Chapter Four
The killer pulled into the parking garage not far from the club and stopped the engine. His heart pounded hard in chest as he rested his forehead on the steering wheel. The adrenaline pumped through his veins along with something else: anxiety. He couldn't understand why but more than likely it had something to do with the fact that he killed two innocent people. Well, one innocent man and an annoying bodyguard who saw him put the drug in the girl's drink while she was dancing with the others. The man confronted him and although the killer knew the bodyguard would easily take him down, the element of surprise was there for him as he pulled out his favorite knife. The bodyguard didn't know what hit him until it was too late. Good thing he had the strength to lift the man into the dumpster. The bodyguard was a good 300 pounds compared to his light, athletic 195.
He looked at himself in the rear view mirror and cursed. A black bruise was slowly growing under his eye where she hit him. The killer didn't understand how she fought off the drug he gave her but eventually she succumbed to it. Before the night began, he thought about taking her as well as the bride but he was against it due to the dangerous possibility of being caught. However, he thought about it as he stared at her behind the club and knew she needed to be taught a lesson. It's not nice to punch a stranger no matter what he was doing. Oh, yes, she would pay for what she did and then she would join the bride in her demise.
He thought about the killings. Every time he killed, it was different. The last girl was given the chance to confess her sins on camera and while she did, the killer still strangled her then sent the tape to her beloved fiancé who was devastated by the news and later killed himself over it. Another time he took a girl because he wanted to see if the fiancé really loved her. He did but the killer had other plans. The girl was found in a creek in her wedding dress.
But he had a new idea for the two he had taken. They both had secrets. Women always did and he was determined to find out what secrets they held. But he had a new way to get it out of them. Something he had wanted to try though he was saving it for the right person. He found her. He just had to bide his time to prepare and to clear a few loose ends.
After quickly changing and making sure his bruise was covered up, he wiped down the inside of the clunker. The killer then moved his "guests" to another car, tying them both up just in case. Before long he was off, heading back to the club where he had to make his appearance to throw off the scent. He also just couldn't pass up going back to the scene of the crime.
As he pulled into the parking lot, he saw the police cars that were just starting to surround the club. Several people milled about, trying to get a look as to what was going on while others hurried to their cars to leave, not wanting anything to do with the police. Then he saw them: the girls that were a part of the bachelorette party. They were standing with two older men but the killer recognized them from the newspaper clippings he saw. One was the father of the brothers and he was just as bad as his sons from what the killer knew about the Hardy family. He smirked as he cut the engine. This was definitely going to be entertaining.
Whitney Stanton walked out to her car. She was furious with Vanessa and the way she was treated. How dare they treat me like that! she thought. Sirens broke out and the woman looked over to see several police cars pull up to the club. Her mouth dropped open in alarm. There really was something going on! Was Candace really kidnapped? Whitney looked at the ground, thinking about Parker. She still loved him long after she dumped him. She just didn't see why he was with someone like Candace…or Nancy when he was with her. Whitney grumbled at the thought of the young detective. Who cares if she lives or dies? Especially after the way I was treated the last time she was here. Then her thoughts shifted to Fenton Hardy. He was the reason why she was working instead of getting a manicure and shopping for the latest styles. When her father was able to get his money back, he quintessentially cut her off from her credit cards and forced her to get a job. A miserable one at that but at least she was able to keep her car. All because she pushed that brat into a ditch as a joke.
Huffing, Whitney got into her car and was about to start the engine when she thought she saw a familiar face walking toward the crowd now forming outside the club. She smiled and started to get out but stopped when she realized it wasn't who she thought it was. Shoulders slumping, Whitney got back into the car and drove off trying to forget about the disastrous evening, not even realizing who she had just seen.
"Was Jax speaking when you found him?" Fenton asked Chief Durham. They were all standing outside the club, the crowd dying down as the midnight hour passed.
"No, unfortunately," the weathered police man shook his head. "He's probably going to be out for a while too. He was gutted so I'm surprised he even survived. Can't say the same about Ben Young though. He was a good man too. Horrible way to die. The killer knew what he was doing when he did this."
"I'm thinking Ben and Jax were just collateral damage, Durham," he growled. "Jax must have seen something to approach the killer or there wouldn't have been an argument. As for Ben, he was just outside for a breather and happened upon them when he was coming in. Neither one of them saw it coming."
"I heartily agree," Durham nodded. "This case is strange indeed. If it is the Bridal Killer, he went off his usual MO."
"Chief!" cried a voice. The men looked over to see a dark haired man approaching them. He looked to be about 35 and wore wire-framed glasses. Durham lightened up when he saw him.
"Glad you're here, Brady." The Chief turned to Fenton and Sam to introduce the newcomer. "Fenton, Sam, this is Detective Harrison Brady. He's one of the best detectives I've had the pleasure of meeting and employing."
"Aw, shucks, Chief," Brady blushed. Fenton thought he saw a pinch of irritation but it was gone in the blink of an eye. "I'm still one of the newbies, remember?"
"Yeah, and you've done a lot for the community in the time that you've been here," the Chief stated, clapping him on arm. "I don't know what I'd do without you, to be honest."
"So, what's going on?"
"Kidnapping and murder," Durham said grimly. He went on to explain what happened. "I want you to do whatever you can to find this bastard. He's got two young ladies and we don't want to lose either one of them. They have loved ones who would like to have them back."
"I'll find him, sir," Brady nodded. He looked at Fenton and Sam. "Are either of you related to the girls who were kidnapped?"
"No, but my son is dating one of them," Fenton said gravely. "Nancy Drew. Her father is a good friend of mine. Candace Miller is the other girl missing. My sons are with her fiancé along with Carson Drew. I would like to help out if you will let me. I'm sure my sons would want to help as well."
"Fenton Hardy is a former NYPD detective, Brady," Durham piped up. "He has some experience in this type of thing."
"Well, I could all the help I can get, Mr. Hardy," the detective smiled. "I'm sure you'll be an asset to us. Do we have any recent photos of the girls?"
"Yeah." The Chief pulled out a phone from his pocket and searched for something before handing it to him. "This is Candace's phone. The red-head is Nancy and the one with brown hair is Candace. This was taken just a few hours ago by their friends, the young ladies standing over there." Durham gestured toward where Bess and Vanessa were standing and Brady looked toward them. "They were here for a bachelorette party for Ms. Miller."
"Right," the detective nodded. "She's getting married tomorrow to Councilman Hawkley. Everyone in town has been talking about it for months."
"Exactly, that's why there's an urgency here. If this is indeed the Bridal Killer we may not find them in time."
"But he's never taken more than one victim," Brady pointed out. "Why would he take a second one? That goes against everything that a serial killer does. It's easier for him to get caught."
"I thought about that too," Fenton nodded. "From what we saw on the video, Nancy put up a good fight. She might have just pissed him off. She tends to do that when she's on a case."
"On a case? What do you mean by that?"
"Nancy is a private investigator," he explained. "Has the same reputation as my sons do and they've worked together numerous times over the past few years."
"A lot of good that did her," Brady shook his head. Fenton gave him a dirty look and the detective cleared his throat. "Sorry. I figure that she's a formidable woman but anything can happen."
"Bess and Vanessa said she wasn't feeling good so more than likely Nancy was drugged which would explain how easily she was taken," Fenton growled, glaring at the man. "You have no idea who Nancy is. She was able to take on one of the worst men I've ever met with a bullet wound and still survived. Next time, think before you speak especially when it comes to her. And if I were you, I would avoid talking like that around Carson or Frank or you might end up on the ground."
"Now, Fenton," warned Durham stepping up to the two.
"I got it, Durham," he muttered. "I just don't take kindly to people who speak ill of someone they don't know or know the whole story. I would like to stick around if you'll let me so I know what to tell Parker and the others. And I'd also like to know when Jax is awake. I want to hear what he has to say because I think it might help immensely."
"Wait, there's someone alive?" Brady looked alarmed.
"Yes, the bodyguard," the Chief answered. Fenton noticed a slight tic in the detective's face but it was gone just a quickly as it surfaced. "Strong man too. Fenton's right. Jax is going to know a lot so I want you to question him the moment he wakes up. From the look on the video, he might have known the killer."
"Wow," the detective huffed. "The bodyguard could blow the whole thing open, couldn't he?"
"Exactly, that's why I'm ordering guards on his door at all times. The moment the killer knows he's alive, he'll more than likely be a target."
"I'll make sure he's safe, Chief."
"Oh, Christ," Durham muttered rolling his eyes. He was looking in the direction of the crowd where several reporters were gathering. Brady whirled around to see where the Chief was looking. "Not him."
"Who?" Fenton asked looking over at the crowd.
"Waylon Jones," he growled. "He's a new thorn in my side. Been popping up everywhere there's a story lately."
"He's a reporter?" Sam asked eyeing one of the reporters who was looking keenly at their group. "What's wrong with that?"
"Jones is a creep," Brady grumbled, shaking his head. "My girlfriend even thinks that. Like the Chief said, he's everywhere lately, mainly to get the scoop on something. He has some blog or works for a website...I don't know. He really hasn't said where he works but be wary of that one. You don't want to get stuck in his claws. Chief, I'm going to go look at the crime scene. That way I can get a feel as to what's going on."
Durham nodded, his face set in a frown. Brady waved to the others before walking away. Fenton watched the detective, wondering what was bothering him about the man. He looked toward the Chief who quirked an eyebrow at him.
"I know that look, Fenton," he growled. "Brady is one of my best. He's a saint."
"You said that already but there's something about him that I don't get," Fenton sighed. "He seems too…"
"Perfect?" Sam finished his sentence.
"Exactly."
"Well, get that out of your head," Durham defended. "Brady may seem too perfect but the guy is the real deal. He's had recommendations out the wazoo and he's already proven himself since being on the force the past few months. I'm going to talk to Jones before he starts to pester my men. Believe me, Fenton, Brady is a good man. I know a good person when I see one."
Fenton and Sam watched as the detective walked away. The two were skeptical about Brady but they wanted to trust Durham's word. Still something seemed off about him. If he was so good at his job, why wasn't Brady in a big city instead of a small town? Fenton made a mental note to check out Harrison Brady before the end of his time in Milford Point.
Frank was on the couch in the living room, his eyes closed though he couldn't sleep. He knew it was in the wee hours of the morning but his thoughts wouldn't let him fall asleep. Plus he didn't want to be around anyone at the moment. His mother had arrived with Carson and Hannah hours before and the room felt crowded with everyone in it. Joe had fallen asleep in the recliner while Parker was pacing the last time Frank saw him. The two were still friends but what the man said earlier about Nancy drinking too much really hurt Frank and even though Parker apologized, it still didn't help the situation. His thoughts turned to Nancy and where she was at that moment. He prayed that nothing happened to her but pessimism crept in. Frank's last thoughts before nodding off were of her smile and how she lit up the room whenever she entered.
"Frank?" said a soft voice. A hand shook his shoulder and he mumbled something in his sleep. "Frank?"
"Hmm?" He opened his eyes to see his mother standing over him. She had a kind smile on her face and a mug in her hand. Frank could smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee emanating from the mug and he rubbed his eyes before sitting up. When he spoke again, his voice was groggy. "Hey, Mom. What time is it?"
"Nearly five in the morning," Laura said softly. She handed the mug to him in which he gratefully accepted. "I thought you might want this. Why are you in here anyway? I thought you'd want to sit by the phone waiting for news from your father."
"I know but I just needed to be alone," Frank stated. He took a sip of coffee and closed his eyes, letting the hot liquid run down his throat and the caffeine rattling him awake. "I also wanted to think without hearing Joe snore."
Laura laughed. "Yeah, he does have a tendency to annoy people with that obnoxious snore he has. I still have no clue as to where he got it from either. But it's understandable that you wanted to be alone, sweetheart." She smiled and sat down next to her son. She took a sip of her coffee before placing it back onto the side table then looked over at him. "You know she'll be all right. Nancy's pretty strong girl even in the toughest times and I wouldn't want to be in the killer's shoes when she gets her hands on him." Frank snickered, a smile stretching across his face leaving dimples in his cheeks. Laura nudged him. "See? You know it to be true."
"Yeah, I do," he nodded. "After what I saw her do to Martin Davenport and any other bad guy we came across over the past few years, I wouldn't put it past her to go after him. How are Mr. Drew and Hannah doing?"
"Rather well to be honest," she sighed. "I think Carson has the same optimism that I have. Hannah's worried though. As for Parker though, he's still upset but he's not really sure what to do about the wedding at the moment. It's not until tomorrow night but we can't just let it go until the last minute. I don't think the guests would appreciate it and besides, once the news hits, Parker will have no choice but to cancel it. And we have no idea where to start looking for Candace and Nancy so it's more than likely inevitable that the wedding be at least postponed."
"Did Dad call?"
"Yes, he did. He's on his way back. He said he was sorry he didn't call earlier. Your father wanted to get as much information as he could before coming here to tell us in person. Bess and Vanessa are coming back with him along with Sam." Laura weaved her arm into Frank's and leaned her head on his shoulder. "I know they'll be all right, Frank. Have faith that you'll find them before it's too late. Your father will know what to do."
"I know, Mom." Frank patted her hand. "I know."
Nancy was jostled awake by a bump. When she tried to move, she felt her hands tied in front of her and a gag over her mouth. And there was another body pressed up against her. The body moaned softly and Nancy realized it was Candace. Her heart pounded as she took in where she was at. It was dark and she couldn't see anything but she could feel a car moving, the tires rumbling over the road. From that alone, she deciphered she was in the trunk but where they were going she did not know. All Nancy knew was that she had to get her and Candace away from whoever kidnapped them.
Suddenly the car began to slow down and turned down a bumpy road, the stones spraying the bottom of the car. Nancy had a feeling that their destination was near and her chance was coming to escape. The only thing she didn't want to do was leave Candace behind. She nudged the girl but there was no response. Whatever the kidnapper gave her, it still hadn't worn off.
Sighing, Nancy made the heartbreaking decision to leave Candace in order to get help. The only way to do that was to take the kidnapper by surprise. As the car came to a halt, a plan formulated in her mind and she waited for the right moment.
The killer pulled the car into the garage connected to the house. He was angry because it took him longer to get away from the club than he anticipated. It was nearly five in the morning and he was exhausted, ready for bed. But just before pulling into the driveway, he thought he heard movement coming from the trunk and was concerned that the drugs he gave them was wearing off. When he stopped the engine, he took a few moments to pull out a syringe from his bag and prepare it just in case it was needed.
As the garage door closed, the killer slowly got out of the vehicle and walked around to the trunk of the car. He thought he was ready for anything, the syringe in his pocket with the cap on. What he didn't anticipate was that the moment he opened the trunk, Nancy lashed out with both feet and pushed him away, knocking him into the garage door. While he was dazed and trying to get organized once again, she scrambled out of the car and bolted for the door.
Author's Note:
Hey everybody! Hope your day is going well! I said I was going to get another one out this week and here it is! I know I went from nearly midnight to five in the morning without much description but the next chapter will have all the explanation that you need to figure things out here. I didn't want to have to explain what happened over and over so I thought that one time when everyone was in the room would be the best time to bring up what happened. But several questions will be answered in the next chapter. I assure you of that. Thank you so much for reading the story and for the awesome reviews! I love hearing what you have to say and how you feel about the story so far. Anyway, does anyone have any plans for the weekend? Tonight is a date night for us. No kids. Yes! A night at a local restaurant and then a movie at home…preferably a horror flick since it's that time of year. If you do decide to go out and enjoy an evening meal, go to a local restaurant. They are really hurting right now and the bigger restaurants will always be there. I'm not saying go exclusively to a local place but you never know when you're going to find a little gem in the midst of bigger places. I know I'm not going only to local ones but I do try. We are trying out a Greek restaurant that has been highly recommended by friends. I've been looking forward to this for a while too! Well, I will let you be for now. Have a great weekend and as always, God bless and be safe. Be well, my friends!
