Chapter Seven

"Come on out, Nancy," Gidget yelled. "You're only making it worse for yourself."

Nancy leaned against a row of lockers, her eyes closed as she thought about what to do. Her heart pounded, the sound pulsating in her head. For one brief, flickering moment, Nancy contemplated on giving up. Her family was in danger and she had no idea where they were. What else could she do?

Looking down at her phone, Nancy saw the picture of her and Frank that she used as a screen saver. The two of them looked so happy when it was taken earlier in the year. Then the moment of weakness was gone. She knew that none of her family would want her to give up. They would want her to fight. They would want her to do something. Nancy closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She had made her decision.

Rushing as quickly as her legs could take her, Nancy moved away from Gidget, backtracking to where she left her duffle bag. As she stopped at the end of a row of lockers, she peeked around the corner to see Gidget walk away. Nancy shuffled on but immediately regretted it. Gidget stormed toward her, ramming them both into the wall of lockers. One of the doors popped open, the contents pouring out at Nancy's feet causing her to lose a little stability.

"I told you, Nancy," Gidget said through gritted teeth. She was pointing the syringe at Nancy but the young woman held her at bay. "You should have complied and just given in!"

Nancy lashed out just before the woman was able to plunge the needle into her shoulder. She landed a right hook in Gidget's face, then took the hand holding the syringe, hitting it against the lockers until the woman dropped it. Gidget screamed with rage as the syringe fell to the ground and Nancy stepped on it, the liquid oozing onto the floor. Nancy hit her again knocking the woman back, her body tripping over a bench.

Seeing her chance, Nancy moved quickly. Her duffle bag was in sight and she was able to wrap her fingers around the gun just as Gidget hit her from behind. The gun fell out of Nancy's hand and clattered across the floor. The two women lay in a heap and both looked to where the gun stopped. At the same time, they crawled across the floor to reach the weapon.

Gidget pulled Nancy back by taking her bad leg and yanking on it. The young woman cried out in pain but stopped only briefly. Determined to reach the gun, Nancy kicked Gidget in the face and made it to the weapon before her adversary. She aimed it at Gidget, both women heaving from exertion.

Nancy slowly rose, using a nearby bench for support, her gun shaking slightly though never leaving Gidget. The woman sneered at the gun then up at Nancy as she too got off the floor.

"What are you going to do, Nancy?" she asked holding her hands up. "Shoot an unarmed woman? You couldn't pull the trigger with Martin years ago and I highly doubt that you'd do it now."

"You don't know me, lady," Nancy growled. She aimed the gun higher. "Where's my family?"

"I'm not telling you that, dear," Gidget shook her head defiantly. "You'd have to come with me to find out."

Nancy cocked the gun and steadied her arm. "Where is my family?"

If Gidget was scared, she hid it well. The woman puffed out her chest and raised her head high. "No. Martin has plans for all of them along with you and Frank. Most especially you, Nancy, and I'm so looking forward to seeing it. He told me what you did years ago and wants to repay the favor. You don't have anywhere to go, dear. Just give up. I'm sure Frank wouldn't want you to leave him behind."

"No, he'd want me to fight, you psychotic bitch," she stated.

Nancy thought for a moment to end it by pulling the trigger but she knew it really wouldn't end there. Plus she would have to deal with the consequences. Instead, Nancy uncocked the gun and hit the woman square in the face with the butt of the gun. Gidget dropped like a sack of potatoes, her eyes rolling up into her head. Nancy stood over the woman for a second before moving away, grabbing her duffle bag and cane as she hobbled out the door.

The moment she entered the main area of the building, Nancy noticed there was no one around. She heard a pounding from one of the doors, someone yelling to be let out. Knowing that it was safe for everyone to remain wherever they were, she moved on in the hopes of getting to Frank.

As she went toward the lobby, she heard someone speaking in French. Nancy understood some of the words though not all of them but she knew the person was with Gidget. She peered into the lobby and saw a large man talking on the phone. He was nearly triple her size, his arms thicker than her body. Her heart dropped when she saw a body heaped on the floor. Frank was unconscious though she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw his chest move.

"Has Madam called?" the beefy man asked, changing to English. Nancy turned her attention to the man though she wasn't sure what she could do against him. The man cursed then reverted back to French. Moments later a dark van pulled up to the curb and a man got out of the driver's side to open the sliding door.

"Well, Monsieur Hardy," Frenchman replied walking back to Frank though there was no response, "it is time for us to go. Davenport is anxiously waiting for you."

Nancy looked around wondering what to do. She noticed a head poking out the side of the reception desk. Miss June looked scared and was about to move when Nancy shook her head, placing a finger over her mouth to let the woman know to be quiet.

Taking a deep breath, she walked out into the lobby, her hand at her side hiding the gun behind her leg. Her cane made noises on the tile floor prompting the Frenchman to look up from his task. A smile formed on the man's face the moment her saw her and laid Frank back on the ground.

"Well, if it isn't the little lady," the Frenchman smirked. "Where is Gidget? Did you bump her off?"

"No," Nancy shrugged, "but she'll have a headache when she wakes up."

"I knew Madam couldn't handle you," he laughed. "Never send a woman to do a man's job. Are you coming to 'rescue' your lover?"

"Let him go," she ordered.

"No. My employer wants him, same as you. You can come along quietly or we will have a little..." The man looks her up and down. "Oh, je ne sais quoi."

"Ew, I don't think so," Nancy cringed. "I can smell you over here." She pulled out the gun, aiming it at the man. "I said 'let him go.'"

"And I said 'no,'" the Frenchman said defiantly. He stepped away from Frank, coming toward her. "Come along, little girl. Put down that gun. We both know you won't hurt me."

Nancy cocked the gun, the sound reverberating around the room. The man halted, the smirk on his face melting before he sneered at her.

"You didn't hurt Madam and you won't hurt me. Give it up."

"I think she said to let him go," said a voice behind the Frenchman. The large man stopped, feeling a gun at the back of his head. Sam peered around him and looked at Nancy. "You okay?"

Nancy sighed in relief and nodded. She lowered her gun just as the Frenchman swung his arm around, knocking Sam to the ground. His gun fell from his hand and the large man kicked him hard in the gut. Sam gasped looking up at him. The Frenchman was poised to punch when a shot rang out. There was silence in the room and Sam stared at the look on the man's face. It was frozen in shock and pain before the Frenchman crumbled to the ground. Sam looked up to see Nancy aiming the gun at the large man, the barrel still smoking.

"Thanks, Nancy," Sam smiled, wheezing slightly. He felt for a pulse with the Frenchman then slowly rose from the floor, holding his stomach. "He's still alive but that's okay. Let's get you and Frank out of here."

"But what about the police?"

"I'll take care of that, Nancy," announced Miss June who was already on the phone. "I saw everything. It'll be fine. Go."

"Thank you," Sam nodded then looked at Nancy. "Is there anyone else that came for you?"

"Yeah, a woman," she nodded. "She was dressed as a physical trainer. She must have been here waiting for us. Her name was Gidget. I left her in the locker room unconscious."

"Gidget attacked you?" Miss June asked surprised. Sam and Nancy both turned toward the woman. "I'm so sorry. That woman was hired not long ago. She seemed so nice and worked well with the patients. She came to us highly recommended."

"It's okay," Sam reassured her. "It happens. You were all deceived. Make sure the police know about her too. We have to go. Now."

He went over to Frank and tried to wake him but there was no response. Sam felt for a pulse and found one though it was slow.

"Looks like I'll have to carry him out," he announced. "Do you have everything, Nancy?"

She nodded and grabbed her duffle as Sam hefted Frank over his shoulder. The three went out of the clinic but Nancy stopped when she saw the van parked in front of the building.

"Don't worry, Nancy," Sam replied seeing her hesitation. "I already took care of him. Get in the car."

Nancy followed directions then got in the front seat as Sam lowered Frank into the back. Driving around to Frank's SUV, Sam got out and pulled another bag from the trunk before locking it up. Moments later they were on the road heading away from the clinic and the sirens that were approaching. It wasn't until they were a good ten miles away before Nancy spoke.

"What is going on, Sam?" she asked looking at him.

"I got a phone call from Fenton," he answered. Sam went on to explain the conversation and of finding the Hardy residence empty. "I called Frank as I was on my way. I didn't realize that they were already there waiting for you. What happened to the other employees?"

"They were locked in one of the rooms," Nancy said. "When I went through the gym, I heard pounding and cries for help but I didn't know what room they were in. Plus I wanted to get to Frank before it was too late. Gidget said that he was being taken care of by one of her associates."

"Who is this 'Gidget?'"

"I..I don't really know who she is but she's definitely with Martin Davenport. Almost sounded like she loved him. They be married, I don't know. What I do know is that she was the one who drugged me back in July."

"I'm surprised you didn't kill her," Sam chuckled.

"Believe me, the thought did cross my mind," Nancy shook her head. "I knew if I did though, there would be worse consequences."

"Then why did you shoot the Frenchman?"

"Because he was going to hurt you and Frank," she said. "I didn't want that to happen. I knew no matter what I did, I wouldn't be able to stop the guy. It was the only choice I had."

"Well, thank you again."

"You're welcome." Nancy looked out the window, noticing that they were in the middle of nowhere. "Where are we?"

"North of Springfield and Bayport," Sam answered. "You can't really go anywhere else. I'm taking you out to a motel Fenton and I have used before. They know us well and they'll watch over you two while I deal with this."

"No, we're going with you."

"It's not up for negotiation, Nancy."

"I'm not staying behind. They have my dad along with the rest of the Hardys. Do you honestly think that Frank is going to sit back and let you leave us behind?"

"Davenport left you and Frank for last for a reason," Sam replied glancing over at her. "He must have taken your father while he was at the airport yesterday. Fenton was with Agent Taylor when he called me. The phone went dead not long after I heard someone ramming their car so more than likely they were taken too. Joe and Laura must have been abducted when they got home. There was evidence that they were there and I found Joe's gun in the corner of the kitchen. You had your appointment so they just waited until the right moment to strike. I just don't understand why they didn't attack you before your appointment."

"I don't know." Nancy looked away, thinking about the events that occurred. Nothing would have happened if she had just stayed home. Now her family was in trouble and she wanted to help. "You have to let us help, Sam."

"No, Nancy," he shook his head. "I promised Fenton to get you and Frank out before anything could happen to either of you. You are not 100%. If I let you help and you get hurt again, I'd never hear the end of it."

"But it's my choice, the same as Frank," she stated firmly.

Sam pulled into the motel parking lot and cut the engine. "How about I leave you here with Frank and I'll come back for you when I need your help."

"But…"

"It's the best I can do. I want your help, believe me, I do but this is tricky situation. I'll be right back."

Nancy watched as he got out of the car and headed over to the main cabin where the office was. She looked around the motel. It was surrounded by trees with bungalows instead of one building. Only a handful of cars dotted the area. Nancy thought about her father and what could be happening to him. She was worried and she knew that if her and Frank were caught, then Davenport would win.

The car door opened and Sam got back in the vehicle. "Looks like you're in the very first bungalow," he announced. "It's not much but it's better than being alone. I have you both in the same one just to make sure you two know what's going on with the other."

"You're really going to leave us here?"

"I'd rather you go up to Wyvern Manor, Nancy, but I don't think that it's feasible. It's too far out of the way and I wouldn't know if something happened to you until it was too late." Sam sighed. "The Hawkleys are protected by the Secret Service but I'm sure Davenport will think that you'd head over to the place and will lay in wait. Same thing goes for the Hardys. Just stay here for now. I promise to come get you in a day or two."

"A day or two?" Nancy screeched. "What are we supposed to do until then? Watch TV? Explore the woods? And what about clothes?"

He parked the car and went to unlock the bungalow. Nancy struggled to get out as her leg was hurting more than normal but she was still angry at the fact that Sam hadn't answered her. She watched the man lift Frank's body out of the car and carry inside before coming back out to retrieve the bags. He stopped when he noticed her folding her arms and glaring at him.

"Let's go inside and we'll talk there," Sam replied calmly. He tried guiding Nancy inside but she didn't move. Sam sighed and shook his head. The young woman was determined to find the truth and he knew she wouldn't move until she got it. "Okay, the bag I got from Frank's car is an overnight bag. Fenton told his sons to make sure they were always prepared for anything to happen. It has two sets of clothes and cash to use. Don't use your credit cards or debits. I don't think there's any clothes for you but you have your duffle bag. Whatever is in there may come in handy. If I can, I will bring you clothes when I come back. Right now, I just want you to get inside and relax for now. No one knows about this place except for Fenton, Laura, the boys, and myself. Nothing is going to happen. I promise."

Fenton was at the cusp of consciousness. He heard voices around him though none were familiar. His whole body ached and he could feel a stickiness on the side of his face. When he went to move to touch his cheek though, he found that his arms and legs wouldn't obey.

"Well, looks like our guest is finally coming around," replied a voice.

Fenton slowly opened his eyes, the world swirling around him. It took several minutes for him to focus but when he finally did, he wished he hadn't.

Martin Davenport sat across from him, a smirk etched on his face. Although he was slightly older than Fenton, the man looked much older than he should, an indication that life wasn't being very kind to him. Fenton stole glances around the room which looked to be an office of some sort.

There were others in the room though none of them were familiar with the exception of Melody who lounged on a couch. When she noticed him looking at her, she gave him in sly smile and waggled her fingers in a mock wave. His family was thankfully nowhere to be seen which made him think that they hadn't been captured. His arms were strapped to a hard, wooden chair along with his legs.

"Where…where are we?" Fenton finally spoke, his voice groggy.

"Somewhere safe for now, Fenton," Davenport stated. "I hope you don't mind if I call you by your first name. We are going to get very well acquainted while we wait for everyone to arrive and calling you Mr. Hardy is giving too much to you. I was somewhat concerned that you weren't going to wake up from your horrible accident though. My men weren't supposed to let you reach the prison but they also were not supposed to hurt you. I guess they didn't get the second message."

"What do you want?"

The man threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing. Fenton cringed as pain seemed to emanate in his head from the shrill laugh. "It's really quite simple, Fenton." Davenport rose from his chair and walked slowly over to him. Fenton's mouth dropped open in shock, seeing a man who was supposed to be paralyzed walk again. Noticing the expression on Fenton's face, Davenport laughed again. "I want to thank you so much for shooting me in the back, Fenton. It was a really eye-opener if I do say so myself. If it hadn't been for that, I wouldn't have met the love of my life. You'll meet her later once she's done with a task I gave her. I'll explain to you about my recovery later. It's actually a very fascinating story but it will have to wait."

The phone rang and one of the others picked up the phone. "Mr. Davenport, it's Gidget."

"Ah, here's my beloved now," the man smiled taking the phone from his goon. "Gidget, my darling. Did you get what I wanted?"

He stood there for a few minutes and Fenton watched as Davenport's face went from normal to beet red in anger. "What! I thought you and Francois would have this covered!" He paused to listen before continuing. "I'm sorry, my darling. I didn't mean to yell at you. You are not to blame, they are. Come back and we will deal with this together. We'll find them. I love you."

Fenton waited patiently as Davenport hung up the phone and stood still for a few minutes in thought. The man glared at him before nodding to his men. Two of them left briefly then returned with Jim Taylor and Laura in tow. The agent's face was bruised badly and his arm hung limp at his side. Laura looked unharmed though she looked upset

"Laura! Jim!"

"Don't tell him anything, Fenton!" Jim cried.

Davenport struck the agent, knocking him to the floor. The goon helped Jim up, steadying him with one hand. Laura was forced to kneel as well, her eyes fixed on her husband. The crime boss pulled out a gun but didn't aim it as he turned his head toward Fenton. The captive gulped not knowing what was going to happen but he knew it wasn't going to be good.

"Now, Fenton," Davenport said calmly, "you are going to help me out here or one of these two will not being walking out of here."

"Fenton," Laura sniffled.

"What do you need?" Fenton asked staring at his wife.

"I want you to tell me where your son would go."

"No, I can't."

"I'll give you to the count of three, Fenton," the boss smiled, cocking the gun.

"I…I don't know," he stammered.

"You're lying…One."

"I'm telling you I don't know!" Fenton yelled leaning forward, his eyes pleading.

"Two."

"They could be anywhere!"

"Three…"

Author's Note:

I really wanted to get this one out earlier this week but life seemed to get in the way. And now I left you with another cliffhanger! You know me and my cliffies. I will do my best to get the next chapter out quickly but I can't make any promises. I was really thinking of Nancy giving up but that passed through my mind in about five seconds. She needed to be stronger and as a reviewer said it's not like her at all to give up. I was also thinking that she would be rescued by Frank or Sam but again, tired of doing that. She needed to rescue herself this time. We'll see how the ending goes. Don't be too mad at me though about her not shooting Gidget. That woman needed to live to see another day but the Frenchman was different. Thank you everyone for reading the last chapter and a special thanks to those who left a review! I hope that you enjoyed this chapter and if you will, please leave a review to let me know what you think! Have a great weekend and God bless!