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The Divine Right of Kings	By : vinsmouse Category: G through L > Hardy Boys Series Views: 5917 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own the Hardy Boys, not making any money, just cheap thrills.

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Chapter 16

Three days later, in a New York apartment, Alex eagerly opened a letter his lawyer had brought him. Though he was out of jail he had decided it would be best to continue moving mail through his lawyer. The excuse he gave was that he couldn’t be sure reporters wouldn’t resort to stealing his mail, especially those who worked for tabloids.

Dear Alex,

I wasn’t sure I was going to write you but I don’t know what to do. You’re the only one who can understand. You know what Red did in the kitchen, what he would have done later. I’ve tried to get past my anger at my mother but all I can think is if she hadn’t spiked your food Red couldn’t have done anything.

Alex smiled in satisfaction; he could almost hear the anger lifting from the page.

Maybe it’d be easier if they didn’t keep trying to defend her. They know what happened to those other kids. That means they know what would have happened to me. How can they expect me to listen to them defend her? Even Frank has tried to defend her and he was there! I don’t know what to do Alex. They won’t leave me alone. Today they even brought Phil into it. He came over and Frank convinced me to go downstairs and play some video games. Frank left us alone to get some drinks for us. That was when Phil tried to talk to me about my mother. All of a sudden I was back in the kitchen. I could feel the knife and Red’s hands, his tongue. It was awful! I could barely breathe and I thought I was going to pass out. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t tell you this stuff. Pretty pathetic huh? I don’t even know why I thought I should tell you of all people.

That’s not true. I know why. I know you’ll understand and well you tried to protect me, in your own way. I can’t trust anything they tell me Alex. They want me to forgive mom and can’t understand why I can’t. You helped me before, help me now, please.

Joey

Alex laughed. Oh this was perfect. If he played this right he would spend a minimum amount of time in prison. He wasn’t kidding himself, he knew prison time was inevitable. The only question was how long he would spend behind bars. The more he could do to convince the judge and jury that he had only gone along with Red in a misguided attempt to protect the children the better for him.

Joe sat in the psychiatrist’s office, arms crossed over his chest. When his father had told him about the appointment Dr. Bates had set up for him he had been so angry. He didn’t need to talk to some stranger about what had happened. His father had insisted though, said he needed the help, that he was worried about him. Joe wasn’t fooled. It wasn’t him his father was worried about. He only wanted his happy family back. He didn’t suppose he could blame the man for that and he wished he could give him what he wanted. But he couldn’t, not when it meant forgiving his mother for the pain she had caused him.

“What are you thinking Joe?” Dr. Carpenter quietly asked.

“This is a waste of time,” Joe replied in a surly tone.

“Why do you say that?” When his colleague had told him of his patient and what he had suffered Steve Carpenter had been sure he could help. Now seeing his newest patient was the most stubborn he’d ever encountered he was less certain. At the very least he suspected it would require more time than he had originally supposed.

Following introductions the two had sat opposite one another, silence filling the room with a heavy presence. He had said nothing, waiting for the boy to talk first. After thirty minutes it was clear the teen wouldn’t volunteer anything.

“I’m not going to forgive her.”

“Is that why you think you’re here?”

“My dad and my brother want me to forgive her so we can be a happy family again. They couldn’t make me so now it’s your turn.” Joe was sure he was right.

“By her you mean your mother?” Steve calmly asked.

Joe nodded.

“Why won’t you forgive her?”

Joe didn’t replied, only staring at the doctor his blue eyes filled with pain.

Though he tried to draw the boy out, Steve made no further progress that day. Walking the boy to the door he escorted him to the desk where another appointment was set for the following week.

“Dr. Carpenter could I speak to you for a minute?” Fenton asked as the man turned back towards his office.

Joe didn’t want to hear them discussing him. Without a word to either man he moved into the waiting room and sat down. Thankfully it was empty.

Steve sighed. “I can’t tell you anything we discussed,” he reminded the worried father.

“Did he tell you anything?”

“A little but I can’t tell you…”

“It’s alright doctor,” Fenton interrupted. “I’m not asking you to tell me I just wanted to know if he had at least talked to you. He won’t discuss what happened with any of us and after the panic attack he had the other day I’ve been even more worried.”

“I can understand that Mr. Hardy and I do sympathize, truly I do. He didn’t say much,” Steve admitted. “Frankly he’s quite resistant to the therapy.”

Fenton’s shoulders sagged. “Then you don’t think it’ll do any good?”

“I didn’t say that,” Steve replied. “I only meant to caution you not to expect miracles from therapy. It will take time and the more Joe resists the longer it will take. I’ve made him an appointment for a week from today.”

“Not sooner?”

“Given his resistance I think any sooner would be counterproductive. Aside from that therapy is generally more useful if the patient is given time to process each session.”

“I see. Thank you doctor,” Fenton said, shaking the man’s hand.

When they arrived home Joe was surprised to find a letter lying on his desk. Picking it up he saw the same Boston postmark as before and knew it was from Alex.

My dear Joey,

Never call yourself pathetic! You are special Joey, remember that. I don’t know in what way I can help. I can certainly understand why your brother and father want you to forgive your mother. I can also understand your feelings, perhaps more easily than those of your family.

I don’t believe your mother ever intended for you to be hurt in the way you were. I’m sure she thought she could succeed in getting help when she passed that message to your friend Phil. Frankly I can’t blame her for the attempt, given what I know of Red’s propensities.

As for the food, there I don’t know what to think. Certainly she knew the risks but again she likely thought it worth the risks. She couldn’t have known, I don’t think, what Red would do with the opportunity. I’ve been thinking about it all pet and honestly I’m not sure she’s guilty.

Joe could hardly believe his eyes. He hadn’t expected Alex to defend her too.

Your friend made a good point; Red didn’t get sick. Then again Red did change drinks, perhaps that is the explanation. Bah! It would be so much easier if we could speak more directly. No don’t even think of phone calls or a meeting, neither would be possible. Though maybe…no you wouldn’t want that, would you? I hesitate to suggest this but perhaps we could communicate more directly through emails. I won’t push you pet, it is entirely your decision. If you never wish to hear from me again, or only want letters I will abide by your wishes. It’s the least I can do. However, if you ever find you need to speak to me more quickly than a letter allows you can contact me by email. I will always be here for you Joey, in whatever capacity you choose. Never feel that you can’t talk to me. I will never consider anything you have to say as pathetic.

Yours,

Alex

P.S. My email address is: sven at gali.com

Joe read the letter two more times. Was Alex serious? Did he really think his mother might be innocent?

TBC...

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The Divine Right of Kings