Author Note: Here is the fourth chapter. So this one was fairly timely and longer so I hope that it is also better. Here is one of the first big twists in the story. But don't worry, there will be many more! Please tell me what you think of the characters and what will happen next in a review. Thank you to everyone who reviewed last time! There is also an author's note at the end of this chapter just for fun and to answer a question. Anyway I don't own Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys. I hope that you enjoy this chapter!
"Lori." All three breathed at the same time looking at each other worriedly. What could that annoying girl gotten herself into now?
"She probably tripped in those ridiculous heels causing a speck of dust to land on her designer jeans. Or maybe she saw a bug." Sighing slightly, Nancy rolled her eyes. Just like the younger Hardy, the heiress's timing disturbed important events. However Miss Girard lacked creativity, brains, wit, and a kind heart unlike the blond ATAC agent.
"Hey, she might be hurt." Joe countered, shouldering his navy backpack full of snacks and helpful gadgets. "And if Lori is in trouble, would you want to leave her all alone with only "Wonder Cop" to help? I'm surprised he passed Kindergarten. Come on!" Impatiently, he grasped the titan-haired girl's hand and began to run off toward the train tracks in the direction of the scream.
"Joe does have a point!" Yelling over her shoulder to Frank, the racing woman struggled to find the air to breathe. Although in great shape, Nancy could not outrun the speedy sprinter and thus found herself being dragged jerkily along. But to her great delight, he wasn't letting go of her sweaty hand even though she slowed him down a bit.
"And surprisingly it's even a good one." Muttering good-naturedly, the older boy jogged a little ways behind the other two. Suddenly, Joe skidded to a stop to a stop abruptly in front of the tracks. Losing her balance, the surprised detective toppled over into a heap. Coughing as the dust she stirred up landed in her mouth, Nancy brushed a few strands of sticky hair out of her eyes and gazed up in confusion.
"Why did you stop?" Using her strong arms to push herself up, the miffed sleuth questioned. "Is something wrong?"
"No, but I don't know which way to go from here." Frowning, he raised one hand to shield his eyes from the bright glow of the setting sun. As he peered around the area with squinted eyes, his brother finally caught up and halted beside them. "Where can Lori and Tino be?"
"I thought that they were coming back here to wait for the train." Trying to recall any helpful information, the young woman bit her lip in concentration.
"They said that but they obviously went somewhere else. That idiot Tino probably wandered off on some wild goose chase. Why did we leave them alone?" Clearly annoyed with the situation, Joe groaned nosily. Out of the corner of her eye, the shrewd sleuth scrutinized the attractive man curiously. Although aggravation at the arrogant couple also filled her, the Hardy's response seemed a bit over the top. Why was he so frustrated?
"Wait, do you hear something?" Listening intently, Frank closed his eyes and turned to face the left. All three clever adults stared silently at the cliffs throwing long shadows for several minutes.
"What are you talking about? I don't hear a thing." Giving up, the impatient younger man grumbled as he folded his arms.
"Wait!" Starting forward a few steps with excitement, Nancy gasped with recognition. "I think that I hear Lori and Tino! And from the sound of it, they aren't too happy." Images of Tino, truly villainous instead of just stupid in nature, harming Lori instantly invaded the detective's mind.
"Tino might not be the brightest bulb on the planet but if he was steamed up enough…" Joe trailed off as a look of worry washed over his normally carefree face. "Come on!" Breaking into a run, all three dashed off. Preparing for the worst, they rounded the corner of the nearest cliff. However nothing could have prepared Nancy or the Hardy boys for the sight before their eyes.
Reckless and red with rage, Lori Girard stomped upon her boyfriend's foot with immense force. And from the high-pitched scream that emerged from his mouth, this apparently wasn't the first time she had done it. Tears and dust blended together on her fair face and dirt soiled her designer clothes. Likewise Tino's appearance was altered drastically. The conceited, cool, and composed mentality was long gone. Terror and pain filled his face as he screeched in anguish.
"How dare you say that to me, you monster?" Chest heaving heavily, the furious heiress hissed and threw her purse at the wimpy police office full force. Luckily for him, she had terrible aim so the expensive accessory flew over his right shoulder.
"Lori, please calm down. Are you okay? What is going on?" First to recover from shock, Frank walked cautiously toward the hysterical girl speaking in soothing voice. Whirling around to face the approaching man, she stared silently at him for a moment before flinging herself into his arms.
"My daddy… never spent time…terrible person…no chance now…Tino…so inconsiderate…I…just can't handle…" Sobbing violently, Miss Girard clung to him as if for dear life. Turning bright red and stuttering nervously, Frank looked down at the distraught heiress. Although calm, collected, and clever when on a case, the bashful agent was kind of hopeless when it came to girls.
"You'd better go save your brother before he dies from embarrassment." Stifling a laugh, Nancy whispered to Joe who smirked in return. The total opposite, he certainly charmed any female that he met. Turning her focus back on the weeping woman, the practical detective shook her head in disgust. "But honestly, throwing a temper tantrum over her daddy not buying something is ridiculous."
"Hey, maybe it is something important." Uncharacteristically, the younger brother countered as he turned his attention back to situation at hand. "You never know."
"Is there anything I can do to help you, Lori? Here, sit down and tell me what is wrong." Finally gaining back his composure, Frank guided her gently to a nearby rock worriedly.
"What did you do to her?" Ready to take action, Joe marched furiously up to Tino with clenched his fists. "Answer me, if you are man enough!"
"Junior, stay out this, will you? Isn't your mommy is calling you for your bedtime?" Although his words were proud and confident as usual, the inept officer's face paled with fear.
"That is enough, Joe." Although relatively soft, Frank's voice commanded warningly. Scowling at the cowering older man, the impulsive Hardy wandered reluctantly over to his brother. Satisfied, the calmer ATAC agent questioned the tearful girl once again. "Lori, I'm sorry to impose on your feelings, but will you please tell me what has made you so upset?" Kneeling down next to the teary heiress, he looked intently into her eyes. Slowly the sobbing quelled into gently hiccups and her whole body relaxed as she gazed back at Frank.
"It's my daddy." She whimpered as a lone crystal tear slid down her pale cheek. "He's…they said…"
"Oh just spit it out!" Snapping vehemently, Tino stalked over to our group. "Mr. Girard suffered a heart attack and is expected to die in twenty-four hours. My darling just received a call on that high-tech phone he just bought for her. So what? You barely knew the man, sweetie." Glaring murderously at the shocked three adults, he spat in disgust. "I had this all under control until you amateurs came and made her go bonkers! So just leave this to the professionals. Who knows what could happen to a bunch of nobodies like you fooling around in this kind of business. Someone could get hurt."
"Yeah, starting with you!" Lunging forward, Joe snarled angrily.
"Is that a threat, Junior?"
"You bet it is!"
"Joe, you aren't helping anything." Yanking his brother away from the steaming cop, the prudent man scolded. "Just stay calm."
"Nothing will be better until you beat up that jerk!" Lurching towards her boyfriend, Lori shrieked at the top of her lungs.
"Violence won't help anything." Once again the peacemaker, Frank sat her back down on the smooth rock.
"Wait." Searching for words, the girl detective struggled to speak. Only blankness and confusion filled her mind as she stepped toward the rich celebrity. "Your father is dying?"
"Yes and I was always such a terrible daughter!" Slouching into a heap, Miss Girard erupted into sobs again. "Never once did I ever spend time with him. And now I'll never have the chance! I never even told him I love him." Nancy's face dropped as she finally comprehended the situation. Lori Girard, who had the perfect life in every aspect, was watching her world shatter into millions of pieces. This girl who had always been handed everything on a silver platter was being deprived of the person she loved more than anyone else. A twinge of pity filled the sleuth as she looked at the other girl's trembling shoulders. This wasn't an act. Bittersweet memories of her mother, Ned, and Dave filled Nancy's head. Pain from losing a loved one never really healed.
"What did you say to her?" The sound of Joe's menacing question jolted the titan-haired girl out of her thoughts.
"I just told her the truth that when her precious daddy died, she would be happier. He's leaving her all his money, of course." Rolling his eyes, the inconsiderate police responded carelessly. Obviously, he didn't think he did anything wrong.
"I need Daddy not money!" Lori screamed as she jumped to her feet and blubbered more violently.
"But Lori, all you were ever interested in was your wealth." Frowning with confusion, Tino backed a few steps away as the blond ATAC agent glared at him furiously.
"Don't pay any attention to him. We will help you through this." Taking the hostess's hand comfortingly, the other woman promised.
"I…I…" Although coherent words wouldn't leave her mouth, the ever-thankful look in Lori's baby blue eyes said it all. Suddenly a hazy film filled her eyes and falling limp into Frank's arms, Lori passed out.
Author's Note: Here is my other author's note. First off, was that a surprise? What do you think about Lori now? How about Tino? Secondly, Dequincy, I will certainly try to write a crossover of Nancy Drew and the Rescuers. Would you like the Hardy boys in it too? Should it be a one-shot, short, or a bit longer? I can't promise how soon it will be out but I will certainly do my best! I hope that you continue to read this story too!