Author's Note:

Well, this is it, the last chapter before the epilogue. I have had such a delight in writing this one though it really isn't one of my best, I'll admit. But still, I love and appreciate all of the support you have given me throughout the past few months that it took to write this story. If you didn't happen to notice as you were reading, there were several instances of hints as to the direction I thought I was originally going to go throughout the story and the series itself. This was mainly with Parker's character. I have told a few readers about him so now I will tell you all. He was originally going to be a villain. Yes, sweet, concerned Parker was going to be a sociopath at one point throughout the journey. Hard to believe, huh? Although I would have liked to write him in this way, I decided to change him because of the direction I went (and also because several of you expressed that you really liked his character and you can only have so many crazy people in a story). And yes, he and Nancy were supposed to remain together after this story and get married but I just couldn't do it though that decision was already made just after the start of this story. The order of the stories within the series has changed as well but that explanation can wait for another time. Let's just say The Ghosts of Wyvern Manor was meant to be later in the series. You'll see why once the later ones come out. I have many of them planned out though the actual stories have yet to be written. Thanks to everyone who read the previous chapter and a special thanks to everyone who left a review! I hope that you enjoy the last chapter and if you will, please leave a review to let me know what you think! Don't forget to stick around for the epilogue that will be coming sometime after the holiday. Happy Independence Day to everyone living here in the states! The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays because it reminds us of the freedoms we have that we tend to take for granted. Our founding fathers paved the way for this great nation and we owe it to them to come together as one, rising above pettiness and hate. Have a wonderful weekend and holiday. May God bless you all and God bless the USA.

Chapter Seventeen

"What was that all about?" Joe asked coming up behind Frank in the hotel lobby. He had just witnessed the exchange between his brother and Parker and he was wondering about it. The two brothers watched as Parker walked out of the lobby and it wasn't until the man disappeared from view when Frank finally spoke.

"It was just a conversation between friends, that's all."

"Since when are you two friends?"

"Weren't you the one who told me to give him a chance?"

"I know," Joe shrugged. "I'm just shocked that you actually took my advice."

"I didn't exactly take your advice, Joe," Frank replied. His brother gave him a skeptical look. "Okay, maybe I did but all I did was apologize to him and we had a chat. Everything's good between us now."

"That's great." He smirked, looking at Frank with an eyebrow raised. "What did you talk about? Nancy, right?"

Frank just gave him a look and shook his head before heading back toward the restaurant where his lunch still sat untouched. Joe followed and plopped down across from him, shifting Parker's uneaten food to the corner where moments later, a waiter whisked it away.

"You ate lunch without me?" he asked in mock disappointment, eyeing Frank's food as he ate.

"No," his brother shook his head. "I barely started since I was talking to Parker.

Joe watched in amusement as Frank tried to eat his sandwich with one hand, his bandaged one obviously bothering him. "Do you need help with that?"

"No," Frank said emphatically.

"It's what you get for putting your hand on hot metal," he snickered. "I can help you cut that, you know."

"If I let you help, my lunch will be gone before I can eat it."

"Hey, I can't help it if I'm famished!"

"Joe, you're always famished," Frank shook his head and laughed.

"Boys!" The two looked over to see their parents walking toward them with determined looks. "We've got to go," Fenton stated.

"But I'm hungry!" whined Joe.

"Then grab a snack," his father suggested. "Sam, Carson, and Nancy are already headed across the street."

"What's going on, Dad?" Frank asked wiping his face. He pushed his plate toward Joe and the younger Hardy immediately took the remainder of the sandwich and chips.

"Chief Durham called," Fenton explained once Frank settled the bill and Joe wiped his hands on a napkin. "He wants all of us over on the horse trail where you two found Nancy in the park. Apparently the Stantons will be in attendance as well. I have a feeling we're going to find out the rest of our mystery and finally get some questions answered."

Fifteen minutes later, the Hardys finally reached the horse trail where Sam, Carson, Nancy, Chief Durham, Lt. Mahoney, the Benders, and the Stantons were all waiting. It was the first time Frank and Joe caught a real glimpse of Charlie Stanton along with his mother, Gloria. All four of the Stantons looked annoyed to be there though Gloria looked more upset than annoyed. There was one other person in attendance standing next to Whitney. Carter Johnson tried to keep a straight face though he was obviously nervous about being there.

The moment the Hardys arrived, Charles Stanton became red-faced, his voice booming among the trees. "Oh, this is just great!" he cried. "These are the ones who we've been waiting for? A couple of two-bit, half-witted private investigators who accused my kids of stealing?" Frank and Joe stepped forward at the man's seething words but Fenton and Sam held them back. "When this is over, I'm going to have a serious talk with the mayor about your job and how you handle things, Chief Durham!"

"Cut the crap, Charles," growled the chief rolling his eyes. "You know you have no clout with the mayor. They're here because they were the ones who helped catch Hunter Davenport and his men. They're more than just a couple of two-bit, half-witted private investigators so I suggested you give them a little more respect. I asked them to be here because they need to be here."

"I don't understand why we're back here anyways in the first place!" Stanton screeched. "My children are innocent until proven guilty and I don't think you have any evidence to support guilt! Besides, I don't see my lawyer anywhere around here so this is illegal!"

"I don't see how this is illegal," Durham said nonchalantly then looked over at Carson. "Do you, Mr. Drew?"

"No," the lawyer shook his head. "I don't see it either. There's no need to have a lawyer present unless there's a crime that's been committed."

"And how would you know? I don't even know who the hell you are!" cried Charles, his arms folded across his chest.

"I'm Carson Drew," he introduced himself. Carson held out his hand though Stanton just stared at it as if it had a communicable disease within its pores. "I'm a United States Attorney from Chicago. This is my daughter, Nancy who was here by invitation from the Hawkleys. Right now though, we're just here to find out the truth."

"Oh…" the man said nervously. He looked over at Whitney who sniffed defiantly. "Well, I don't have my attorney here so…"

"And that's okay," Carson stated kindly. "No one is trouble here. Like I said, we just want the truth."

"And that is?"

"What happened after the firecracker went off," Durham cut in. "We know that Hunter set it off and that it was what spooked the horses ridden by Ms. Drew and Ms. Bender. We just want to know how Ms. Drew ended up in the ditch. There's no way she would have gotten there merely by falling off a horse. And then there's the matter of the jewelry box that was found in a trash can."

Everyone looked at the Stanton family. If Nancy was angry, she didn't show it, her face blank. They all stood in silence, waiting for someone to say something. Carter Johnson was still next to Whitney, clenching and unclenching his fists as if contemplating something. Frank, Joe, and Nancy were discretely watching him and none of them were surprised when he took off running. What Carter didn't realize was his close proximity to Nancy and as he rushed by her, she stuck out her leg and the man went flying, landing face down in the dirt.

Joe hid a smile behind his hand as Nancy approached Carter, waiting for the onslaught he thought she was about to give the poor man. But she surprised everyone as she held out her hand to help him up instead of beating him senseless. When he was on stable ground, she looked at him intently and said "We're even."

"I didn't do anything," Carter grumbled, straightening his jacket out. He took a hand and swiped the dirt off his clothes and face.

"Chief Durham, I don't think there's any merit in arresting him for anything," Nancy shrugged. "Especially if he says he didn't do anything wrong."

"Wait, arrested? Nobody said anything about being arrested!" Carter squealed. He looked around at the others, his eyes wide with fear. "I…I thought we were here just to find out the truth. I said I didn't do anything wrong!"

"Then why did you run?" Frank asked, his eyes blazing. Carter shrank back a little at the look.

"Well, I…I…" The weasel of a man looked over at Whitney who glared at him. She pursed her lips and shook her head in warning. When he realized she wasn't going to say anything, Carter changed his tune. "I'm not going to jail because of your obsession with someone who will never love you the way I do, Whitney!" He looked back at the Chief and Nancy, his eyes sincere. "Whitney and I were walking the trail when we heard the firecracker go off and the horses crying out. We came across her lying on the side of the trail but the horses were gone. Whitney expressed that she wished Parker was with her instead of Nancy. She was furious when she heard Mrs. Hawkley's announcement earlier in the day and that Nancy was angry about it. Whitney thought to kill two birds with one stone by getting rid of the competition and showing Parker who his mother really was by making it look like she had something to do with the accident even though we both knew she didn't. So she told me to push Nancy into the ditch thinking that no one would be able find her but we didn't know Vanessa was with Nancy at the time of the accident. Whitney raided the pouch and took the jewelry box before throwing the pouch into the trees. We wanted it to look like Mrs. Hawkley interfered again like she did last year with Whitney and Parker."

"How dare you betray me!" Whitney screamed lunging for him though Frank was right there to grab a hold of her. "Get off of me, you creep! I'm innocent! He's lying!"

"Frank, let go," Fenton said calmly and his son obliged. Frank dropped Whitney and the girl landed on her butt with a loud thud.

"I told you not to touch my daughter again!" yelled Charles, his face a deep shade of purple. He was about to go after Frank but Fenton and Sam stepped in between them, pushing the man back.

"Enough, Charles!" Durham boomed. He looked over at Carter who was cowering against a tree watching the scene. "And you! Are you telling the truth?" The young man nodded quickly. "Why the hell would you think Mrs. Hawkley would want to interfere after announcing that engagement? You heard her, she was prouder than a hen laying an egg! Why would she ruin that?"

"I…I don't know," Carter shrugged. "Whitney was the one who thought of it. Not me. She was jealous and with the news and finding the jewelry box it pushed her over the edge. Whitney said the box should have been hers. That Parker and her were meant to be. Then we heard horses coming and we snuck into the trees. We ran off before anyone could see us. I had no idea who it was or why they were there. I just wanted to get out of there fast. I…I didn't mean any harm. I just wanted to impress Whitney."

"You liar!" Whitney screamed again. "You wanted to get back at the Hawkleys just as much as I did!"

"Whitney!" gasped Gloria. Charles' mouth dropped open in shock as well at their daughter's semi-confession. Whitney's eyes went wide when she realized what she said. She looked around at the others before landing on Vanessa.

"You know I'm not vindictive, Vanessa!" she screeched stepping toward her. Whitney looked at Nancy. "I didn't hurt you!"

"That's enough, Whitney," ordered her mother. The woman's arms were folded in front of her and her eyes were blazing with anger.

"I don't believe she did anything wrong, Gloria," Charles growled. "She's innocent."

"Oh, as innocent as you and Charlie?" quipped his wife. She turned her steely gaze to him and he stepped back in alarm. "When were you going to tell me our money was gone? When we lost our house? When the credit cards were maxed out?"

"Now is not the time, Gloria," he said through gritted teeth looking around at the others. "That has nothing to do with what's going on here. Just take the kids and go. I'll handle this."

"You most certainly will not, Charles!" Gloria cried. "I have let you make excuses for these two for years and I'm sick of it! It's no wonder no one in this town likes us! You're the one who made Whitney think she was only meant to be with Parker Hawkley because of his family's money! It meant that she had to have known that the money was gone! And Charlie is a kleptomaniac who steals from his own friends and neighbors. Did he know too? Why didn't you say anything to me?" She paused briefly to gather her thoughts. "We have a spoiled brat and a thief for children and it's both of our faults that they're like that! You made the excuses and I was complacent with it! Today is the first day I realized what we have done to our children and I won't have it anymore!" She turned to the Drews, her face pleading. "Will you be pressing any charges?"

"No," Carson shook his head. "Nancy and I agree that it isn't necessary."

"Even to teach her a lesson?"

"There are other ways to teach a lesson, Mrs. Stanton," he answered sagely though he didn't elaborate.

"You're going to listen to him?" Whitney cried incredulously. "And to Carter who is nothing but a worthless liar? Why not me, Mom?"

"Because you have been lying for years, Whitney!" her mother yelled back. "And your father has been lying for you and Charlie. You learned it from him! This is going to stop...NOW." Gloria turned to Charles. "Am I nothing to you, Charles? You told our children but not me?"

"You mean the world to me, Gloria," he purred though it seemed like he knew he was in a losing battle. "I didn't tell them. They found out on their own. Charlie overheard me with my lawyer last year and he told Whitney. It's why I pushed her to be with Parker so that she would be taken care of. I was only thinking of them!"

"Well, it's no wonder that she was so cruel to this young lady!" Gloria snapped. She turned toward Nancy. "I am so sorry this happened. I know my daughter will not change or apologize but if there is anything I can do please let me know."

"Actually, there is," Nancy smirked. She leaned forward and whispered something into Gloria's ear.

"I think I can make happen," the woman smiled and nodded.

"Wait, what?" Whitney asked confused, looking from her mother to Nancy then back again. "What are you going to make happen, Mom?"

"You'll find out later," Gloria answered glaring at her daughter. She then looked to her son who kept his eyes averted. "And as for you, do you have anything to admit?"

Charlie stood silently, rubbing his elbow nervously. He knew what he did was wrong but he always relied on his father to bail him out. Charles Stanton was already looking away so his son knew he had to come clean and take the consequences.

"I…I stole several wallets last year with a couple of friends," he said softly. "And this year, I did it alone. I just wanted some extra cash. I never used the cards."

"That would explain why Faye Warrington came forward about seeing you the night Frank Hardy's wallet was stolen," Chief Durham said gruffly. "Was that you too?" Charlie nodded slowly. The Chief sighed. "Well, then I guess this means a harsher punishment this time around."

"No!" Charles cried gaining his confidence back. "My son is not going to jail!"

"I didn't say he was going to jail, Charles," the chief replied calmly. "I will though make sure he is given community service this time around. That's what the boys who were caught last year were given."

"I might have a suggestion," Fenton raised his hand. Frank, Joe, and Sam looked at him in confusion. "I would suggest the community service for Charlie but does it have to be here in town?"

"What do you mean, Mr. Hardy?"

"Well, could he work for us as his punishment?"

"Excuse me?" Charles cried in shock. "What the hell does that mean? My son is not going to work some has-been detective."

"Charlie can come work in our office in Bayport," Fenton continued, ignoring Stanton's protests. "We are always in need of someone to help out and it could help in paying back those who filed a police report this year. His paycheck would go towards that until it's paid off."

"Uh uh!" Charlie shook his head. "I'm not working for nothing!"

"You don't have a say in this, young man!" his mother pointed out. She turned to Fenton. "You're willing to take Charlie after all this?"

"Yeah, why not?" he shrugged. Frank and Joe looked at each other in surprise. "Everyone deserves a second chance even a kid who thinks he's all that. We'll work out the details with the Chief here. If he wants to, Charlie can stay on once his community service is over and he'll be paid then."

"Fat chance," grumbled the kid rolling his eyes. Joe glared at him and was about to take a step toward Charlie when Frank stopped him and shook his head.

"Let Dad handle this," he said into his ear. "I think he may be on to something."

The two Stanton kids continued to protest while the adults spoke about what they would do next. Several minutes later, the Stantons left with Gloria leading the way and the other three with their heads bowed. Durham and Mahoney left soon after leaving everyone else to walk back to the hotel for dinner.

Frank and Joe were behind their family and friends. The two kept their eyes on Nancy and Vanessa who were walking in front talking to each other.

"Wonder what they're talking about," Joe pondered out loud.

"Keep wondering, little brother," laughed Frank clapping a hand on his brother's back. "It's none of our business."

"But you're dying to know, right?"

"Mmm…maybe just a little," he admitted.

The brothers strolled in silence for a few minutes listening to the inaudible mumblings of their family and friends. It wasn't before long that a fit of laughter erupted in front of them and Frank and Joe looked to Nancy and Vanessa laughing about something. The two girls seemed quickly to becoming good friends with the way they were but Frank had a sneaking suspicion that the laughter was at either his or Joe's expense.

"Am I being paranoid in thinking that those two are laughing at us?" Joe asked nervously.

"No, but again, is it any of our business?"

"No, but I'm curious," he pouted. "I…I like Vanessa a lot but she won't give me the time of day."

"Maybe you're being a little too forceful," Frank suggested. "She might not like that sort of characteristic in a guy."

"Says the guy who can't talk to a girl who's right in front of him," Joe retorted. "When are you going to go after her?"

"Joe, I have told you before to lay off," Frank grumbled surprisingly keeping his anger in check. "I will talk to her when I feel it's right and I don't think that now is the time. You and anyone else who wants to pry into my love life need to give it a rest. At least Parker wasn't annoying about it."

"Ah ha! So, you did talk to him about Nancy! I knew it!" Joe cried out. Laura turned toward her sons giving her youngest a scathing look. When he spoke again, Joe lowered his voice. "You gotta tell me what he said!"

"Joe, enough," Frank warned. "It's between Parker and I."

"Oh, come on!" he whined. "Please tell me!"

"Drop it, Joe." The older Hardy gave his brother a look.

"It's dropped," Joe threw his hands up in defeat.

Early the next day, the Hardys and Sam were packing their bags to check out. The evening before was eventful and entertaining having dinner with Carson, Nancy, Andrea, and Vanessa to celebrate the end of the case. As Frank packed his bag, he thought about the developments that arose over the course of the previous evening and that morning.

Carson was reinstated to the Davenport case by the Attorney General, something that surprised everyone since the case was more than likely a conflict of interest for the lawyer. However with Carson's record of being open-minded, focused, and unbiased, his superiors felt that he would be an asset to the case instead of a hindrance. He was set to leave for Florida with his old friend, Agent Jim Taylor who was taking Hunter into custody.

Nancy was heading back to River Heights even though there was really no need for her to rush home. Frank thought maybe she just wanted to get away from everyone after everything that happened. Although it seemed like the breakup between her and Parker was mutual, she did seem a little distant at dinner though she did keep up with conversation with Vanessa.

They also heard from Parker who was still at his family's estate. His mother was going to be staying in Milford Point for the time being while Winston Hawkley was in town. The senator finally had enough with his wife's shenanigans at the faire and asked her to leave and he would soon be filing for divorce, something that was a long time coming. Her resignation from the faire's council was immediate but she surprised everyone by requesting that Candace be put in her place until the council filled the position. Candace accepted the post while also quitting Mrs. Hawkley's employ. The faire itself would be reopening later in the week after the investigation was complete.

"You ready?"

Frank turned to see Joe standing at the door, his duffle bag slung over his shoulder. The older Hardy zipped up his own bag and carried it to the door. "I think I have everything."

"Well, you should," Joe quipped. "We weren't here for that long."

"I know but you know me. I just want to make sure I have everything."

"No, you're just stalling because Nancy is leaving soon too," his brother smirked. "Are you trying to avoid her or are you trying to bump into her? That's the question."

"If I happen to bump into her, that would be nice," Frank shrugged. "But if I happen to miss her…"

"You won't mind it either," Joe finished. He laughed as his brother stiffened slightly. Shaking his head, Joe left the room without another word.

Frank followed but not before he took one last look around the room for anything he may have missed. Absentmindedly, his hand went to his jacket pocket where the jewelry box was. The ring box that Parker had given him was hidden among his clothes in his bag. He sighed as he felt it in his hand, a reminder of what he needed to do before he left. Before she left.

"Come on, Frank!" Joe cried from the other room.

He turned from the room and caught up to his family who were waiting at the door. As one, they filed out into the hallway though no one was there. The elevator ride was agony for Frank. He hoped he didn't miss her before she left for the airport.

Once the elevator doors dinged open, Frank scanned the lobby expectantly. His shoulders slumped when he didn't see Nancy, his delay obviously causing him to miss her. When Fenton and Laura went over to check out, Frank went over to a couch and plopped down. Joe followed silently and sat down across from his brother. He leaned forward, grasping his hands in front of him, looking around the lobby.

"Say it, Joe," Frank growled. "I'm an idiot."

"I wouldn't say that."

"I fooled around upstairs secretly hoping that I missed her but not and now I'm upset that I did," he said sadly. "I need to apologize to Nancy but don't have the guts to do it at the same time."

Joe laughed after the elevator dinged nearby. "Well, I think you'll get your chance now."

"Huh?" Frank looked up to see his brother pointing toward the elevator where Nancy just stepped off from. She wore a simple pair of skinny jeans, calf-high brown boots, and a crème colored blouse but to Frank she would be just as beautiful in a potato sack. Nancy looked around the lobby before breaking into a smile when she saw the brothers looking at her. Joe waved her over and she took the few steps toward them with her suitcase in hand.

"I think I like you better like this, Nan," Joe replied after she hugged the two of them. "Those gowns were just not you."

"Tell me about it," she rolled her eyes. "I think Patricia had good taste but bad intentions. When are you two leaving?"

"Oh, once Mom and Dad are done," he replied, looking over at the main desk. "Which I think is soon. When do you leave?"

"Well, since my flight isn't until around two, I have maybe an hour to kill before I have to be at the airport," Nancy explained. "Dad already left with Agent Taylor about an hour ago so I kind of don't know what to do until I need to leave."

"Maybe we could give you a ride," Frank suggested. She raised an eyebrow and he balked slightly. "I mean to the airport, of course. I'm sure Mom and Dad won't mind us taking the car since Sam drove here himself."

"Yeah," Joe agreed. "Why don't you get the keys from Dad so we can go."

"Okay."

As Frank walked away, Nancy turned to Joe, her face concerned. "Is he going to be okay?"

"Oh, yeah," Joe nodded. "He'll be fine. Once he realizes what he needs to say. Go easy on him though, will you?"

"What makes you think I won't?" she smirked. She cocked her head. "Aren't you coming with us?"

"Well, I have to get home," Joe said sadly though Nancy had a feeling he was faking it.

"You do?" Frank asked as he came up to them with the car keys. His face went white.

"Yeah," his brother nudged him. "I have that…case I wanted to finish."

"Huh?"

"It's no big deal," Nancy said blushing. "I can call a cab."

"Nonsense," Joe waved his hand. "Frank would be happy to take you since I'm already…occupied with something else. Right, Frank?"

"Uh, right, I guess" he nodded nervously.

Moments later, Joe watched the two leave the hotel. "Oh, yeah," he grinned at his matchmaking prowess. "I'm good."