Author's Note:

Yay! An update from me! And it only took me over a week or so. Anniversary, my daughter's birthday party, getting her ready for kindergarten, switching jobs, cleaning house, and starting to nest...phew! August is a busy month for us! Anyway, enough of me making excuses, I do have a warning for this chapter. There's a little bit of adult content towards the end. Nothing bad, just a insinuations and a little bit of violence. That's all. Just to give you heads up. Oh, and the fact that this one is REALLY long! Anyway, enjoy the chapter and don't forget to review! You know how much I love them!

Chapter Thirty-Six

Carson smiled as he sat at the kitchen table eating a snack. It had been a few days since he spoke with Nancy again. She had been calling him every few weeks just to see how he was doing but it was the first time she called that he was smiling about. His smile grew bigger as he reminisced that day.

He was sitting at his desk in his office, looking over a file for a large trial he was handling. Carson was a little mad at himself for taking the case since it made him miss a much needed vacation with the Hardys in Florida. Rubbing his eyes, he looked at the photograph sitting on his desk. It was older than the one sitting on his desk at home but it still brought a tear to his eye. The picture was of Nancy at her college graduation. He was so proud of her for getting her degree in journalism. Carson thought maybe the long nights of staying up, waiting for her were over but that soon changed when she became an investigative reporter.

Carson sighed, missing her dearly. He hadn't heard from anyone in days for an update on her and he was beginning to worry that something bad happened again. As if in answer to his dilemma, his cell phone rang loudly, piercing the solitude of the room. Trembling slightly, he picked up the phone, noting the "unknown caller" ID.

"Hello?" Silence answered him though he could have sworn he heard a soft intake of breath. "Hello?" he repeated.

"Daddy?" replied a voice he had longed to hear. It was quiet, barely above a whisper but he knew the voice instantly.

"Oh, you have no idea how much I wanted to hear your voice, sweetheart," Carson finally said, a tear escaping his eye. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, Dad," Nancy replied through sniffles. "I'm fine now."

"When did you wake up?"

"Two days ago," she answered and sighed. "I had to give myself a chance to take everything in before I called. It's all so overwhelming."

"Yes, I imagine it would be. Frank told me about…you know."

"Are you mad?"

"Now, why would I be mad? As long as you are alive and happy, I don't care. Actually, I'm looking forward to being a grandfather. Maybe I'll finally retire so I can spend more time with you."

"Yeah, right, Dad," Nancy laughed, his heart quickening at the sound. "You retire? This I've got to see! Besides, it wouldn't be just me anymore. It would be me, the baby, and Frank."

"Well, honey, that all depends on him."

"What do you mean?" her voice suddenly getting a pitch of worry in it.

"It depends on if he survives my wrath. Frank is going to have to go through some hoops just for him to get back within my good graces."

"Dad!"

"Oh, ok!" Carson laughed at his joke. "He's alright by my book already with taking care of you. It's just that it feels like yesterday, your mother and I were bringing you home from the hospital. Now, my baby is having her own! It's a lot to let sink in."

"I know, Dad. Just don't be too hard on Frank. We've both been through so much."

"You know I'm kidding right? Do you know when you're coming home?"

"Not really. Frank is leaving on another assignment in a few days. He didn't tell me what it was though. I think he didn't want me to worry. I'm hoping that it's to finish this whole nightmare and he returns quickly."

"Well, don't you worry about him. Frank is capable of taking care of himself. You just get better and make sure you do the same. I don't want you worrying so much about him that you go into early labor."

"I won't, Dad," Nancy giggled. "I have Amelia here to entertain me. I have to go though, Dad. The doctor is here but I will call you again soon. Give Hannah my love."

"I will and I look forward to hearing from you soon, sweetheart. I love you."

"I love you too, Daddy."

The last thing she said to him that day still lingered in Carson's mind as he finished his snack. His life seemed to be getting better with the knowledge that the whole thing was almost over but he knew he was starting to slow down a little. Maybe retirement was what he needed. Since Hannah was out shopping, Carson took his plate to the sink and began rinsing it before placing it into the dishwasher. The thoughts of Nancy and his future grandchild being alive and well circulated his brain as he settled into bed that night. Soon he was falling asleep, the smile never once dissipating.

"How long do you think they're going to be gone for?" Nancy asked, rubbing her belly absentmindedly. She was walking in the outdoor gardens of the compound with Amelia. The older woman was soon becoming a good friend and confidant in a sea of unknown faces.

"I don't even think Mason knows for sure," Amelia replied, stopping at a bench to rest. Nancy sighed and slowly lowered herself to the bench beside her.

It had been over a month since Frank left with Drew and James to go on their mission. As far as she knew, everything was going according to plan but she still didn't know all the details. Even Kyla, who is monitoring everything from the base, wouldn't tell her anything about the mission. They were all worried that any knowledge would upset Nancy though she knew she could probably handle it better than they think. Even through being stuck in the dark about the mission, Nancy smiled as she remembered the last time she spent with Frank before he left…

"I'm so glad the doctor finally let you go, Nan," Frank said, holding her hand as they walked the hall. They were headed toward her new quarters, close by where the infirmary was located. Although she had free reign of the compound, Nancy was not allowed to leave the area for fear of her safety outside the fences.

"I am too," she said quietly. "I just wish you didn't have to go so soon."

The couple closed the door to her new quarters and sat down on the plush couch, snuggling close. The two didn't want to let go of one another since it was the first time they were "alone" in months. Frank tenderly kissed her forehead as Nancy smiled softly into his shoulder.

"I know," he replied sadly, "but Mason wants this taken care of before I have to be back for you and the baby. Will you be okay while I'm gone?"

"Oh, yeah, sure," Nancy pouted a little. "I'll just stay here and be bored out of my skull while you're off having all the fun."

"Don't worry, Nan," Frank looked down at her. He ran his fingers through her strawberry blonde hair. "I think you'll find something to do. Maybe Kyla will need help."

"Maybe," Nancy replied though her mind wandered again.

"Something else is bothering you." It wasn't a question, more of an observation.

"What if you don't come back?" Nancy looked up into his brown, her own welling with tears. "I don't know if I could make it without you. What if you don't get back in time?"

"A lot of 'What ifs' but I don't think you need to worry. James and Drew are just as capable as I am and we'll have a team with us too."

"James and Drew, hard to believe that they'd been working for Mason all these months."

"I know. Both of them seem to be enjoying themselves although I'm getting tired of everything. I miss a good mystery to solve not just chase the bad guys who are out to get us."

"Me too!" Nancy perked up, sitting on her knees. Her bulging belly bounced with her as she excitedly jumped on her knees. "Maybe there's a mystery here I can solve while you're gone! That could cure my misery!"

"Good luck with that," Frank chuckled. He missed seeing the twinkle in her eyes that now resonated with the prospect of a mystery. "I'm sure there are plenty of missing personal items you could help find."

"You mock me, sir!" Nancy swatted his arm. "I'll have you know that I could have sworn I heard the nurses complaining about missing medical supplies. They've been gossiping about it for days!"

"Okay! Okay! You win!" Frank relented after her barrage of playful hits. "Find out who is stealing the supplies. But first I'm going to solve the mystery of the thief who stole something me."

"Oh? And what is that?"

"My heart." Nancy squealed in delight as she saw Frank coming toward her, scrambling off the couch as quickly as her body would let her.

Nancy's last thoughts were of Frank catching her, planting a loving kiss on her lips as she heard her name being called.

"Nancy? Earth to Nancy?" Amelia was saying, trying to get the young woman's attention. Although there was a look of sheer joy on Nancy's face, Amelia was concerned she was becoming too distant to come back to reality.

"What? Oh. Sorry, Amelia," Nancy blinked several times though her smile was still there. "I was just…thinking."

"I know but it's time to go in for dinner," Amelia stated, rising from the bench. She held out her hand to help Nancy up.

"One of these days, you're going to need a backhoe to get me up," Nancy laughed as the two women went into the building.

"Oh, I'm sure Mason would be happy to provide one for you." The women continued laughing as they walked down the hall, the aromas of dinner from the cafeteria wafting around them. Neither one of them noticed the janitor nearby who had a keen interest in them.

Frank stared at the 4-story building in front of him. A group of men and women stood behind him, awaiting his orders. They hailed from both the Network and Mexican Police, although the latter was harder to find people who were not already corrupted. When they finally found the right building two weeks before, Frank, James, and Drew realized that they were going to need more help than just the Network people. There was more security than they anticipated as if someone knew they were coming.

Frank barely made out the "customers" that continually went in and out, disgusted with the thoughts of what went on within the walls of the building. He badly wanted to rush in there and get the women out of harm's way. Anyone who would take these girls from their homes and bring them to a pit like this only to be used as a piece of meat was despicable. There were people looking for these girls, waiting on baited breath for their safe return. Frank wanted to make sure that happened along with wiping out the last remnants of Powers' empire. This was just the last thing to do before it was all over. Or at least Frank hoped it was.

With the baby arriving in less than a month, he wanted to be with Nancy. He missed the tender moments they shared together plus being able to feel the baby kick beneath his hand. Frank knew she was safe for the moment but he was still worried about Powers finding out she was alive.

"Frank?" came a voice in his ear. He shook his head to get the more pleasant thoughts out of his mind and back to the depressing present. "I think now is a good time."

"Why do you think that, Drew?" Frank replied softly, looking back at the building.

"Just a hunch," the older man laughed. "Plus the fact that the outside guards are about to change shifts on this side of the building."

"I concur," replied James' voice. The three men were stationed at the different entry points to the building, watching and waiting for the right moment to strike. Frank was at the main entrance in front, while James was stationed at a less used side entrance, though it was still guarded. Drew was at the back where the delivery trucks came and went. Each man had a contingent of men and women to help with the raid.

"All right," Frank stated, watching the front door again. Several guards were talking, three of whom were preparing to leave. Perfect timing to get rid of more guards. "Go!"

As one, the three groups descended on the building, taking the guards by surprise. The men never got out a shout or shot as guns with silencers ripped through them. Frank stopped at the main double doors, peering inside through small glass windows. Giving a silent countdown to the men and women around him, he slowly opened the door to let them in to what looked like a scruffy looking lobby. An older woman sat at the desk, her eyes wide with fear as she watched Frank and his team enter the lobby. Motioning for her to move toward him, she rushed out the door, not looking back as the team moved to the right. James' team would be coming from the left.

It took a matter of minutes to secure the first floor, noticing the women were not around. The guards they came across were in their rooms, sleeping and never knowing what happened until it was too late. Thinking the women were on the upper floors, Frank ordered his team up the stairs, coming to a long hallway with doors. Crude sounds and music emanated through the doors as they began their search. Opening the first one, Frank noticed it was empty with just a bed, night stand and dresser. The lights were low in the room and the bed unmade. Unfortunately, the next rooms were not so empty. Most of the rooms they came upon had scantily-clad women in them who looked dazed and drugged as they lazily laid on their beds. Some had "clients" with them who were soon led to the hallway, handcuffed and ready to be processed.

The guards on the floor were easily taken out while some of the "clients" fought back as well. Two more floors were the same, ending with barely any guards on the top floor. Counting in his head, Frank became confused thinking there should be more girls. Several rooms were empty as if they had been occupied just a day or two before.

"All clear, Frank," James replied, walking up to him.

"Uh, Frank?" came Drew's voice over the com.

"What is it?"

"You better come down to the basement. We've cleared it of guards but there's something you need to see."

Frank ordered the teams from the Mexican Police to take the "clients" outside. The Network teams would help the girls and eventually take them to the airport to leave for the States. Frank and James headed downstairs, finding Drew waiting for them in the basement.

"I found a bunch of women in a room here," he explained as they walked to the first set of doors. "They look unharmed and don't seem to have any drugs in their systems."

Drew opened the door to reveal about fifty women and girls ranging in age, huddled in small groups. Their clothes were dirty as were their faces but their eyes looked to the three men in hope.

"My god," Frank whispered, shocked. He saw at least one girl who looked to be about twelve years old.

"Some of them just arrived not two days ago," Drew said quietly. "But this isn't what I wanted to show you."

Frank followed him down the hall, away from the room. James stayed behind to help with getting the girls upstairs. As Frank and Drew continued, bodies of guards and men littered throughout the hall as if a big battle ensued moments before. Drew soon came to a door and stopped.

"This is the worst thing I have ever seen, Frank," he said as he slowly opened the door. A stench so vile billowed out causing Frank to put his hand to his face. Even before Drew turned the lights on, Frank knew what the stench was: death and decay.

He gasped as the room illuminated, revealing a small room void of anything except about a dozen or so dead bodies. It explained the empty rooms Frank found upstairs but that wasn't what bothered him the most. Each girl had similar traits as if purposely chosen to be an example. He realized Powers knew he would be able to infiltrate the brothel and bring it down. The crime boss left a calling card just for Frank, for each girl had either red or strawberry-blonde hair. Blood riddled the floor, each body showing two bullet holes in the chest.

As Frank was about to leave the scene, unable to look at it anymore, a phone rang nearby. Looking around, he found a cell phone lying on top of one of the bodies. Carefully picking it up, Frank answered cautiously.

"Ah, Frank! How are you doing?" replied a voice that made Frank's blood boil over. "I see that you are admiring my gift."

"I wouldn't really call this a gift, Powers," Frank grumbled. He looked around, soon finding a red light in the corner of the room where a camera was perched. "What the hell is this?"

"Oh, just a little something that I thought you might enjoy. Tell me, How's Nancy doing? I'm sure she's getting ready to 'pop' wouldn't you say?" Powers laughed at his little joke as Frank stood fuming. "I have to admit, Frank, you got me good. I seriously thought Nathan killed her in London. That is until you popped back up on the grid when you took out my gun runners. It didn't take much to figure out where you were located. I placed a plant at the same facility that I helped design, he took a few pictures and she suddenly was alive again. You should have been more careful about where you put Nancy. I thought you would have put her as far away from you as possible. *sigh* I guess I'll just have to go visit her myself to keep her company."

"You stay away from her, you sick son-of-a-bitch!" yelled Frank. Powers laughed on the other line.

"Temper, temper, Hardy. Tsk tsk. You should really think about staying a little closer to her as she is about to have a baby. Take a wild guess as to what I'm staring at right now…No guess? Well, I must say, the base looks fantastic since the last time I saw it. All I have to do is walk right through the gates. Do you think she'll give me a hug? I hope so."

"When I get my hands on you…"

"Now, Frank," Powers interrupted, tsking again. "You know you're at least an hour and a half away by plane. If I'm right outside the gates, do you honestly think you'll make it before I get to her?"

Frank threw the cell phone across the room, Powers' laughter going with it. It smashed into a thousand pieces as it hit the wall, stopping the laughter abruptly.

"We need to get back to El Paso, NOW," Frank stated to Drew. James had appeared during the phone call and neither one of them said a word as Frank stormed past them. He pulled out his own cell phone and dialed a number he knew by heart.

"Mason?" Frank growled when the director answered. "We have a problem."