Frank put his head in his hands, and desperately prayed that Joe would make it.

Less than a minute later, the CPR worked. When Frank heard the paramedic say he had a pulse and was breathing, he let out the biggest sigh of relief he had ever felt. They continued on their journey to the hospital with no further complications.

With minimal protests from the hospital staff, he was able to stay near his brother. His father suspected that Duerson was on the take and he wasn't about to go near him. If he was the least bit responsible for what happened to Joe, he wanted him caught.

* * * * *

After what seemed like an eternity of testing and quick trip to surgery to repair a punctured lung, Frank followed his brother as he was wheeled to a room on the third floor. He had stayed as close to Joe's side as possible as his father instructed, not sure of why, but knowing it was important to do as he said. He watched as the orderlies gently moved him to the bed and the nurse check the IV drip that was connected to his left wrist. Joe was also on a ventilator helping him to breathe to allow his lung a chance to heal.

Joe was covered with bruises and the cuts were now covered in bandages. He had four broken ribs. The doctors had said that Joe had a concussion and he would have to be monitored closely. They were also concerned about his body temperature since his body felt chilled when they had arrived even though he had been covered in warm blankets.

As the orderlies left the room, Frank settled in the chair beside the bed and watched his brother. The bruises on his face were noticeable and Joe's jaw was a deep shade of purple.

A few minutes later Fenton walked into the room and looked at his youngest son.

"I just spoke with the doctor," Fenton said.

"Dad, who took Joe and why did they beat him so badly?" Frank asked. He couldn't understand it because it didn't make sense.

"Frank, I don't know why this was done to Joe, but I guarantee I will find out."

"What's the plan?"

"Sorry, Frank," Fenton said looking at him. "But I want you here with your brother watching over him until he is well enough to travel, and then both of you are on your way back to Bayport."

Frank stared at his father not believing what he heard. "Why won't you let me help?"

"Because I don't want what has happened to Joe to happen to you or worse."

"There's no guarantee I'll be totally safe," Frank said.

"That's why I asked the Chief of Police to post a guard, he's the brother of a colleague of mine," Fenton said. "As long as you stay in the room, you should be fine. But keep alert, these guys are professionals. Your mother is flying out and will be here tomorrow."

"Okay," Frank said reluctantly. He didn't really want to leave Joe's side anyway. At least he was contributing by keeping an eye on him. "Can I do something? Look something up on the computer or read?" he asked hopefully.

That's when Frank noticed his father's laptop with him. "Okay," Fenton said. "This would give me more time to look into other things." Fenton then explained what he wanted Frank to look up.

* * * * *

Frank sighed and looked up from his laptop. He had been working for the last two hours, and now he had a headache. He wanted to go take some medicine for it, but his dad had told him not to leave Joe. Frank sighed again and leaned back to continue working on his laptop.

Suddenly monitors started beeping. Doctors rushed in, and immediately started shouting orders. They brought in more IVs, and began hooking them up. Then Frank heard the words he never thought he would, "He's flat lining, start CPR!"