Well I had to change the catagory, apartnly I can't seem to get to the action part so now this is a drama, although I will through in mystery and action once the wedding is over I promise. Anyway please continue to R & R. - Kes
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How to Say Goodbye – Chapter 9
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"Wedding Gown," courses the Hardys. "Brides Maid," adds Bess. Renee leans back, brings her right hand up to her head, and begins to rub her temple. "I'm going to kill him," she mumbles, then sighs. She takes a moment to compose herself, and then leans forward with her hands clasped in front of her.
"Did the Grey Man tell you any details about the type of cover you would be undergoing," Renee asks. Both Bess and Joe shake their heads no. Frank glances over at Nancy; she seems to be in some kind of shock. She is staring straight a head seemingly not paying attention to the current conversation.
Frank is trying to resist the urge to wrap Nancy up in his arms, to try to protect her from what is happening. As much as you want to now is not the time Hardy. He then looks over at Renee. "He told Nancy and me that we should think of the assignment as a second honeymoon." Joe and Bess give Frank a look that says 'why didn't you tell us'.
A smile starts to form on Renee's lips. "Ah yes, hopefully this honeymoon won't b as eventful as the one in Egypt." "How'd you know about that," asks Bess. Renee shrugs, "just call it one of the perks of working for the Network. You can find out just about anything about anybody, and they supplied me with a complete bio on each of you last night."
"What does going on a honey moon have to do with Nancy needing a wedding dress," asks Joe. Then he looks over at Nancy and observes the same thing Frank did. He leans over to Bess and whispers in her ear, before Renee can form her reply. "Nan needs you; see if you can't get her to comeback to reality." Bess gives him a nod, and then puts one of Nancy's hands in her own.
Bess's touch seems to have done the trick; Nancy's eyes regain their focus. She shakes her head as if to through off any lingering thoughts, and gives Bess's hand a squeeze. "Sorry, what were we talking about," Nancy asks politely.
"Renee was just about to inform us why it is so important for you to have a wedding dress if out assignment is faking a honeymoon," replies Frank. All four pairs of eyes bore into Renee. "Most honeymoon last for a week or two at the most," she starts. "We don't know how long you are going to have to stay undercover.
"We have had to come up with a fairly elaborate cover for the four of you, and there hasn't been enough time yet to do it in. Having you go on a honeymoon will allow us the time we need to set up the rest of your cover." Renee pauses, "Gatlinburg is the wedding capital of the south. Many people go there to get married then stay for their honeymoon, like Niagara Falls or Vegas."
"You want us to stage a wedding, so we will fit in with the other happy couples," asks Bess. Renee nods her head. "Yes, but Nancy and Frank will be the only ones getting married. Bess you will be Nancy's Matron of Honor and Joe will be Franks Best Man.
"Your reason for staying in Gatlinburg is a little more complicated, so this is what we've come up with. You and Joe are going to be engaged and already living together. You can't seem to get time off at the same time and haven't had a vacation for a few years. Attending the wedding has given you the perfect opportunity for a much needed holiday.
"The wedding is going to take place tomorrow at 5 PM; there will also be a reception afterwards, so Bess and Joe you each need to come up with a toast. You all will stay in Gatlinburg until Sunday, and then you will be relocated to your actual covers." Renee looks at the four teenagers in front of her, and waits for the questions to start.
Everyone is sitting quietly lost in their own thoughts. Jo is the first to ask a question. "What about school?" "We are making arrangements to have your classes web cast, and your teachers will e-mail you your tests and quizzes. You will be provided a lab top so you can keep up with your classes," answers Renee.
"Who is going to attend this wedding," Frank asks. "Other Network agents and their families. Also we've hired a local photographer, DJ, and officiant to make it look believable." "Who is going to give me away," whispers Nancy. "One of the middle age agents, I'm not sure who yet."
"How many people will be in adenine," asks Frank. Renee pauses to think for a moment. "I don't really know, the goal was to get thirty to forty people. On such short notice I'm guessing there will be around twenty.
"Any other questions," Renee asks. Bess, Joe, and Frank shake their heads no. "You've kind of blown out minds. I'm sure we'll have other questions before to we get to Gatlinburg," states Nancy. "Perfectly understandable," comments Renee, as she glances out one of the windows.
"Now if I'm not mistaken we are about ten minuets form the boutique. Nancy and Bess we haven't picked out your dresses. You can have any dress that is currently in the shop and can be altered to fit in twenty-four hours. Boys, Mr. Chase will take you to a tailor shop to get your measurement. You may choose your tuxes style as well."
"Did you hear that Nan, we get to chose out own dresses," squeals Bess. Nancy gives Bess a smile that doesn't quiet reach her eyes. "You know we can't spend to long in the shop Bess, so try to control yourself." "You're no fun Nancy Drew, no fun at all," pouts Bess. Joe starts to laugh at her antics; soon Nancy and Bess join him.
Frank is staring out a window lost in his own thoughts. What in the world has the Grey Man gotten us into this time? I can't believe they expect us to pull off a wedding, and then keep up the charade for an indefinite period of time. Frank runs his fingers through his hair. I don't know if I can do this. I almost lost sight of the fact that we were pretending last time.
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"What do you think of this one," asks Bess as she comes out of the dressing room. She is wearing a floor length blue-grey dress in the 1940's lounge singer style. It has rhinestones at the bottom of the straps and in the middle of the bodes. It also hugs all her curves perfectly.
"Wow Bess, vintage fashion seems to fit you," says Nancy as Bess twirls for her. Bess laughs, "I know, the old styles are the only ones that fit me. Stupid stick figure fashion. One day they will learn that some people still have curves, and then I will have my revenge for being forced to wear unflattering clothes for years."
"Hey it's not all bad," defends Nancy. "What about hip huggers?" Bess rolls her eyes, and then begins to list reasons on her fingers. "First off Nan, hip huggers are from the late 60's. Secondly you have to have a flat stomach to look decent in them, and I haven't had a flat stomach since I went through puberty. Even exercise and dieting won't give me one."
Nancy bursts into a fit of laughter. "All right you win. I should know better then to argue the fine points of fashion with you." Bess crosses her arms over her chest and gives Nancy a nod. "Yes, you really should." This just causes Nancy to laugh even louder.
"How's it coming girls," asks Renee as she walks up to them. Once the giggling subsides Nancy says, "It seems that Bess will at least have something to wear." "How many have you tried on," Renee inquires.
"Ten and the only thing I've managed to decide on is that sleeveless in not for me," Nancy replies. "Then how about one with sleeves," suggests Bess. "I guess it couldn't hurt," Nancy says as she shrugs her shoulders. Bess pulls Nancy over to another rack of dresses and starts searching.
Nancy tries on three more dresses before finding one that she likes. She chooses a floor length empire dress with off the shoulder sleeves. The bodes is embroidered with gold thread and is laced up with a golden ribbon. The sleeves are also laced with the golden ribbon from the shoulder to the elbow. They are shear and end five inches above the floor.
"Nan, this is the one," squeals Bess. "You look just like a princess." Nancy twirls around while watching her reflection in the full length mirror. "I do don't I," she says. Bess smiles up at her, "yup, and I bet Frank will be struck dumb when he sees in this dress." Nancy's face turns red.
"I always know you'd end up marring Frank Hardy one day," teases Bess. Nancy's neck now starts to turn red from embarrassment. Get a hold of yourself Drew. You can do this, it's just make-believe. "You know this isn't for real right," she asks. Bess nods her head, smiles, and mutters "for now."
"It seems you've finally found one I see," says Renee. "Very well let me get the seamstress back here so she can make the appropriate alterations." Nancy gives her a nod then goes back to studying herself in the mirror.
An image of her lying in a bed in this dress invades Nancy's mind. Then Frank walks into the image and bends down to wake her up with a kiss. No mustn't think such
thoughts. Frank is not my prince charming. Tears start to form in her eyes. This isn't going to work I'm losing myself to fantasies and all I'm doing is trying on dresses. What will happen tomorrow?
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"I wonder what's keeping the girls, I'm hungry," Joe complains. "How on earth could you be hungry, we had lunch not two hours ago," asks Frank. Joe shrugs and pats his stomach, "High metabolism." Frank rolls his eyes. "But, seriously what's taking them?"
"They have a lot more choices then us, and they get to actually try them on instead of deciding form looking at manikins," replies Frank. "Oh," Joe pauses, "I wonder what types of dresses they will choose?" Frank leans back in the leather seat of the limo. "Don't know, but knowing Nance hers will be conservative."
Joe's eyes light up and her starts rubbing his hands together. "And Bess's will probably be low cut and cling to her every curve." "Watch yourself little brother, your drooling," chuckles Frank. "Am not, besides I'm not the one who can't seem to keep his eyes in his head," teases Joe.
Frank crosses his arms but doesn't say anything. Got ya big brother. I wonder how far I can push him. Well only one way to find out. "So you think your going to be able to handle this. I mean you will make a convincing husband since you are already in love with her, but will you be able to remember that it's just pretend."
Franks head snaps up and he starts to clench and unclench his fists repeatedly. Ops, maybe I went too far. "First of all both Nancy and I are professionals and as such we will be able to keep out heads at all times. Secondly I'm her bodyguard and as such she is strictly off limits. Thirdly, we have played a married couple before, and our judgment wasn't impaired then." Joe rolls his eyes, yeah right. I distinctly remember you refusing to leave the infirmary on the Queen of the Nile, Bess and I had to drag you back to our cabin. "And finally I'm NOT in love with Nancy; she is merely a good friend who I happen to respect very much."
Joe smirks at the last line, but decides now is not the time to try to work on his brothers denial. Just then the door to the limo opens and in climbs Nancy, Bess, and Renee. Joe and Frank scoot over to give the women room.
"How'd the hunt go," asks Joe. Bess throws her arms up into the air, "perfect, we each found a dress that suits us." She looks at Joe, and smiles mischievously. "As much as I would love to describe out choices. It will be more fun just to surprise you tomorrow."
Dam, I was hoping she would at least describe her dress so I'll have a good mental picture for m drams tonight. Oh well I will have to make do with the one of Bess as Super Girl again. A small smile starts to form on Joe's lips. "And what dirty thought are going through your head," demands Bess. He gives her is most winning smile. "Nothing, honest. My thoughts are as pure as the snow." She lets out a humph letting him know she don't believe a word he says.
"Now shall we get back to the business at hand," Renee asks. All four teens quickly nod their heads. "Good, I'm going to hand each of you an envelope containing your new identity, as well as any relevant background information.
"Nancy's and Bess's envelopes will also include their engagement rings. Joe yours contains the wedding bands, as Best Man it is your responsibility to look after them till tomorrow. You will have the next couple of hours to study these, and then I will destroy them before we reach Gatlinburg."
Renee proceeds to hand each of them and envelope with a name written on it. Nancy's says Isabella O'teal, Bess's Marla Brown, Joe's Patrick Harvey, and Frank's Malcolm Sheppard. They each open their own envelopes and begin to read.
