Wow...Lions, I'm really honored you liked this!
I think Josef does what he has to do to keep the peace, but he I don't believe he'd harm innocents - but Calvin doesn't need to know that.

Josef also knows what he wants, and what he wants is Beth Turned. For his sake and for Mick's - this way, Mick gets to keep Beth, and Josef gets to keep Mick AND gains a pretty good vampire in the process.
Second chapter's coming...and we'll just have to wait and see what's in it.

As for who laid Ben out...that remains to be seen - but Calvin's a likely suspect, isn't he?