Type of Story: AU

Rating of Story: PG 15

Characters in Story: F, J, Fe, L, V, Ca, OC

Warnings: None that I can think of, believe it or not! Except, of course, for the requisite amount of angst.

Plot Blurb: Just as the Hardy’s break up a ring of jewel thieves, a new case quickly materializes when a distraught father hires them to find the person who attacked and paralyzed his son, ending a promising NFL career.

Frank, Joe and Fenton quickly realize it was not a random act of violence, as more victims are discovered – each a highly gifted professional whose career was ended by the attack.

When Joe discovers the connection between all the victims, solving the case takes on a new sense of urgency as he comes to the shocking realization that someone he loves may be next on the list.

Splash Page: Joe eyed the pill in his hand with disgust, hating what had led to his dependence on them. Popping it into his mouth, he downed it with a few gulps of water. Placing the glass in the sink, he stared out the window and wondered how long he would be a slave to them.

Standing in the doorway of the kitchen, Frank watched in silence, unable to believe what he had just seen. Quickly moving back into the hall, he leaned heavily against the wall feeling as if he’d been punched in the stomach.

‘Drugs!’ Frank immediately recalled the day in Chicago when Joe had turned to prescription painkillers to dull the mental and emotional pain he was in. He had sworn to Frank it was one isolated incident and he would never do it again…

Special Notes: This is dedicated to my fellow staff members at the Hardy Detective Agency, Frank-ettes, one and all! Well, except for Beth who in true motherly fashion refuses to pick a favorite and loves both boys equally.