Thanks to all who have reviewed. This story is becoming my baby. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thanks and enjoy, chapter 2 is up!
2. Dangerous Games
Nancy leaned against the counter to keep from falling over. The voice on the other end belonged to Chief McGinnis. Nancy listened to the captain as he informed her of Charles Walker's movements. Unfortunately someone had tipped him off and now he was coming after her.
Charles Walker had been a feared gang leader for several years. His thieves were the most difficult to track. But as talented and dangerous as his men were, Charles was ten times worse. He knew everything his lackeys knew and more. Nancy knew that it was time to move on.
Hanging up the phone Nancy glanced back to the table that had been occupied by the strange man. The newspaper was there but the man had left. Feeling slightly better, Nancy walked into the dining area to look for Nick. The sooner she left the better for everyone involved, since Charles was more than capable of killing to get what he wants.
Nick met Nancy half way through the dining area. As soon as he saw her face Nick knew that something was wrong. Suddenly Nancy looked tired and worried. It was a drastic change from the smiling young lady who had greeted him earlier.
"I have to check out immediately."
"What happened? You were booked until tomorrow morning."
"Something's come up. It's better if you don't know what it is, but I have to go now. I'll pay for the night of course."
"Right away." Nick replied as he rushed over to the desk. Whatever was wrong was serious and he wouldn't press her.
As soon as Nancy was checked out she rushed up to her room, followed by Nick. While Nancy gathered her belongings Nick collected her key and double checked the room. Once both were satisfied that Nancy had all her belongings they returned to the lobby. Just as Nancy was getting ready to walk out the door to her car a thought struck her.
"Who was that man who was reading the paper earlier?" she asked casually. "I thought I recognized him."
"That was a business man named William Shrikster. He has been trying to buy us out for a year now. He likes to make our guests nervous. Thank goodness he's leaving today."
"Oh, well he's not who I thought. Thanks for everything." With that Nancy turned and walked out the door, making her way to her car.
Nick watched sorrowfully as Nancy put her bag into the back of the blue mustang then climb behind the wheel. He had enjoyed her company for the short time she had been there. He felt like he had to help her any way possible. Nick smiled suddenly. The best way to help Nancy would be to know what had upset her so much, and that phone call seemed like a good place to start.
Meanwhile Nancy was driving as fast as she dared away from the little bed and breakfast. She could tell that Nick had wanted to know what was going on. But because she knew who she was dealing with Nancy couldn't endanger him, or any of the guests. Her best bet was to change direction and travel where she would be less obvious.
As Nancy drove, not entirely sure of her destination, she thought of the man she had seen earlier. She wished she could remember why he looked so familiar. Something about him had made her uneasy, even if she couldn't place him.
After some hours of seeing nothing but road and land Nancy finally saw a road sign for a small town. More than a little ready to stretch her legs and find some food Nancy took the appropriate exit. The town was quite small, just a few gas stations, stores, and restaurants. A park with a lake was a little farther down the road.
Nancy decided on a small restaurant that advertised homemade cooking. After parking her car Nancy walked into the small diner, looking for a quiet meal. However, when Nancy walked into the building it was anything but quiet. The place was crowded with teenagers yelling and laughing. The area looked like an out of control party.
Nancy sighed as she turned and walked back outside toward her car. Fishing for her keys Nancy walked straight toward her mustang. She was just about to unlock her door when she heard the crunch of loose gravel behind her. Pivoting on her heels Nancy prepared to fight whoever was coming toward her.
The area behind Nancy was deserted. Whoever was coming seemed to be playing hide and seek among the cars parked near Nancy's. Keys ready Nancy whirled back to the door, determined to get out of the area. She had just gotten the key into the lock when the sound of running came from behind her. Before she could turn a large, strong hand clamped over her mouth while an equally strong arm wound around her middle.
Nancy fought fiercely as her attacker pulled her away to the side of some cars. Nancy twisted and jerked, attempting to get her mouth free to scream for help. Briefly Nancy heard the sound of jangling keys while she struggled. Momentarily Nancy relaxed, wondering what was going on.
"Don't tell me you're going to faint on me Drew. I know you better than that."
When Nancy heard the voice behind her she slumped against the man with relief. She would know Frank's voice anywhere. He had been a close friend for several years and had joined Nancy on more than a few cases. And more often than not, where Frank Hardy was located, Joe wasn't far away.
"You really should watch where you leave your keys Nan." chuckled another voice.
"You two are terrible. You almost scared me to death!" Nancy returned, whirling to face her 'attackers' grinning faces.
Frank, with his dark wavy hair and intelligent face, was a truly skilled detective. At the age of twenty-six he had seen just about everything. Joe, a year younger than his brother, was just as talented, though he preferred to look for the fun in everything. He was also an impossible flirt.
Nancy laughed as the two personalities combined in front of her to create a look of total innocence. "Okay, so let's have the story. How did you find out what was going on, where I was, and since you found me, what's the plan?"
"We were coming to visit River Heights when we saw Bess and George," Frank began, referring to the cousins that Nancy was best friends with. "Bess was looking for a new dress and since you were gone she dragged George to the mall."
"I bet George loved that." Nancy giggled. George was a very athletic person. She hated to shop for dressy clothes. Bess was the total opposite and loved to think of how she looked.
"Anyway," Joe took over the explanation, "they stopped over at your house because
Bess wanted to drop something off. We got there before they left and they told us the whole story. Complete with the fact that this is all because of a diamond necklace. I have to say that I thought it would be a little harder to track you."
"But how did you find me? Nobody knew where I was headed."
Frank walked over to Nancy's mustang and unlocked the door. He motioned for the others to follow. Pulling Nancy's bag from the backseat Frank opened it on the front seat. Going through the bag briefly he found and removed the hairbrush Nancy had been carrying. Frank twisted the round handle and pulled it from the brush head. Nancy watched with relief as Frank pulled a small transmitter from the handle
"We put it in there a year ago when you had to travel to all those digs and everything." Joe explained. "That was a way for someone to find you. Several of your items have them. And there are receivers at the River Heights police station, your house, and with us. Somebody always knew where you were. So we met up with the police and tracked you to here."
"It is more than a little dangerous not to use a fake name Nan. The police knew exactly how to find you. Why aren't you using an alias?" questioned Frank sternly.
"The thing is I was supposed to meet an officer today at the hotel I stayed in last night. The only problem is someone found him before he got to me. He was found dead in a parking lot, with all the information for an alias. I got the call earlier this morning."
"From the sounds of it someone has an eye on you all the time. It's like someone is tracking your every move." Joe mused with a look of concern on his face.
"Well we had better get a move on before someone else finds out where I am." Nancy responded seriously. The thought of the man from the hotel briefly crossed her mind before she pushed the thought aside.
"Then what are we waiting for? I can drive while you relax. Joe, grab the food you left by that car and let's head out."
Soon the trio was on their way. Nancy happily munching a fast food sandwich while Frank drove and Joe hummed along to the radio. The brothers had already eaten their sandwiches and were now enjoying the chips that had come with the meal.
When Nancy had finished her meal she looked out the window. A deep ravine was just past the side of the road. She was glad she was not driving. She was thinking about the ravine's depths when a sudden bump startled her. Behind them a dark blue sedan was preparing to ram them again. Nancy braced herself as the two cars connected again then watched in growing horror as the sedan moved to a position alongside the blue mustang.
Frank fought for control as the sedan swerved at the driver's side of Nancy's car. The person was trying to force them off the road into the ravine! Frank jerked the wheel back and slammed on the brakes in an attempt to lose the sedan. When the driver of the other car realized what Frank was doing he slammed on the brakes and threw the car into reverse.
Frank hit the accelerator as the sedan came even with the mustang. Nancy and Joe were unable to do more than watch in fascinated horror as the scene played out before them. The sedan shifted into drive to follow Frank again. But Frank moved to the middle of the road, blocking the sedans path. All the trio could do was hope that they didn't meet any oncoming traffic in this game of cat and mouse. Suddenly the sedan fell farther behind the mustang.
"What's going on?" cried Nancy.
"Look," Joe pointed, "the road doubles back up ahead."
Frank glanced in the rearview mirror. "They took a turnoff. They are going to try to cut us off up ahead!" Frank slammed on the brakes and pulled to the side of the road.
"Well at least we can go back the way we came now. Then we don't have to meet that car again." Joe said as he slumped against the back seat.
Nancy turned to look at him. What she saw above his head made her eyes widen in fear. "Frank gun it now!" she screamed.
Behind the mustang a large suburban style vehicle was racing toward them. Frank hit the accelerator as the vehicle drew nearer. Nancy glance out the windshield and studied the road. They seemed to be blocked. With worry etched on her face Nancy turned back just in time to see the vehicle behind them smash into their bumper. As Nancy and Joe watched, the passenger window rolled down about half way. Sticking through the opening was a large gun.
"Everybody down!" Joe shouted as he ducked out of view.
The vehicle was moving around for a driver's side shot. Frank jerked the wheel just before a blast rang out. Nancy knew from the jerk of the car that Frank had pulled the wheel so that the bullet had blown the tire out instead of coming through the window. However with that tire gone Frank couldn't control the mustang. Joe jerked up as Nancy screamed. They were headed straight for the ravine!