Joe sat with his parents and Carson on the cutter. He listened as they told him how they survived for almost four days. Then they told him how they made it off the ship.

"We followed orders as soon as we heard them," Fenton said putting his arm around his wife’s shoulder. "As we left our room, a man stumbled up the stairs. He was covered in soot as if he had been fighting a fire. He fell on the floor in front of us. He looked like he was a member of the crew, so your Mom and I carried him to the lifeboats."

"We got away from the boat before the second explosion," Carson continued. "Unfortunately, we weren’t able to hook up with any other boats."

"But things didn’t get worse until the day after the explosion," Laura said.

"What happened?" Joe asked.

"The man we carried to the boat began to wake up. He was ranting ‘everyone should’ve died’," Carson said.

"What was he talking about?" Joe asked.

"All I know is the injuries he had could only be gotten if he was right on top of the explosion," Fenton said. "There were severe burns covering a majority of his body."

"You think he set a bomb?" Joe asked.

"It’s possible, but we’re only guessing," Carson said.

Joe jumped to his feet. "Where is he now?"

"A couple crew members were examining him," Fenton said. "They took him somewhere."

"I’m going to find him."

Joe wandered the boat searching for the man his parents were talking about. He bumped into a crew member and found out the guy was resting down below. Joe made his way down below and saw a man lying on the floor with his eyes closed.

Joe moved away from the room and ran into the captain of the cutter. Joe said, "Captain, I believe the injured man is responsible for the explosion on The Emerald Star."

"Why do you think that?"

"He was found coming up from the deck where the engine room was after the first explosion," Joe said.

"We’ll take care of it," the captain said and walked away.

Joe returned to the deck and sat down beside his parents. Laura said, "I’m glad you’re all right. We were worried you didn’t make it."

"We were worried, too," Joe said. "When the third explosion tore the ship apart, we all thought the worst."

"Where’s Frank?" Laura asked. "Is he on one of the other boats helping search?"

"He’s in the hospital," Joe said. "He was hit in the head with falling debris after the second explosion."

"Is he all right?" Laura asked.

"He doesn’t remember anything that happened."

"Does he know who he is?" Fenton asked.

"All his memories are back, but he’s still a little confused. But luckily, Callie and Aunt Gertrude are with him."

"Gertrude is here?" Fenton asked.

"She heard about the explosion and came down," Joe said and turned to Carson. "Hannah and Eloise are here too."

"They all must be frantic," Carson said.

"They’ll be so relieved when they know you’re all safe."

At that moment, one of the crew members walked by and Fenton asked, "How long until we dock?"

"About two hours," the crew member said and walked away.

"We may have enough time to see Frank before visiting hour’s end," Joe said glancing at his watch.

"I hope so," Laura said.

* * * * *

Four hours later, Joe led his parents up to Frank’s room. Doctors had examined everyone rescued and the Hardy’s were given a clean bill of health. They had watched Nancy fling herself into her father’s waiting arms when they arrived at the hospital. Nancy reluctantly let her father get examined, but was back by his side when he left the examination room. Nancy, Carson and Ned headed back to the hotel while the Hardy’s went to see Frank.

Joe led his parents to Frank’s room. He opened the door a crack and saw Frank had his eyes closed and appeared to be asleep. He looked at his parents and said, "I think he’s asleep."

"Okay," Laura said.

Joe pushed the door and held it open for his parents. Closing the door behind him, Joe hurried over to Frank’s right side as his parents went to Frank’s left side.

As Laura reached for Frank’s left hand, Joe said, "Frank, it’s Joe. Are you awake?"

Frank mumbled without opening his eyes, "What took you so long?"

"There was a lot of water to search," Joe said. "Open your eyes."

Frank’s eyes opened and he focused on Joe. After a moment, he turned his head to the left and saw his parents.

Laura was the first to speak. "How are you feeling?"

"All right," Frank said sliding up on the bed. "But what about you? Are you both all right?"

"We’re fine," Fenton said. "But we’re more concerned about you. From what Joe tell us, you were unconscious for three days."

"I guess I was," Frank said. But I’m relieved you both are all right. Joe had to force me to stay here instead of help search."

"We were worried about all of you also," Fenton said. "For a while, we thought the worst, but we knew you would find us in time."

"So, what happened?" Frank asked.

Fenton and Laura explained how they survived for almost four days on the supplies stored in the lifeboat. Before Fenton could continue, the doctor walked in. He said, "I assume you are Mr. and Mrs. Hardy."

"You’re right," Laura said. "How is Frank? When can he be released?"

"We would like to keep him here for a few more days. We had to put in eight stitches for his head wound and they’ll need to be removed in three days. He regaining his strength and should be able to go home once the stitches are taken out." The doctor looked at his watch. "Unfortunately, visiting hours are over."

"Just a couple more minutes," Frank begged. "I promise to rest as soon as they leave."

The doctor looked at Frank. After a moment, he said sternly with a smile, "Five minutes. No more."

"Thanks," Frank said and the doctor left.

Once the door was closed, Fenton said, "The doctor really does have a point. You should be resting."

"I will," Frank said. "I’m just glad you’re okay."

"Well, I think we’ll get going," Laura said. "It’s been a long day and we all need some rest."

"All right," Frank said reluctantly.

Laura gave Frank a kiss on the cheek and she left the room followed by her husband and Joe.

As they walked down the hall, Joe wondered what happened to the guy his parents rescued on the ship. As they were about to leave the third floor, Joe noticed two officers standing by a door. He figured the injured man must be there and under arrest.

Joe took his parents to the hotel the cruise line was putting them up at. He went up to Callie’s room and knocked on the door. In a moment the door was opened to reveal Gertrude Hardy standing there.

Gertrude pushed past Joe and put her arms around Fenton and Laura. "Are you two really all right?"

"We’re fine," Fenton said. "Although, we could use some clean clothes."

"Well, we’ll just have to get you some," Gertrude said. "Have you seen Frank?"

Laura nodded. "We got in just before visiting hours ended."

Gertrude led them into the room as she said, "We had a hard time keeping him from leaving the hospital. He wanted to help Joe in the search, but Callie and I were able to keep him occupied."

"Mom, Dad, why don’t you guys get cleaned up and Aunt Gertrude and I will go get you some clothes from the hotel gift shop until you can go shopping," Joe suggested.

"Good idea, Joe," Gertrude said. "But I can go by myself. I know exactly what your parents need."

"Thanks Gertrude," Fenton said.

Before Gertrude could leave, Joe asked, "By the way, where’s Callie?"

"Callie went for a walk after we left the hospital." Gertrude picked up her purse. "I’ll be back in a little while."

Laura sat down on one of the beds and looked at Joe. "What ever happened to the girl you met on the ship? Did she make it to a lifeboat?"

"She’s in police custody," Joe said sadly. "She was involved with the bomb on the ship."

"Oh, Joe," Laura said softly. "I’m so sorry."

"I’ll be next door if you need anything," Joe said. "He started for the door. He reached for the handle, but before he opened the door, he looked at his parent. "You really don’t have to worry. I’m all right."

"Okay," Fenton said and Joe left the room.

Joe went to his room and locked the door behind him. He went over to his bed and stretched out. He put his hands behind his head as he put his head on the pillow.

Relief washed over him as he realized everyone was all right. He also knew he had stressed himself out thinking the worst. But now he knew his parents were safe in the room next door and his brother would be fine in a few days.