"I can’t believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve!" he thought. "Iola is just going to love her new necklace. Then there is Frank. I sure hope he likes the gift I got him this year. Took me four months of changing the neighbors’ oil in their cars to save up all the money, but it was well worth it. Frank really needs a new monitor for his computer. He is going to think that mom and dad bought it for him since I always get him socks!"

The sound of the phone woke him up out of his thoughts. Rushing to the phone in the upstairs hallway, Joe answered the phone.

"Hey son! How are you doing?" his father’s voice called out from the receiver.

"DAD!"

Fenton Hardy chucked at his youngest son’s enthusiasm. "Could you lower that a few decibels? It is still early you know."

"Sorry dad," Joe said, a little embarrassed. "You are still coming home tonight, right?"

"Well, I was bumped off of my flight. There was a lady who needed to get into New York because of a death in the family so I let her have my seat. The airlines promised to put me on the next flight and even gave me a couple hundred dollars to boot," Fenton explained.

"You are going to be here in time for Christmas, right?" Joe asked. He understood why his father gave his seat up, but he could not help but feel a little disappointed.

"Don’t worry Joseph. I should be there late tonight or very early in the morning. One can never tell when you have a noreaster on the way."

"There is a snow storm on the way?"

"Don’t you watch the news? Oh yeah, I forgot who I was talking to here," Fenton laughed, remembering Joe’s favorite channels--- MTV and VH1. "It is not due in until Christmas day so I am not too concerned about it. Just tell your mother for me. I have to get going. There is a long line of people waiting to use the phone."

"I will Dad. Call when you get a definite time."

"I will. Please send my love to your brother and mother. I will be there soon."

"Sure thing dad. Love you too," Joe replied as he hung up the phone. He put on a pair of wader boots that were sitting by the front door and went out to tell his mother the message.

"Joseph! You are going to be sick for Christmas running around like that out here!" His mother exclaimed when she caught a glimpse of her younger son.

Joe had not even paid any attention to the fact that he was still dressed in his Batman flannel boxer shirts and a gray T-shirt. He also did not pay attention to the fact that Callie had pulled in on the other side of the van. A flash of light made her presence known, followed by an evil laugh.

"What!" Joe said as he stared at his mother, Callie and Frank in front of him. "It is not like you all have not seen me in my sleeping attire?"

"No, but Bayport High has not witnessed it--- yet!" Callie said, holding up a disposable camera. "You look totally ravishing in those knee high wader boots and shorts. Great combination. Joan Rivers would definitely give you the coveted Golden Hanger award. This was definitely one of those precious moments in time and Kodak helped me capture it." Callie then dangled the camera up where Joe could see it. Seeing that Joe was going to try to get it, she quickly opened her passenger door up, threw the camera into the seat and locked the door. Joe slid to a halt realizing that it was a hopeless cause.

"So what brings you out here?" Laura Hardy asked, composing herself back into a serious mood.

Joe relayed his father’s message to her. At first, she seemed disappointed. But then she realized that her husband was only doing what he did best--- helping people out when they needed it the most. Then she looked at the dash clock.

"Oh no! I must get going if I am going to make it to the center in time. We are delivering gifts to the Secret Santa houses today. Call and let me know where you will be or leave a note!" She said as she kissed both of her sons good-bye. Soon she was on her way, leaving Joe alone with Frank and Callie.

"So what brings you over here?" Frank asked as he gave Callie a hug.

Joe did not want to hear the next part. He should have known that Callie would think of some reason to need Frank. That is the way it had been for the past few weeks!

Then his fears were confirmed.

"We are going to go and visit my aunt in Woodlawn. I was wondering if you would like to come along," Callie asked in her sweetest tone. "She has never met you in all of these years."

Joe just turned and walked into the house, leaving his brother and his girlfriend alone to discuss their plans for the day.

"Looks like I will be shopping alone today!" Joe whined to himself as he poured out a bowl of cereal and sat down at the dining room table. He reached over and picked up the remote to the living room television and clicked it on. He watched a segment on the weather about the approaching storm and then flicked it to MTV. Fifteen minutes later, Frank strolled in and sat down next to his brother at the dining room table. He was about to say something when Joe interrupted him.

"I know, you want to go with Callie," Joe sighed as he rolled his eyes. "Just give me your share of the money and I will take care of the Christmas shopping."

Frank looked at Joe strangely. "What are you talking about?"

"Aren’t you going with Callie?"

"Joe, I promised that I would spend today with you. I am going to see Callie tonight," Frank answered.

"I bet she is mad at you."

"She pouted a little, but I promised you we would go and that is just what we are going to do," Frank replied. "Is there something that you need to tell me?"

Joe was startled by his brother’s last comment. It was true. Joe was feeling a little left out with their parents working, Iola working and Frank spending every waking hour with Callie for the past couple of weeks. He had spent many nights and days alone, but he did not want to upset his brother. So he just shook his head side to side ever so slightly and finished his cereal. Frank watched the rest of the morning news while Joe quickly threw on jeans and a sweatshirt. Soon the boys were on their way to the mall.

The mall was crowded with last minute shoppers and lights twinkled everywhere eyes could look. The sounds of Brenda Lee "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree" filled the air. The boys found it easy to find gifts for their parents, but Aunt Gertrude was another subject. Joe picked out a nice pair of sapphire earrings for his mother. Frank found a nice new knee length coat for his father on sale. He thought it would be perfect for those times that he needed to be dressy, but warm too. Wandering from store to store, Aunt Gertrude’s gift was not popping out at them as easily. Joe was also watching for a nice gift for Amelia. They happened to stumble into The Music Box Dancer, a store that specialized in music boxes. Joe had a good time walking around and winding up all of the boxes to Frank’s embarrassment. When the older lady behind the counter would stare them down, Frank would just flash her an apologetic smile and shrugged his shoulders. "My little brother likes to find the perfect gift." Joe made a face every time he called him "little brother", but continued his adventure for the perfect gift for the two older women in his life. It was then that he found it. The perfect gift for Amelia. He walked over and picked up the small glass rose. A beautiful tune flowed from it.

"What is that song?" Joe asked his brother.

"That is called "The Rose"," Frank answered. Then he proceeded to tell him some of the words. Joe smiled as he heard some of the words to the song. It was perfect for Amelia. It talked about how a rose blooms and its life’s course. Joe stood there and remembered how Amelia’s face lit up when he brought her just the one rose and about the romance in her life. This would be a wonderful gift because she can listen to it anytime she felt down.

"Hey Joe! I think I found Aunty’s gift," Frank said, holding up a small piano. Picking up the top of the piano’s top, the sounds of the song "Music Box Dancer" strummed out.

"That is the song that Grandma used to play for her on the piano at her old house! Frank! That is it!" Joe exclaimed, knowing that they found a sentimental gift. "Aunt Gertrude still plays it on the piano."

Happy about their finds, the boys paid for the gifts and had the lady wrap them up in fancy red paper and a silver bow.

After taking the gifts out to the van and covering them with a blanket, Frank asked his brother what movie he wanted to see next. It was now two o’clock in the afternoon and time was running short since Joe had to pick Iola up at five and Frank had to meet Callie at six.

"Frank, why don’t we swing over by the nursing home and check on Amelia," Joe asked as they stood by the van.

"You really want me to meet her don’t you?"

"Yes, she is a special lady. She is like having another grandma," Joe said softly.

"If it means that much to you, then I don’t see why we can’t go and pay a visit," Frank said with a smile. He really did want to meet the lady who had really had an impact on his brother’s life. Ever since he started visiting with Amelia, Joe seemed to be calmer and just more thoughtful at times. Then another thought hit him. Amelia was also probably a good friend to Joe since it seemed that he was spending a lot of time alone, especially with Iola working. Not wanting to waste any time, Frank got into the passenger side of the van and sat back as his younger brother drove the van to the nursing home Amelia called home.

Frank followed Joe into the nice bright building. It was all decked out for the holidays with lights and a huge nativity scene. Joe went up to the nurse’s station and asked for Amelia’s whereabouts.

"I am so glad to see you. Amelia was asking Iola if you was going to come by," the nurse said, putting her papers down.

Joe felt like his heart was going to leap out of his chest. "Why? Is something wrong?"

"Amelia had to stay in her bed today. She just does not seem to be feeling so well lately," the nurse replied.

"She is not dying, is she?" Joe stammered, tears starting to fill his eyes. Frank had never seen his brother so upset so quickly. He felt a lump form in his own throat.

"Joe, you know that she is dying sweetie. But we don’t know if this is it or just a bad period that she is going through. The doctor will be here later today to do a check and HOSPICE will be coming in with her as well," the nurse explained softly. She knew that Joe had taken a fond liking to Amelia.

"He will do something then, right?" Joe’s voice almost squeaked. Frank felt his heart fall seeing the sadness in his brother’s eyes. It was apparent that Joe did not fully understand the role of HOSPICE in a cancer patient’s life. He pulled him away and over to the side of the room. Joe’s face was white and his eyes were a teary red.

"Joe, don’t you know what HOSPICE does for their patients?" Frank asked. He wanted to be the one to break the news to him if he did not understand. Frank knew a lot about HOSPICE because of Callie’s grandmother.

Joe just looked at him blankly.

"They help terminally ill people die. They do not do any heroic deeds to get them to stay alive. They just make their patients comfortable and help the family with whatever needs might come about," Frank answered.

"You mean they just let them die?"

"No, they help the patient die with dignity and among family."

"But why would they just want to give up on her?"

"They are not giving up on her. They are helping her to let go," Frank said with a stern voice. He turned his younger brother to face him. "This is what Amelia chose to do and if you like her as much as you seem, then you will accept it."

Joe looked like he was digesting everything Frank told him. Taking a deep breath and clearing his eyes, Joe walked towards Amelia’s room. Peeking in the door, he saw the familiar face of the old woman resting in her bed reading the Bible. Seeing that she had a visitor, Amelia put the book down and peeked over her glasses.

"Joe! It is so nice to see you! I was hoping you would come by," Amelia said, mustering up the strength to entertain guests. Joe walked over and took her hand gently. Frank waited back by the doorway. It was strange to see his brother being so serious and showing his affectionate side openly. Through all the cases and all the people that the boys met through the years, Amelia brought the best out in his younger brother.

"I have a surprise!" Joe announced and then motioned for his brother to come over by the bed. The dark haired lad made his way over to the older frale looking lady. He could not help but smile when he saw her bright eyes that just sung of life and happiness. "Amelia, this is my brother Frank."

"Oh my! Your mother and father must be really proud to have such nice looking boys," Amelia said as Frank bent over to give her a hug. "I have always been a sucker for men with dark eyes."

Frank turned red. "It is nice to finally meet you Amelia. My brother has said so much about you."

"He better not be telling out my secrets," Amelia said, winking.

The next hour was spent talking about the average day things. Amelia questioned the boys about their adventures and their family. She listened contently as the boys relayed stories about their many cases and travels together.

"You know the one thing that I have learned from you two?" Amelia spoke up.

"What Amelia?" Joe asked.

"You should feel blessed to have each other. There are no words to explain the love that siblings share. One minute you can strangle them and the next minute they are your crutch. But through it all, they are the best gifts your parents can ever bless you with," Amelia said. A lone tear filled her eye.

Amelia’s words hit Frank hard. He definitely knew what Amelia was talking about, but he felt a ping of guilt. He had been taking his relationship with his brother for granted lately.

"Do you have any family?" Frank asked.

Amelia’s face sort of lost its luster and her eyes showed a deep sadness.

"I didn’t mean to upset you," Frank replied, patting Amelia on the hand.

Amelia smiled at her new friend affectionately. "You didn’t and the answer is yes."

"You do?" Joe asked in a shocked manner.

"I am not one to say much about my family. There is really not much to say. My parents of course are long gone and I never married," Amelia recalled. "I had many bo’s, but just never married. But my parents left me an older brother."

"You have an older brother? Does he visit you?" Joe asked. Amelia had never talked about her family and he was deeply interested

"Yes, he is two years my senior and he looks a lot like your brother. His name is Quincy and he lives somewhere in the state forest on the other side of Patriot. I get a letter every month letting me know he is still alive," she said.

"You mean he does not visit you here?" Joe asked. He could not believe that Amelia’s brother would not visit her. Nothing would keep him from seeing Frank.

"Things were not too great for Quincy. You see, everyone made fun of Quincy because he was… let’s just say… different. He was so super intelligent and his ideas… well, people back then did not take to new ideas too well. Then he went to California and became quite wealthy with his skills in the motion picture business. He married, but his wife died during childbirth. He retired from the business and came home. You would have thought things would have been different, but things just got worse. Papa died and then Mama followed him to the grave. Quincy did not take all of this too well. So a little over twenty years ago, he went to live alone in the woods. He has been there ever since," Amelia commented. "He sends a letter every month though. I can’t send him one since he does not ever leave an address, if he has one."

Joe and Frank could not believe what they were hearing.

"You mean you have not talked to Quincy for over twenty years?" Frank asked after a pause of silence.

Amelia shook her head no. "He does not even know that I am… dying?"

Joe felt his heart just drop. He looked up at his brother. Frank could almost read his brother’s thoughts.

"Would you like to see him Amelia?" Joe asked, knowing Frank would question his motives.

"Oh, Joe. That would be the greatest gift," Amelia said, her eyes lighting up once again. "But it is not likely. He likes to stay up there by himself. I have accepted his decision and I know that he loves me. That is quite enough."

"Well, maybe if he knew about how you was doing it would change his mind," Joe reasoned with her.

"Maybe, but you would never find him. He is way up in the middle of that state forest living in a cave that he has turned into a house," Amelia added. "Quincy has a lot of money and he is able to buy things in bulk and only makes one trip a month into this town called Patriot. It is where he mails my letter from and he has already mailed my letter for this month. I should get it right after Christmas. Other than that day, he is never in town or around anyone."

"I am sure that we can find him Amelia. Frank and I have had a lot of experience tracking people down," Joe added again. "He must have a car or something. We will just track it…"

"Quincy can’t drive. He either walks or rides his bicycle," Amelia interrupted the young boy. "Besides I would not want to trouble you two so near to the holidays."

"It would not be a bother at all!" Joe said. "We will do our best to find Quincy."

"Here is the last letter I got from him, if that helps," Amelia said, pulling out an envelope from her Bible. "I am sorry I don’t have a picture."

"That is a start," Joe said. Just then the nurse came in to help Amelia take a shower. It was nearly five o’clock, Joe noted.

"We will leave so you can enjoy your shower and get something to eat," Frank said. He hugged her again. Joe leaned over and did the same. Amelia’s eyes shined brightly again.

"When will you be by again?" Amelia asked.

"I will stop by and see you soon. We are going to try to find Quincy for you," Joe said, holding her hand.

"It is okay if you can’t find him. As I said, I have long accepted his loner ways," Amelia added.

Joe nodded and turned to follow his brother out the door. Clutching the letter in his hands, Joe knew that he HAD to find Amelia’s brother before it was too late. Frank sensed that Joe was on a mission and nothing was going to stop him from finding Quincy.

"Okay little brother, when do you plan to tell me what WE are going to do?" he asked as they reached the lobby area to wait on Iola.

"We are going to Patriot tomorrow to see what the post office people have to say. They have seen him and they might know something," Joe replied.

"We assume that they have," Frank pointed out.

"Meaning?"

"Meaning, we might not find Quincy. Let’s get realistic. It is going to be hard to find him since he does not want to be found," Frank commented.

"But I don’t think he would feel that way if he knew that Amelia was sick."

"True, but we have to find him first and that might take a while, especially if we get a big snow like we might on Christmas."

"It sounds like you don’t want to help Amelia," Joe said angrily.

Frank sighed and let out a deep breath. He did not feel like fighting with his brother. "That is not it Joe. I want to help Amelia, but I just don’t know if we will find him before something happens, that is all."

"If it was me, wouldn’t you want someone to hunt you down?"

"Joe, I would never go off like that in the first place. We are brothers. We will always be in touch with each other and stuff," Frank answered. "We will probably be neighbors."

Joe laughed at his brother’s pun, but then turned serious again. "So are you with me?"

"Of course I am. But I just want you to be prepared for what might happen. We are up against something that we have never been up against before."

"What is that?"

"Time." Frank replied. He wanted to say death, but he just could not bring himself to say it. Joe cared about Amelia too much to say that word right now. But seeing the look in Joe’s face made him realize that he hoped that this was not the first case that they would fail.