Author's Note:
Hey there everyone! I hope that your weekends are going well. I honestly had a hard time figuring out this chapter BUT it's here and I'm very proud of it! My problem was flow and to see where the story was taking me which is why it took a little longer to get out. Thanks to everyone who has continued to read and support this story! I also greatly appreciate those who left reviews for the last chapter! Smithy, you were very vocal on the chapter and thank you for pointing out my mistakes! Yes, I am notorious for using the same words over and over again and I do apologize for that. I'm trying though and thesaurus is definitely becoming a friend of mine! Hopefully this chapter was a little better in that respect. I am also not a fan of the Kardashians, the publicity hounds that they are. Anyway, enjoy the chapter and if you would like, please leave your mark so that I know you were here! Until next time, have a great week and God bless!
Chapter Eight
The room seemed to erupt in conversation the moment the Shannons were gone. Joanna Stein stepped off the stage and came over to greet Nancy.
"Oh, I'm so glad you stopped by, dear," she said cheerfully. "Martin Shannon has been trying to get me to agree to the sale and hearing you deny him was just icing on the cake for me."
"This isn't what I expected to hear, Joanna," Nancy replied sadly. "Why didn't you come to me earlier about the payment?"
"I'm so sorry, Nancy," the woman apologized. "It's all been so overwhelming and with some of the board members taking Martin and his client's side it was heartbreaking. I didn't want to worry you."
"It's okay," the younger woman smiled. "I just need to know what needs to be done besides what I've seen so far."
"Why?" Joanna asked confused. Frank and Joe also looked confused while Bess and George stood knowingly nearby.
"Because I have a plan," Nancy smiled again. She turned toward the rest of the crew who all stopped when she cleared her throat. "I want everyone to go home for the day, including the cast. Enjoy your evening and come back tomorrow ready for the day. Don't worry about the mess. Someone will get it."
Murmurs escaped the mouths of the crew though no one really complained as they left the stage area. Joanna and the Hardys waited patiently until everyone had gone and the door closed behind them. They all looked to Nancy and waited.
"I called David," she announced. Frank shook his head though he didn't protest. "He's going to donate new lighting and stage equipment along with a new sound system and security system. They'll be here within the next two hours to begin. Whoever is committing the acts of sabotage will get a rude awakening when they're caught red-handed."
"How did you get David to agree to this?" Frank asked as Joe whooped with excitement. "He hasn't exactly been forthcoming with us about a few things."
"I called him for advice and he volunteered to help, Frank," Nancy answered calmly. She stood on her tip toes and gave him a peck on the cheek. The next thing she said she whispered in his ear. "I know you don't trust him at the moment but he wants to help. All I ask from you is your support."
Frank stared at the ground then nodded. "Okay. I'll trust him…for now."
"Thanks," she smiled then turned to Bess and George. "Ready to go?"
They both nodded and the three turned to leave.
"Wait," Joe stopped them. "We have to ask you guys something."
"Joe, don't," Frank warned.
"It's nothing that they can't handle, big brother," he said calmly. "I just want to know about Jared and I'm sure you do too."
"Jared?" Nancy asked, looking surprised. "As in Jared MacMillan?"
"So you do know him," Frank stated.
"Of course we do!" cried Bess stepping forward. "He was the little weasel who followed Deirdre around all the time in high school. He even tried to point blame on us for things she did!"
"So what he told us was partially true?"
"That depends on what he said." Nancy cocked her head curious, her eyebrow arced. She folded her arms in front of her and stared at her husband intently, waiting for his response. Frank instantly regretted bringing it up but Joe saved him the trouble of answering her.
"The way he was talking," he piped in, "it sounded like he has a thing for Deirdre. Only thing is that I saw nothing but pure contempt from her while he was trying to talk to her earlier."
"Well, yeah," she shrugged. Nancy eyed Frank wondering what Jared really said. "Jared follows Deirdre around like a lost puppy and she's tolerated it because of how much he loathes us. He only hates us because of her."
"Deirdre is a bully,too," George growled. "She used to pick on the kids who didn't have money like she did. Jared would berate anyone who tried to stand up for those kids which included us at times. Anything he told you about us was more than likely a flat-out lie to save face."
"Wait, didn't he get kicked out of choir at some point?" Bess asked her cousin.
"Oh yeah!" she nodded. "That was because he made fun of Matt in front of Mr. Gower, the Drama teacher. Jared and Matt were always trying out for the leads in the musicals at school with Matt always landing them while Jared got a smaller part."
"No, he was kicked off the musical," Nancy pointed out, "which eventually led to his expulsion from choir. I was there when it happened because I was in the musical too that year."
"Boy, he sounds like a real charmer," muttered Joe. He then thought about something and smirked at Nancy. "Wait, you were in a musical?"
"Yes, Joe," she answered smartly. "I was in the musical because someone asked me to. It wasn't like I had a big role or anything. And I'm not exactly Idina Menzel or anything."
"See?" Joe grinned knowingly at Frank who rolled his eyes. "Even Nancy has done it."
"Whatever, Joe," his brother grumbled. Frank turned to Joanna. "Like I said before, why would anyone give him a lead role if he's such a horrible person?"
"I'm sorry," the older woman responded grimly. "Jared was hired years ago mainly as back up should anything go wrong. I'm always one who believes it's not what's on the outside that counts and he seemed like a pretty good guy for a time. So we gave him a chance. When Matt had his accident, it was the first time Jared stepped into the role. You know Matt, Nancy. He's never once been late for a performance or was even sick for one. I guess Jared just got lucky this time."
"I'll bet," Frank snorted.
"Hey, that's my line!" Joe cried. "Since when have you been so sarcastic?"
"Since forever," his brother laughed. "Don't you consider that a little shady, Joanna? I mean about Jared getting the lead."
"I never really thought of it before," she shrugged. "Matt was hit by a car as he was walking across the street. The driver was never found but the police believe it was just someone who wasn't paying attention and probably didn't even know they hit him."
"Okay, now that's too convenient," declared Joe.
"But Jared was here when the accident happened," Joanna pointed out. "Detective Hawkins was the one who stopped by to let us all know. Jared was here helping with the sets and he was just as surprised as we all were."
"No matter what, I think Jared knows more than he's letting on," Nancy said. "Well, we'll definitely get to the bottom of it all, that's for sure."
"Who's we?" Frank and Joe said together.
Two days later, Boris watched the boutique across the street from where he was parked, waiting for his partner to return. Doris was checking out different stores throughout the small town of Mapleton in the hopes of either seeing one of the two men she saw at the airport or maybe hearing about a woman named Nancy. They'd been in town for nearly three days and so far, all Doris had found were more clothes. The woman was a bargain snigger and clothes hound. Boris just hoped she didn't expect him to help her with the insane amount of bags she already had when they left for the next town.
Sighing, Boris closed his eyes in the hopes that Doris came back soon with some kind of news. Any news would be good. He didn't care what it was. As if in answer to his prayers, Doris came out of the boutique, her arms laden with multiple bags as usual. It looked as if she bought out the store but Boris knew better than to say anything about it.
"Well?" he asked the moment she got into the car and slammed the door. "Anything?"
"Let's go," she ordered ignoring the question.
"Why?" Boris looked at her annoyed, not even attempting to leave. "I thought there were two more stores that you haven't bought out yet."
"Whatever," Doris rolled her eyes. "No one in this town seems to talk about anyone. It's like gossip was banned or something. I spoke with Mr. Stevens and he's ordering us to go to the next town. River Heights, I think it is. We both believe that's where we need to go."
"Then why were we even in this God-forsaken hellhole?" he asked annoyed, starting the engine. "We should have gone there from the start if that is what you've been feeling."
"That's because we want to cover all angles, Boris," she shot back. "Let's check out of the hotel and get the hell out of here. I'm tired of this place just as much as you are."
A half hour later, the two were slowly driving down the main street of River Heights. It was a rather warm day and people were out and about enjoying the weather. Boris looked around disgusted. Yet another sleepy, boring town with nothing to do other than watch the clouds go by. How boring can you get? He dropped of Doris on a strip of boutiques then headed out to find a hotel.
Doris walked into a small bookstore only to come out a half hour later with nothing more than a book. Instead of shopping some more, the woman decided to go to a coffee shop nearby and ordered a latte and muffin. She sat outside and enjoyed her small snack all the while keeping her eyes and ears open to those around her. What she heard next only made her day.
"I cannot believe she did that!" A young woman in her twenties walked toward Doris, her cell phone pressed to her ear and a coffee cup in her hand. She plopped down at the table next to Doris and continued to complain into her phone, not caring who heard her conversation. "I know, Bea! Ever since we were kids she has literally been a pain! Daddy said that it's not over though, no matter what Nancy says."
Doris stopped reading, her heart pounding in her chest. Was it really that easy? She pretended to continue to read her book as she listened in on the one-sided conversation.
"I don't even know why anyone would want to save a dirty, old theater anyway," the woman continued. She paused to take a sip then laughed loudly, spitting out some of her drink. "OMG, Bea! You are too funny! Hey, how bout you come meet me at Rosa's and we go shopping. I need some new shoes…Great! See you soon!"
Doris was a little disappointed that the conversation ended but had a feeling that if she asked, the young woman would probably tell her more. She didn't really sound like she was fond of Nancy. Doris gathered her trash and rose to leave only to turn around to face the woman. She was furiously typing on her phone, her tongue sticking out of her mouth slightly as if she were deep in thought. If she didn't need information, Doris would have laughed at her. Still she approached the young woman cautiously.
"Excuse me," Doris said sweetly. The woman huffed then looked up at her annoyed at the intrusion. "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. I…I'm actually looking for someone and I was hoping that you could help me find her. Nancy is her name but I can't for the life of me remember her last name or where she lives. Could you help me please?"
The woman eyed her skeptically, narrowing her dark eyes. "Why would you want to find Nancy?" she asked rudely. "And why would I help you or her?"
"I…I'm sorry," Doris apologized looking away sheepishly, putting on the act well. "I shouldn't have bothered you. It's just that she knows a good friend of mine and I told him how wonderful it would be to see her again. His name is David, David Wainwright. Would you happen to know him?"
"David Wainwright?" the girl repeated, tapping her manicured nail on her chin. She stopped to think for a moment. Doris thought that the woman looked as if she were a few eggs short of a dozen when it came to intelligence but still waited patiently for her to answer. "I don't know of any David…oh, wait. Daddy told me stories of how there was a boy by the name of David who caused a lot of trouble in town. I'm not sure of his last name but that's the only David I know about. Daddy says that he was one of the few mysteries of River Heights that no one seems to know what happened to him."
"Who's your Daddy?" Doris asked cheerfully trying to butter up the woman.
"Only the best lawyer in town," she said proudly. "He had competition a few years ago but he died. Best thing that ever happened to Daddy, I always say. Carson Drew was, like, the worst lawyer. He only took clients that he knew were innocent. Can you believe that?"
"No!" Doris scoffed. She slipped nonchalantly into the chair across from the woman. "The nerve of him!"
"I know, right?" she smiled. "Anyway, Daddy got more clients after he died but Mr. Drew's law firm is still around causing trouble for him all the time. They're always trying to steal Daddy's clients. I guess that's why Daddy never liked Carson or David for that matter. They were, like, the best of friends but never let Daddy in on their schemes even as adults. Plus they were always stuck up to him or some crap like that. I guess the apple never falls to far from the tree."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You should know this, whoever you are," the woman retorted cockily. "I mean you said you were friends with her. She is Carson's daughter after all."
"Oh, right! Nancy!" Doris laughed. Her heart raced as she soaked in the new information. Not only did she more than likely find the woman she was looking for but she also found David Wainwright's hometown, something that he has kept secret for years. That is if this was the same David they were talking about. "So, what's Nancy to David anyway?"
"How should I know?" The woman's earlier demeanor returned. "Frankly, I don't care."
"Deirdre!" a female voice called out.
"Bea!" she waved. The woman quickly got up and went over to greet her friend leaving Doris to ponder what to do next. Seconds later, Deirdre returned for her purse and was about to leave without saying goodbye when Doris stopped her with a question.
"Hey, where would I find Nancy by the way?"
Deirdre huffed, annoyed at being interrupted again. "If you really must know, try the Winslow Theater outside of town." She stopped as she saw something across the street and laughed. "But if you really want to find her, just turn around. She's right there with her cutie-pie husband."
She pointed to a couple walking on the sidewalk across the street. Doris looked over and her jaw dropped open. It was one of the same men she saw days before at the airport. And he was with a redhead that looked to be several months pregnant. They had just gotten out of their vehicle and were apparently heading to a restaurant. Seconds later, the blonde man from the airport ran up to join them. Doris couldn't believe her luck. She turned to thank Deirdre but the woman was already walking away with her friend.
"Hey, Doris!" She looked over to see Boris idling not far from her. "Let's go! I'm hungry!"
Doris quickly took a photo of the trio then gathered her purse and bag to leave. The moment she was in the SUV, Doris was dialing Adam Stevens' number. He answered on the first ring.
"You can't have found something that quickly," he said sounding surprised.
"Actually, I did," Doris smiled never taking her eyes off the group across the street. She stopped Boris from pulling away from the curb and gestured toward them. "You won't believe it either."
"So, you found her?"
"Sir, I'm looking at her," she laughed. "And you won't believe what else I found out."
"What's that?"
"I believe that River Heights is David Wainwright's hometown," Doris announced. "He was friends with this woman's father when they were kids. A Carson Drew. I haven't gotten all the information just yet but I'm sure of it."
She could hear Adam pecking at the keys on his keyboard before he spoke again.
"Looks like this Carson Drew was a very well respected lawyer," he read. "Died nearly three years ago in a car accident that almost killed her and the chief of police. Her ex was the reason why he was killed. Hmmp, sounds like a lovers' quarrel if you ask me." He whistled loudly. "Damn, that's a fine looking woman. No wonder Wainwright has been keeping her to himself."
"I don't think that's the case, sir," Doris said cautiously.
"Oh?"
"Remember the two men I saw in the airport a few days ago?" she asked. "She's married to the dark-haired one and it looks like they have a baby on the way. I'm thinking that Wainwright might be a father-figure type, maybe even her godfather."
"Are you sure?"
"Go, Boris," Doris quickly whispered nodding toward the trio they were watching. He nodded and put the car into gear, pulling away from the curb.
"What's going on?" Adam inquired.
"I believe one of them might have spotted us idling," she explained. "They were going into a restaurant when the dark-haired man turned and looked around as if he knew we were watching them. Stared right at us until we pulled away."
Doris heard more clicking coming from the other line and wondered what her boss was looking up on the computer. He did an intake of breath then sighed before he spoke. "I need you to listen to me very carefully," Adam said slowly. "You and Boris are to stay out of sight until I get there tomorrow. I'm taking over the operation."
"But sir!"
"This has turned into a more serious problem than I would have ever imagined. Were you pegged at the airport as well by them?"
"Yes, that's why I gave you their descriptions," Doris answered her heart racing once again. "Will you please tell me what the problem is? Then at least we'll know why you're ordering us off of this."
Adam paused but Doris could still hear his breathing deeply as if he were trying to calm himself down. "The two men are indeed brothers," he finally elucidated. "They are well known private detectives here in New York, their father as well. I have never had the pleasure of encountering them but from what I've heard, if you get on their radar, you'll spend a good portion of the rest of your life in prison.
"The moment I saw the name Hardy, I knew we were going to have to change our plans. Plus with the knowledge that she is pregnant, we may have to go a different route altogether." Adam paused briefly. "I will be there tomorrow so for now, keep your distance but get as much information as you can on her and her relationship with Wainwright. Try not to be spotted again either. We don't want Wainwright finding out and doing something drastic."
"Understood, sir."
"What's wrong, Frank?" Joe asked, turning toward his brother who remained at the door to the restaurant. Nancy was a speaking with the hostess about a table, completely oblivious to the brothers' conversation. Frank looked worried almost as if he saw something he didn't like.
"I think we may have a problem," he finally answered grimly. "I think I may have seen that woman again."
"The one from the airport?"
"Yeah," Frank nodded. "Something's going on but I can't think of a reason as to why. We only just started the case so why is this woman so interested in us?"
"Do you want to tell Nancy?"
"No, I don't want to worry her just yet." Frank bit his lip, knowing he shouldn't keep it from his wife but she was already stressed out because of the theater. Another log to the fire was not going to help. "We'll tell her when the time is right though I think I may need to call David myself on this."
"Why?" Joe looked confused. He turned toward Nancy who was watching them intently. He smiled and waved at her though she gestured toward the hostess. "Never mind. If you think you need to call David, then do it but right now, I think we better catch up to your wife before she comes over here and wails on us for taking too long."
Frank laughed though he still felt compelled to head home and lock the house up for the night with the alarm system heavily armed. He sighed and the two walked over to Nancy with the intention of forgetting the whole ordeal until later. Whatever was going on would just have to wait.
