Chapter One: A Cry From the Valley of Ashes

Nancy's hand gripped the cold, unfamiliar armrest as the train rattled along, bringing her closer to her destination. She tried not to focus on the bacteria-laden surface as she was nervous enough already. She felt a chill, goosebumps patterning her bare limbs as she sat near the exit. There was something about this case that felt familiar, though she wasn't sure what it was.

She had received the case file a few days earlier through the mail slot of her father's home in the Hamptons. She had missed the rush that only a case could offer and was glad to sacrifice the remainder of her vacation for a grittier scene. She understood the severity of this crime, yet something attracted her to the idea of being the youngest detective to solve a high class murder.

At age eighteen, Nancy knew the nature of the world she was entering. She was all too familiar with the evil that was cultivated in every corner of the world, but that didn't mean she would cower in fear as others threw caution to the wind. She was Nancy Drew, a young and determined detective with a keen eye and a passion for curiosities.

She shifted her view toward the seat next to her and smiled. Bess had only agreed to join when she was offered the chance to explore an abandoned mansion and bask in the old school gossip of rich wives who had nothing better to do. It had been difficult to drag the girl away from the splendor of the Hamptons house. Nancy knew that Bess wouldn't offer much help with the case, but she was comforted by the fact that she wouldn't be alone. Nancy wondered how Ned would feel had she told him where she was going. She understood that lying by omission would have later repercussions, but she didn't see the point in worrying Ned when she was more than capable of caring for herself.

Her hand moved to the locket that hung from her neck and began to fiddle with the clasp, a nervous habit she had developed over the years. She had never been brave enough to open the locket, for she knew that the simple action would open a door to the past that she was not yet ready to step through. Nancy cleared her head, shifting her gaze toward the window and what lay behind it. A desolate and colorless wasteland greeted her. An ominous billboard seemed to stare back, causing Nancy to look down as though she had been caught in a dangerous act.

Bess stirred in her sleep, her blonde curls falling around her face. Nancy often found herself jealous of Bess. Bess was a normal young girl, and she never threw herself at mysteries or risked the lives of others. Nancy almost felt guilty for bringing Bess along. Bess was content with spending summer vacation lounging poolside and spending the evenings dancing with the others who sought relief from the mundanity of everyday life. Nancy's life would never lack zest, and for that she was grateful; though sometimes she fed her domestic fantasies just long enough to realize that they weren't befitting for her character.

The train stopped, letting patrons off and allowing a cool breeze to enter the train car. Nancy could almost feel the desperation that emanated from the floor of the valley. The wind howled briefly, and she heard what sounded like a cry. She shivered again, clutching her files to her chest. She had brought thorough research in hopes that she would be allowed time to read on the train ride over. She tried not to think of the argument she'd had with George before she left.

She had originally intended to bring George along on this case, but George was reluctant to agree. George was known for being fearless in the face of danger, and she often served as Nancy's support during high stakes cases. When Nancy had mentioned the case to George, she acted as though Nancy was pursuing something that wasn't in her dominion. Though Nancy had yet to solve a genuine murder, she had solved many different disappearances and was well known for her work. George had called her foolish and even selfish for wanting the bring along an extra person on a high risk case. She was curious about George's sudden change of mind, but she knew she had to focus her sleuthing efforts on the case ahead.

Nancy opened a file, hoping to find something she had missed in her initial readthrough. She ran her fingers over the words of the first page, pondering the cause of death. A bullet to the chest was straightforward, and the cause of death seemed to hide no clues. It was the motive that troubled her the most; she could tell that this wasn't a robbery or a random killing. Nancy felt that there was more to this case than what could be found in the files.

"Hey Nance," Bess said, yawning sheepishly, "Are we there yet?" Bess rubbed her eyes with her palm and felt her curls, frowning. "I just fixed my hair this morning. What a shame."

Nancy smiled at her friend, taking a moment to relax. Bess could always make Nancy smile with her normalcy, her appropriately girlish responses.

"I think we're close Bess. Did you have any nice dreams?"

"Of course Nance, I dreamt I was floating, drifting away… in the pool back at the Hamptons house," Bess said with a sarcastic grin.

"I thought you wanted to come. You were so excited to engage in mindless gossip," Nancy said, returning Bess's sharp tone.

Bess turned her head toward the window, taking in the grim scenery.

"I've never seen something so dull, and I've been out dancing with five Hamptons boys," Bess said.

Nancy wondered for a second what this stretch of land was called by its natives. She even created a few nicknames of her own. Personally, she chose to call it Shadow Canyon, but she felt that there was something about her preferred title that didn't feel quite right. Bess sensed Nancy's uneasiness and reached over to squeeze her hand. It was quite a role reversal for Nancy, for she was usually the one offering comfort to the more timid Bess. There truly was a first time for everything.

A man made his way through the narrow car and took the aisle seat next to Nancy. His appearance in an almost deserted train car would have been welcome had it not been for his shifty demeanor and the long scar that ran the length of his face.

Nancy felt Bess shudder next to her as the man flashed a half-hearted grin and shuffled his feet, making clouds of dust on the dirty train floor.

"Beautiful day in the valley of ashes, isn't it?" He wondered aloud, his gruff voice shattering the silence.

Nancy gave a slight nod. The "valley of ashes" was a name she could accept; the description perfectly fit the surrounding landscape. Nancy started to wonder if the train was even moving, for the scenery seemed to be frozen around them, no hope of evading the gray skies and barren environment. She felt a strange relief that Bess was the only other person who knew they were going. If she had told Ned where this case would lead her, he would have insisted driving up from Boston and further complicating the case.

This was the type of case that required Nancy to remain discreet as possible, so she and Bess were given their new personas in the case file. Bess was especially excited, as she had been waiting to try her hand at acting. She'd always fancied herself a star. Though Bess was an exceptional actress, Nancy found herself quite surprised when she was able to construct the perfect answer to the mysterious man's second question.

"What brings you ladies to town?"

While Nancy froze in place, Bess tilted her chin up and gave the greatest performance of her life.

"Well sir, I am here to visit my dear and distant cousin. I just recently learned of his home here, and I knew that I just had to see the life he has made for himself. It's so boring back home, but New York presents so many opportunities for entertainment. I just met this young lady here, and she's here for a funeral. Now, sir, I know that sounds drab, but man is this death interesting. You must think it morbid for a lady to talk like this, but I just find it so fascinating to -"

He cut her off with a deep sigh. "I think you're going to enjoy your time here, young lady." He stood from his seat and tipped his hat to Bess, whose fake smile was quickly fading.

Nancy watched him as he moved through the train, waiting for his lanky silhouette to disappear into the train car.

"That was phenomenal, Bess," she said, giving a light clap. "You're definitely going to come in handy during this case."

Nancy reached into her bag and pulled something out. It was a small notebook, bound in leather. Attached to the side was a silver fountain pen. She handed the notebook over to Bess, excited to share this responsibility.

"My own journal? Nance, this is such an honor."

"I'm going to need your help, Bess. You are a much better actress than I am, and you have that girlish charm that never ceases to amaze."

Bess smiled, running her fingers along the cover of the notebook. If Nancy didn't know any better, she could've sworn that a look of excitement spread across Bess's face. She had almost forgotten about her anxieties involving the case when a voice split the silence.

"Attention passengers, we are preparing to make a stop at West Egg."