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The Divine Right of Kings	By : vinsmouse Category: G through L > Hardy Boys Series Views: 5915 -:- 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 28
Joe lay in his bed, the only noise coming from the radio playing in the background. Frank had tried to get him to go with him to Phil’s or Chet’s but he had refused. He didn’t want to be around anybody right now. Why couldn’t his family understand that? Alex would have understood. Since the end of the trial three days earlier Joe had barely left his room, coming out only for meals and bathroom breaks. He would have skipped the meals but his parents had refused to allow that. They might not be able to force him to leave the house they said but they weren’t going to let him starve himself. He gave it another day before they insisted he spend some time downstairs, aside from meals.
"In breaking news," the announcer’s voice came over the local station. "An accident on Interstate 86 today has claimed the lives of thirteen people. A prisoner transport bus lost control. According to witnesses the bus traveled down an embankment before coming to a stop against a concrete retaining wall. Witness reports aren’t clear but it is believed that at least three prisoners managed to exit the vehicle before it was consumed by fire, killing the remaining ten prisoners, two guards and the driver. It is uncertain if Alex Tomlinson recently convicted on multiple charges in relation to an attack on the family of famed private investigator Fenton Hardy was among those who escaped. More information will be announced later as it becomes available."
Joe sat up, staring at the radio in shock. He prayed that Alex had managed to escape the burning bus. A shudder ran through him as the image of all those men, Alex among them, burning to death flashed before his eyes. He was going to be sick! Jumping up he ran to the bathroom, just barely making it in time. Vaguely he noticed the sound of footsteps thundering up the stairs.
Fenton had been in his office when he’d got the news, directly from Chief Collig. His first thought was for his youngest. Quickly thanking the chief he disconnected and hurried upstairs. He knew it was foolish, even if Tomlinson were coming for Joe he couldn’t be here so soon after the accident. But foolish or not he needed to see his son, to know that he was safe in his room. Never before had Fenton prayed for the death of another human being but as he ran up the stairs he fervently prayed that Alex Tomlinson had died in the accident.
Fenton’s heart nearly stopped when he opened the door to his son’s room only to find it empty. Logic quickly reasserted itself about the time he heard the sound of retching. Moving to the shared bathroom he stepped inside. It hurt to see his child in misery as his body gave up what little he had eaten. Like father’s everywhere Fenton wished he could take away the pain his child was suffering, be it physical or emotional. As that wasn’t possible he would have to content himself with offering comfort.
Joe didn’t realize anybody had entered the small room until he felt a hand rubbing circles on his back. Glancing to his side he saw his father kneeling next to him, concern shining from his eyes. For a moment neither moved.
"Done?" Fenton quietly asked.
"Think so." Grasping his father’s arm he rose shakily to his feet and moved to the sink. While he ran a glass of water and rinsed his mouth his father pulled some paper from the roll. "Thanks," Joe said as he took the paper, using some to blow his nose and the rest to wipe streaming eyes. Tossing the paper into the waste basket he looked curiously at his father. "You couldn’t have known I was sick."
"No I didn’t," Fenton admitted. "I had a call from Chief Collig," he explained realizing what his son was asking.
"About the bus crash?" Joe couldn’t help the small laugh when he saw the startled look on his father’s face. It wasn’t often he managed to surprise the detective. "Sorry, don’t usually surprise you," he explained as the surprise turned to concern.
"Oh," Fenton smiled in relief. He had thought for a second that the accident had been the final straw pushing his son over the precipice of sanity. "How did you know about it?"
"Radio," Joe answered simply.
"That explains worshipping the porcelain god."
Joe chuckled, it wasn’t something he expected his father to say. Sobering he explained, "I could see them, all those men burning," he shuddered.
"Oh Joe," Fenton wrapped his arms around the boy, pulling him close. He had thought the teen was sick at the thought of Tomlinson being loose. He should have known his more sensitive child would be concerned over the fates of those trapped on the bus rather than any danger he might be in. "I know it might be hard but try not to think too much about it. You can’t help those men and making yourself sick won’t serve any purpose."
"I know, it’s just…Alex did protect me Dad and the thought of him dying like that…" Joe trailed off.
"I know son," Fenton soothed. Personally he hoped the man suffered more than any of them, that he would continue to suffer through eternity for the pain he’d caused his family, especially Joe. It was concern for his son, however, that held his tongue. Joe didn’t need to know the dark thoughts running through his head. "There is a chance that Tomlinson escaped which is why I don’t want you going anywhere alone until we know for certain that he’s dead or he’s been recaptured." Fenton didn’t really think, given Joe’s recent behavior that he really needed to worry about it. With Joe, though, it never hurt to cover all the bases.
"You think he’ll try to get to me? Hurt me?" Joe could see his dad’s point of view but he knew Alex wouldn’t hurt him. He couldn’t very well tell his father that, however, not without revealing the contact he’d had with the man. Joe jerked in his father’s embrace as he suddenly realized a way he might discover whether or not Alex lived.
Fenton feeling Joe start thought it was fear and tightened his hold slightly. "I don’t know son," he honestly replied. "I doubt it, though. He didn’t strike me as a stupid man and if he did escape he must know you’ll be watched especially close."
"Yeah, guess he would." Joe pulled away from his father. Stepping into his bedroom he flopped onto the bed.
Fenton sat down on the edge. "Is there anything I can do son?"
Joe shook his head. "I’ll be okay Dad. It was just the shock mostly, I think."
"Are you sure?" Fenton wasn’t convinced but there wasn’t much he could do if Joe didn’t want to talk.
"I’m sure." Joe rolled over so that he was facing the wall.
Fenton sighed, the move was clearly dismissive. Patting Joe’s shoulder he reluctantly stood up. "I’ll leave you alone then." Standing in the doorway he took one more look at his youngest, his heart aching as the boy once more withdrew from him. Quietly closing the door he headed back down the stairs. Laura needed to be told about the latest development.
　
　
　
On a quiet side street, unnoticed by any passerby, Carl Withers turned off the radio in his car. It seemed he had completed his assignment just in time. "Well that’s it for me," he said as he steered the car towards his destination.
Joe waited for his father’s steps to recede before going to his desk. Turning on the computer he waited impatiently for it to boot up. He was about to login to his messenger when it hit him. Even if Alex were alive he would be trying to get somewhere safe and might not be near a computer. Changing his mind he clicked on the mail icon.
Alex,
I just heard the news on the radio. I’m scared, I can tell you that. I imagine you trapped inside with those other men, fire surrounding you as you choke on the smoke and fumes. It made me sick to imagine and I pray you were one of those who escaped. Please Alex if you’re alive send me an email as soon as you’re able.
Joey
He had hesitated on the signature, finally opting to sign it with the familiar name Alex used for him. He didn’t know why he didn’t argue about it. He would have had anybody else tried to call him Joey but somehow it seemed right when Alex did it.
TBC...
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The Divine Right of Kings