Note: Thanks to all who read. Updates can sometimes happen every 1 to 3 days, so keep an eye on the chapter number you last read. This, and subsequent chapters will involve the occasional disturbing imagery involving child abuse and exploitation. I always try to point this out before they happens. But given the nature of the plot, it's not exactly a surprise that some chapters will involve such descriptive elements. These elements can be sexual or violent in nature. Just an FYI for those who may not have previously read. As always, reviews and PMs are welcome.

-19-

Two days passed. Callie and Iola didn't get much more information with their investigation of Heather Norton. Few people in the town were willing to talk. Those that were couldn't contribute much that wasn't already known.

Chet and Aimee too were in similar shape. The ad that they placed had not generated any replies from those who actually had domestic human help to sell. They did receive a fair amount of replies from parties trying to sell customized child porn videos. Even a couple offering to hook them up with web cam access to said children doing whatever they paid for.

Maddie and Jaime also had not experienced anything new. Which for their part was a relief.


"You know that we all think we know better. Yet, we seldom aim that introspection towards ourselves. Funny when you think about it."

Frank listened to his father's words. The smile and adoration Fenton gave freely of his son was evident. Even if his words of wisdom, were perhaps, a little bit hard for Frank to think about. Fenton Hardy had arrived home earlier that morning. Upon arriving at the Hardy home, it didn't take long for things to come to a head between the Hardy brothers. Frank had taken exception with his brother not displaying unconditional remorse over his recent indiscretions. To the point where he had freely expressed his opinion, in spite of his mother's pleading for him to be more tolerant.

"So, your point, dad, is that..." Fenton smiled warmly to Frank and shook his head.

"Frank, just saying that a little quiet introspection can be extremely useful to us in our lives."

"You are not upset, nor outraged by Joe not feeling sadness for his actions?"

"Son. I can assure you that your brother is quite sad." He paused and leaned back in his office chair in the Hardy study. "You just haven't taken the time to see it."

"I haven't?"

"I think you are hurt from it. You have always looked out for Joe. But, there are simply some things that you cannot protect even your dearest loved ones from. Making mistakes is one of them. Many would say mistakes help us grow."

"Even though they are painful to so many?"

"Life can be painful at times, son. You certainly know that. You or I cannot control your brother's destiny. That is only something which he can regulate. Your intentions are good. And I am very proud of you. I was just stating, that perhaps your casting of stones earlier today was a bit misplaced." Frank nodded soberly.

"Yes, I suppose it was. I guess it hurt seeing him making some of the mistakes that I had made."

"I understand completely. I have imparted my feelings and support for Joe earlier. He knows where I stand. And he obviously understands where his older brother does as well. Just remember that in these moments, the last thing our loved ones need is a rush to judgment and our ideas of what the solution is. We must give reasonable input and support. Then we must leave it to the person to take that as they wish." Frank sat back in his chair and looked up at his father.

"I suppose you are right."

"So, I understand that our friends down in Virginia are at a standstill?" Frank nodded soberly.

"The last time I contacted Iola she said that they hadn't turned up any information of any importance with regards to the Norton case. Or any subsequent pleas for assistance with Maddie's disappearance."

"What about Chet? Did he get anywhere with the data I supplied?"

"He said he was able to get into one of these marketplaces and place an ad fishing for girls. But thus far he has only been contacted by child pornographers. Not anyone marketing actual people." Fenton nodded with a serious expression.

"The identifiers I supplied him with have minimal historic credit. So, it's reasonable to believe those who have seen his ad are a bit gun shy. They may need to adjust the ads to offer some incentive."

"Are you going to go down there, dad?" Mr. Hardy leaned forward and looked over his desk at his son.

"Well, don't you think we should?"

"We?" Frank repeated. Mr. Hardy nodded.

"Of course. You don't expect me to ask your brother, do you? His wife would kill him. Not to mention that Joe is simply not an effective detective right now. When one has so many personal issues at hand, it's rather unrealistic to expect them to resolve someone else's. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Well, yes. But I am not sure I can get off work."

"Son, are we really having this conversation? You know full well that Collig will allow you to leave. Especially if it addresses these kidnappings which have hit far too close to home."

"Well. that may be. But, my authority would be meaningless down there. I have no jurisdiction in Virginia."

"Son, are you being deliberately obtuse? I am telling you to go down there with me as a long standing member of the Hardy Detective Agency. You are trying to split hairs here while our friends very much need us. Now, before you start trying to use the excuse that Callie won't want to see you, just skip it. I think she has far bigger worries than if her ex-boyfriend joins the team. Now, without further delay, I suggest you go pack a bag and be back here within an hour. We are leaving at 12." Frank thought for a moment. Then looked over at his father. His lips formed a smile and he nodded.

"Right dad. I'll be back in 30 minutes!"


After an unfit night, Chet and Aimee had found themselves passing the early part of the day with some thoughtful soul searching.

"Do you have regrets?"

Chet leaned against the headboard of his motel bed. He took a drink of beer and set the bottle down. Looking thoughtfully as Aimee sat on her bed a few feet away. "I keep thinking about all the things I could have done differently when Maddie was young. We had all this damn money. All it really did was rob me of precious time that would have been better spent. Something a lot more meaningful than trying to make even more money. One of my colossal fuck ups in life. Time wasted and missed with my beautiful Madeleine." Aimee offered him a kind expression.

"I'm not sure any of my regrets can compare to how you are feeling. We have been pulling our hair out for a couple days and I think the strain is starting to rear its head again."

"It's not really a comparison kind of thing. I don't think I want you to outdo me in terms of finding something even more tragic than missing your child. I just know my baby is out there somewhere. I don't know if what we are doing here is even going to make a difference. I suppose there is a good chance that the police are right. There is really nothing more here to find because Norton was brought here from somewhere far away." Aimee felt very bad for Chet. She knew the lack of leads or information in general was driving him nuts. It wasn't doing much for her overall morale either.

"I know it's way easier said than done, but we need to take our minds off of this." Chet tossed up his arms.

"You are right about that. Way easier said than done. I'd just like a sign. A strong feeling even... That she is still out there and ok."

"You know, I could tell you all this stuff that friends tell each other. How it's going to be alright. But, it doesn't really help. I know that. You know it. The only thing that will happen are actions and results."

"Well, thank you for being candid, but..." Chet was cut off by his phone beeping. He picked it up to check his message. He looked thoughtful.

"Anything going on?" She inquired pensively.

"Cal texted. Said Fenton will be here by tonight." Aimee's face brightened.

"Hey, that is something. That man knows how to make it happen." Chet nodded. A faint gleam of hope in his eyes.

"That much is true. Maybe this will be the break we have hoped and prayed for."

"Yeah. We just need to keep the faith." Chet finished his beer and tossed the bottle in the trash.

"Drinking at this hour? Sheesh. I need a distraction. I will sit here and feel sorry for my worthless ass. That won't end well. Look at me. I haven't even gotten dressed yet."

"Maybe you should lay down and rest. You didn't sleep much last night. But I guess I didn't either." Chet looked over at her with an embarrassed look.

"Oh. Sorry, bad dreams I guess. I kept waking up. I'm afraid when I have those dreams going on I just can't relax. And this bed leaves a lot to be desired. I'm sorry my sleeplessness kept you up." Aimee smiled and shook her head.

"Oh, that wasn't really it. I get restless myself. And I assure you that my bed really sucks too. But, I am sorry about the dreams. I know how that goes. To be honest I've had some myself the last couple nights." She yawned. Chet gave her a half smile.

"Guess I'm not the only one. If you want to shut those heavy blinds we can return the room dark and try to both get some rest. I'd like to be on my game a bit more for when Fenton does hit town." Aimee sighed and nodded.

"Probably couldn't hurt." She said walking over to the window and pulling the blinds closed. The room reduced to near complete darkness. Chet found his cover and pulled it from the corner of his bed and slid under the sheet. He saw the faint shadow of Aimee return. "You want me to set an alarm?"

"Guess it couldn't hurt. maybe nine or so."

"Ok." She replied. He saw the glow of her phone. A few moments later the phone light went out. Chet senses that Aimee had not yet moved.

"Everything ok?" He asked in the darkness.

"Well, just hard to get my internal clock to adjust I guess. I feel kind of tired. But still kind of anxious."

"Anything I can do? I think I have some melatonin in my bag."

"No thanks, it doesn't really help. I seem to be immune to it in supplement form. But..." Chet waited for her to continue, but she remained silent.

"But what?"

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable or anything, but would it be ok if I slid in with you? I feel better sometimes when there is someone next to me." Chet didn't immediately reply.

"Well. I guess it would be fine. Especially in light of the text Callie sent yesterday that said I shouldn't be some kind of misguided prude and should relax when I'm around you."

"She sent you a message about that?" Aimee's voice sounded closer.

"Uhm, yeah." He felt her slide in next to him. "Here, let me give you more room."

"It's fine. Thank you." Chet felt that Aimee's presence heightened his senses. He cleared his throat.

"You ok?" He asked over his shoulder.

"Yeah. I think so. Well maybe if you..." Chet shifted about, figuring he was still taking up too much room.

"Oh, sorry. I can move some more."

"No. I didn't mean that. I just wanted to ask you if you would hold me for a while?" He swallowed hard. But he knew that women, being wired the way they were, often liked to be held in bed. At least that was how Callie liked it.

"Yeah, ok." He said turning over to face her. He extended his left arm outward along the head of the mattress. He could feel Aimee snuggle up next to him and lay her head on his extended upper arm. He placed his right arm around her. His arm pulled back for a moment when he realized she didn't have a shirt on. She pulled his arm back over onto her.

"Relax. It's dark in here. Not like you can see anything."

"It wasn't the seeing part that had me concerned." He grunted.

"Well, sorry, that tight top almost cuts off my circulation. Besides, you are a big boy. You know us girls all have boobs."

"Well, as long as you put it that way." Chet said nervously. Aimee giggled.

"You know you are a funny guy."

"What do you mean?"

"You act so nervous over silly little things." Chet gave a brief laugh.

"Well, they are pressed into my chest at the moment. And I can say with good certainty that there isn't anything little about them."

"If you are really uncomfortable, I can go to my bed." Chet cleared his throat.

"Uhm, no. I mean this is fine. I mean as long as you are ok with it."

"Well, I wouldn't have asked you if it made me uncomfortable."

"Good to know." He said quietly. He felt kind of apprehensive. But another part felt more relaxed. It felt good to have someone next to him. The lonely feelings he had experienced since all of this started were pretty overwhelming. He sighed contently. "This feels nice." He whispered. "Thank you." Aimee felt good that Chet had finally calmed down over his stress about being close to her.

"You're welcome, babe. Sorry I'm not Cal."

"It's ok. This feels good... if it's ok to say that. Yeah, if Callie were here I might get a kiss goodnight, which is always very nice." Aimee smiled in the darkness. Hearing Chet somewhat nervously chatter had a certain charm. She placed her left hand around his neck and leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"That was a kiss from Callie. Goodnight, babe." She laid her head back on his arm and was soon fast asleep.


"What's wrong, Cal? I kind of figured that the news of Fenton coming tonight would have cheered you up." Callie sat in the overstuffed chair in the corner of their suite. She was looking out into space and seemed her mind was elsewhere." She finally glanced over to Iola who was laying on the bed half heartedly looking down at her notebook.

"It's good news, Iola. I just feel so damn useless laying around this room. All I can think of is the not knowing if Maddie is safe or not. If she is even around here or if she is 1000 miles away. The fact that no one in town had anything notable to say about Heather Norton seemed almost peculiar. I'm just beginning to have my doubts."

"Maybe Chet and Aimee will stir something on their end." Callie shrugged.

"I guess it's possible. But no one has taken their bait yet." She shook her head with frustration. "Hell, I don't even know what to make of their plan anyway. Chet and Aimee posing as some kind of backwoods rustic couple who apparently have a kink for young girls. Therefore they are trying to infiltrate the underground human trafficking market. Sounds like a bad novel." She grunted. Iola looked back at her with a knowing look and a sparkle in her eyes.

"Well, Cal. Not everyone likes to read those cutesy stories. Some people like those books where everyone's problems show their imperfections. There is sadness, conflict, and oh yes, a good deal of boinking always keeps them reading." Callie managed to return a knowing smirk to her best friend.

"Yeah, we've come a long way from the days of barn dances and football games."

"Could it be... maybe you are also bothered by something else?" Callie turned her head and gave her an expectant look.

"Such as?" Iola closed her notebook and placed her hands upon it. She smiled to herself.

"Maybe you are, on some lever, not comfortable with your husband and lover pairing together. Even in some form of pretense to help the investigation along." Callie looked indignant.

"Why would I worry about that?"

"I don't know. Maybe because ever since he showed up in that disguise, Aimee started paying him some new found attention. Maybe because I know as good as my brother has been since coming back, we both know he is not perfect. We know he is a guy. And it's pretty safe to assume that Aimee could probably walk through a church on Sunday morning and offer up a good deal of consternation to every male parishioner in the place. Not because she is necessarily seeking that attention. But, her looks, of course, predispose her to that attention."

"Couldn't you have just said because Chet has feet of clay and Aimee is super hot?"

"I suppose I could have." Iola smirked. Callie stifled a laugh, then shrugged.

"Oh, hell. Maybe under other circumstances I may be more concerned with such a notion. But, I really don't care what happens with anyone else other than Maddie. And if I am to be a fair minded person, it wouldn't be like he isn't deserving of the attentions from a pretty woman. In this case, if Aimee and Chet felt lonely and took certain liberties, I would consider it reasonably expected payback. Not because they want to hurt me or anything. Just kind of like some kind of Karma I guess. I mean think about it this way. We are still married. But, I have virtually ignored Chet for most of the year and have had sex with Aimee a couple hundred times. In the process encouraging her and enforcing the relationship we have. Not that I can really define the parameters of said relationship."

"But you do love her?" Iola countered. "And as such, we as humans often feel some degree of jealousy when those we love are sharing their affections with others."

"I do love Aimee. I also love Chet." Iola, who was drawing on a sheet of paper out of boredom, paused and looked up.

"What's a girl to do? It's been joked about before, but I still think the three of ya should just move to Utah and be done with it." Callie rose from her chair and walked towards to wet bar. She looked down at Iola and smirked.

"Smart ass." She poured herself a glass of wine. "Want one?" She asked. Iola shook her head.

"I'm good. Fenton won't likely appreciate it if he finds his estranged daughter in law sitting around getting loaded." Callie's eyebrows rose.

"Estranged?" She repeated. Iola cursed herself under her breath. She hadn't meant to let that slip.

"I just meant that I am down here, with you guys, and working on this with you."

"Oh." Callie shrugged and took a sip of wine. "Kind of a strange word to use. But, Ok." She paused and looked down at her friend. "Anyway, I don't really think I have much to worry about with Chet and Aimee. I mean she has been hanging with me for over a year. She has never really expressed an interest in men. She has even gotten irritated when men look at her sometimes."

"Guess we did do a good job at converting her that night in Atlantic City." Iola commented as she continued to doodle. Callie nodded.

"And while I know she wants to make for Walter and Brandy to have a convincing relationship, I do not think she actually has any legitimate interest in Chet. And she feels he doesn't have any of her because he's acting so stiff with her. She even told me that. I actually had to text Chet this long message that it was ok for him to be relaxed and just do what comes natural for Walter and Brandy. They need to come off as a couple. Not as a pair of possible undercover cops." Iola nodded without looking up.

"True. But, hey, if you are good with their closeness, even as a pretense, cool. I agree, if they are going to play that angle they need to be convincing. They will be playing with fire if they ever get anyone's attention. Those kind of people even smell a cop, they will just as soon end you right then and there."

"Comforting thought, girl. Thanks for that." She looked down at her phone. "Well, I think I will give Carly and Ellie a call. Hopefully my mom doesn't go into 21 questions mode about how it's going here. I don't have any answers that would satisfy her... Or me for that matter."


"So far, the best I can do is $65,000 for your new little blonde. Those are some very persuasive photos, but the client base is limited." Reese looked down at the cell phone that sat on the desk with disgust. He slammed his fist down.

"Not a chance, Swanson. She is pure and smells sweet. It's been all I can do not to devalue her myself. Price stands at 125 large."

"I told ya man, we don't have buyers who have pockets that deep."

"Then I suggest you find others. I am not giving her away." He heard a grunt.

"Damn it, man. Expanding the buyer base means taking risks. The people we have been dealing with are proven reliable, and not feds I may add." Reese took a deep breath. He was getting aggravated.

"Look, fat ass. That is why you get paid. I got sixteen puppies looking for their new homes. I'd like to be moving more of them along before I have to send them to college. Yes, you have buyers now. But they are cheap. They want to pay 20 when I say 30. That is why I have product backed up. So, I suggest you start vetting more qualified buyers with deeper pocket. It's to your benefit if you do!"

"Alright, alright. But, that is going to take time. I have to make sure whoever I find is clean. I'm not going down because you're in a hurry."

"You've got 10 days to move 4 items at 30 each. If you find a buyer for my little untapped blonde, you will have some breathing room. Not to mention a nice bonus."

"I'll see what I can do." With that the phone call disconnect.

Reese slammed his fist down. He had not been in a good mood to begin with. But his conversation with Swanson had most certainly put him in even more negative spirits.

"Son of a bitch!" he muttered under his breath. "Don't screw with me!" he paced around the dingy office. He pulled out a bottle of pills from his pocket and removed one. He placed it in his mouth. He paced around until he found a pint of vodka sitting on a nearby cabinet. He took a long drink, then continued to pace around the room like a caged lion. A moment later he looked down at the desk and grabbed a set of keys that were sitting on it. He exited the office and walked down a dimly lit hallway. He soon came to a set of double doors. He took out a key and inserted it. He entered into another larger hallway that had several doors on either side. He secured the door he had just passed through, then walked quickly.

He stood before room 31 and slid a key in. He opened the door to reveal a room which was quite similar to Maddie's. In this room there was just one bed. Upon it was a girl sitting cross legged reading a book. When she saw him enter she looked up. She was about Maddie's age, but not nearly as developed. She had long loose curly golden hair and green eyes. She wore wire rimmed glasses and a denim jumper. A sad look covered her face.

"Hello, Rhiannon. How is my baby girl today?" She managed a smile in an effort to please him.

"Hi, daddy. How are you?" He grunted in pleasure. He got such a rush of excitement when she called him that.

"I have been better, baby. I was just attending to some business and something got daddy very upset." As if by cue, Rhiannon put her book down. She extended her feet over the bed. Her fuzzy pink socks touched the tile floor. She paused and took a breath, gazing up to the expectant look on his face. She took her pillow and tossed it on the floor in front of her. She then proceeded to slide off the edge of her bed and kneeled upon the pillow. She then looked up at him and made eye contact.

"Can I make you feel better, daddy?" She asked opening her mouth and putting her tongue out.