her mother by the throat screaming, “Where is he?” Her dad out cold from bullet wound, blood freely flowing from her father left shoulder, Frank was on the floor stirring.
Storming into the room, yelling, “Let her go.”
Ethan shook his head, “Never she belongs with me, where is Joseph?”
Glaring at him, she told him, “You’ll never get away with this.”
“Shutup.” Pointing the gun at her and growled, “Tell me where he is.”
“Go to hell.”
“Listen girlie, if you don’t tell me, I’ll shoot your father.”
Glancing wide eye at him, she said, “Leave before the cops arrive.”
With a sigh Ethan gripped Laura harder saying, “Listen honey I’m not stupid, now before I kill your daddy, tell me where Joseph is, if you don’t his death will be your fault.”
With a gleam in her eye, Jessie just said, “Matlock.”
Jessie watched as Ethan face drain of colour and his grip on his sister loosen, “Mom come here.”
Pale and shaking, Laura moved quickly over to Jessie side, once she was facing Ethan, she noticed that he was trembling with the gun dangling from his limp fingers, pointing down at the ground.
“Hand the gun over Ethan.” Ethan slowly handed the gun over as he looked at her saying with a shunned look on his face, “It was you Matlock was protecting wasn't it?”
With a nod she didn’t bother to say anything else.
“But he took you and your brothers and you’re not even mad at him?” Ethan asked her.
Glaring at him she told him, “I don’t need to explain my actions to you, he protected me from scum like you and he’ll pay for what he did, just like you will, just think he may end up being your room mate.”
Shaking his head he said, “He’ll kill me.”
Jessie just smiled as she said, "I know."
Hearing the wail of the police out front of the house, she motioned Ethan forward saying, “It’s time to pay the piper, I’d say it was a pleasure meeting you, but it wasn’t.”
Laura knelt beside her husband, worry lines marring her face as she unbuttoned his shirt, easing it off  his shoulder, Fenton groaned as he came to, “God why do they have to shoot?”
“Shhh it’s over love, let me look at your shoulder.”
Con strolled into the house asking, “What on earth is going on here.”
Without a word, Jessie slumped to the floor at his feet out cold.
Yelling over his shoulder, “Call the Medics Matt.”
Kneeling beside Jessie, he gently pushed her hair off her face, checking her pulse, he noticed that it was beating faster than normal, Matt walked in saying, “They’re on their way,” Seeing Jessie on the floor he asked, “She ok?”
“I’ve got her, you and Tom check the rest of the house.”
Laura hearing them called out, “In here, Fenton been shot.”
Matt rushed in asking, “What happened?”
Laura glanced over at him saying, “My mad brother is what happen, he shot Fenton and knocked Frank out with the butt of the gun.”
Turning her attention back to Fenton, she pressed hard on the wound to slow the flow of blood from his shoulder.
With her bloody hand, she swiped at a loose strand of hair, that got pulled out of her ponytail, smearing blood over her cheek.
Frank leaning against the couch weakly asked, “Where Jessie?”
Matt said, “She passed out in the hall, Con with her.”
Moaning Fenton struggling against his wife, “Gotta stop him, before he gets Joe.”
Laura said, “Lie still Fenton it’s over.”
“No, he after Joe gotta stop him.”
“Matt help me hold him down.”
Growing weaker Fenton grabbed hold of Laura arms saying, “Laura, Joe in danger, go stop him.” His words slurring as he carried on, “Hhhhooney get Joe.” With that he passed out.
Jessie started to stir when the Medics arrived “Ohhh what hit me?” Holding her head, jumping to her feet Jessie yelled, “Dad, where is dad?”
During all the commotion downstairs, Joe had slept right through it, only to wakeup to find a police officer standing over him, with a yelp, Joe scooted to the top of Frank’s bed in fright, once his got his heart under control he said, “Give a guy a heart attack, why don’t you?” Looking around he asked, “Where is everyone?”
Tom who was just as startled as Joe was said, “Downstairs.”
With a frown Joe climbed out of bed asking, “And why are you in my room giving me heart failure?”
Tom told him what had happened, Joe dashed out of the room and down the stairs before Tom could finish.
Seeing Jessie in the hall with Con Joe asked, “Jessie what happened?”
Before she could respond, Toni begun to test her lungs and let them know she needed someone.
**************
Tom with a dumbstruck look on his face, appeared at the top of the stairs with her, holding her at arm length saying, “Here someone take her please.”
Joe remarked, “I see it’s not only me who you give heart failure to.” Winkling his nose as a bad odor waffled towards him, waving a hand under his nose to clear the air, he asked, “What the hell died?”
“She has.” Tom replied.
“Damn, I knew I forgot something.” Jessie exclaimed.
Frank who was slowly walking over to them to see what the commotion was all about, heard her last remark saying, “We have no diapers?”
Frowning over at him, hoping that diapers were nappies, she replied, “Nope I didn’t get a chance to do that, dad told me to get Joe home and it slipped my mind, I better go and get some.”
Tom slowly walked passed with Toni, who was still screaming asked, “And just what do we do with her till then?”
“Let me guess you aren’t a father?” Con asked him.
“Do I look old enough to be a dad?” Tom shot back.
Looking at his boyish looks, Tom could pass for sixteen if not a day older, Con who had a child said, “Give her to me before you drop her Tom, Jessie you have to stay here and answer questions, Tom can go for the diapers.”
Frowning she said, “I don’t mean to sound rude, but I think it’s would be better to send a family man for them and I hope diapers mean nappies?”
With a smile Con nodded, “Yes it does and I think you may be right, Tom go with Trev and buy some.”
Tom said, “Gladly, anything else?”
Digging into her pocket for the list her mother gave her, she handed it over to him saying, “These please, Thanks.”
Trying not to laugh at the shock expression on his face as he read the list, she said, “Joking. Just the Nappies and baby wipes thanks.”
Rocking Toni in his arms,  Con said, “Ok let get this under way.”
Tom walked out the door to find Trev, muttering, “How can a little thing like that smell that bad? Makes me glad I ain’t a father.”
Con who heard him laughed looking down at the child in his arms saying, “Kid I think you’ve just scared him into not having children. Whew, I have to agree with Tom, she a little stinker alright.”
Jessie smiled as she noticed that both Joe and Frank looked a little green around the gills, “Boys are you alright?”
Joe clutched his mouth and raced off to the nearest bathroom with Frank on his heels.
Frank on his knees paying homage to the throne, Joe leaning over the sick the sound of reacting filled the room that set them both off again.
Jessie shook her head as she watched them saying, “I can see who going to be changing her tiny butt, they have weak stomachs.”
Laughing they walked into the other room, Jessie sobered when she saw all the blood in the room, turning pale she asked, “Umm would someone catch me?” Then for the second time that day Jessie fell to the floor at Con’s feet.
**************
Con looking down at his feet, said, “Mmm if she not careful I might start thinking it’s me.”
Matt shook his head saying, “We’ll never get this report if she keeps passing out.”
Fenton who was on a stretcher and ready to be taken to the hospital stirred, “Laurie?”
Holding his hand while trying to see if Jessie was alright, “I here darling.”
“Are Frank and Joe alright?”
“They are safe Fent, it’s over. Ethan will never laid another hand on them ever again.”
“Where Jessie?”
“She passed out love.”
Carefully moving Fenton moved onto his side, as a Medic passed smelling salts under her nose.
From the doorway Joe quipped, “Just wave Toni under her nose Con, that will bring her to.”
Frank groaned, “You’re pay for that Joe.”
Jessie started to stir moaning, “Man what happened?”
Con juggled Toni while saying, “You walked in and then hit the ground,”
“Yeah I figured that out, let me guess I saw the blood right?”
Laura told her, “You did.”
“Mmm I think I forgot to mention that I don’t like the sight of the blood.” Blanching at the sight, she jumped to her feet saying, “Excuse me.” Racing out side. Once outside she leant against the pouch railing, gulping in lung fill of air.
As she began to feel better, she glanced around and saw that Ethan was watching her, turning so she could watch the officers work, checking for evidences surrounding the grounds and the house.
Joe stepped out onto the pouch, “Joe I wouldn’t come out any further.”
“Why?” He asked.
Turning so she faced him and said, “Ethan still here.”
“Oh.”
Placing a hand on his arm, she told him, “You know that it’s over? He can’t hurt you or Frank anymore, whatever he did to you and Frank, he’ll pay for it.”
Joe nodded, just as a cop walked over saying, “Miss?”
Jessie looked over at him, “Yes?”
“The prisoner would like to speak to you.”
“He would, would he? Did he say what about?”
“He said that he would like to explain to you about Matlock?”
Frowning she looked over, as the Medic's brought her father out and said, “I don’t think that wise for me to do that without my family presents.”
Fenton held out his hand and asked, “Jessie what going on?”
Moving over to his side she said, “Ethan wishes to speak to me.”
“No.”
“You heard him the answer is no.”
They watched the officer walk back to pass the message when Ethan yelled, “How did you know about Matlock?”
Fenton frowned, he had been out cold and didn’t know how Ethan got arrested, looking over at her, he asked, “What is he talking about?”
Jessie smiled saying, “While he was ranting and raving, saying that if I didn’t get Joe, that it would be my fault if he shot you, I remembered someone saying that to me before, that it was my fault that you didn’t come and get me, that you didn’t love me. I remember seeing you and Sam take the boys and leaving me there, all the while this voice kept saying over and over, that I was naughty child and that you didn’t love me anymore.” Jessie looked out into the street as she carried on, “That same voice told me that every time I had to move. I know now why I was moved all the time. But as he was telling me that, it clicked and Matlock name came out and it was a risk but it worked.”
Frank asked, “How could you be sure that Matlock name had any pull?”
Looking over at him she told him, “I wasn’t totally sure, I walked into his office one day and overheard Ethan yelling at someone named Matlock, he was yelling my name asking him why was I off limits to him.”
Laura asked, “Do you think that Matlock was looking out for you all these years?”
Jessie shrugged saying, “Not sure, only he can answer that one.”
Fenton weakly said, “And one day, I’ll find out.”
Joe looked over at Ethan with a frown, Frank placed an arm around his shoulder saying, “Bud it’s over.”
In a low voice, Joe asked, “Is it? Will this nightmare ever be over?”
Unsure on how to answer Frank looked over Joe’s head saying, “I don’t know Joe.”
Toni who had fallen asleep in Con's arms let out a cry, “Whaaaa,”
“Shhh, where did they go to China?” Con remarked as he placed Toni to his shoulder and patting her gently on the back.
Just then a patrol car pulled up with Trev and Tom jumped out of the car, “Someone give us a hand.”
Tom with a bag of diapers walked up the walk, saying, “Who going to have the pleasure of changing her?”
Con grabbed the bag, muttering, “You Hardy’s are gonna pay me for baby-sitting, I come here on a call out and end up baby-sitting, which if I remember correctly is not in my job description the last time I looked.”
Fenton weakly replied, “That shows dedication.”
“Yeah and remember that, when I send you the bill.” Con said with a smile.
With a smile, Fenton was loaded into the ambulance, it was decided that Laura would go with him and once they made their statements, they would join her at the hospital.
An hour later Jessie and Sammie were cleaning up the mess, when Frank called out, “Jessie are you ready to leave?”
With a sign Jessie called back, “Not by a long shot, go with out me and send my regrets, if I left the house like this now, we'll never get the blood stains out.”
By then Frank entered the room saying, “OK, keep an eye on Joe, the doctor told to him rest, I’ll be back in an hour then hopefully with mom and dad.”
Jessie nodded asking, “Did you pack a change of clothes for dad just in case?”
“Yeah I did, I’ll bring some dinner home, so don’t worry about cooking.”
“Thanks I wasn’t looking forward to that chore, not the greatest cook in the world you know?”
Sammie laughed, “Ain’t that the truth.”
Shaking his head as he left the room and the house on his way to see their father.
Half an hour later Jessie went to check in on Joe only to find him sitting at his desk starring at a frame on his desk.
Knocking, she walked into the room looking over his shoulder she saw a beautiful young girl with long black hair and hazel eyes starring back at her, mounted to the frame was a set of mangled keys with a frown looking down at Joe, she asked, “Joe who is she?”
**************
Without taking his eyes off the photo he whispered, “Iola.”
“Iola? I don't think I’ve met her, have I?”
Gulping, Joe shook his head saying, “No, She died in an explosion earlier in the year.”
“Ohh Joe, I’m sorry.” Throwing her arms around her twin, Jessie held Joe as he cried.
**************
Looking in a mirror with  a grimace, her once long blond hair had been cut and dyed black, her green eyes were now hidden behind brown contacts, turning from the mirror, Cindy thought to herself, ‘Even Peter and my family won't recognize me now, Ohh Peter why did you have to take that gem? If you had left well enough along, you would still be alive, and Toni would still have her daddy alive and well and I wouldn’t be in this mess.’ Shaking her head to clear it of those thoughts, ‘Don't be an ingrate, Peter was a great cop, killed in the line of duty and  even if I knew where that blasted gem was, I’d give it to Karl, Peter why didn’t you tell someone where you hid it?”
**************
Pulling into the drive, Frank parked the van and jumped out, opening the sliding door, he helped he father out of the van, while his mom carried  their dinner into the house.
Jessie who was playing with Toni in Joe's old room when she heard her mother calling out, “Jessie, Joe?”
“Up here mom.” she called back.
Carrying Toni with her as she walked through the connecting bathroom to check on Joe, who was still asleep in Frank's room only to find that he was still sleeping, earlier she had talked him into going to bed and getting some rest.
Walking downstairs with Toni, she walked into the kitchen, stopping when she saw her dad sitting at the table, while Frank was getting the table set, with a smile she asked, “Dad what are you doing here?”
Surprised Fenton looked about asking, “Frank did you go to the wrong house?”
Frank with a smile replied, “No dad, this is the house you and mom paid for.”
“Alright you two, you know what I meant,” Jessie said as she placed Toni into the high chair while saying, “I thought you’re be in overnight at least.”
“Nah they couldn’t cope with me.”
Laura said, “What he really means love, is that he couldn’t cope with staying in the hospital over night.”
With a laugh Jessie walked over the sink where the jug was sitting turning the tap on she filled it up enough with water to heat up Toni's bottle, Laura asked, “Jessie where Joe?”
Plugging the jug in and flicked the switch, Jessie leant against the counter saying, “He's still asleep.”
Walking over to the cup board asking, “Frank did Tom and Trev buy any baby formula?”
Looking up from the paper he said, “Yeah I think it’s  in the pantry.”
Walking over to the pantry opening the door finding it on the middle self just as she heard the jug boil and click off.
Picking up the package, walking over to the counter and grabbing a bowl, she opened the box and measuring out the right amount of formula, pouring it into the bottle, adding it to the water already in the bottle,  placing it into the bowl of water letting it sit till it was warm enough to give to Toni.
“Who would like to fed her?” She asked.
“I will.”
Looking over at the voice with a smile, her brother who was jiggling Toni on his knees, she hadn't noticed that he had taken her out of her high chair.
Handing the bottle to Frank, Jessie told them, "I have to head back to the arena tonight, it's opening night for Rabble, I'll be home later than usual."
Fenton nodded saying, "Be careful coming home."
With a smile Jessie said, "I will."
Heading up to her room, Jessie gathered her things together, she was hoping to get some boarding in while at the arena on the secluded ramp just for the bigger stars.
**************
Entering Mike's office Jessie smiled at him as she asked, "Everything ready?"
Handing her a copy of what he was reading saying, "Yep just look this over and change anything you think may need and then I'll rush it over to the printer."
Sitting in the across from him, Jessie read over the rules giggling as she added another rule, "Looks good Mike, how are you going to go about in announcing this?"
"That where you come in, you're going to be announcing it during the opening and then giving the clues each night during your act as G.R."
"So let me get this straight you want G.R to announce all the clues?"
"Correct."
"Sounds good, can I bring my family into this? I think they'll be a great help."
"In what way?"
"Well I think they have more or figured out that it's me who G.R and the can help by confusing everyone by giving out false clues."
"Grand idea and very sneaky, do you think they will?"
"I'm sure they will and now that Nancy and her friends are staying with my uncle helping him till he back on his feet it will be easier to work out the clues at home with their help."
"Talking of your uncle how is he?"
"He out of hospital but confined to bed for another week or so."
"Did you hear about Ethan Lane?"
Not wanting to talk about it she just nodded then stood up saying, "Well if that is all, I better get some practice in before getting ready to open, chat to ya later Mike." Jessie raced of out of the room before he could say anything to her.
With his fingers steeple he stared at the door wondering what was going on.
**************
Waking up feeling refreshed Joe stretched and yawned his way out of bed, not hearing a sound coming from downstairs, idly wondering where everyone was, heading downstairs as his stomach began to grumble.
Reaching the bottom of the steps he heard Frank talking in the kitchen, entering Joe made his way over to the table, smiling as Frank fed Toni.
Laura watched as Joe sat down with a concern look, moving over to him, she peered down at him with a smile as she asked, "Are you okay Joe?"
Nodding Joe replied, "Yeah I'm okay, what happens now?"
Sighing Fenton replied, "He's going back to prison."
Frank watched his brother as he smiled, but his smile didn't light up his eyes or even touch them, in fact his eyes remained dull and flat, almost lifeless. Frank began to let his fear take hold of him, he had only seen Joe like this two times before the first time was right after Ethan and the last time was when Iola Morton had died and in both cases Joe had gone completely reckless.
**************
Showering after her practice Jessie started to get ready for the opening of Rabble, opening her bag and pulling out her outfit when she heard someone saying, "Find that damn kid, she stashed that kid somewhere, find out where and find out now."
"But boss that gem gotta be with that chick."
"God you're a twit Wayne. Let me explain this in simple terms that even you'll understand, we get the kid and use the kid against the dame and she gives us the gem, got it?"
"Clever plan boss, I got it now boss."
"I'm so glad." Jessie could hear the exasperation in the bosses voice as she moved closer hoping to see what the men looked like, when she heard the boss speak again, "Wayne don't mess this up find that kid for me and fast time is running out Owen is running out of patience's and you know what that means."
"Righto boss one kid coming up, hum what was the kid name again?"
"It doesn't matter the kid can't talk she a baby check everywhere that she could leave a child."
When she didn't hear anymore Jessie crept forward only to find that the room was empty, frowning Jessie wandered back to her gear wondering if they were looking for Toni and decided to warn her family of what she overheard, picking up her cellphone that laid beside her bag and dialed waiting for someone to pick up, "Hello, Joe speaking."
"Joe it's Jessie can you, Frank and dad met me later? I think I overheard something important concerning Toni but I'm not sure."
"Where are you?"
"Getting ready to open Rabble met me at the ramps after. I have to go now see you then."
"Okay sis we'll be there, be careful."
Smiling Jessie replied, "Always, see you soon." Hanging up Jessie finished getting ready, gathering her gear together she left and headed towards the stage missing the silent form as she passed by.
**************
Watching as Jessie walked pass her Cindy moved quickly as she drew closer she managed to knock into the singer making sure that she dropped the note into the open bag as she apologize, "Sorry didn't mean to bump into you."
Jessie saw the most nondescript person she ever met with black hair and dull brown eyes she was sure that the lady could be a knock out if she pampered herself a bit instead of hiding her looks, "That's alright, excuse me I'm running late." Without waiting for a reply Jessie raced off.
Breathing a sigh of relief as she watched the younger woman rush off, "Take care of my baby, please keep her out of harms way." Slipping away and into the gathering crowd before disappearing into the night.
**************
Hanging up the phone Joe joined his family back at the table saying, "Jessie may have overheard something of interest tonight, she wants us to met her at the ramps."
Looking up at the clock on the wall with a frown, Frank handed Toni to his mother as he said, "We better leave now if we want to make it."
Standing up again Joe said, "Let me get changed first and then we'll go."
Looking down at his blood stained shirt as he wiry chuckle, "I guess I better as well."
"Five minutes?"
"Make it ten, I need a shower." Fenton replied as he made his way out the door.
"Ten it is then." Sitting back down Frank smiled at his mother who was pulling faces at Toni.
**************
Join the milling crowd Nancy paused at one of the stands that was selling tee shirts and caps with the logo Rabble and a skate board printed on them, when she spotted Frank with his father and brother who was looking rather pale, she wondered if they were working on a case, she decided to touch base with them, she called out to them, "Frank."
Hearing his name being called Frank looked about, shrugging his shoulders when he didn't see anyone he knew in the crowd.
Nancy tried to call out again when she stumbled, when she found her footing again the Hardy's had disappeared from sight.
Fenton glanced about, he wasn't sure what they were going to do till Jessie had finished her set, his gaze took in the stage grinning when he saw his daughter standing on the stage, when she walked off the stage the MC said, "Okay we have something special installed for all of you who are fans of Ghost Rider, now put your hands together for Ghost Rider, I'm gonna let her explain."
Fenton smiled he already knew who was under the outfit and wondered what she was up to.
"Thanks for showing up and supporting your friends as they compete for the greatest prize of world class trip to the championship in Paris France, but that is not why I'm on this stage for, as most of you know I prefer to stay in the background, but it has come to my attention that people are inquiring to who I am really so I decided to make it into a competition for the fans, for those of you who are interested all details are at the front desk, the usual rules imply, if you're unclear of any rules they can also be found at the front desk, the winning will have the pleasuring of unmasking me and spend the day with me, along with that you also get fifty dollars in CDs vouches for one of Rabbles sponsors, Cool sounds, so good luck to everyone and before I forget the drawing will be held on the last day of Rabble, so be sure to enter, now I'll end here and hand you back to the MC Shane."
Hurrying off the stage, Jessie ripped off the mask and raced over to the ramps to met her family.
Joe grinned as he said, "You know why she did that don't you?"
Frank shook his head, "Not a clue."
"Because of Nancy."
"What Nancy got to do with it?" Frowning Frank asked his brother.
"Because she been wanting to solve the mystery of who Ghost Rider is."
Surprised Frank asked, "How do you know?"
"Where have you been bro, Nancy done nothing but rave about how she gonna solve who Ghost Rider really is but I already have her beat, I already know who she is."
"Yeah and who is she?"
From behind him he heard someone say, "I am."
Looking over his shoulder he saw his sister standing behind him with a huge smile as he stood open mouthed at her.
Moving closer to him, Jessie lifted his chin upwards as she said, "Close you mouth brother dear you're gonna catch flies."
Shaking his head slowly as he said, "It all fits now, Kandi told me that she saw you a couple of times over on Shore road."
"Can we discuss this later? I have something important to tell you."
At their nods Jessie told them what she overheard in the changing rooms ending with, "Do you think they're talking about Toni?"
Fenton nodded slowly as he said, "Could be and it sounds like these men are involved in a case I'm working on. Are you finished here for tonight?"
"Yes I am."
"Frank go with Jessie and met Joe and I at home it's not safe to talk here."
Frank nodded as he asked, "Are you going to bring Nancy in?"
Hiding his smile when he saw the angry look pass over his daughter face, he knew that Nancy annoyed Jessie for some reason, shaking his head as he said, "Not this time." Grinning openly as three faces showed their relief at his answer, 'Have to check with Laura to see if she knows the reason, I thought they were all friends.'
Jessie said, "Okay lets all met at home come on Frank lets get my stuff together so we can go. See you two at home."
Frank fell in step with her throwing his arm about her shoulder as they headed towards the bus that was also her changing room during sets, smiling down at her as she wrapped an arm about his waist as she asked, "Why were you relieved when dad said that Nancy wasn't being asked to join us?"
"I have noticed that since I become a free agent she has begun to flirt with me and show some interest and I'm not interested in her in that way I know in the past I flirted back but it was in fun and I never meant for her to think I was interested."
"I'm glad to hear that I know she your friend and all but she gets so gungho about things and it annoys the hell out of me."
"So is that why you pulled this stunt?"
"Yeah and I need the help of the family to think up some false clues do you think they'll help?"
"Sure we will."