Chapter Five

"Where are we going?" Nancy asked looking out the window. "My appointment is at ten."

"I know," Frank smiled slyly as he pulled into a parking space in downtown Bayport. "This will only take a minute. I wanted to do this yesterday but since Dad wanted us to stay at the house until he got back from the airport, this was the only time I could think of. It's why I wanted to leave early."

"Okay, if you say so," she shrugged. "As long as we get to the appointment."

Nancy watched as Frank got out of car and walk around to her door. She took his offered hand and got out of the vehicle to look up at the modest, red brick building along the main strip of Bayport. Three buildings down stood the Hardys' agency. It looked closed but Frank knew that his father was already in his office going through the cases they currently had. Although it was Monday morning, the small town seemed to still be asleep with several businesses still closed including the bookstore in front of them.

"Come on," Frank nodded to the door next to the book store's entrance. He pulled out a key and opened the door revealing a staircase going up. "Sorry, about the stairs, Nan. They're not too bad though."

"I'll be fine," she stated taking each step slowly.

Minutes later they were at the top of the steps where the landing had one door and stairs leading up to the next floor. Thankfully, Frank went to the door and unlocked it. As Nancy followed him in, she was astonished as to how clean the apartment was and how beautiful considering that there was no furniture, not even a couch. The living room faced the street with a large bay window with a ledge large enough for someone to sit. Nancy went up to the window and looked out to see the town below. It was a view that made her fell at home.

"Well?" Frank asked biting his lip nervously. "What do you think?"

"This is yours?"

"Yeah," he nodded proudly. "A friend of Dad's told me the moment it was available. He owns the building but not the store downstairs. Dad helped him years ago and he knew I was looking a place to live so he wanted to help out. He takes really good care of his buildings and this was actually just remodeled. I was lucky to get it."

"Wow." Nancy looked around the room the saw the hallway leading towards the back of the apartment.

She slowly walked down the hall where several doors stood open. Looking into each room, Nancy saw a moderately sized bathroom, a small room filled with boxes and a larger room that seemed to be the master bedroom. Frank followed behind her wondering what her thoughts were but he didn't say anything. He just wanted to watch her take everything in before he said what was on his mind.

The kitchen was in the back along with a small area representing the dining room. The brand new appliances gleamed, unmarred by use. The refrigerator hummed softly in the corner as Nancy leaned against the peninsula. Another door overlooked a stained, wooden deck with an alley and small parking lot.

"There's parking back there," Frank added, "so I don't have to park along the street. There is also a back staircase that leads to the deck. This apartment is the only one that has it. The tenant above has to walk to the front of the building."

"This…this is amazing, Frank," Nancy smiled turning toward him. "I'm happy that you found a place like this."

"I'm glad you say that, Nancy," he replied. He nervously rubbed the back of his neck and looked away trying to find the right words to say.

"What is it?"

"I…it's just that…" Frank stammered before blew out a breath in frustration. "This is perfect place to share with someone."

"What about Joe?" Nancy asked innocently though her heart was pounding in her chest.

Frank chuckled. "I don't think so. He's a slob and we'd be fighting every day over who got the bigger room." He stepped forward, taking her hands in his. "No, I meant someone special to share it with. I've been thinking about it for a while and I know it's what I want. I want to be with you…always. I've wanted to be with you for a long time and this apartment was meant for us together. I want you to think about it. I know it's a big step and you don't have to give me an answer right now. Just…think about it."

Nancy stood silent, her blue eyes looking deep into his brown ones. She could tell he was sincere about furthering their relationship. She just wasn't sure she was ready. It was big step but she wanted to think about it before saying yes or no.

"I'll think about it," she finally said nodding her head.

Frank's face brightened and the two kissed before they went back through the apartment. The two paused at the bottom of the steps, Nancy giving him a mischievous grin. "There's only one problem, Frank."

"Oh?"

"There's no furniture."

Frank laughed and nodded. "I know. Mom's been bugging me to go shopping."

"Well, maybe while I'm here we could go together."

"I'd like that," he smiled taking her hand. "It will get Mom off my back and I'll be able to spend time with you. Sometimes I wonder if she wants me gone."

"I think you're right," she laughed as the two walked out of the building together. The town seemed to be awake as more people walked by. Nancy looked around as the two got into Frank's SUV. "I wonder about that with Dad too. He seems to be pushing me to move on as well."

"Speaking of, did you call him yet?" Frank asked. He started the engine then pulled away from the curb and headed out of town looking in all directions as he went.

"No," Nancy shook her head. "It's not uncommon though for him to not call. He sometimes gets really busy in his work and he forgets to call home or even eat. If Hannah wasn't around, I'm sure he'd go without meals sometimes."

"Are you worried though?"

"I don't know," she shrugged looking away. "I…I have this feeling that I should be worried but then I think that he's done this before. At least he texted that he arrived in Chicago."

"But Hannah called you to let you know she was safe," Frank pointed out.

"I know but they are two different people, Frank." Nancy paused to think. "I'll call him after physical therapy. Maybe by then he'll call and leave a message."

"Okay," he nodded though he wasn't so sure about it. He would have thought Carson would call instead because of the seriousness of the situation.

Frank looked over at Nancy who was staring out the window. He wondered if she was really okay after the whole ordeal months before but he wasn't sure how to approach the subject without upsetting her. The couple drove in silence to the clinic that was about fifteen minutes outside of Bayport.

As he pulled into the parking lot, Frank was relieved that nothing happened along the way but it still didn't give him a sense of security. When he went around the back of the car to grab Nancy's duffle bag, he pulled a gun from a case that rested on the floor. Frank checked it to make it was loaded and grabbed extra ammo before stuffing everything into the bottom of the duffle bag.

"Are you ready?" Nancy asked slowly coming around to him.

"Oh…yeah, yeah," Frank nodded quickly, zipping up the duffle. "Ready as ever."

"You okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"You're just…jumpy."

Frank took her hand then guided her toward the main entrance of the clinic. "I just want everything to be okay, that's all. I want us to be safe."

"Is that why you put a gun in the bottom of my bag?" Nancy raised an eyebrow.

"Just a precaution, Nan," he stated firmly. "I don't want to be caught without one and need it."

"I'm glad."

The two walked hand-in-hand into the building, their thoughts and eyes roaming. It didn't seem as if they were followed or if there was anything wrong but looks could be deceiving. Still they went into the clinic and were ready to start their journey to recovery.

Fenton was sitting at his desk at the office when his cell phone rang. When he saw who it was he quickly answered it wondering what his old friend wanted.

"Hey, Jim," he said. "What's going on?"

"Fenton," Jim Taylor's gruff voice replied. "I wish I was calling under better circumstances."

"Did you find Davenport?"

"No, that's not why I'm calling. I got a phone call from the state prison where Hunter Davenport was staying."

Fenton did an intake of breath hearing the name. Memories of almost dying in a fiery blaze because of Hunter came flooding back though he kept his composure when he spoke again. "What did he do now?"

"He's dead," Taylor said bluntly.

"What?! How?"

"Apparently there was a riot last night and he was killed by another inmate," the agent explained. "I'm on my way to the prison now to get some answers. I was wondering if you would come with me."

"Yeah, I can leave now." Fenton rose quickly from his chair, grabbing his coat along the way. "Where are you exactly?"

"I'm pulling into Bayport as we speak," he stated. "I was already in the city because of Martin Davenport's sighting. It won't take long to get up there and back. I'll meet you out in front of your building in a few minutes."

Fenton ended the call and quickly left the office. He waved to his receptionist and told her where he'd be before walking out the front door of the building. A sedan with government plates pulled up in front of him. Agent Jim Taylor was sitting behind the wheel looking grim.

"Is your family safe?" the agent asked as he pulled away from the curb.

"As best can be," Fenton answered. "Do you think Davenport's going to strike since his son is dead?"

"I'm not sure, Fenton," Taylor replied. "This is a blow to Davenport but you never know what might happen."

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, for one thing, I didn't get word about a riot this morning. It would have been somewhere in a briefing especially since I'm leading the charge for finding Davenport." The man sighed as he eased onto the highway. "I called the prison back to make sure and they did say there was a riot last night. I'm just so confused about it. Why would someone kill Hunter?"

"The guy wasn't exactly all there, Jim," Fenton pointed out. "He was a bona fide crazy, asshole if you ask me. He put my life and Nancy's life in danger at a renaissance fair a while back just to make his father happy. Hunter could have just pissed off the wrong the person in prison and got himself killed for it."

"Then I think you better call your family to ensure they're okay," Taylor ordered. Fenton nodded and pulled his phone out again.

"Hey, sweetheart," Laura's cheerful voice exploded the moment she answered. "What's going on?"

Fenton felt bad that he was going to ruin her mood but he wanted to make sure she and Joe were okay. He sighed as he explained to his wife what happened and where he was going. He could tell that she was worried when she told Joe to speed up to go home. Laura wasn't the type to push the boundaries when it came to driving.

"We're heading home now, Fenton," she stated seconds later. "What about Frank and Nancy?"

"I'll give Frank a call and leave a message," he answered. "I'm not sure he's going to have it on or not but I'll tell him to stay put. The clinic is a safe place anyway with the security they have there. I want you and Joe to stay put and set the alarm the moment you're in the house. Tell Joe to do a run through as well to make sure no one is inside and let Chief Collig know the situation."

"I will…and Fenton?"

"Yes?"

"Be careful."

"You know I will. I'll let you know what I find out at the prison."

Moments later, Fenton reluctantly ended the call with his wife then called Frank. Sure enough, it went right to voicemail and he left a detailed message as to what was going on. Frank would more than likely call him after listening to the message just to check in.

"Everything good?" Taylor asked.

"Laura is on her way home with Joe and Frank and Nancy should be safe and sound in the physical therapy clinic they're at. All of them know what to do if something happens."

"That's good because we have a problem."

"What?" Fenton looked over at his friend. Taylor was looking in his rear-view mirror, his face screwed up in consternation. Fenton looked behind them to see a dark van directly behind them. "How long have they been there?"

"I think it was when I picked you up," the agent answered nervously. He put his foot on the gas pedal and sped up only to have the van rev up, keeping pace. "Looks like we're in for a fight."

Sam Radley was sitting in his office fuming at himself. He ran late that morning and had arrived just moments after Fenton left. Shaking his head, Sam wished that his friend had waited so that he could go along as backup. If Hunter Davenport really was dead, then his father was going to strike at any given moment.

Shuffling papers around on his desk, Sam tried to concentrate on current cases they were working on which, unfortunately, weren't all much. He growled in frustration and flipped the top file closed. Why couldn't you have waited, Fenton? he thought.

Suddenly his cell phone rang and Sam grabbed it the moment Fenton's name popped up on the caller ID.

"Fenton!" he cried into the phone. "Where in God's name are you? Why didn't you wait for me?"

"Sam, listen," Fenton said quickly, his voice unusually frantic and edgy.

Sam's face immediately went pale. Something was definitely wrong.

"They're coming again!" cried another voice. Sam heard the sound of screeching tires and a loud boom before Fenton spoke again.

"Sam, I need you to get Laura, Nancy, and the boys to safety," he ordered, his words coming out so quickly that Sam almost couldn't understand him. "Do whatever you can to get them out of town. Laura and Joe should be at home by now but Nancy and Frank are at the physical therapy clinic outside town."

"Fenton, what is going on?" Sam asked grabbing his coat and heading out the door.

"I'm with Jim Taylor and we're being rammed by another car," Fenton answered loudly as another loud boom echoed into Sam's ear. "I need you to promise me that…"

Seconds later, there was a loud screech of tires and then silence.

"Fenton?" Sam said into the phone, his heart pounding in his chest. When there was no answer, he yelled into the phone one last time before the line went completely dead.

Sam searched the office not knowing exactly what to do. The moment passed and he ran out of the room, dialing Joe's number first. The call went immediately to voicemail and he left a message to have Joe call him back. He next called Laura only to find that it too went immediately to voicemail. It concerned Sam that he couldn't get a hold of either one of them as he jumped into his car and headed out towards the Hardy residence. All he could think about was to hope that he made it in time.

Laura looked up at their house as Joe pulled into the driveway. She was only feet away from being in the safety of her own home and it felt better to be there. Laura checked behind them but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Still something was nagging at her like something being off. Hunter Davenport was dead and more than likely things were about to heat up because of it. She called Collig the moment she got off the phone with her husband and the chief said he would send a squad car to the house until Fenton came home.

"Let's get inside as quickly as possible," Joe replied breaking her thoughts. "I'll check it out once the alarm is set."

Laura nodded nervously and the two got out of the vehicle, leaving the small amount of bags from her errands in the car. Taking the time to deal with the goods would only give someone the chance to sneak up on them.

The moment the back door closed behind them, Laura went over to the alarm system panel to type in the code. Joe pulled out his gun and moved slowly through the kitchen. He didn't hear anything beyond the kitchen but stopped the moment he heard a creak coming from the living room. His head swiveled to his mother just as the door leading to the dining room swung into his face, knocking the gun out of his hand. Joe stumbled back, his body forced into the dinette table, moving it several inches. Laura went to scream when a large hand covered her mouth and the smell of cigarettes wafted into her nostrils.

"Welcome home, Mrs. Hardy," a man said in her ear, his foul breath causing her to swoon slightly. "I take it that Mr. Hardy got a hold of you or you wouldn't be setting the alarm."

"Mom!" cried Joe from across the room. He tried to go for his mother but the man who had come into the kitchen from the dining room rammed his elbow into his gut causing Joe to double over.

Laura screamed from behind her captor's hand at her son as she watched the man knee Joe in the face knocking him out. Tears formed at her eyes as she struggled to get away from the foul-breathed ogre holding on to her but the attack was over long before it started. The two had been waiting for them to get home and now it was time to face the music and the severity of the situation.

"You cooperate, Mrs. Hardy," hissed the man holding her, "and I won't hurt your son…yet. Mr. Davenport has plans for all of you and he would like to deal with you and your family personally."

His partner moved toward Joe with zip-ties in his hand. He bound the unconscious young man's hands behind his back before placing tape over his mouth. Then the man moved toward her and did the same thing though he bound her hands in front of her. When he was done, the ogre holding Laura let go of her though he kept a hand firmly wrapped around her bicep as he guided her toward the back door.

"You don't run away or make any sounds to alert anyone," the ogre growled pulling her toward the garage though they didn't go in.

They kept to the side of the building and moved into the alley behind the house where a line of trees sloped upward. A van sat idling in the alley, another man sitting behind the wheel. Laura was shoved inside and watched helplessly as her youngest son was practically thrown in next to her. Their captors all got in as well with the last one slamming the van door shut, plunging them all into darkness and the unknown.

Author's Note:

I hope that everyone is doing well. Obviously our heroes are not fairing too well at the moment. Things are really starting to heat up and we'll find out more in the next chapter. Thanks to everyone who read the previous chapter and a special thanks to those who left a review. I'm so glad that you all are enjoying it especially now that we're getting into the nitty-gritty. Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed this chapter as well and, if you will, please leave a review, however brief it may be, so that I know you were here! Have a great rest of the week and God bless!