A/N: We're really getting into the thick of things now – review! :)

The Ghost of Emerson Campus

Chapter Thirteen

Nancy scowled at Terry Lee, wishing with all her heart that he wasn't so handsome and muscular. She stuck her nose in the air and flounced inside, with Bess floating in on her heels. After they had taken a seat on the leather couch, Terry sat in a recliner across from them and grinned broadly. "So...what can I do for you beautiful young ladies?"

"This is going to sound a little strange," Nancy began, forcing herself to look in his eyes and not his huge biceps. "But did you happen to walk in front of a car a few nights ago? A blue one? And then just run off?"

Terry laughed. "What makes you ask that?"

"Just answer the question, Terry," Nancy sighed.

"Why would I want to stand in front of a car?" he asked.

"Maybe you're in financial trouble. Maybe somebody told you they would pay you to do it. And maybe they're paying you to do a lot of other things for them."

Terry paled visibly. "Wha-? No, no way, girl. You're crazy." He was visibly upset. "You two need to leave-now!"

"Terry," Nancy implored, trying her best to win him over. "If you're in trouble we can help you. Please. Just tell us."

"I can't tell you what I don't know!" Terry insisted, now looking panicked. He shoved the girls toward the door gently. "Please, just leave."

"Terry...somebody has been kidnapped. His name is Ned Nickerson. Maybe you know him."

Terry's face turned a light shade of yellow. "Nickerson? Man, he's a good guy. He told me he'd gone home for the weekend. I didn't know he'd been kidnapped!"

"Terry, I'm positive that whoever is either blackmailing or paying you to do this is directly involved with Ned's kidnapping. The man who kidnapped him-Zapp Crosson-has a grudge against him. Ned was in that accident you caused the other night. Crosson kidnapped him from the hospital and has him hidden somewhere. He's planning on nursing Ned back to health so that he can kill him for revenge!"

"Look, Nancy, Bess, I really wish I could help-I do, but I-"

Suddenly something clicked. "Terry, why did Barney say that you needed him?"

"Uhhh..."

"He's the one!" Nancy exclaimed. "Red hair, tons of freckles; he's got to be related to Crosson somehow! He's helping him with the revenge against Ned!"

They heard someone clapping from the doorway. Three claps. Slow. Dangerous. The three spun to see Barney Longbottom standing in the doorway. No goofy grin on his face. Only a scowl and a MP5 gun aimed right at the three young people.

"Very good, Nancy Drew. And guess what? You, Bess, and Terry get to join Ned. Poor Terry. This never would have happened if Nancy hadn't let you know the whole story. You just thought you were doing silly little favors for your nerdy little buddy, didn't you? Standing in front of cars, sending prank e-mails, and getting a little extra cash so you don't get kicked out of Emerson because you can't pay. Well, now it looks like we'll all be together again one last time."

Suddenly, his cell rang. Keeping the gun on the three captives, he flipped it open. "Longbottom. He what? Okay, Zapp, I've got a few more buddies so we can have a real party." He hung up the phone and grinned manically at his captives.

"It seems your little boyfriend attempted to escape. Unfortunately, Crosson had to put him out of commission awhile. We'd better hurry up and get over there, or else our little reunion will be dampened by the permanent departure of the guest of honor."

A/N: Sorry to leave you all hanging there… *grins evilly* Guess you'll have to wait until next week to find out what happens next… :D Please review!

~Emachinescat ^..^