As he tried to study, he realized how weird it was to not hear. He missed the simple noises like the phone or doorbell ringing, the clock ticking and even his music.

I wonder if I’ll ever hear music again, he thought as he leaned back on his pillow closing his eyes. I wonder if I’ll still be able to investigate. But how? I really don’t see it working. It’s already been days since it happened and I can’t hear a thing. I think it’s time I looked at other opportunities, but being a detective is something I always wanted. And Frank and I are a team. I hate to be the one to break it up, but I don’t see any other solution. I have to have some idea in case this is permanent.

Joe smelled something. It was unusual, but a scent he was familiar with. It was someone’s perfume. He opened his eyes, sat up and got to his feet. As he exited his room, he saw Frank making his way up the stairs. Frank motioned for Joe to follow him.

Joe wondered why Frank wanted him to come along, but he went anyway. As he reached the first floor, he realized the perfume scent was stronger. He figured Vanessa was there.

He suspicions were right when he spotted Vanessa in the living room, but she wasn’t alone. Callie was also there. Vanessa smiled as she hurried toward him. She hugged him and gave him a kiss. He held her tight.

Vanessa leaned back and held up a paper with "I missed you" written on it.

"I missed you too," Joe said.

Together, they moved over to the couch and sat down.

*****

Frank stood in the doorway watching Joe. He had never seen his brother so quiet, but he knew Joe had never been deaf before. It was so unlike Joe and Frank didn’t like the new scenario. Frank watched Callie settle on the other side of Joe and start writing. She handed him the paper and said what she wrote, "We’re all invited to a party Sunday."

"Where?" Joe asked.

Callie said as she wrote, "The carrousel museum."

"Who’s throwing the party?"

Callie wrote, "Rachel."

Frank moved over to the couch as Joe looked at him. Joe asked, "Why there?"

Frank shrugged his shoulders and said, "Rachel invited us."

He watched his brother look down at the paper on his lap. Frank could tell Joe was debating whether to go or not.

"Vanessa," Frank began. "Write that going will give him chance to see the gang."

"Got it."

"I’m not sure," Joe said when Vanessa finished writing. "I need to think about it." Joe got to his feet and headed for the kitchen. Vanessa followed him.

Frank slid into the seat of the couch and looked at Callie. She said, "Joe’s not acting like himself."

"He has a lot to deal with. It’s a shock to Joe that his hearing is gone."

"Will Joe hear again?" Callie asked leaning against him.

"I don’t know." Frank wrapped his arm around her and held her close.

"Things will work out," Callie said. "I know it."

Frank hoped Callie was right. She leaned up and gave him a kiss. He said, "Thanks."

"For what?"

"For making me feel better."

"I’m glad to help." Callie switched subjects. "Any idea who is responsible for Joe’s injuries?"

"None. But we did think all the incidents this past week were connected. Now, I’m not so sure."

"Why are you unsure?"

"There haven’t been anymore incidents."

"That doesn’t mean the person is gone."

"I know you’re right. There’s a possibility the person involved may have been scared off after injuring Joe since there haven’t been any more incidents."

"Why would someone pull these stunts in the first place?"

"I have no idea. That’s what we’re trying to figure out."

"Any ideas?"

Frank stared at Callie surprised. He normally discussed cases with Joe and knew that he couldn’t do that now. He needed someone he could bounce his thoughts off of.

"We did see a connection with the incidents."

"What was it?"

"The incidents were done to certain people. First it was the football players, then the cheerleaders and lastly the baseball team."

"There’s only one connection I see. All three include athletic students."

"I had the same connection."

"Why is someone after the athletes?"

"That’s what we need to figure out. I think then we’ll know who."

"What do you plan to do?" Callie asked.

"Find who is involved."

"How are you going to do that?"

Frank was quiet for a moment, then looked at her. "Is Chet still working at the ice cream store?"

"He is."

"Then that’s where I’m going."

"You’re not going alone. I want to help."

Frank smiled. "I’ll let Joe know we’ll be back."

*****

At the same time, Joe was sitting in a lounge chair in the backyard. Vanessa had followed him and was sitting in the chair with him. She leaned her head against his chest. She had brought the pad out with her. He knew she was trying to understand what he was going through, but wasn’t sure she did.

He felt Vanessa lift her head off his chest. He looked at her and asked, "Is something wrong?"

Vanessa wrote, "Going to ask you that."

"I’m okay."

Vanessa wrote, "You can tell me anything."

"I know."

"Any idea when hearing will return?" Joe shook his head. "Will you hear again?" Joe shrugged his shoulders. "Are you coming back to school?"

Joe shook his head again. "I’m getting a tutor. I won’t be going back."

"What about your friends? Will you keep in contact with them?"

Joe knew he had declined seeing his friends while he had been in the hospital and didn’t want to see them now knowing they would be as uncomfortable as he was with this new situation.

Before he could respond, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw Frank standing there. Frank reached for the pad and wrote, "Going out. Be back soon."

Joe nodded his head and Frank left. He wrapped his arm around Vanessa and pulled her close to his chest. He was glad she was there with him. He knew he was lucky. He kissed the top of her head. "I love you."

Vanessa looked at Joe and mouthed, "I love you, too."

They kissed.