Chapter Twenty-Four

Frank ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated that there was nothing he could do to open the door. If it was indeed a gunshot that they heard, how was it that they could even hear it? And who was on the receiving end of the shot? If David was dead, how were they going to get out? So many questions were rambling through his head that he felt a headache coming on. Frank looked over to the couch where his father comforted Nancy with soothing words. He huffed in thought. There had to be a way.

Glancing at Henry, Frank thought that maybe the doctor knew more than he was letting on. He stepped toward the man and kept his voice low as he spoke. "Did David give you any clues as to how to get out of here? Anything at all that you might have missed or forgotten to tell us."

Henry thought for a moment, racking his brain for any information. "No," he finally answered with a shake of his head. "He told me a few things technology wise but nothing that would be along the lines of helping us get out. I just assumed David had a contingency plan in place but as to what that is, I don't know."

"Tell me what he said," Frank ordered gently, his mind starting to shift into gear. A plan was beginning to form but he needed more information.

"Well, David told me that this was a prototype room," the doctor began. "He was trying to pitch it to the board in order to get it on the market within the next few months. The only thing is it isn't finished. The communications and security cameras haven't been installed yet. The room has no access panel inside or out and can only be opened with a remote. It does have panels in place for maintenance though which are inside the room. The walls are thinner but just as resilient as the original rooms and I'm assuming that it's the reason why we were able to hear the shots. The only other thing that's different from the original style rooms is the electromagnetic lock. It's what keeps the door in place though there are bolts that slide into the wall to secure it."

"So, the walls are thinner but we won't be able to cut or force our way out?"

"Correct," he nodded. "I don't know much more about the technology though. Just what David explained to me. The man is a genius when it comes to this stuff and he had to explain it to me in laymen's terms."

"Did he happen to show you where the maintenance panels are?" Frank asked hopefully.

"He didn't exactly show me, but I did see something." Henry motioned for Frank to follow as he walked a few steps to the door. He knelt down and pushed a small wall panel that opened up. "When David initially showed me the room a few days ago, someone had to have been working at this panel. He made it look like it shouldn't have been open but I know David. He did it on purpose so that I knew it was there. Almost as if it were foresight on his part. David was always one or two steps ahead of everyone else."

Frank knelt down and looked inside to see massive amounts of cable and circuitry. It was exactly what he was looking for. He knew a little about electronics and had a theory as to how to open the door. The only thing was that it was a huge risk but one that he was willing to take.

"What are you thinking, Frank?" his father asked coming up behind him. Nancy remained at the couch though she watched them intently.

"I think I may have an idea," he answered getting up from the floor. "But we need a few things to help me. And a whole lot of prayer that the plan works."

Frank rambled off a few things and Henry and Fenton moved into action, with the doctor pointing out places where he knew there were hidden panels of items. Nancy eyed her husband intently as he walked toward her. She seemed nervous and he took her hand, bringing it to his lips tenderly.

"We're going to get out of this, Nan," he said softly. "I promise."

"I trust you, Frank," she smiled.

Within a half hour, Henry and Fenton found several items Frank needed though not everything was readily available. A few items were added that could possibly replace those that weren't there.

"I'm surprised you were able to find any of this," Frank replied surveying the items splayed out on the dinette table. He handed a flashlight to his father.

"Me too," the doctor nodded. "Like I said, David is always a few steps ahead of the game."

"I'm sure he is," Fenton growled, "but he has some explaining to do when this is all over. What are the flashlights for anyway?"

"Just in case, Dad," his son said vaguely. Fenton looked at him through narrowed eyes but didn't say anything so as not to upset Nancy.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" he asked his voice low. He had stopped Frank as he walked by, stealing a glance at Nancy.

"I'm sure," Frank nodded grimly. He also looked over at Nancy who was conveniently distracted by Henry. The doctor was taking her blood pressure and other vitals keeping her attention on him. "I'm willing to take any chance I can, Dad. I don't want Nancy in here any longer than necessary."

"But we have no idea what is going on outside this room!" Fenton hissed. "We could be opening the door to a bunch of goons for all we know. Henry told me earlier that this Board was after Nancy because of her being so close to David. Are you really willing to take that chance?"

"Yes!" his son answered quickly. "They'll take her over my dead body too! It could be anyone out there for all we know but for some reason I have faith that what we're dealing with is friendly. Don't ask me why but I don't think it's this Board that we're all worried about is out there."

"Which means that you shouldn't touch what's in those walls, Frank! What if David tries to open the door and can't because you severed something? Are you really willing to sacrifice our lives and the life of your unborn child because of it?"

"Dad, I'm doing this because of them!" Frank screeched. Henry and Nancy looked up from what they were doing, curious about his outburst. Frank lowered his voice. "This is our only real chance and if I'm wrong…"

"You'll be dead wrong."

"Please, I got this." Frank stared at his father determined to do what he felt was right.

Fenton looked at his son, seeing the determination. He felt proud that Frank was willing to do what was necessary to save them even if it could spell their demise. His son looked confident in knowing what he was about to do. Nodding, Fenton cupped Frank's face and smiled. "I know you do."

Henry came over with a few hardback books and handed one to Fenton and another to Frank. Nancy walked over as well curious as to what the doctor was giving the others.

"What's this?" Frank asked confused.

"David's contribution to the 'contingency plan,'" Henry smirked. "It was one of the things he showed me on the tour of the room. Didn't you find it a little weird that he had gardening books in a windowless room?"

"Actually, I did," he laughed as he opened his book. Fenton opened his as well. What was found instead of written words was a 9mm gun with a full clip in each box. Henry held up a third book but it had extra magazine and bullets. Frank looked at him in shock and shook his head. "You knew about this?"

"Yes," the doctor nodded then rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I was a little afraid that if I said something, someone would use one on me."

Fenton laughed while Frank grew red with embarrassment. Even Nancy hid a laugh behind her hand, her eyes gleaming with glee.

"That's a pretty good fear to have," the elder Hardy joked. He patted his son on the arm then put his gun back in the box. "I'm no good with a gun at the moment. I can stay with Nancy while you two get us out of here. If Frank is right though, we probably won't even need them."

Frank gazed at his father and nodded. He put his gun back in the box as well. "He's right," he said, handing the box back to Henry. The doctor was surprised but shrugged in agreement. "I think we should be thankful that David had the foresight to think of it but I know in my heart we'll be fine. If I'm wrong, well…I'm already taking a chance with what I'm about to do so what's more to say."

"I have faith in you and know that what you're doing is for the best," Nancy replied softly. "I'll back you no matter what happens."

"I'm glad to hear that," Frank smiled, "because I want you and Dad to hole yourselves up in the bathroom just in case."

"What? No!" she protested.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Frank," Henry stated shaking his head.

"Why not?" he asked surprised.

"Because it's not that big to begin with," the doctor stated. "And honestly, I'm not letting her sit in there for what could be hours. Same thing goes for your father. They'd be scrunched inside."

"I agree with Henry," Fenton nodded. "As much as I think we need to remain safe considering how much we don't know what is on the other side of the door, having us all together would be better. Besides, I don't know about Nancy but I sure as hell don't want to sit on the floor of a bathroom, no matter how clean it is! And the toilet is no better. Nancy can take care of herself as well even if she is over seven months pregnant. I don't think anyone would stand a chance with her."

"Okay, fine," Frank relented. "But I want you behind the couch. Agreed?"

"Agreed," Nancy nodded.

A few minutes later Frank was working at the maintenance panel with Henry holding a flashlight for him to see inside the wall. Fenton sat with Nancy, a flashlight between them. The two spoke quietly so as not to distract the others.

"So, are you okay?" he asked with a small smile. "I haven't had the chance to really ask how you were doing since we arrived."

"I'm good," Nancy answered rubbing her belly tenderly. "Baby is still kicking if you're wondering. The two of us have had a mental conversation over the last few days and I think we've come to an agreement. Baby's not allowed to arrive until closer to the due date, meaning no time soon."

"You're funny," Fenton snickered. "But I don't think that you can really do something like that. Babies come when God intends them to. If it just so happens that this one arrives early then you and Frank will deal with it but still love the baby unconditionally. Life has a way of doing that."

"Well, like Frank's feeling of what's on the other side of the door," she shrugged, "I have a feeling that the baby will come a few weeks from now. I haven't felt this good in weeks to be honest, no matter what Henry says. But if he still wants me on bed rest then I guess I have to comply."

"As you should," he agreed. "You may feel fine now but next week something else might come up."

"I don't think Henry wants to admit it but I saw that my blood pressure was perfect just now." Nancy leaned in closer to him. "I think he may have been just as surprised as I was!"

"That's great!" Fenton brought her close and hugged her as best he could, kissing her on the temple. He noticed a change in her demeanor. "What's wrong?"

"It's…it's nothing," she waved her hand dismissively. "It's probably over by now anyway."

"You mean the theater," he stated. Fenton bowed his head knowing how much it meant to her. "I'm sure it will all be okay once we're out of here. I'm surprised that you're more worried about that than us being in here."

"Oh, I am worried about us being stuck in here," Nancy laughed lightly. "I…I just feel like I failed my entire family line because I never really held any interest in the theater since Dad died. Hell, I didn't have any interest before then either but I knew of its importance to Mom and to Dad. He was on the board of regents for her and he hoped one day that I would be a part of it too. I guess I realized too late."

"Well, I think you have nothing to worry about," Fenton smiled. "Hannah knows how much it means to you so I'm sure that both she and Laura are working on it in your place."

"I'm sure they are." She bowed her head and stared at her hands. "And I had a great idea that would save the theater."

"Oh?"

"Yeah but it's stupid."

"Nothing is ever stupid, Nancy," Fenton nudged her gently.

She glanced at him and sighed. "I wanted the show to go on," Nancy finally stated. "I know Jared was the saboteur but I had someone in mind to replace him. He just doesn't want to do it."

"It's Frank, isn't it?"

"It's stupid, right?"

"Nope," he laughed. "I've tried getting him into shows in high school but a case would always seemed to pop up at the wrong time. To this day I still don't know how he got that talent. No one in my family can sing the way he can but Laura always professes that she had a distant uncle who was an amazing singer but we never met him because he passed away when she was a teenager. It would make her so happy to see Frank on stage but I understand why he's never done it. His friends in high school were never into that sort of thing and you do know who he's related to. Joe would have made his life miserable."

"He told me that," Nancy giggled. "I thought it would be great to keep it a secret about him being Barnum in order to bring in more people who are intrigued by the mystery. Then have an outdoor show the next day for those who couldn't get in to the show. Take donations. Have no programs to save on the costs. I had everything put together in my mind except for Frank."

"He'll come around," Fenton assured her. "And I'll keep it from Laura and Joe so it makes it extra special. Put me down for at least ten tickets and if I can't fill the seats, I'll give them away."

"Thanks."

The two got quiet for a few minutes listening to the sounds of Frank working behind them. A few curses came out of his mouth though neither of them said anything. Fenton glanced over at his daughter-in-law and thought about her as she nonchalantly rubbed her belly in comfort.

"Do you have any idea what you're having?" he suddenly asked.

"We didn't want to find out," she sighed. Nancy glanced over at him, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "But I have a feeling that it's a girl."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but Frank doesn't think so," she shrugged. "I mean with the whole Hardy curse thing with only boys."

"Hogwash," Fenton smirked. "I'll have you know that there was a girl born in the family. I had an older sister who died because she had a birth defect." Nancy looked startled at the revelation. "Nothing that came from the family so don't worry. Mom had scarlet fever when she was pregnant and…and the baby died not long after she was born. Her name was Gertrude. Why my parents would ever do that to someone, I'll never understand. I never told anyone about it, not even the boys. They just think that there's a Hardy curse because there hasn't been a girl since and she was the first born in several generations. If you think it's a girl, then I wouldn't be surprised if it is."

"Frank and I made a bet on what the baby will be," Nancy smiled. "If it's a boy, he wins the keys to the Mustang."

"Oh, I bet that was really hard on you."

"You have no idea," she laughed shaking her head. "I have made it a point not to let anyone drive it, even him. If it's a girl though, Frank has to learn to cook."

"Are you sure you want that? It sounds like a lose-lose situation for you."

"Honestly, I'm fine with it. It was my idea but I know he's really pushing for that boy. He really wants to drive the Mustang."

"You guys are too funny."

Their conversation stopped at the sound of a loud "Ow!" coming from behind them. The two turned around to see Frank sucking on his finger while Henry tried to look at it. The whole scene was very comical as Frank turned away from the doctor and refused to be treated. He looked over at Nancy and shook his head, frustrated. Turning back to the wall, Frank growled, grabbing a hold of several wires and yanked them out.

"No, don't!" yelled Henry but it was too late.

"Get some lights in here now!" yelled Agent Dearing. Several agents and police officers shuffled around in the dark, bumping into each other as they scrambled to get lights on. "Someone go find the breaker box and fix it!"

Joe pulled out his phone and turned on his flashlight app. As he scanned the room, he saw his mother still standing next to Anthony and BD. What surprised Joe though was the look on the mob boss' face.

"What's so funny?" he demanded walking up to him. "This isn't exactly the time or the place to laugh! Now how the hell are we going to get that door open?"

"I'm not laughing at anything, Mr. Hardy," Anthony smiled. Laura had a look of disgust on her face as she shifted away from the man. "Would you happen to know if anyone in there has a little bit of knowledge on electronics? Maybe even computers?"

"Yeah, Frank does," Laura piped in. Dearing came forward with a flashlight and stared at the trio with interest. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Suddenly a loud noise came from behind them as if a lock was sliding open.

"That's why," Anthony pointed to the door.

The Hardys, BD, and Agent Dearing all turned toward the door and waited. Agents came in with more flashlights, aiming their beams toward the door as well. After a few moments it seemed as if nothing was happening but Joe cocked his head as if looking at something interesting. He made a noise and rushed to the door, trying to pry it open.

"Don't just stand there!" cried Dearing. "Help him!"

He and several agents rushed over to help Joe just as a hand snaked out from the other side of the door. Joe reached in, grabbing a hold of the door, wrenching it open more. The door creaked loudly as the hinges protested. Finally it opened and two people fell over into a heap on the floor. Joe helped a man who landed on top just before the one on the bottom stood.

"Frank!" he cried when he saw his brother. Joe embraced him before Frank could speak. Laura rushed in and him while the younger hardy stepped aside.

"Laura, let him breathe," Fenton laughed as he stepped forward with a flashlight.

"Oh!" she squealed, letting go of her son. Laura rushed to her husband and hugged him so tightly he cried out in pain. She jumped back as if she were burned, concern written on her face. "I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?"

"It's okay, Laura," he laughed taking her in his arms. "I'm okay. We're all okay."

Author's Note:

We're almost there! There's only one more chapter and then the epilogue that's coming. I'm getting excited too! Thanks to all who have been responding, reading, etc. I so appreciate the support! And look! No more cliffhangers! The last chapter was rushed so I do apologize for any mistakes that were made. I didn't have the time to edit it out and about 75% of it was freewritten right into the computer. Still, I'm thankful that you all liked it! Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed this penultimate chapter and if you are willing, please leave your mark so that I know you were here! Have a great rest of the weekend and God bless!