‘I hope I’m doing the right thing,’ Callie thought as she followed Frank along the trail.

She just couldn’t say no to Joe this time; the weary look in his eyes, and the pleading tone of his voice tugged at Callie’s romantic heartstrings. Besides, she knew Frank only wanted what was best for his brother, and right now that was Vanessa.

Frank kept a close eye on his younger brother, as they made their way along the trail. Although he hadn’t said much about it, Frank was a little concerned about Joe’s health. It had taken far too long for Joe to wake up, and he could tell by the look in his brother’s eyes that he still had a headache.

Wondering if he had done the right thing by letting Joe refuse to be checked out at the hospital, Frank stole a glance at his brother. Joe still looked pale and a little shaky, but the smile on his face made Frank feel better about his decision. Knowing Joe would sooner collapse than ask the others to take a break, Frank suggested a rest stop.

Joe sighed, relieved to be able to rest. He really hadn’t expected to tire out so quickly, and the bright sunlight shining through the trees was not helping his headache. But, right now the only thing that mattered to Joe was the beautiful young girl sitting beside him.

*****

Unbeknownst to Joe, someone else was also admiring Vanessa. Kevin and Robert had managed to follow Joe and the others along the trail without being noticed.

"Man, that Hardy jerk really has it all," Kevin sneered. "Just look at her would you, she’s gorgeous!"

"Yeah man," Robert agreed. "She’s a real knock out." Robert’s jealousy of Joe was growing by the minute. ‘One of these days I’m going to know what it’s like to have it all,’ Robert thought bitterly.

"Well, not only am I going to enjoy getting rid of Hardy, but looks like I’ll get an added bonus…I’ll be there to comfort his grieving girlfriend," Kevin said ominously.

Robert looked at Kevin, now sure he had lost his mind. Killing Joe Hardy to stay out of prison was one thing, but there was no way he was going to stand by and let anything happen to an innocent young girl.

*****

As the group sat resting beside a flowing creek, Callie could feel Joe’s eyes upon her almost willing her to follow through with her promise. She really didn’t want to break the promise she had made to Joe, but she was having second thoughts. ‘What if I help Joe and something happens to him…Frank will never forgive me.’

While Callie sat lost in thought, Joe was doing his best to come up with plan B. Joe had sensed Callie’s hesitation, and he really couldn’t blame her. He didn’t want to go behind Frank’s back either. Deciding honesty might be his best approach, Joe headed straight for Frank.

"Hey guys," Joe began with a smile. "Cal, can I talk to my big brother alone for a minute?"

Relieved to see Joe smiling at her, Callie happily replied, "Sure, Joe." She gently patted Joe on the back to reassure him, and went to join Vanessa and the others by the creek side.

"Listen Frank, I know I promised you that I wouldn’t leave your sight today, but it’s really important to me that I find time to talk to Vanessa alone," Joe said nervously, waiting for his brother to explode at his request.

"Joe, these guys may be amateurs, but they play for keeps," Frank said bluntly. "Although, right now I’m more worried about your health than I am about them. You look awful. Does your head still hurt?"

"Yeah it does," Joe admitted, not wanting to lie to Frank. "But I’m fine, really. I’m only asking for a few minutes. Come on Frank, you’re in love…you know what it’s like."

"Okay Joe, you know I hate it when you whine," Frank said curtly. "But don’t go far, you can have your alone time, but still be close by."

"Deal, big brother," Joe said, already on his way to Vanessa. "We’ll just head up stream a little ways. In a little while you and the others can join us, and we’ll finish our hike."

‘Why didn’t I wake Mom and Dad last night? Mom would have put her foot down and made Joe stay at home,’ Frank chided himself. ‘And Dad and I could already be trying to solve this murder.’ Frank was so deep in thought, that he never heard Callie approach him.

"A penny for your thoughts," Callie said sweetly, as she sat down beside Frank once again.

"Believe me Babe, you wouldn’t even want to pay a penny for the thoughts I’m having right now," Frank replied exasperated. "I’ve been conned by my little brother…again."

"Well handsome, let me see of I can take your thoughts in a different direction," Callie whispered as she pulled a stunned Frank in for a passionate kiss.

Chet and Cassidy were also oblivious to the world going on around them. They were deep in conversation; occasionally Chet would playfully twirl Cassidy’s long brunette hair, or shyly kiss her. Neither couple was aware they were being watched.

*****

"Isn’t that sweet," Kevin sarcastically said, as he watched the two young couples. "I’m going to watch our little love birds here for a while, and make sure they stay put. You take off after Hardy and the girl. When you catch up to them, radio me. Don’t make a move without me; he’s mine, and so is she."

"How am I going to get past them to get to Hardy and the girl?" Robert asked.

"Go around them you idiot!" Kevin huffed. "I don’t know how you ever made it this far in Ryland’s organization. But don’t worry my friend, stick with me and we’ll be his right hand men before you know it."

Although Robert was really starting to dislike Kevin, he had to admit, that he would never have been able to orchestrate things on his own. ‘Maybe it would be a good idea if I stick close to Kevin…I might just learn a thing or two.’

Robert tried to be as quiet as possible, praying that he would not be discovered. He had found Joe and Vanessa without any problem. Joe had kept his word, and done as Frank had requested. He and Vanessa had simply walked up stream about a half mile, and were now blissfully enjoying each others company.

‘Man, Ryland has some cool toys,’ Robert thought to himself as he radioed Kevin. He and Kevin had brought two-way radios, which were equipped with earphones.

"Alright, man," Robert quietly began, speaking into the radio. "I see them. They’re up stream about a half mile or so, and all alone."

"Perfect," was the reply he got from Kevin. "Remember; don’t make a move until I get there. These guys aren’t going anywhere for a while; they’re too wrapped up in each other," Kevin added, referring to Frank and the others.

While Robert waited for Kevin, he watched Joe and Vanessa; his jealousy of Joe continuing to grow.

*****

"Okay, spill it Hardy," Vanessa said playfully. "Callie said you were dying to get me alone, so you could talk to me. So, what’s up?"

"I don’t know," Joe began. "I’ve been waiting for this moment all day, and now that I finally have you alone, I don’t know where to begin."

"Joe, I think I know what this is about. I’m not mad about last night…"

"Don’t," Joe said as he gently put his finger to Vanessa’s lips. "Don’t make this easy on me, I don’t deserve it…you are the best thing in my life, Vanessa. After Iola, I thought my life was over. I was sure I would never love or be loved again, and then you came into my life."

‘This is it, he’s finally going to open up to me, but am I ready to hear this?’ Vanessa thought, her eyes shining brightly, with tears threatening to fall.

Joe took a deep breath and continued. "I loved Iola deeply, and she died because of me."

"Joe, you can’t blame yourself…" Vanessa started, only to be cut off by Joe.

"She died in my place Vanessa, it SHOULD have been me! I can’t even remember if I told her I loved her that day," Joe said now choked up. "I will never let a day go by without telling you how much I love you, I promise."

There was so much more Joe wanted to say, but he couldn’t go on. He just pulled Vanessa to him and held her tightly praying that God would never take her away from him, and promising anything to keep her safe.

*****

Kevin arrived to find Robert staring at the young couple. "I hate to break up this sweet scene, but it’s time for Hardy to die," Kevin said as he aimed his gun straight at Joe and fired.