1
Disclaimer: You know the drill...I'm tired of typing it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nancy didn't hesitate one second. As soon as Fitz had hung up on her, she quickly dialed Frank's desk at the station house. He answered on the second ring.
"Detective Hardy." He said.
"Hey, it's me. Fitz just called." Nancy said.
"What did he say?" Frank asked, on the alert.
"He said he was taking a little trip." Nancy said. "To River Heights."
"What?" Frank asked.
"He didn't go out and threaten anyone in particular. It could be anyone Frank: Bess, George, Hannah, or my dad. God, it could be all of them. I don't know. Call Chief McGinnis and ask him to send some officers to watch them. Just tell his that we'll explain everything as soon as we get there." Nancy explained.
"Why aren't you more freaked out by this?" Frank asked.
"Because, hopefully, he's not stupid enough to try anything with the police all around. And because he just really pissed me off. You can come after me all you want, but no one goes after my friends and family." Nancy said.
Frank knew better than to say anything to her when she was like this. "I'll get McGinnis on the phone." Frank said.
"Thank you, Frank." Nancy said.
"Don't worry about it, Nancy. Go home right now and I'll pick you up in fifteen minutes." Frank said.
Nancy hung up the phone and took a deep breath. She had said the words, but she wasn't sure herself. Fitz wouldn't try anything with the police present, would he?
"Of course not." Nancy said aloud to assure herself. "But I don't want to take any chances."
She got her purse and locked the door to her office. She then walked down to Ashley's office and knocked on the door. She let herself in to find Ashley on the phone. Ashley held up a finger to tell Nancy to hold on. She talked on the phone for a minute longer and then hung up.
"I just came by to tell you that I need to leave." Nancy said.
"Is everything okay?" Ashley asked.
"I hope so. I just need to go to River Heights for a day or so. Check on things down there, Get away from the craziness here." Nancy explained.
"Sure, Nancy. Take as much time as you need." Ashley said.
"I'll call you as soon as I get back." Nancy said.
"Be careful." Ashley said.
"Thanks, Ash." Nancy said.
Nancy walked out of Ashley's office and got into the elevator. One thought crossed her mind as the elevator went descended.
It was time to go back home.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Frank had Chief McGinnis of the River Heights police department on the phone as soon as he hung up with Nancy. It bothered him that Nancy wasn't that worried. But he quickly got over it when Chief McGinnis got on the phone.
"Well, isn't this a surprise, Detective." Chief McGinnis's friendly voice said.
"Hi, Chief." Frank said.
"How are you treating my girl?" he asked.
"Just like she deserves to be–a princess." Frank said.
"Glad to hear it." Chief McGinnis chuckled. "So, what kind of call is this: business or social?"
"Business. I'll explain everything as soon as we get there, but I need you to send patrols over to watch the Drew house, and Bess and George." Frank said.
"Shouldn't be that hard to do." Chief McGinnis said. "But I do expect that explanation."
"You'll get it. I'm going to go pick up Nancy and Joe and then we'll be on our way" Frank stood up from his desk.
"See you soon." Chief McGinnis said.
Frank hung up the phone and grabbed his keys. He stopped at the desk sergeant. "Call me on my cell if you need me."
Frank got into his car and drove to their apartment. Joe had a confused look on his face as Nancy dragged him out of the apartment. They were soon on their way to River Heights.
"Does someone want to explain to me what's going on here?" Joe asked.
"Fitz said he was going to River Heights." Nancy said.
"He called you?" Joe asked.
"Yeah. And I was right, too. He's been listening to our conversations." Nancy said.
"I have a question for you, Joe." Frank said. "Why weren't you with Nancy today when she went to work?"
"Because she was very adamant about me not going. And I know better than to argue with her, especially if I want to live to see another day." Joe said.
"Can't argue with you there, brother." Frank said.
Nancy sent them both a look.
"So, did he hear that you had called off the wedding?" Joe asked.
Nancy nodded. "He was pleased with himself."
"Isn't that gonna be a slap in the face for him when he finds out it was all an act." Joe said.
"And I'm going to be there when it's delivered." Nancy said.
"I called Chief McGinnis. He was going to send officers to keep a watch out for Fitz. But we have to go to his office as soon as we get to River Heights. I told him he would get an explanation." Frank said.
Nancy nodded.
"So, do you really think Fitz will go after them?" Joe asked.
"I don't know anything at this point." Nancy said. "But I don't want to take any chances."
Frank reached over and grabbed Nancy's hand. He smiled at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Nancy smiled back at him. She then leaned her head against the door and stared out the window, lost in thought.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
They arrived in River Heights an hour later. When they walked into the police station, Nancy was greeted by several officers that she had worked with before.
"Nancy!" Chief McGinnis said, stepping out of his office.
Nancy smiled as Chief McGinnis. He was like an uncle to her and she knew she could always count on him if she ever needed anything.
"Hey, Chief." Nancy said, giving him a hug.
McGinnis hugged her back. He then turned towards the Hardys. "Frank, Joe. How are you?" he asked.
Frank and Joe shook his hand.
"Doing great, Chief." Joe said.
"Good. So you want to tell me what the fuss is all about?" the chief asked.
He led them to his office and they all sat down.
"Have you seen the Chicago Tribune?" Nancy asked.
"Only to keep up with your stories." Chief McGinnis said.
Nancy smiled at him. "So you read about the Cupid murder the other day."
"And the one from last night." he said. 'Sounds like you're dealing with a serial."
Nancy nodded. "Only the article failed to mention that this is a guy from my past. I put him away a few years ago. He got out and he's killing girls from that case. Only, I'm the real intended target. He's trying to hurt me any way he can."
"So you think he might hurt someone over here." McGinnis said.
Nancy nodded. "So far all of his threats have held water. He just called me and told me he was on his way over here."
Chief McGinnis sighed. "I can keep my men on post for a while. But unless this guy does or tries anything soon, the mayor isn't going to allow them to work overtime."
"Thank you, Chief." Nancy said. "I can't tell you how much this means to me."
"Anytime, Nancy." he said. "And you be sure not to be such a stranger around here."
"I won't." Nancy said.
Nancy and the Hardys left the police station. When they got into their car, Nancy pulled out her cell phone.
"I'm going to call Bess and George. Let them know that we're in town." she said.
Nancy called them to let them know and told them to come to her dad's if they wanted to. When Frank pulled up into the Drews' driveway, Hannah and Carson came out to greet them.
"Nancy! Boys! What a wonderful surprise!" Hannah exclaimed. She gave Nancy a hug.
"Hi, Hannah." Nancy said. She then turned to Carson.
"Hey, Dad." She said. He grabbed her in a big hug.
"Hi, honey." he said. "What brings you back home?"
"Just wanted to come for a visit." Nancy said.
Carson studied his daughter. "What's the real reason, Nan?"
Nancy knew her father wouldn't accept that as an explanation. "Let's go inside."
They walked into the house. While they settled in the living room, Hannah went into the kitchen to get everyone a glass of iced tea. When Hannah finally sat down, Nancy explained everything to her father and Hannah.
Just as Nancy had finished explaining everything, the doorbell rang. Joe got up to answer the door to find Bess and George.
"Hey, everyone." Bess said.
"Hey, Bess." Nancy said.
"Well, I should really go get something started for supper." Hannah said.
"Joe, do you mind telling Bess and George the latest? I don't think I can explain it anymore." Nancy said.
"Sure thing, Nancy." Joe said. He turned his attention to Bess and George. "Well, come on, ladies."
"Do you want me to leave, Nancy?" Frank asked.
Nancy shook her head. "Stay here with me."
Carson looked at his daughter, concerned. "I think you should stay here for a while, honey. At least, until this whole thing is over."
"I can't do that, Dad. It would put you and Hannah in greater danger and I can't handle that." Nancy said.
"I know better than to argue with you once your mind's made up." Carson said. "Now, what's this I hear about a wedding being cancelled?"
"Frank and I have every intention of getting married. It's all an act for Fitz. We're hoping that if she sees he's got me scared enough, he'll get over-confident and make a mistake." Nancy explained.
"That's highly dangerous, Nancy. You're playing games with a killer." Carson cautioned.
"I tried to talk her out of it, sir. But you know how she is when she has her mind set." Frank said.
"That I do." Carson said. "Well, I have a case that I need to prepare for."
"We need to get gong anyway." Nancy said.
"Do your old man's heart some good, and stay the night." Carson said, kissing her on her head.
"I don't–"Nancy began.
"I think that's a great idea, Mr. Drew." Frank interrupted.
"Good. It's settled then." Carson said. He left Frank and Nancy alone.
"We don't have to stay here." Nancy said.
"Being away from Chicago will do you some good." Frank said. "And home is the best place to be."
Nancy leaned against Frank on the couch. "I really hate it when you're right."
"I know you do." Frank said.
"I love you, Frank." Nancy said.
"I love you, too." Frank said.
His lips met hers in a soft passionate kiss.
They never saw him watching them through the window.