Unfortunately, I don't own anything in the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boy universe…sad day.

Author's Note: Yes, I know I'm putting out something new before finishing my other story, but, don't worry, I'm haven't forgotten about Escaping the Past. This is just something that came to my mind as I went to class and proceeded to keep me entertained all the way through anthropology, statistics, and psychology…good thing that my first round of exams are still a couple weeks away.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this little ditty. This whole piece will be wrapped up before the end of the weekend and then I'll be back to focusing on EtP. Reviews are always welcome, both the good and the bad. As always, happy reading!

Frank

I don't understand how you could do this to us…to me… to her. You weren't suppose to be out there by yourself, but, of course, your insane need to always be her protector kept you from thinking clearly. Don't you understand how guilty I feel for not having your back? Don't you understand how heartbreaking it was for me to tell her you weren't coming home? Don't you understand how difficult it is going to be for us to move on in life now that you're gone? I hate you for doing this!

Do you know what happened when I got the phone call from the hospital? I panicked. I prayed that they hadn't got a hold of her yet. I at least had Vanessa with me when I got the news,…but, God, Nancy, she was home alone waiting for you. I was slightly relieved when they told me they couldn't reach her. As soon as I hung up the phone I was speeding to mom and dad's to reassure them that I was okay. I only stayed long enough to give them hugs and drop off Van before I left for your house. Everyone wanted to go with me, but I knew that I had to do it on my own. When I got to the house there was no answer, and I let myself in, the entire time screaming her name. I was afraid that he had got her too. I didn't know yet that he had killed himself after killing you.

Frank, I will forever be plagued by those next few moments. She came bounding down the stairs in that ridiculous pink robe she loves, laughing about how I was ruining her bath, and that I better not be staying long because she had to get ready for dinner with you. The anniversary dinner that you guys had cancelled four times already because of cases. She was positively glowing and I was there to crush her with the news that her husband was dead.

I didn't have to say anything. She caught one glimpse of my face and just froze. The two of us stood in that living room staring at each other for what felt like hours, before she made a move. That amazing wife of yours, the greatest sister-in-law and friend that anyone could ask for, took me into her arms and began to comfort me. I'm there to console her and yet, she's the one whispering to me that everything is going to be all right as I cry. I'm still not sure how it happened.

The rest of the night went by in a blur. The hospital…police station…mom & dad's. Eventually we ended back up at your house…she was adamant about the fact that she was spending the night in her home. She marched straight into the house and went to your bedroom without so much as a goodnight. Don't worry, Vanessa and I are staying with her tonight. She doesn't need to be alone right now.

Vanessa fell asleep a little while ago, but I'm not as fortunate. I've been sitting here, just staring at my own wife, for the past hour. I'm so lucky to have her in my life and I've just realized how much I take her being around for granted. She's my everything and I don't know what I'd do if she died.

Nancy has me worried, big brother. While I understand that tonight has been a lot to deal with, I am not sure about how she is handling this. Sure, I know she has always been a strong person, but dammit Frank, this isn't just anybody. This is you. Her best friend…her husband…the love of her life…and she hasn't shed a single tear. I have this horrible feeling that things are going to get a whole lot worse before they get better.

I love you

Joe