Vanessa was consumed with fear for Joe’s safety. Although she didn’t understand everything that was going on, she was relatively certain things would only get worse. The thought of Joe being pursued by unknown killers, and the fact that even Frank seemed at a loss as to how to help his brother was almost too much for her. Hearing Frank’s voice brought Vanessa out of her trance.

"Joe, you have to try to remember more details. These guys know exactly who you are, but we have no leads to who they are, or who they might have killed," Frank pointed out.

"That’s just it, Frank. I don’t think I’m having trouble remembering. I really was not able to make out hair color, or any other details for that matter. Don’t forget, the images on the screen were in black and white," Joe reminded him.

"I do think the guys were young though, maybe a few years older than you, but that’s it. I’m not even sure what make or model the cars were. When I saw what was happening, I remember thinking I should go help…then nothing. How are we going to catch these guys?"

"I don’t know, Joe. I think you may have witnessed a hit; although, I don’t think we’re dealing with professionals," Frank theorized.

"Why not?" Callie asked.

"Well, I’ve been thinking…professionals would not have picked a gas station for a hit. It just doesn’t make sense. But I do think their sole purpose for being here tonight was murder. It obviously wasn’t a robbery," Frank replied.

Vanessa was puzzled. "I’m not sure that makes me feel any better. They were smart enough not to leave any clues."

"I think they panicked and got lucky," Frank retorted.

"I still don’t know what makes you so sure they weren’t professionals," Callie stated.

"Because," Joe said answering for Frank, "a professional hit man would never leave a witness alive."

Vanessa couldn’t take it any longer. Burying her head in Joe’s chest, she began to cry.

Joe was so dizzy that he could barely stand, but he held her tightly as he softly said, "Don’t worry; you know the Hardy’s always come out on top."

Joe silently prayed that his words would comfort Vanessa. He also prayed that he was right. He knew without a doubt, that Frank was right. The men he’d seen tonight would be running scared and coming for him. Suddenly, the long night before and the events of the day caught up with Joe, as Iola’s words ran through his mind once more.

"Be careful Joe, you are in danger." Was this what Iola had tried to warn him about?

"Frank!" Vanessa screamed, as Joe suddenly collapsed. "Help Me!"

Frank made it to Joe’s side in time to help Vanessa lower him to the ground.

"I knew we should have made him go to the hospital," Vanessa said through her tears.

"No hospital," Joe said, now coming around. "I just got really dizzy. I’m fine."

"Joe, you could have a concussion…" Vanessa began.

"Please Babe, I really just want to go home and get some sleep," Joe almost begged.

Kicking herself for not being able to play tough with Joe, she helped him to his feet and into the passenger side of the van.

"Thanks Beautiful, we’ll follow you girls back to Callie’s. I want to make sure that you girls get in safe. Then I will go home and go straight to bed," Joe said innocently blinking his deep blue eyes at her.

Vanessa couldn’t believe how lucky she was. Joe had every reason in the world to be thinking of himself at that moment; but like always, he thought of her first.

"Okay, Hardy, you win this one," Vanessa replied giving Joe a stern look. "You know Frank will report to me in the morning if you get out of line."

"Yeah, he always was a tattle-tale," Joe said smiling weakly at his brother.

Frank shook his head at his brother and said, "Don’t worry Vanessa I’ll keep him in line."

*****

The trip back to Callie’s house was short, and soon the girls were safely in for the night. Finally, the boys were headed for home.

As Frank drove them home, Joe closed his eyes. He was desperately trying to hide the fact that his head was killing him from his over-protective big brother.

Frank could tell that Joe was not feeling too well, and probably was not up for a lecture, but this just had to be said. "Joe, I need for you to listen to me. I want you to be VERY careful! Until we get some leads in this case, you go nowhere alone. I’m telling Dad everything tomorrow morning. We really need him on this one."

Normally, this would have set Joe off, but he could tell the events of the night were weighing heavily on his brother.

"Don’t worry big brother," Joe sleepily replied, "you’ll know my every move."

"I’m not sure we should go to the mountains tomorrow. I think maybe you should lay low for a few days, to see if something turns up," Frank worriedly stated.

"Come on Frank," Joe whined. "I really want to make it up to Vanessa for the way I acted tonight. I owe her an explanation. Besides, I won’t be alone; you and Chet will be there."

"Alright, Joe," Frank said giving in, "but you don’t leave my sight, got it?!"

"I understand Frank, really. Thanks, big brother," Joe said sincerely.

"I’m sorry Joe. I just don’t know what I would do if something happened to you," Frank said sadly.

"You know, you’re the second person to tell me that tonight. I feel special," Joe said with a chuckle.

Frank simply replied, "You are."