Chapter Three
"That was so much fun!" cried Bess flopping down onto the couch next to Nancy. George sat on the other side of the couch looking just as tired as some of the others in the room.
"Yeah, that was fun, wasn't it?" Candace replied. She rubbed her large belly as she sat in a wing-backed chair across from them. She was surrounded by opened gifts and bags from the guests who had already left. A large table ran along the wall behind her, still filled with uneaten food. "I'm not sure if I ever want to do this again though."
"Why not?" Bess asked perking up in surprise. "You get pampered for an entire day, get to unwrap presents for your little one, plus have all the food you can eat! What's not to like?"
"I think it goes further than that, Bess," Nancy smirked at her friend. "Candace just doesn't like the attention. Am I right?"
The expectant mother sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Yeah. I really hate being the center of attention but the pampering part does help a little."
"So," Vanessa piped in from the other chair, "have you and Parker thought of any names yet?"
"Well, yes and no," Candace shook her head. "We have a few in mind but we can't seem to settle on any just yet. We didn't want to know what we were having either so we're not in a real hurry to figure one out."
"You have time but I wouldn't waste it," Laura stated. She was sitting at a small table behind the couch with Hannah, both women sipping on cups of tea. "That due date will be here before you know it. Plus the fact that babies come whenever they are ready to come. I learned that with the boys. Frank was two weeks late and Joe, well, let's just say he wanted to come when I wasn't ready for him. I didn't even make it to the hospital with him."
The girls all giggled while Candace looked a little worried. Laura noticed it and smiled. "Don't worry, Candace," she said soothingly. "It's all a part of the story you tell them later."
Nancy shook her head in glee. "Frank late? I'm shocked considering the fact that he's never late."
"And I would have thought Joe was the late one," Vanessa giggled.
"Yeah, I know," Laura sighed, "but their personalities match the way they came into this world. Frank is methodical and thinks his way through while Joe is constantly in motion. He always wants to move, move, move even if it requires him to run someone over. Frank, he's the sensitive one. Their personalities clash all the time too. Makes me wonder how I lasted all these years with their bickering and fighting though it has tapered off in the last few years. I couldn't say the same about the last few months though. It'll be good to finally have some peace once Frank officially moves out...if he ever does."
"Which is when exactly?" Bess politely asked. Nancy shook her head and rolled her eyes knowing what her friend was trying to do. "Does it normally take this long for someone to move out?"
"Well, Frank wants to have everything in place before he really moves in there," she replied. "I guess that's where his personality comes into play. Having furniture is always good too but I don't understand why he wants to pay for a month's rent if he's not living there yet." She paused turning toward Nancy who shrank back a little. "I was hoping that you would convince him to get his butt moving."
"Me?" the young woman blushed deeply. Bess and George both giggled exchanging knowing glances. Nancy glared at each of them before continuing. "Well, I'm not sure what I can do. In fact, there's not much I can do physically."
"Yes, but you can help him or maybe even go shopping with him," Laura said hopefully, her eyes lighting up.
"Geez, Laura," Hannah said with a laugh, "it almost sounds like you want an empty nest or at least the start of one."
"You have no idea. At least Fenton has been keeping the boys busy but it only goes so far. Besides, he's got a lot on his mind and deep down, I think he still wants the boys home until everything is over."
Nancy sat quietly, trying to keep the conversation out of her head. She knew what Laura was talking about…or who and Nancy really didn't want to think about the man at the moment. She also wasn't exactly comfortable with where the conversation was going when it came to Frank but she didn't want to say anything that would sound condescending. The room seemed to be getting smaller for her and Nancy needed to get out of the room quickly, knowing there was a bathroom nearby. Grabbing her cane, she took her time in getting up off the couch though Bess and George tried to help.
"I got it," Nancy mumbled waving them off.
"Where are you going?" Bess asked as Nancy hobbled away.
"I'll be right back," she answered vaguely.
"Yeah, but…"
"Bess, do you need to know my every move?" Nancy snapped turning back to her friend who was surprised at the brash reaction. "I can handle it on my own."
With that, Nancy walked out, closing the door behind her and leaving the room in an awkward state.
"What just happened?" Candace asked confused.
"It's been really rough the last few months for Nancy," Hannah said softly looking toward the door. She explained to Candace what had been bothering Nancy, the others in the room listening intently. "She took it really hard what happened in July and I think she feels a little vulnerable." The older woman sighed and rose from her seat. "I'll go talk to her. Maybe that will help."
"No," Laura said, placing a hand on her friend's arm. She got up as well and walked toward the door. "Let me go. It's my fault we started that conversation. My tact is horrible sometimes and I put my foot in my mouth. I think it would be better if I went instead."
"Okay, Laura," Hannah nodded and sat back down. The group watched Laura leave the room before saying anything else.
"I didn't know that about Nancy," Candace stated the moment the door closed. Vanessa nodded in agreement.
"She didn't want anyone to worry about her," Bess said sadly. "Nancy kept a lot from us too but I think she kept more from Frank than anyone else. It's been better though the past few weeks especially after she got rid of the crutches. It was like she was a totally different person."
"And much happier," George pointed out. Bess nodded.
"It's good that she's here too," Hannah stated. "I just hope that she talks to Frank more like Laura said. He needs to hear it just as much as she needs to tell it."
Laura stepped out into the hallway only to find it empty. She heard the others in the room continue talking but ignored what was being said. Her goal was to find Nancy and talk to her. Walking down the hall, Laura looked into each room as she passed them. It was only when she was a few doors down from the room they were in that she heard the telltale sounds of someone crying.
"Go away," came the muffled response when Laura softly knocked on the door.
"Nancy, it's Laura," she answered calmly though her heart broke for the young woman. "Can I come in?"
Laura stood in the hallway waiting outside the bathroom door. It seemed like forever and she was almost certain that Nancy wasn't going to open the door when it cracked just a little. Two watery blue eyes looked out at her, the face wet and streaky from tears. Nancy stood aside, opening the door a little more to let Laura into the bathroom. Although it was still small, it was large in comparison to other powder rooms. A loveseat sat opposite to a sink and mirror while the toilet was hidden behind a door in the corner. The floral pattern of the loveseat brightened the room giving it a more inviting feel to it though to Laura it felt a little confining.
Nancy stared at the wall, her head turned away from the older woman who stood quietly nearby. She really didn't want to talk to anyone at the moment but she knew that if she didn't let Laura in, someone would eventually come by wondering what was going on.
"Look, Nancy," Laura began nervously, not knowing how she would react. "I…I know it's been hard and I'm sorry that I put even more onto your shoulders. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that."
"It's okay, Mrs. Hardy," Nancy replied turning toward her. She sniffled and grabbed a tissue from the tissue box on the table next to her. "That's not why I'm in here crying. I just feel overwhelmed a lot and as I've told Dad, I'm scared."
"And you have every right to be, sweetheart," the older woman stated sitting down next to her. Laura took Nancy's hand and squeezed it. "But you can be mad at me for bringing it up with Frank. It's been rough the past few months without you being here. He missed you a lot and I don't think he fully understood what was going on."
"I know. I feel bad for what I did but I needed some time to think. I guess that worked against me with getting rid of the crutches. I'm sure if I stayed I might be actually walking somewhat normally by now." Nancy paused, feeling the tears come again. She quickly swiped at her face, taking a deep breath. "I didn't realize Mr. Hardy was so worried."
"He is," Laura smiled sadly. "I don't think he really wants to admit as to how much he's thinking about Davenport and what might or might not happen. When the FBI and Secret Service pulled their details on us that was when Fenton started to really be concerned. If Davenport had done something before then, it would all be over by now. I think that's why nothing has happened. He's waiting for the right moment."
"I think so too," Nancy nodded. "It's why I never came to visit. I was afraid that Davenport would strike if we were all together. I guess that's a moot point now, huh?"
"It's all right, Nancy," she answered. "I think we'll be fine no matter what. We have the security system in the house and Fenton doesn't want any of us to be alone from now on. He's even going to have Joe go with me on my shopping run Monday. And if Davenport does try anything, I think he's in for a rude awakening. At least I hope so."
"I guess you're right," the young woman shrugged though she wasn't completely convinced.
"Maybe I am and maybe I'm not," Laura laughed. She wrapped her arm around Nancy and squeezed her into a hug, kissing her forehead. "If there's one thing I do know though it's that you make my son very happy."
Nancy blushed. "Thanks, Mrs. Hardy."
"Laura," she smiled. "It's Laura from now on. No more formalities for someone who's a part of the family." The two women hugged again. "Now if we could get Joe out of the house that would be a miracle!"
Nancy burst out laughing with Laura following suit and the two laughed for a few minutes before they heard a knock at the door.
"Mom?" Frank replied from the other side of the door before he opened it. Nancy quickly wiped her face before turning toward him though Frank noticed the action. "Everything okay? Bess said that you left the room."
"We're fine, Frank," his mother lightly reassured him, rising from the loveseat. "We were just talking. Right, Nancy?"
"Yup," Nancy nodded.
"Is there something you need, dear?"
"Yeah," Frank nodded his tone serious. "Dad needs to talk to all of us. Something came up."
The moment Frank, Laura, and Nancy returned to the others, they all could feel that the energy and excitement from the baby shower had left the room. Carson, Fenton, and Senator Hawkley stood just inside the door while Hannah, Bess, and George were still sitting in the places they were before. Joe was with Vanessa near a table of food along the opposite wall, a plate in his hand. Candace and Parker were the only noticeable absences.
"Are we all here then?" Fenton replied rhetorically.
"Yeah, what's going on, Dad?" Joe asked in between bites. "Why did you want us all here?"
"And not Candace or Parker?" the Senator nodded.
"They don't need to be here," the detective answered shaking his head. "I don't want to worry them at the moment with the baby coming in a few weeks. Less stress the better. But I do feel that you, Senator, need to hear this even though more than likely you'll find out about it later."
"I understand, Fenton. Just so you know though, depending on what you're going to tell us, I will more than likely tell Parker."
"That is up to you, Senator."
"Okay, so what's going on?" Nancy asked a little irritated. She sat down in the chair vacated by Candace and stared intently at Fenton, waiting.
"I just received a phone call from a friend of mine in the Secret Service," Fenton announced. "I believe you all remember Jim Taylor from the investigation in Florida a few years ago. He has continued to investigate everything going on with Davenport."
"My office has been working with him as well," Carson stated. "It's no secret that the investigation has continued even though Davenport escaped and subsequently disappeared. But why are you telling us this now?"
"Because Davenport has been sighted along with his daughter, Melody," his friend answered grimly. "It was just this morning…outside a Manhattan hotel."
Frank pursed his lips angrily, folding his arms in front of him. The news was not something he wanted to hear. Not today and certainly not on the weekend Nancy had returned. He glanced over at her, wondering what she was thinking. Her eyes were closed and her head leaned against the back of the chair. Nancy looked as if she was asleep but Frank knew it was the complete opposite. She was listening to every single word being said, taking it in and thinking. It was what she feared would happen and her nightmares were coming true.
"But they were caught right?" squeaked Bess, her blue eyes wide with fear. Although she had never met the man, she knew to fear him from the stories she heard from George and Nancy.
Fenton sighed and shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. They were apparently checking out of the hotel and it was just by chance that someone saw them there. The Secret Service has no idea where they are currently at."
"Are they sending agents to protect us?" Laura piped in nervously. She glanced around the room wondering if anyone else felt the same.
"They are but they won't arrive until Monday or Tuesday."
"But that could be too late!" cried Hannah.
"I understand that," Fenton held up his hands to calm everyone who had started to protest. "We were already planning on taking extra precautions the moment we found out Nancy and Carson were coming in. We just now have to move up the timeframe."
"I need to head home then," Carson replied. "Maybe I can get some information to help or maybe get a detail on everyone by tomorrow."
"Good idea but you shouldn't go alone. In fact, no one is going out alone anymore," he declared. "Laura and I already discussed this last night. While we're all here, each one of us will be with someone, large groups if possible. I know that the building where Nancy's physical therapy is located is well protected so Frank will be accompanying her there." Fenton looked at his son intently. "Talk to the security person there on Monday morning and get him in on it. Plus I want you to take a little extra with you, if you catch my drift. And Joe, you're with your mother at all times."
Frank nodded though Nancy looked a little put out about the situation but she remained quiet. Joe on the other hand, was a little more reluctant with his assignment.
"Seriously? Frank gets to be with Nancy and I'm stuck shopping with Mom? How fair is that?"
"Thanks, Joe," grumbled Laura, glaring at him. "I'll remember that on your next birthday."
"Sorry, Mom, but I just don't want to be walking around shopping with a target on our backs," he retorted. "And I can't take 'a little extra' like Frank can. I'd be arrested for that though I'd probably be safer in jail."
"Well, Laura," Fenton said looking to his wife, "do you have to go shopping on Monday?"
"There were a few things I needed to get, Fenton…" He gave her a look and her shoulders slumped in defeat. "But they can wait. We'll stay at the house on Monday. But...I do need to run an errand that I can't do over the weekend."
"Fair enough. That's the only one to go to, understand? Good. Now that that's settled, does anyone else have any suggestions?"
"We could get on the road tomorrow instead," George suggested looking over at her cousin. Bess nodded eagerly. "I highly doubt that Davenport would be interested in us but it wouldn't hurt if we decided to head to Wyvern Manor early."
Joe shivered. "Why in God's name would you be heading up there?"
"Daniel asked if we could come see the final preparations for the manor," Bess said brightly. "It's almost ready for the grand opening in a few weeks and he wanted our opinion."
"And Daniel said he needed some input on possible recipes and décor to use for the grand opening," Hannah replied. "Besides, I wanted to see the house. It sounds amazing."
"Yeah, if you're Stephen King," mumbled Frank.
"I think that's a good idea," Fenton nodded in agreement ignoring Frank's remark. "The less people around us, the better. We could send Vanessa up there too." He paused looking at the young woman. "That's up to you, of course."
"No, I think I'll take my chances around here," Vanessa declined. "I have to work all week next week and I have no personal time at the moment to really spare. I will check in if you'd like me to. That's the best I can do."
"That'll be fine," he agreed. "Right now, I don't think Davenport knows about Wyvern Manor since it wasn't really in the news when it happened. It might be a good idea if everyone went up there."
"Oh, Hell no!" his older son cried stepping forward. "I'm not stepping foot back in that house! I don't care what Daniel says!"
"I agree with Frank," Nancy said holding up her hand. "It's also out in the middle of nowhere. If anything were to happen up there, it would take hours for the police to arrive. By then it would be too late."
"Okay, I get it," Fenton sighed. He rubbed his temples in frustration. "But keep Wyvern Manor in your heads if anything does happen. It might be our go-to place for safety."
"Whatever," Frank shook his head. "I wouldn't be caught dead there."
"Well, Frank, it would be a good hiding spot in a pickle if Davenport doesn't know about it."
"Yeah, that's a big 'if,'" Nancy growled.
"I get it that you're scared," Fenton answered cautiously. He looked around the room at the anxious faces. "We all are but we need to stick this out until Davenport is caught. It will only be a matter of time before he makes a mistake. Sam is going to be helping out too along with Charlie."
"I really hope you're right," Carson replied glancing at Nancy. She was staring at the ground though he knew she was thinking about everything going on. "For all our sakes."
Ten miles outside Milford Point, a dark SUV pulled into the parking lot of an abandoned restaurant. It drove around the back to where a dilapidated shed stood before coming to a stop near an old dumpster.
"Why are we here?" Melody asked looking around. "I thought we were going to get…"
"Patience, Precious," purred Martin Davenport.
He stared out the window watching the road on the other side of the old restaurant. Soon enough, another car pulled in and stopped directly next to them. When Melody saw who got out of the vehicle, she scoffed and pouted, looking away. A woman dressed in scrubs got out of the car before entering the SUV. Gidget leaned over and kissed her husband on the lips then leaned back in her seat, glancing in Melody's direction with a smirk.
"Well?" Davenport asked not noticing the animosity between his wife and daughter.
"Monday," she stated, admiring her manicured nails. "That's what I heard. Too bad I wasn't assigned to them though."
He waved her off dismissively. "That's not what I wanted anyway," he stated. "You are to monitor only. You know that."
"Yes, Darling, but how much longer do I need to be there?"
"Only a few more days and then it will be all over. Do you have everything you need?" Gidget nodded eagerly and Davenport smiled. "Good. Now there's just a few more things left to be done before we can get started."
Author's Note:
Yay! Another chapter from me! I hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter. Thank you so much for the well wishes. Things are finally going back to normal around here though we have had some hiccups that we need to get through. Long and agonizing story on that which I won't go into here but let's just say it hindered some writing time. Anyway, as you may have guessed from the last few moments of this chapter that we are about to embark on our journey as to what Davenport has planned. I have a lot going on in my brain about this one but I also have a lot of ideas already written down. You're just going to have to wait and see what I have in store! Thank you so much for reading the previous chapter and a special thanks to those who left a review! It humbles me to know that you are really liking it so far. I hope that this latest addition was enjoyable and if you will, please leave a review to let me know what you think! Have a great weekend and God bless!