Author's Note:
Well, it's Christmas week and I am so glad to be able to be at home with my family. Busy week ahead but I do plan on getting out at least two to hopefully three chapters over the course of the next week and a half barring any craziness and already planned events. I would like to get one more chapter published before Christmas but it may come Christmas Day for all I know. Depends on how much I get done. Anyway, thank you so much for the continued support by reading and reviewing the last chapter! Enjoy the chapter and if you'd like, please leave a review! Have a wonderful week and God bless! Merry Christmas!
Chapter Ten
The moment Joe walked into the lobby of the theater, something felt off to him. He looked around wondering where everyone had went and was about to walk toward the auditorium when he heard a door slam shut. Joe headed toward the side door and opened it just in time to see a compact car pull away quickly. Though he couldn't see the driver from where he stood, he or she was very determined to get away from the theater as fast as they could.
Shaking his head, Joe turned back to the theater and was met by shouts coming from downstairs. He took the steps two at a time as several women rushed up towards him away from the commotion below. One of the women was on the phone speaking frantically about an ambulance being needed. Joe quickened his pace coming to a hallway where several people were gathered around a door. A pungent odor permeated the air causing Joe's eyes to water slightly though it was starting to dissipate.
Rushing down the hall, his heart dropped at the sight of Bess and George sitting on the floor, their eyes closed as if they were asleep. Nelly and Joanna sat nearby, both of whom seemed to be coming out of it. Joe searched the hallway, praying that Nancy wasn't with them but his fears came true when he saw her further down, a dark-haired man kneeling beside her. He paused at both Bess and George to check on them before he moved on to Nancy. She was leaning up against the wall, her head lolling to the side. She coughed but didn't open her eyes.
"What happened?" Joe asked the man.
"I…I don't know," he stammered, running his hands through his hair nervously. "They just came downstairs and Ms. Nelly called them over into the room there. The door closed and I went back to work. If I hadn't walked by when I did, I never would have heard the knock."
"The knock?"
"Yeah," the man nodded. He held up a door knob then handed it to Joe. "When I opened the door, the smell was awful. She had the door knob in her hand. That's what I heard make the knock."
Joe examined the knob and shook his head. He could tell it was tampered with by barely looking at it.
"Joe!" cried a familiar voice. He tilted his head around the others blocking his view to see Frank searching for him at the other end of the hall. Joe cursed and rose quickly, keeping the knob in his hand. Several paramedics and first responders came from the stairs leading to the stage and swarmed the injured women to help, two of whom knelt down to attend to Nancy.
Knowing she was in good hands, Joe went to his brother to head him off before Frank saw anything more. Frank was still trying to get through though he finally saw Joe and waved to him.
"There you are!" he exclaimed, his eyes continued to search the hallway. "Is everyone okay? What the hell happened?"
Frank stopped abruptly, finally seeing Bess and George sitting on the floor nearby. He looked up at his brother, his mouth slightly open in shock. Joe didn't need to say anything as the realization hit Frank like a ton of bricks. It took all of Joe's strength to keep Frank from running past him.
"Stop, Frank!" Joe yelled. A few others around them helped push back on Frank until he stopped trying to get through. Joe could tell that Frank was about to lose it if he couldn't get to his wife, the older Hardy running his fingers through his hair in frustration. "The paramedics are with her. She's in good hands."
"Let me through, Joe," his brother ordered slowly after a few moments. Frank's voice seemed calmer than Joe expected it to be. The two brothers stared at each other before Joe stepped aside to allow Frank down the hall.
"Think he'll be okay?" asked Harland Walker who was one of the ones keeping Frank back.
"I don't know," Joe shook his head. "But I wouldn't want to be in the shoes of the person who did this when Frank finds out."
He lifted the knob and examined it again. His thoughts returned to the car he saw leave earlier and turned to Harland. "Who drives a compact car around here?" Joe asked the guard.
"Hmm." Harland tapped a gnarled finger on his chin. "There are a few who do. Miles does. A few of the cast members do too. Why?"
"I saw one leave in a hurry right before this happened," he answered. "I'm wondering if they had anything to do with it."
"Well, most of the cast is still at Savannah's, Mr. Hardy," the guard said solemnly. He pointed to a man kneeling next to Nelly. "Miles is right there. He had to come back for a few things before going to the studio for rehearsals. I think he was here the whole time."
"Did you see anyone else by chance?" Joe inquired nonchalantly. "Maybe someone came in unexpectedly and said they forgot something."
"As a matter of fact, yes, I did see someone," Harland's face lit up. "I saw Miss Shannon and Jared together upstairs though I only see her now."
The guard nodded over to Deirdre who was standing dumbfounded a few feet away. Joe could tell she was upset but wasn't sure why since she and Nancy weren't friends. He thanked Harland and strolled over to the woman who looked as if she were about to cry.
"You okay, Deirdre?"
She sniffed loudly and turned away to wipe her face. "I'm fine," Deirdre replied snottily, her nose slightly turned up. "Just have something in my eye."
"What are you doing here?" Deirdre whirled around toward Joe, glaring at him. "I mean, you have no part in the show so what are you doing here?"
"I'll have you know that I came here to support a friend." She put her hands on her hips and continued to glare at him. "What's it to you that I'm here? It's a free country, you know."
"I know but like I said," Joe pointed out, "you are not a part of the show. Only those who are crew or cast are really allowed down here. What are you doing?"
Deirdre stood her ground, lifting her chin defiantly. It seemed as if she wasn't going to tell Joe anything until they heard sounds of the paramedics nearby. The two turned to see a stretcher carrying Nancy disappear around the corner and Deirdre's energy seemed to deflate before him. She hung her head, mumbling something under her breath.
"What was that, Deirdre?" Joe asked, watching her closely.
She looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears. The pompous attitude she held earlier was gone and an innocent looking woman stood before him. Deirdre's lips quivered as she nervously pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She sniffled and looked away.
"I have to go." Deirdre pushed past Joe rudely and was about to break into a run when he grabbed her wrist to stop her.
"Whatever it is, Deirdre," he said calmly, "you can tell me."
She shrugged him off but didn't move, staring at his face. Finally she sighed and looked away, ready to talk. "I came here with Jared," Deirdre replied. "He was going to show me something."
"What did he do?"
"I don't know," she huffed. "He didn't tell me anything and the little weasel ran out on me before I even knew it!"
"What are you talking about, Deirdre?"
"When he saw Nancy and her 'squad' he ran out quickly. I knew Daddy shouldn't have made me be friends with him all these years!"
"Do you know of anything else that he has done?"
"How should I know?" Deirdre snapped.
The wheels in Joe's head were going full speed as he looked down the hall. Frank and Nancy were gone and the paramedics were still taking care of the others though Nelly and Joanna were awake and talking. Joe needed his brother but he saw someone else who could help instead. He took hold of Deirdre's hand and dragged her toward Detective BD Hawkins, who was interviewing a few of the crew members who were there. She protested all the way but stopped the moment BD turned his attention to them.
"Hey, Joe," the detective said cautiously, eyeing the two intently. "What seems to be the problem?"
"Quit man-handling me!" cried Deirdre, pulling her arm away from Joe. She was about to leave again but he stopped her.
"Oh, no you don't!" Joe turned his attention to the detective who was giving him a stern look. "Tell him what you just told me!"
"No!" She pouted, folding her arms in front of her. "I'm not putting myself out there for anyone!"
"Hold on, Joe," BD hushed the two. He gently took Deirdre's hand and moved her off to the side to speak with her.
Joe was about to follow but the detective shook his head and he stayed back. He looked down the hall to see the dark-haired man staring at him. Confused, Joe turned back to the others. BD stood with his arms folded, listening intently to Deirdre who was gesticulating through her story again. Joe looked down the hall again but the man was gone. Something was bugging him and the only person he could to talk to was not there. Then a thought came into his head. Joe got out his phone and dialed a familiar number.
A few hours later, Frank walked the halls of the hospital. He hated being there since every time he was in the building, something bad happened and this time was no exception. From the accident that killed Carson Drew to the loss of their first child, Frank went through the memories with grief and disdain. He didn't want to be told again that he lost someone he cared about and when Dr. Henry Morris, Nancy's obstetrician, stopped him, Frank held his breath, waiting for more bad news.
"Mr. Hardy," replied the doctor. Frank turned to him. "I just need a moment of your time."
Frank nodded solemnly and followed the doctor off to the side of the hallway. Dr. Morris sighed heavily causing Frank to stiffen. The man must have noticed the reaction for he smiled kindly towards him.
"I didn't mean to worry you, Mr. Hardy," he said gently. Frank looked blankly at him. "A lot going on today but you should breathe a sigh of relief. Your wife is going to be fine along with the baby."
"So, there's nothing wrong?"
"No, absolutely not," Dr. Morris smiled though his voice changed in the next moment. "I do urge some caution though. Although her blood pressure has gone down slightly, I do feel that it's necessary to put Nancy on bed rest until the baby is born."
"I'm confused," Frank shook his head. "I thought you said she was fine."
"Oh, she is," the man nodded, his eyes kind. "This is just a precaution after the incident. I don't want anything to happen that could endanger either of them or restart labor."
"What do you mean restart?" he asked surprised. "Did she…"
"We were able to stop the early labor with medication," Dr. Morris replied calmly. "She's resting comfortably and we'll keep her here for a few days before sending her home. When she does go home, someone needs to be with her at all times just in case. No cleaning, lifting, shopping, exercising, etc either. She's also very upset with herself so please be gentle and don't be mad at her."
"Why would I be mad at her?"
"She was worried that you'd be mad at her for going back to the theater," the doctor replied concerned. "At least that's what she told me while we were running some tests."
Frank closed his eyes and bowed his head. He was only slightly angry with Nancy for returning to the theater but in the end, he knew it was inevitable. She was just too curious for her own good and he couldn't stay mad for long at the woman he loved.
"Where is she?" he finally uttered softly.
"Down the hall, room, 406." Dr. Morris gave Frank a hopeful smile. "Be thankful that someone was there to get her and the others out in time or we would be having a very different conversation. You have a strong-willed woman on your hands and a healthy child waiting to come into this world. That is what matters the most, Mr. Hardy."
Frank nodded solemnly and the doctor walked away. He rubbed his face, not knowing what else to do other than to go see Nancy.
"Frank?" He turned to see Joe standing a few feet away looking like a terrified child. "Is Nancy okay?"
"Yeah, Joe, she's fine," he smiled. Frank explained to his brother everything the doctor told him. "I don't know how much more I can take. At least Aaron was there to get them out."
"Aaron?"
"The dark-haired guy in the hall," Frank explained. Joe nodded in recognition though he didn't state his insecurities about the man. "He was the one who was able to get the door open and rescued all of them. If he hadn't been there, Nancy would have…"
"Hey, it's okay," Joe said calmly, putting his hand on his brother's arm. "You said it yourself, she's fine and so is the kid. That is the most important thing."
"You're right," Frank sighed. "Did you find anything as to who did this?"
"It can wait, Frank," his brother answered. "I…I called Dad. He's coming with Mom tonight. It might help to have them here just in case anything else happens…or maybe just to help out."
"I think we'll be fine," he shook his head. "They don't need to come."
"Well, hate to burst your bubble but I don't think you're fine." Frank narrowed his eyes but Joe didn't miss a beat, pointing a finger at his older brother. "That's exactly why I haven't told you what I know. I know you, Frank. You seem to forget that and I know what will happen if I do tell you who did it. The guy won't stand a chance if you get your hands on him. Stay with Nancy for now. I'm going with BD to look for the suspect and then get Mom and Dad from the airport. Do you need anything?"
"Yeah, I need to find the little prick who did this." Frank's voice came out more like a growl, his fists clenched at his sides. Joe put his hand on his brother's arm to stop him and looked straight into his eyes.
"You…are needed…here," he said slowly but firmly. "Mom and Dad are on their way and I don't think you want to greet them from a jail cell. You know that Mom will rip you a new one on that especially if you leave your pregnant wife alone. Nancy needs you more than I do. BD and I can handle this."
Frank took a deep breath and shook his head. After everything he heard that day, he had a sinking suspicion as to who was the behind the sabotage and wanted nothing more than to pound the guy into the oblivion. But Joe was right. Nancy was more important than a petty little pinhead. Still Frank thought about the look on the man's face if were to be able to go after him.
"You are so predictable."
"What?" Frank looked innocently at his brother.
"I can tell when you're thinking about catching the bad guy," Joe smirked. The brothers looked at each other then burst out laughing.
"You're right," he laughed. "But it's more along the lines of the look he'd have."
"Geez, go see your wife," his brother slapped his arm. Joe started down the hall. "Tell her I said 'hello.' And I'll let you know when we find him and when Mom and Dad get here."
"How are the others doing anyway?"
Joe was halfway down the hall when he turned towards Frank, continuing to walk backwards as he spoke. "Oh, Bess is good. They're keeping her overnight for observation to make sure everything is good with her baby. George, Nelly, and Joanna were already discharged by the time I got here. They're waiting with Bess to hear what's going on with Nancy. Make sure you stop to see them sometime and I'll see you later."
Frank waved, watching Joe get on the elevator. He sighed before heading towards Nancy's room down the hall from where he was. A nurse was just walking out when Frank arrived. She smiled politely before slipping out the door leaving Frank to his own thoughts.
The curtain was slightly closed blocking off his view of Nancy and the rest of the room. Frank looked around the curtain to see Nancy sitting up in bed staring out the window, her face wet from crying. The room was brightly lit, the blinds open wide revealing a view of the park below. Frank's sneaker squeaked on the floor and she jumped at the sound. Nancy glanced at him briefly before looking back out the window as if in shame. It was several seconds before either one of them spoke, Frank still rooted to the floor.
"You can go ahead and scold me," she mumbled softly.
"Why would I do that?"
"Because I deserve it," she huffed, her eyes still fixed on a blank space somewhere outside. "I went against your wishes and put our child in danger again. I'm already a crappy parent."
Frank laughed and Nancy finally turned back to him. She was surprised to see that he was standing next to her, his eyes filled with love for her. He took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips as he sat down on the bed.
"You are going to be an amazing mom," he said softly. Frank lifted his hand to face and caressed her cheek. There was so much he wanted to say but he didn't know how to say it. "Unlike myself."
Nancy stared at him, seeing the worry lines on his face and redness in his eyes from lack of sleep. Something was bothering Frank and she wasn't sure if it had anything to do with her. "Frank, what's going on?" she finally asked him. "What aren't you telling me?"
He sighed, bowing his head in defeat. He had to tell her about the woman he saw but he took a different route that maybe would deter Nancy from questioning him more. "I…I have some bad news," Frank finally said. Nancy's face went pale, fearing the worst. "My parents are coming."
She looked at him, searching his eyes then she laughed. "And here I thought it was the end of the world!"
"It will be when Mom gets a hold of you," he laughed nervously. Nancy's face suddenly went slack, a scowl scrunching her eyebrows. Frank stopped abruptly, the laughter gone.
"Frank Hardy," she said sternly, reminiscent of his mother, "you had better tell me what's really going on or I will make your life a living hell until you do."
He gulped as she folded her arms and waited. The heart beat monitors were slow and steady and he knew Nancy meant business. Frank didn't want to tell her but he knew he had no choice. He bit his lip then ran his fingers through his hair nervously before he uttered another word. Finally, he explained the incident at the airport and what he saw the day before. She listened intently, her mind processing the story as he went along. After he told her about his phone call to David, Nancy sat silently, her hands limp in her lap. Frank watched and waited.
"You shouldn't have kept this from me, Frank," she said. "What if I was out with Bess and George and encountered this woman without even knowing it?"
"I'm sorry, Nancy," he bowed his head. She lifted his head with her hand and smiled.
"We are a team, Frank," Nancy whispered. "We deal with things like this together. That's what makes us so strong. Please don't think that I'm going to break. You know me better than that."
Frank nodded then leaned in to kiss her on the lips tenderly. The two were oblivious to everything around them including a pair of eyes watching them from around the side of the curtain. The person didn't say a word and left the room without either Nancy or Frank knowing he was there.