Thanks to all of you that are still reading. I appreciate your feedback!

Chapter 8

Nancy was the first one to wake the next morning. Relieved to have a few minutes to herself, she tiptoed downstairs to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. As she sat down with her mug, she reflected on the night before.

Frank had been a perfect gentleman, as usual. She was certain he had been about to kiss her at one point and had to admit that she was more than a little disappointed when he didn't.

Nancy closed her eyes and sighed in frustration. They were grown adults behaving like shy teenagers. She knew what was at stake if things didn't work out, but she also knew things couldn't continue like this.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Laura entered the room. "Oh, Nancy, I didn't realize you were up," she smiled warmly.

"Good morning," she said smiling back. "Can I fix you some coffee?"

"That would be lovely," she said gratefully. "Thank you."

"No problem," she said as she poured a second cup. "I've always been an early riser."

"Like Frank," Laura observed. "He always was the first one up."

Nancy blushed at the mention of his name hoping his mother couldn't somehow read her earlier thoughts.

"It has been good for the boys having you here, Nancy. We hope that you'll stay."

"It has been good for me," she replied honestly. "After we finish this case I hope to figure out a next step."

Laura watched the young woman before her. She had always considered her to be like a daughter, but had a feeling that might end up being a little closer to reality than she had previously imagined. "As long as you know you are welcome here as long as you need."

"As long as you need," Fenton agreed joining them in the kitchen. Just as he prepared to pour his own cup of coffee, his cell phone buzzed. Looking at the message on the screen, he turned to Nancy. "Better make this next cup to go, my dear. That was Mike. We're needed right away."


Fenton and Nancy met Frank and Joe at the Jacobs' home as quickly as possible. The place was swarming with police officers and Nancy was not sure at first they would be allowed in the house at all. Eventually, they had been able to talk their way in and made their way to where the family had gathered.

"What on earth is going on?" Fenton asked as soon as they were able to pull Mr. Jacobs away.

"We had a phone call from Cara," he said frantically.

"What? When? What did she say?" Joe pressed for information.

"Right before I texted Fenton. She said not to worry that she was safe, but she…she sounded scared," Mr. Jacobs continued his voice cracking. "The police are trying to trace the call now."

"Did she say anything else?" Nancy asked urgently. "Could you hear any noises in the background?"

"No, she said she was safe and we immediately began asking questions, but the call ended before we could get any more information."

While Fenton attempted to comfort Mr. Jacobs, the others went to see what they could find out from police. Frank saw Detective Con Riley standing outside and went over to talk with him. They had worked on cases with Riley before and counted him as a friend.

"Any luck tracing the call, Con?" he asked shaking the other man's hand in greeting.

Riley hesitated at first, but eventually gave in. He knew it was pointless to try and keep anything from the Hardy boys. They would find out eventually anyway. "It was likely a burn phone, but we were able to narrow it down to an area around the tower near Barmet Bay. We have crews headed there now to search the area."

"How large of an area are we talking?"

Riley just shook his head. Unless they turn the phone back on, it could be a good 30 or 40-mile radius.

Frank sighed. "At least we know they are still close by."

Riley looked sharply at Frank. "I know you boys are working this case and we appreciate the help, but this could be very dangerous. Let us do the searching," he begged.

Frank just smiled. "We can handle ourselves, Con. Besides, you know we can't just sit and do nothing while Cara is missing. Especially with a new lead."

"That's what I was afraid of," Con muttered under his breath.


Seeing there were no new leads to be found at the house, Nancy, Frank, and Joe headed towards the search area. Fenton went back to the office to look for anything to connect their suspects to that particular spot.

"We don't even know where to begin," Nancy sighed. "It's like looking for a needle in a haystack."

Joe had been unusually quiet and now spoke up, "Maybe not…" he began. "We think that the motive in kidnapping Cara was revenge for what happened in Crayton… the business shutting down, increased crime, and ultimately the death of Paul Fernandez…. correct?"

Frank and Nancy agreed as Joe continued. "Greene Street is not far from that cell tower. It used to be a popular spot for both locals and tourists, since it is right on the water, but I heard Chief Collig just a few weeks ago telling Dad how crime has really picked up in that area and a lot of shops have closed."

A look of recognition crossed Nancy's face. "How many buildings?"

"Probably only 10 or 12" Frank said excitedly. "Joe, call Dad and tell him our suspicions. We can be there in 10 minutes," he added as he picked up speed.

Of the buildings on Greene Street, only eight were occupied. The detectives decided it made the most sense to search the abandoned buildings first. "Dad called the police," Joe informed the others. "They are on their way. They want us to wait for them."

"Cara might not have that long," Nancy argued. "We don't know what they might be planning."

They all looked at each other and nodded. They were all licensed to carry weapons and Nancy knew the other two had their guns just as she did. They rarely needed them, but it was important they were able to protect themselves if the need arose. It was settled. They were going in.

The first building appeared to have been a movie theater in a former life. Nancy imagined that it had been quite charming at one time, but the chipped paint and layers of grime hid all that was left of its original façade.

"Over here!" Frank called from the side of the building. What had likely been a service entrance when the place was functional had been easy for him to open. He held up a finger to his lips signaling for them to be quiet. Joe and Nancy nodded, guns out, as he slowly pulled open the door.

The room was empty except for several boxes of movie memorabilia and a disgustingly thick layer of dust. They quickly went through sweeping each room before Nancy stopped suddenly. "Shhh...listen," she whispered. Coming from what appeared to be a small broom closet was a very faint, but unmistakable whimpering sound. Nancy opened the door slowly to reveal a young woman on the floor, her legs bound and mouth gagged. Visibly shaking, Nancy could see the fear in her eyes as she knelt down beside her.

"Cara?" she said soothingly. "It's okay. My name is Nancy Drew and we are here to help."

Please let me know what you think! :)