A/N : Thanks so much for the encouraging reviews! Please continue to read up and of couse, review.

CHAPTER 5

"We know?" questioned Frank, shocked. "I mean who would try to hurt Chris?"

"Slow down," said Joe, "The person is…" He paused.

"Who?" asked Frank, impatiently.

"Ned Nickerson."

"Ned!" shouted Frank, shocked to the core. No wonder Joe couldn't spill it. He sat on the bed. "I mean…how…why…Ned's hair is blond not black."

Joe stared at his brother with his mouth agape. How could he be so dumb? Doesn't he know what the miracles hair-dye can do? "Oh, Frank, don't be stupid. Hair-dye, for Pete's sake!" said Joe, aggravated. How can level-headed Frank be so idiotic when it comes to Nancy?

"Nancy can't know," mumbled Frank. "It'll break her heart."

Nancy opened her letter-box and took out two white envelopes. There was a parcel in there, too. She walked casually into her cottage and sat down on the couch to read her mail. She opened the small parcel first. Inside was a T-shirt – a child's T-shirt. Digging further into the box, she found a slightly burnt picture of cousin Rachel, Christensen and his father - Warrick Handel. Then, there was a note.

It's so fun when you break up families, huh? Well, want me to try it on you? Don't worry, honey, your chance will be here soon…

Love,

The psychotic New Yorker.

Nancy stopped short. Who could 'The psychotic New Yorker' be? She stared at the three items disgusted at the gross mentality of the sender. Many people disagreed about the fact that she was to be Chris legal guardian after Rachel's death, including Ned…

flashback

"Nancy, I don't understand why you have to agree to be that Christensen's legal guardian?" protested Ned, "Aren't you happy with your life just the way it is?"

"Yes, I am," said Nancy, her voice quavering.

"But what is it I can't provide that a child can?" he demanded.

"Ned!" she shouted, her headache getting worse by the seconds. "Just stop it. Don't you understand what 'family' means? Rachel trusted me and I don't see that trust in you." With that, Nancy stormed out of Ned's apartment, leaving him in an uncontrollable fit.

end flashback

Nancy picked up the phone receiver and dialed Frank's cell phone with trembling hands. Engaged! Where was Frank when she needed him so much? She put the receiver down with much frustration. Then, she heard a quiet engine of a car in the driveway. She got up from the couch and wiped away the tears that had flowed from her eyes unnoticed. It was Frank – alone. She let out a silent sigh of relief.

"Hey, Frank," she greeted, pretending to smile. "Come on in."

"Is there anything wrong?" he questioned, concerned. He sat down next to Nancy and put his hands on her shoulders.

"Uh…" started Nancy, unsure whether to spill it or not.

"It's okay, Nan," said Frank. "I'm all ears."

"Ned has been very distant since I became Chris's legal guardian. The last time I talked to him, it ended up in an argument with me storming out of his apartment," she said, shaking her head.

Frank reached out to her and held her in his arms. He gently stroked her hair. "It's okay, Nancy, it's okay."

There was a sharp rap on the front door and the two of them broke off. Nancy got up and headed to the door. Frank watched her as she opened the door. She stepped back as soon as she did so, with a shocked expression on her face. "Ned."

Joe Hardy strolled along Village River, smiling to himself. The weather was cool and yet, the sun was shining brightly. He stuffed his hands into his navy blue jacket and walked leisurely. He snickered at the thought of Frank and Nancy locked in one another's arms, discussing their past – and maybe, future. Then, he heard a female's little giggle just right behind him. He whipped around and saw a young woman of around his age giggling. She had long blond hair and had a slim body. "And I thought Village Hill was dominated by senior citizens!" thought Joe, obviously impressed at the sight of the young woman.

"Do you always laugh to yourself?" asked the young woman, amused.

"No," started Joe, "I was just thinking of something." He grinned sheepishly. "I'm Joe, Joe Hardy." He put out his hand. "And you are?..."

"Dana-krys Lee," she said, shaking his hand. "I've never seen you around, where are you from?"

"Bayport," replied Joe, "I'm here on vacation with my brother – Frank."

Dana furrowed her brow. "If you're from Bayport, then you must be one of the detective brothers there!" she said excitedly.

"Well, yeah," he said, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. He was taken aback at their 'popularity', even in places like Village Hill. "What do you do here? I mean Village Hill?"

"I'm a tour guide. All I have to do is study the history of this place and tell the tourists the stuff they need to know," she said cheerfully.

"So, will you be my personal tour guide?" asked Joe mischievously, his eyes twinkling.

"Wha…what? Joe Hardy's personal tour guide?" she said, shocked to her core.

Joe nodded. "Yes, during my stay of one week here."

Unable to decline Joe Hardy's offer, Dana said, "YES!"