Disclaimer : I do not own Nancy, Frank, Joe, Ned and Emerson College. But I do own Village Hill, Chris, Kelly, Sandra, Audrey, Gina, Warrick Handel, weird Mr. Man, cheap motel, Dana, Pierpoint Memorial Building and Walter Pierpoint.

CHAPTER 6

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."

"Yes, Nancy, it's me – Ned," he said as-a-matter-of-factly. He had his hair dyed black. He drew her into a tight hug and she led him into the living room where Frank was seated. At the sight of Frank, Ned immediately enveloped Nancy in a tighter hug and said, "Do you know how much I've missed you?" Nancy smiled feebly. Ned turned her towards him and gave her a passionate French kiss.

"He's putting on a show, Frank. Don't get jealous,"said Frank to himself. The black hair!

Ned released Nancy, who looked very uncomfortable. Ned pretended to realize Frank was there for the first time, said, "Oh, Frank, didn't notice you."

"It's okay. Haven't seen you around much these days, huh?" asked Frank. Obviously you haven't seen me. You were too busy proclaiming your 'love' to Nancy – your valuable asset. Actually, I'm rather glad that you're not around to hurt Nancy anymore.

Ned sat down on the couch and let out a sigh. "I can't help it, now that I'm in my last year at Emerson." I'm obviously busy. But you don't try to inch your way into my girl's heart.

"Cool, cool," said Frank nodding. How boring! At least I'm taking up some better course in the varsity next year – FORENSICS! This is much, much better than your boring linguistics.

There was an uneasy silence. Breaking the ice, Nancy asked, "Ned, where are you staying?"

"Aren't your doors open for my arrival?" he asked Nancy, pretending to look hurt.

"I don't have enough rooms now since Christensen is staying with me," said Nancy, partially hoping that Ned wouldn't stay in her cottage.

Ned looked frustrated. "Chris, Chris, Chris, it's always Chris!" he said, giving up the act. "What about me?"

"Ned…" started Nancy.

"Choose, Nan, it's either me or the boy," he said firmly.

Nancy was silent for a minute. "Christensen."

Ned stormed out of the little cottage, slamming the wooden door behind him.

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He laughed maniacally. The thought about Nancy crying made him laugh even more. Laugh, laugh, laugh, laugh, laugh. He laid out a foolscap paper on the cheap plywood desk in the small hotel room. Taking out a ball pen from his breast pocket, he started planning his next step of ruining Nancy Drew's life and getting Christensen Handel. He scratched his head a little and continued to scribble viciously; leaving deep indents in the thin white paper. His eyes felt rather heavy and he turned to the bed. He felt lonely, all of a sudden. He needed somebody – desperately. He flipped open a little phone book. He ran a dirty fingernail down the list of names. Kelly, Sandra, Audrey, Gina…yes, Gina! He picked up the receiver and dialed the number. "Hello, Gina dear. It's me…"

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Joe walked on with Dana by his side, explaining to him about the history of Village Hill. The strong breeze whipped Dana's long, blond hair making her look prettier than ever. Joe would nod seriously taking in and processing the data. Occasionally, he would ask he questions which she would answer without any doubt.

"Hey, what's that building over there?" asked Joe, inquisitively.

"That's the Pierpoint Memorial Building," explained Dana, "In 1926, Village Hill was attacked by the Vasillians – some group of barbaric men and women. The villagers wanted to start a war against their enemy."

Dana pulled her hair back and tied it in a ponytail as walked past the majestic building. Joe dug his hands deeper into his pockets as the cold wind continued to bite his nose.

"However, one young man – a peacemaker had seen enough bloodshed at Village Hill throughout the attacks from the lowlanders," continued Dana, "And so, this brave man went down the hill with his beloved dog, January, and negotiated with the Vasillians."

"Whoa," said Joe, astonished, "This guy's brave."

"Yeah," agreed Dana, "For many days and nights, Pierpoint was not seen and the villagers doubted that he would be alive. But after eight days, Walter Pierpoint returned with January and the Vasillians never did attack Village Hill."

Just as she finished the tale of Walter Pierpoint, a hooded figure rushed out of nowhere and ran into Dana. She fell down, headlong onto the hard concrete ground. Joe looked up, temporarily shocked. Dana lay still on the ground, the contents of her bag spilt on the floor and her camera lay scratched beside her. Joe bent down, turning her unconscious form towards him. He gasped in horror.