Chapter One

"To Parker and Candace," Senator Winston Hawkley announced. He raised his glass toward the happy couple standing in the middle of the room while the rest of the guests followed suit. "May they have a long and amazing life together."

Cheers rang out and glasses clinked loudly as Parker and Candace looked on with slight embarrassment. Moments later, the small party took their seats at a few tables around the room and began to enjoy their meal. The wedding rehearsal had long passed and those in attendance at the rehearsal dinner were looking forward to enjoying their evening. The anticipation of the following day's nuptials electrified the room.

Nancy, Bess, Frank, Vanessa, and Joe sat together with Parker and Candace, all of them talking excitedly as they ate their meal. The restaurant they were in was elegant and expensive but Senator Hawkley insisted on paying for everything since Candace's parents were no longer around. The wedding itself was going to be a grand affair but the quiet rehearsal dinner was just what the group needed in order to calm their nerves down for the next day. The girls were talking elatedly about their excursion to Club Rex later that evening, each one of them wanting to leave in order to get their own party started.

"Oh, my gosh!" squealed Bess leaning over to talk to Nancy. Unfortunately, Frank was sitting between them and he had to lean back in order for the two to talk. "I am so excited about tonight, Nan! This is going to be epic!"

"You've said that already," laughed Nancy with a shake of her head. "We're only going to a club. It's not like we're going to meet the Queen or something."

"I know that!" her friend replied. "But Candace did say that this was the most exclusive club in the area! How many times can you honestly say that? How can you not be excited?"

"Who says I'm not?"

"Can I eat, please?" Frank piped in looking from one girl to the other. "Or at least switch seats with one of you so you can talk?"

"Oh, sorry, Frank," Bess apologized settling back in her seat. "I forgot you were there."

"Thanks," he said grumpily

"She didn't mean anything by it, Frank," Nancy said soothingly. She rubbed her hand on his arm and his heart melted. A naughty thought raced across his mind and he quickly turned away before she saw his red face. Nancy leaned closer to him, her lips just a pinch from his ear. "I know what you're thinking, Hardy." She blew in his ear seductively. "Maybe later."

Her warm breath sent a tingle down his back and he smiled as he took a bite out of his steak. Bess was too busy talking to Candace next to her to notice the exchange though Joe rolled his eyes in disgust before turning toward Vanessa.

Nancy turned back to her meal. She thought about Frank and how much she wanted to be with him. Their relationship was only a few months old but it seemed like they were meant to be. Her heart skipped a beat each time she was with him, every time he caressed her skin and when they were apart, she missed him dearly. Whenever she was thinking about him, Nancy would pull out the shirt Frank gave her when they were in Florida. Though the blood stains and scent were washed away long ago, she still felt closer to him almost as if his arms were wrapped around her while she wore it.

Frank was having similar thoughts as he picked at his plate. There was nothing more he wanted than to be with Nancy but he felt that the time wasn't right for pursuing something more. He remembered the ring that Parker gave him that was meant for Nancy when the two were still dating. Frank had hid the ring away. Not even his family knew of the ring and he meant to keep it that way. He wasn't sure if it was what he eventually wanted to give to Nancy. Frank looked over at her and saw that she was deep in thought just as he was. He wondered what she was thinking of as he stared at her.

Glancing down at her food, Nancy realized she wasn't all that hungry anymore and her thoughts suddenly turned dark. She still had the feeling of foreboding going into the bachelorette party that night but how was she going to tell anyone without ruining it for Candace? And she didn't want to worry Frank over the idea since there was no real evidence to support the theory. Someone said something to her but she didn't hear them, her mind a million miles away.

"Earth to Nancy?"

"Huh, what?" she looked up to see the others at the table staring at her.

"I asked if you were ready to go," Bess stated looking concerned.

"Oh, yeah," Nancy waved her off. "I didn't even realize it was time to go."

"Are you okay?" Frank asked softly.

"Yeah," she shrugged. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I know that look, Nan," he stated. "Something's going on in that mind of yours."

"It's nothing, Frank." Nancy rose from her seat then kissed him on the cheek. "Nothing to worry about."

He took her hand, holding her back from following Bess to the door where Candace and Vanessa were waiting. "Are you sure? You look upset about something."

"I'm fine, Frank," she said a little harshly, pulling her hand away from him. He was taken aback by her abrasiveness and hurt. Nancy noticed this and felt bad. She bit her lip before leaning toward him again. "I just didn't want to ruin the night. I'm sorry but it's just a feeling I'm having and I don't want to worry you."

"Okay..." Frank said cautiously. He wanted to respect her wishes but he also wanted to know what was really on her mind. Something was definitely bothering Nancy but he couldn't understand why she didn't say anything. He knew he wasn't going to get anything more out of her so he squeezed her hand. "Have fun."

"That was strange," Joe muttered as the brothers watched her and Bess leave the room. He looked over at Frank and noticed the hurt look. "Let her be. I'm sure she'll say something when she's ready. I'm sure it has nothing to do with you."

Frank gave him a look, his shoulders hunched. "Thanks, Joe," he said sarcastically. Frank turned back to the doors, wondering what was bothering her enough to snap at him.


"Why didn't you say anything to him?" Bess cried as the girls walked out of the restaurant. A limo was waiting outside for them, the engine idling. Jax Grant, their bodyguard for the night, was waiting for them by the car while the driver, Giles Millburn, opened the door to the back of the vehicle.

Nancy waited until they were in the car before continuing. "I didn't say anything because I didn't want him or anyone else to worry."

"Worry about what?" Candace asked, her eyes concerned.

"Nothing," Nancy shook her head and looked away.

"She thinks the Bridal Killer might try something tonight," Bess blurted out.

"Bess!"

"Well, she needs to know, don't you think?"

"I've already thought of that myself, Bess," Candace said softly.

"You have?"

"Of course," she shrugged. "What bride wouldn't be thinking of that? Then I realized that Nancy will be by my side the entire time. We also have Jax going into the club with us and Giles isn't just a driver. I think we'll be fine for the evening. I pity the guy if he does attempt anything because as long as you and Jax and Giles are alert and ready, there's no way he can do anything."

Nancy smiled. She was thankful that Candace was so strong and confident of those around her. Far cry from the woman she met years before who was forced to help Hunter Davenport kidnap Fenton Hardy. Candace's confidence was diminished over the years being with Patricia Hawkley who constantly berated her even though she was loyal to the woman as her assistant. When Patricia was pushed out of the picture by Senator Hawkley, that confidence grew into strength and Candace wasn't the same timid woman Nancy had met years before. It also helped that Parker was around too.

"Well, then," Vanessa piped up, clapping her hands, "let's get ready for the time of our lives! We have a party to go to!"


"What's on your mind, son?" Fenton Hardy asked when he saw Frank's concerned face. He had just walked over to the table though Frank and Parker were the only ones sitting there. Joe was at the bar getting a drink.

"I'm just thinking about Nancy and the girls tonight," Frank replied. Parker was looking over at him as well, interested in the conversation.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Nancy seemed distant almost preoccupied about something but she didn't say anything," he answered. "She also snapped at me but I don't know why."

Fenton sighed. "It's okay to be concerned, Frank. I'm not sure why Nancy was acting like that. Maybe she was on the same track mind as we have been for the past week."

"Okay, I don't get it." Frank looked from his father to Parker.

"There is a theory that the Bridal Killer will strike this evening or sometime this weekend," his father explained. "We don't know if it's true or not. More than likely nothing will happen but we took some precautions."

"That's why Jax and Giles are joining the girls tonight," Parker nodded. "They are both capable of taking care of any issues that might arise. I'm not taking any chances with Candace."

"Then why keep it from me?" Frank piped in. "I would have been able to help as well. Done something."

"I didn't say anything to you or Joe because I knew you'd want to get involved but I didn't want anything to get out just in case it was a real threat," Fenton explained. "The girls' safety is the priority for the evening but we didn't want to ruin everything for her just because of a hunch. What if nothing happens and we worried them for nothing?"

"So what are you planning?"

A waiter came by and cleaned up the table so Fenton waited until the man was gone before answering his son. Joe came back as Fenton spoke again. "We're not going inside but Sam and I are going to be parked in the parking lot across from the club this evening. We are going to be in constant contact with Jax throughout the entire time. He is our eyes on the inside. If Sam or I go in with them, the girls would know right away that something was up, especially Nancy. We all want them to enjoy their evening without the constant shadow above them. Having the idea in their heads would not make for an enjoyable evening. Nancy is more than likely thinking the same thing."

"I also asked her to stick with Candace all night no matter what," Parker chimed in. "Nancy even told me that she wouldn't drink a lot so that she would stay alert. I didn't tell her about any of the other plans though. Candace already knew that Jax and Giles were going with them so more than likely she's not worried."

"But shouldn't they be worried if this is true?" Frank asked alarmed that his father and Parker had planned something without his or Joe's knowledge. "Isn't it better to remain vigilant when something like this could happen?"

"I'm on the same track mind as Frank, Dad," Joe replied raising his hand. "Vanessa is out there too along with Bess and a couple of Candace's friends. Shouldn't they be concerned or at least warned?"

"Yes, but we don't really know if it's even going to happen," their father shrugged. "Why put that fear in their minds just for a possibility of it happening? You can't live in fear all the time without actually living. That goes against human nature. Nancy knows what she needs to do as does Jax and Giles. And Sam and I will be right there if anything should happen."

"Can we go too?" the younger Hardy asked hopefully.

Fenton shook his head. "No, you three had already agreed with Candace and Nancy that you would remain at the house for tonight. They did the same for you when you all went out for the bachelor party a few weeks ago. We'll keep that plan in place for now. If anything changes, I will call you."

"But…" Frank protested.

"I know, Frank," he said sympathetically. He placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "The Bridal Killer will more than likely not even strike tonight. He tends to take his victims on their wedding day, not the night before. Besides what are you worried about? Nancy's not the bride."

"And I may be a little worried at the moment," Parker piped in, "but I'm trusting Nancy to stay with Candace tonight. You should too. I have faith that nothing is going to happen."

Frank nodded seeing the determined look in his father's eyes. He knew he had to trust his father's instincts and the plan that was in place. Only thing was Frank still had a bad feeling about the evening.


The limo pulled up to the club an hour later and stopped just in front of the door. The driver got out and opened the door for the six girls in the back. Nancy was the first to get out, her eyes scanning all around. Club Rex was lit up with neon lights outside and thumping music reverberating from within. A line of hopeful partygoers were standing outside, eyeing her with envy. Nancy was grateful that they didn't have to wait in the line as Parker had already made plans for the girls to get in since a friend of his was the manager. Adjusting the short red dress she wore that left little to the imagination, Nancy flipped her hair off her shoulders and turned around to greet her friends who were still getting out of the limo.

Vanessa and Bess were standing on the sidewalk, their dresses clashing with each other. Vanessa wore a green halter-top and black mini-skirt while Bess wore a hot pink skimpy number that made even the bouncer look in her direction.

"I'm surprised you bought that, Bess," Nancy replied with a smile. "I didn't think Daniel would approve especially knowing where we're going."

"Well, Nan," Bess smirked, "what he doesn't know won't hurt him. Besides, he's not coming this time."

"What? Why? I thought you two were getting pretty close."

"Yeah, we were, but the whole thing with Donovan is still fresh in my mind," her friend said sadly. "Every time I see Daniel I think of the way Donovan possessed him. Do you know how creepy that is?"

"I see your point," Nancy nodded. "I'm sorry, Bess. I thought you two hit it off right away. He even went to Cancun with us."

"I know but he also said he couldn't make it this weekend because they were getting the manor ready to be demolished," she pouted. "I'm surprised it took this long for it to happen. I guess it's just fate telling me it's not worth it."

"You do have to remember that there was a lot of legal stuff that had to be done in order for it to be official, Bess. It is more than likely the truth."

"Yeah, but I was looking forward to dancing with him tomorrow!"

"I'm sure there will be someone there who will dance with you," Vanessa replied. "Maybe even Joe or Frank."

"But it wouldn't be the same," Bess stated.

"Are you coming or not?" cried one of the other girls, impatiently tapping her toe on the ground. The three looked over to Candace and her two friends, Amy Stoler and Stephanie Grant already at the door waiting for them. Candace was decked out in a plastic tiara and mini-veil with a hot pink sash that read "bride-to-be." It all matched well with her white mini-dress and heels. She looked ready to have fun so Nancy and her friends followed the others into the booming club, their earlier conversation gone with the wind.


The man walked out of the restaurant and headed toward the car he was "borrowing" for the evening. Although he was a little perturbed about not being able to leave right away he was rewarded with the news that there was more security than he originally thought. His spy had told him the details that were already put in place by the Hawkleys days before. What he didn't know was that the private eye from Bayport would be watching the club from a distance. He was going to have to keep an eye out for this private eye and his nosy sons. This put a chink in his initial plan though he had several backups just in case. He was already going to go to the club but this time he was going to have to go as someone else, someone the partygoers already somewhat trusted. The rest of his plan was going to have to change as well but he was prepared.

Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number he always to someone he always dreaded calling and waited for the person to answer. A few minutes later, he ended the call and a smile broke his face. The man was going to be able to get what he wanted and no one was going to be able to stop him. And if they did, they would surely regret it.


Author's Note:

I am so sorry that it took this long to get the chapter out! For some reason, I sometimes have problems with the very first chapter in getting it written the way I wanted it to be. I didn't want to start right off the bat with action and needed to slow it down to bring it to where it ended. I am hoping that the second chapter won't take as long. I have Tuesday off due to no school but no kids in the house (my daughter's school is in session) so I should have the time to get the chapter out then or at the latest Wednesday…I hope! Anyway, thank you for the awesome opening reviews! This is a story that has been developing over the past few months. As I said before, it was to be very different than what it is now but still has the same elements that I had wanted originally. Yes, the killer is very creepy and he will only get creepier as the story goes. Thank you Smithy for wishing my family and I well. So far we have been very blessed and we pray that it will continue that way. I hope that everyone has the same blessings during this time. Katnissta, I don't blame you for wanting Whitney to be the victim. She really never changed since the last time we saw her. Candylou, this will definitely be one for the books for our heroes. Things will change after this. I'm so glad you like it so far ErinJordan! Drumboy100, yes the two of us have been discussing this one for a while. He's not into the whole serial killer (I'm the slasher fan!) but the story was intriguing to him. The singer that was at the Lincoln Memorial was Michael W. Smith. I have been a fan of his ever since an old friend of mine gave me a tape of his first album for my birthday one year. It had the original version of a song called "Friends" that was a duet with his long time friend, Amy Grant. If you ever have the chance to listen to it, you can more than likely find some version of it on YouTube. There are actually three or four different versions though the latest one "Friends 2003" is my favorite as it not just a duet but an entire ensemble of some of the best singers in Christian music. Also if you're really interested, MWS has an amazing song called "There She Stands" that was written after 9/11. Simply Beautiful. Rose12, I'm not saying anything more about Jasper and the same thing goes for the next story. You will have to read on to find out more! EvergreenDreamweaver, the name Wilkes did come from Gone With the Wind, one of my all-time favorites but no, there's no relationship to Ashley Wilkes. I'm still waiting to introduce that to my 8yo though my husband is really not a fan of the film. Kalubatta6, I hope this chapter answered your question about Nancy. Obviously she didn't say anything but at least someone else thought of it! Elizabeth Joan, this is Hardy-centric though Nancy does play a key role in the storyline. You will just have to wait and see what that is. Jilsen, yes, I did have a great September though it did have its ups and downs. I do really love my job and the decision to switch positions. I don't need any more negativity in my life and I had a feeling that it would be that way if I had stayed in my original position. I'm just thankful that I work for the organization that I am with. It truly is awe-inspiring and helps with my own children at home though neither of them are on the spectrum. Thank you also to MargaretA66 and max2013 for your reviews! I hope that you all stick around for more because we've only just begun. Have a wonderful and blessed week and until next time, God bless!