Final Chapter
Hotel Room, Happy Jack Inn, Northport NY
"Frank?" Nancy shot upright in the bed, her heart pounding. "Did you just hear what I heard?"
"Gunshots!" he exclaimed, exchanging a worried glance with her. He jumped from his position in the chair, and ran to the door, but was shoved backward by the two guards who entered.
"Now, now, kiddies, just stay here and you won't get hurt."
"What's going on?" Frank demanded.
"Your little brother proved to be more intelligent than we gave him credit for."
Joe...Frank's heart plummeted to his stomach as he caught the panicked expression on Nancy's face. He knew it matched his own. Please be okay, little brother...
Hotel Hallway, Happy Jack Inn, Northport, NY
Okay, so there's four of them, one of me...these are not good odds, Hardy...Joe looked around frantically, but there was no way out of this. The corner was L-shaped, so there was no other corridor he could escape to, and these guys were closing in fast. When the odds are against you...go with the completely ridiculous, he decided. He waited until the other three were nearly upon him, and then shot his legs out, allowing himself to sink to the ground in a split. Ouch...he groaned. Haven't done that in a while...
His move caught his attackers off-guard, and two of them went down after they tripped over his legs. But now Joe was on the floor and there were still two to worry about, one of whom had a gun. He got to his feet as fast as he could, and prepared to take them on.
"Oh, please..." said the woman. "You really expect us to fistfight when I have this?"
She brandished the gun lazily, but jerked it back as Joe aimed a kick at her wrist that he'd hoped would force her to drop it.
If she was really going to shoot me, Joe realized as she pointed it at him again. She would've done so.
"If you're going to shoot me, then just do it," Joe said, hoping to distract her.
"Good idea," she said in response. Whoops...
"Edna! You can't!" cried the man who'd stopped Joe's mad dash. "The boss said-"
"A word of advice," Joe commented, as he executed a karate chop to the woman's wrist, forcing her to drop the gun. He scooped it up quickly. "Argue about what the boss said after you've subdued your enemy."
He grinned as the thugs looked at him in shock. Hardy, one. Goons, zero, he thought happily. "Now," he said, gesturing with casualness he certainly didn't feel. "Why don't you be nice and show me where my brother and my friend are, hmm?"
Hotel Room, Happy Jack Inn, Northport, NY
Frank and Nancy looked up, hearts pounding, as the door to their room opened. A familiar blond head poked in. "Excuse me...do I have the right room?"
Frank's feeling of immense relief was cut short as the two who had been guarding him and Nancy rushed at the door. "Joe, watch out!"
His little brother merely grinned, and backed into the hallway, slowly closing the door, as the thugs continued running toward him. Frank grimaced at he struggled against the bonds that tied him to the chair. His eyes widened as he watched the door open wide again and smash into the two guards. No wonder we nicknamed Guard Set Two the "Twin Idiots" he thought, watching the pair go down in an instant.
Happy Jack Inn lobby, Northport, NY
The three made a quick call using the phone at the reception desk. Within fifteen minutes, the Northport police had arrived. Officers swarmed the building, rounding up the incapacitated criminals. Frank and Joe leaned against the reception counter, watching, while Nancy chose to lie down on a couch they found in the manager's office.
"You're kidding." Joe looked at his brother in astonishment, as Frank finished summing up what had happened in the hotel room during the past five days. The younger Hardy cast a quick glance around to make sure Nancy wasn't in earshot before continuing. "You and Nancy were alone together for five days, and you're telling me you didn't kiss at all? And that you sang her to sleep!"
"Since when is my relationship with Nancy of such interest to you?"
"Since you admitted that you've been attracted to her, and kissed her, in the past. And since you were alone together for five days. Now, is that really all you did? Nurse her and sing her to sleep?"
"Well, she was sick," Frank said, defending himself.
"Is that your reason for not kissing her, for singing to her, or both?" Joe asked with a smirk.
Frank glowered at his little brother as Nancy rejoined them. "Hey," she said hoarsely. "Did you fill him in?"
"Yeah...but let's get you home. You still need to rest."
Nancy grimaced. "Frank, I'll be fine. Really. I've rested enough the past few days, don't you think?"
"No."
"What about our police statements?" Joe asked. "We can't go home until we give those."
"Apparently, our statements aren't top priority at the moment," Frank said, with a hint of puzzlement in his voice.
"Someone probably doesn't want those goons arrested," Joe muttered.
"Well, they'll call us in when they need us, I guess. Come on, Nan. Come on, little brother..." Frank said, slinging his arm around Joe's shoulder. "Let's all go home, shall we?"
The three walked out to the van, ignoring the spectacle of the men and woman who'd held Frank and Nancy hostage resisting police attempts to load them into squad cars.
Frank opened the side door of the van. "Take one of the back seats, Nan," he advised. "You can recline it, maybe catch some shut-eye on the way back to Bayport."
Network Building, Chicago, IL
Johnson stood stiffly in front of the board, doing his best to hide his inner glee. Surely now, his higher-ups would realize that these three teenagers should not be allowed into the Network? The two captives had offered no resistance, the younger brother had taken several days to locate them...their fighting skills were adequate, but not up to par for most new Network agents...
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began. "In the reports in front of you are the initial reports of Joe Hardy's rescue of his brother and Nancy Drew less than an hour ago. It is my belief, ladies and gentlemen," he said, "that based on the data in these reports, Nancy Drew and Frank and Joe Hardy should not be admitted to the Network. They allow their emotions to dominate their actions and words. They cannot stop themselves from speaking against those who might do them great harm, regardless of the consequences."
"Then, if you will all remember, these amateur detectives are teenagers. They are not yet fully mature. As such, they may have issues with authority within this organization - indeed, it seems they already have had some slight altercations with their contact, Agent Gray. If the board wishes to admit these three into the organization, I suggest it not be done until they have graduated college and have gained a better understanding of the world and of themselves. They may be retested at such time, and the board may decide then."
"Thank you, Agent Johnson. We will take your concerns into consideration when making our decision. You are dismissed."
It wasn't long before they called him back, and Johnson seethed inwardly as he learned that, contrary to his expectations, the board had been impressed by the latest reports. Apparently, Joe Hardy had "ingenuity" and "quick-thinking" and his performance had been "quite impressive." The three would be offered a chance to join the Network – immediately. They had already called the New York office to dispatch Agent Gray to the Hardy residence.
Hardy Residence, Bayport, NY
The ride back to Bayport was uneventful, for which both brothers were thankful. As Nancy slept in the back, Joe quietly filled Frank in on how he tracked the pair down.
"Hey...who's that?" Frank asked as they pulled up in their driveway.
"Don't know...someone looking for Dad, maybe?"
The figure turned to face them as Joe stopped the van. The younger Hardy scowled as he recognized the man now looking at them expectantly.
"What's he doing here?" he grumbled, as he and Frank got out of the van.
"Don't know...we'll find out soon enough."
Nancy had been woken by the stopping of the van, and she sat up, blinking in confusion. "Are we there?" she mumbled sleepily.
"Yep. Get on out, Drew. Seems we have a visitor."
Nancy climbed out of the van unsteadily, and Frank immediately wrapped an arm around her for support as they walked toward the man.
"Well, I must congratulate you three again," said the Gray Man with a slight smile. "You have successfully completed all four tests."
"You're joking. These past five days have been nothing but a test?"
"Surely you got the note."
"I can't believe this!" Joe burst out angrily. "The Network has been staging these events just to see how we are in action? What kind of bricks-for-brains idiot decided that? Haven't we already proven ourselves to you guys? When's it enough?"
"Well, actually, we'd hoped to do a few more tests, but..."
"But lucky for us, four's the magic number, is that it?" Frank asked bitterly. "I said it before, and I will again. The Network is beginning to act like the criminals we fight, not the anti-criminal organization we know."
"It was necessary."
"Necessary why?"
"All potential Network agents go through a grueling testing process of life-threatening situations. If things go downhill, we do have agents on hand nearby to help the individual….but things rarely go badly. After all, the Network is highly selective in the agents we choose."
"And we were potentials?"
"Yes. And due to your prior experience, you only underwent four tests of your strength, intelligence, and courage. Most go through several more."
"So we should feel lucky."
"I did not say that. The life of an agent is difficult, dangerous, and always demanding. It is not a decision to be made lightly. However, I have the privilege of offering each of you a position within our organization."
"You can take that offer and stick it where the sun don't shine, pal." Joe spat at the Gray Man. "We might've joined one day, if you hadn't put us through these idiotic "tests" which not only endangered our health but that of innocent people."
"Take some time to calm down, Joe," the Gray Man advised. "Then reconsider. This offer will not be made again."
Frank shot a cold glance at the Gray Man as he moved toward the entrance to the Hardy residence, still supporting Nancy. "Forget it, sir."
"Hold on, Frank…" Nancy mumbled as he tried to maneuver them through the doorway. He halted, and allowed her to swing them around until they were facing the Network agent. The Gray Man smiled at her words.
"Reconsidering, Nancy?"
"No," she said, her tone just as icy as Frank's had been. "I just wanted a chance to turn you down myself. Go back to the Network and tell them they can go to hell." She glared at him for a moment, and then allowed Frank to turn her around and guide her into the house. Joe followed them without looking back.
In the yard, the Gray Man smiled to himself. He didn't blame them a bit, though he didn't relish reporting this latest update to his superiors. Still smiling faintly, he walked to his car, got in, and drove away, leaving the Hardy residence behind.
Hardy Residence, Bayport, NY
It had been two days since the Gray Man's revelation about the Network tests. And two days since they had told him just where he could stick that offer. Since then, the three teens had been resting, especially Nancy, who was still running a fever.
Frank was leaning against the doorway to the guest bedroom, peering in. Nancy was sound asleep, and she finally seemed to be getting better. Earlier that day, she'd had enough energy to argue with Joe over his selection of reading material to help ease her boredom. Frank hadn't been present for all of the argument, but he gathered that Nancy didn't find The Weekly World News to be appropriate reading fare. Joe, of course, had protested- something along the lines of laughter being the best medicine or something.
Frank's lips twitched into a smile as he noticed now that he could see a Weekly World News cover underneath one of Nancy's hands. Guess Joe convinced her, somehow.
The longer he watched her, the more tension he could feel leaving his shoulders. Just realizing she was on the mend had sent a surge of relief through him that surprised him with its power.
Frank was distracted from his task when he heard footsteps pounding up the stairs. "Hey Frank!" Joe called, when he caught sight of his older brother standing by the guest room. "Has Nancy given in and read my fine, classic literature yet?"
Frank put a finger to his lips, and Joe immediately hushed. "She's sleeping?" he asked in a softer voice as he drew closer to his brother. Frank nodded, and once more turned his face toward Nancy.
"Yeah," he said slowly. "And her fever's gone down some...she's been sleeping okay, too, for as long as I've been here."
"And how long has that been?"
Frank shrugged. At that moment, Nancy mumbled something in her sleep, and thrashed around for a moment or two. Frank started toward her, but she quieted before he had taken more than a step. Joe was surprised at just how anxious and protective Frank seemed in that moment.
"Hey," Joe said in a low voice, pulling Frank's gaze away from Nancy. "She'll be fine, Frank."
"It's just...I've seen her get conked on the head, be poisoned, get stabbed, or pitched over a cliff...she always bounces back so fast it makes my head spin. And for that entire time we were in the hotel..." Frank shook his head. "It scared me, Joe."
He took a deep breath. "I never expected to have to take of her, Joe...I'm used to having her at my back...and..."
"And what?"
Frank cast another look at Nancy, his expression unreadable. "Never mind...forget I said anything."
Joe stared at his brother, puzzled. "What could possibly bother you about taking care of Nancy? It's not like you've never helped care for a sick person before..." He laughed. "Don't tell me you were grossed out or something."
Frank shook his head. "That's not what bothered me about it, Joe."
"Then what is it, Frank? Making a fool of yourself singing for her? C'mon, what could be bothering you so much that you don't want to talk about it?"
Frank turned to face his brother, his eyes somber. "Joe...have you ever cared about someone so much, you didn't know what you would do if something horrible happened to them? And then, when it does...even though it's beyond your control, and you do what you can, it still tears you up because you aren't doing enough?"
"Yeah…When Iola was...oh," Joe said, realization dawning over him. "Oh," he repeated, more quietly.
"What are you going to do about it?" Joe asked his brother, as he peeked into the room to be sure Nancy was still asleep.
"I'm not sure...I guess when Nancy gets better, we'll figure it out..."
"Does she even know?"
Frank smiled bitterly. "She knows. We've been avoiding this for a while now, because of Ned and Callie...but I can't avoid it any more."
Network Building, Chicago, IL
Johnson slumped in his seat. Well, that was that. The teenagers had passed, despite un-agent-like behavior from Frank Hardy and Nancy Drew, such as cuddling, and singing... A sick agent should still be an alert agent, not one that needs pampering...
He allowed a small smile to cross his face, however, as he remembered that the three teenagers had been rather disgusted with the Network. They had told the agency, politely of course, to go away. Seems this operation wasn't a total loss then, after all...
Bayport, NY
Three days later, Nancy and the Hardys sat in hard plastic seats, patiently waiting for Nancy's return flight home. The three spoke little, and there was a very palpable tension between Frank and Nancy. Both could feel that during the past week their relationship had once again shifted to reveal feelings they normally kept buried.
"Flight two thirty eight to Chicago is now boarding."
They stood awkwardly, and faced each other.
"Well…" Frank began, unsure of what to say.
"Well…" Nancy echoed.
"Well," Joe chimed in. "I'm going to go grab a soda while you two figure how to say goodbye." He leaned over to give Nancy a peck on the cheek. "Take care of yourself, Drew. See ya around." He sauntered away, whistling. Nancy watched him leave with a faint smile.
Frank coughed gently to regain Nancy's attention. She turned to face him, and for a moment, their gazes locked. He felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her, and he leaned in, but she stepped back quickly.
"I'm sorry, Frank," she said softly. "But we can't."
He sighed heavily. "Because of Callie. And Ned."
"Because of them," she agreed. "And," she continued, "because it only makes our relationship all the more confusing."
He quirked a smile at that. "Indeed it does," he admitted softly.
"Which is why," Nancy began slowly, "I've decided that I need to take a break. From Ned…and from you."
"What?" he gasped, staring at her in disbelief. "Nan, I know that whatever this is between us can make things awkward, but-"
"Frank, this is something I have to do. I can't keep ignoring whatever we have, and I can't keep lying to Ned about it, either. So I'm taking a break to sort out my feelings."
He nodded, sadly. It made sense.
"Last call for Flight two thirty eight to Chicago. Last call."
Well," he said, with a wan smile. "Until next time, Drew." Whenever that may be, he added silently.
Nancy's answering smile was just as weak. "Until next time, Hardy," she echoed, then walked to the gate. He watched as she handed her ticket over and then moved on. He kept watching until she was gone from his view, and her plane was taxiing down the runway. Only then did he turn to find Joe so they could leave. As he walked away from the waiting area, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket. Nancy wasn't the only one who needed to sort through some emotions.
He swallowed anxiously as he punched in Callie's number. Easy, Frank, he told himself, as he raised the phone to his ear.
"Hello?" came Callie's voice on the other end, after only one ring. Frank took a deep breath.
"Callie, we need to talk."
End
A/N: I would like to thank my betas - msnancydrew, TesubCalle, and Nicole, for putting up with the long writing process it took to get to this point.
I also highly recommend everyone check out TesubCalle's awesome sketch of the trio, done to accompany the first test in this fic. Follow the homepage link in my profile, and lok at the entry for November 1, 2005.
Thanks for reading!