Chapter Twenty

"You're a coward!" Carson cried at the baron's receding form. "That's all you are! You can't even deal with us yourself!"

The baron stopped, his shoulders trembling in anger. No one ever dared to speak to him like that. The man whirled around to face Carson, the lawyer's face strong and determined.

"You know nothing of me, Drew!" the baron shouted. "But I know about you. Caving in when something happens to your 'baby girl.' Holding a grudge against the Hardys for what? 16 years, wasn't it? My that's a long time. And I'm surprised you didn't kill Fenton Hardy after what he did. And you call me the coward? I would have made sure he never saw the light of day again! But here he is and you're good friends again. What would your dear, dead wife say if she were here?"

"She'd be proud of him!" Laura stepped forward. The baron was taken aback by her words. "And you know it! It takes more of a man to forgive. That's the difference between you and Carson. He's forgiven everyone here for what happened to Kate. And only a coward would resolve to killing another for revenge. We learned that from Martin Davenport. He was nothing more than a piece of garbage but I never wanted him dead. He needed to live his days knowing that he did wrong. Just like you will."

The baron's face twitched, morphing into a sneer. Suddenly the man broke into a fit of laughter, sending confusion through everyone including his men.

"You see, you're wrong, Mrs. Hardy," he smirked. "Cowardice isn't measured by what you can't do but what you won't. That's the difference between Drew and myself. I have the guts to do what he won't. Nancy learned that lesson recently and look where it got her: a one-way ticket to hell on earth. I did that and there is nothing that you can do now to change it. None of you will ever see her again!"

Carson clenched his fists, listening to the baron spew out his vile words. If what he said was true, then they arrived too late. But there was nothing in the world that was going to stop Carson from finding his daughter, even if it was the last thing he did.

"You won't get away with this," Senator Hawkley spoke out. "The moment you or any of your men touch us, there will be nothing you can do to stop the hellfire that will come down upon you."

"Oh, I suppose I should be quivering with fear, is that it?" the baron laughed. "Do you honestly think anyone can touch me? I'm a candidate for Prime Minister! I can do what I please and no one will believe that you weren't killed for trespassing. You and your band of bodyguards are going to take down mine? I don't see them around, now do I?"

"No one is above the law, Baron Greesley," Fenton replied, his voice loud. "Or should we just call you Donatelli since obviously that is who you are! Why would you do this? Why would you try to ruin people's lives even though they have done nothing to you?"

"We're done here," Greesley smiled. He turned to Michael. "Take care of them."

"Sir?"

"Did you not hear me?" he got in his assistant's face. "I said 'take care of them!' Now!"

Greesley made his way back up the stairs though Michael didn't move.

"No."

"What?" The baron twisted around, his eyes wide in alarm. "Are…are you defying me?"

"I'm saying no, Sir," Michael held his chin up. "I have served you loyally for years but this I cannot abide. These people did nothing to you. They don't deserve this. I wish I had said the same thing when you sent Geoffrey off. It would have saved a lot of heartache for these people. And you cannot just make a United senator disappear without consequence. I'm sure your men will not want that kind of attention brought upon them."

The men around them looked nervous at this revelation. Some of them even went so far as to walk away from the whole situation, their backs to their boss.

"Come back here!" the baron frantically cried, watching the guards walk away. "This is madness! What has gotten into you all? I am not going to be defied again! You know what happens when you defy me!"

As the man begged for his men to return, the door behind him opened slowly. The baron glared at Carson and the Hardys before running for the door to escape. He was about to step inside he suddenly stumbled back. The crack of the punch reverberated around the whole group as they watched in stunned silence. The baron tripped over Michael and the pair tumbled down the steps, landing in a heap at the bottom. He roared in anger then glanced up at the door to see who punched him. His narrowed his eyes, pursing his lips as he saw her standing at the top of the steps.

Carson followed the gaze up to the doorway. His heart nearly stopped, his mouth falling open slightly. At first, he thought she was Nancy, her hair brilliantly lit up by the lights of the house behind her. He soon realized that he was not looking at his daughter but the woman he thought he lost twenty years before.

"Kate?"

"Frank!" Charlie cried. His flashlight bobbed around as he ran through the field, unsure of where his friends were. "Frank! Nancy!"

"Over here, Charlie," he heard a voice speak not far from where he was.

Charlie rushed forward, hearing Muldoon not far behind him. His flashlight illuminated a pair of figures in front of him and he came to a stop. "You…okay?" Charlie asked breathlessly.

"Yeah," Frank replied shifting just enough that Charlie could see Nancy's face, "we're good."

"Where's the other one?" Muldoon inquired coming up to them.

"Over there," he nodded toward Geoffrey who was still splayed out on the ground. "We had a…disagreement."

"Right," the man chuckled. He walked over to Geoffrey and inspected him. "Damn, I'll say you had a disagreement. He looks like his face hit a brick wall…several times. I'm surprised you didn't kill him."

"The thought did cross my mind, believe me." Frank spat, looking as if he had a fowl taste in his mouth. "If I did, the other women he hurt wouldn't see justice. He deserves to rot in jail. But then again, we could just tie him to a tree and leave him for the animals."

"I was thinking more of castration," Nancy thought out loud taking them all by surprise. "That would teach that bastard a lesson."

"Ouch," Muldoon winced with a laugh. "Remind me not to get on your bad side, either one of you. I'm sure he'll get what's coming to him though."

The man kicked Geoffrey, rolling him over just as the man's eyes began to flutter. By the time he was zip-tied and pulled to his feet, Geoffrey was coming around. Although one of his eyes was swollen, he searched around him until he saw Frank and Nancy. Geoffrey sneered at them his eyes gleaming with anger.

"My father will get me out of this," he croaked, eying Nancy. "Then we'll continue our discussion."

"Yeah, sure you will," Muldoon rolled his eyes as he pushed the man toward the road.

Frank moved so that his body hid Nancy from Geoffrey's view as the two walked by. He seethed with anger but calmed down when he felt a gentle hand on his back. He turned toward Nancy who gave him a sad, but strong, smile.

"He's not worth it," she whispered, then looked over to see Geoffrey smirking at her.

"That dude is messed up," Charlie stated. He glanced over at the two. "You coming?"

"Yeah, you go on ahead," Frank ordered. "We'll be along."

"Okay, we'll wait for you," Charlie nodded. He followed Muldoon leaving Frank and Nancy behind.

Frank pulled her close again though she had to shift because of the gown nearly falling apart.

"Dang it," Nancy grumbled dropping a piece that revealed a little more than she wanted. She was thankful that Charlie had already walked away but she noticed Frank turn his head quickly. "You didn't see anything, did you?"

"Oh, no," he said a little too quickly. Nancy playfully swatted at him.

"I swear I will never wear another gown in my life. I have the worst luck with them!"

"We'll deal with the gown when get back to the mansion," he chuckled helping her. Frank was about to walk away when he noticed that Nancy didn't move. "What?"

"I'm not going back there, Frank," she stated. "I don't want to be anywhere near that place."

"Nancy, we have to go back," he urged though he shuddered slightly at her determined look. Frank bit his lip in thought looking toward where the others were waiting. "I understand why but your dad is there. As are my parents. They're waiting for us."

"Dad's here?" Nancy blinked slowly, her heart bursting.

"Well, yeah. Did you think he forgot about you?"

"No, I…" Nancy's mouth moved though nothing came out. When she finally spoke, all the emotions came out with her words. "I…I can't, Frank. You don't know what it was like being there. Donatelli, the baron, or whoever he is, is a monster. I…I can't go back knowing he's there! He wouldn't let me leave. He made that awful woman do things... He lied to my mother to get her to love him. The man lied to me! He lied to me about you! About Dad!"

"What do you mean?" Frank looked at her, waiting for her to answer. Nancy broke down in tears, falling to the ground in anguish. Frank knelt next her, caressing her face. "What did he tell you?"

Nancy sniffled looking into his brown eyes. She saw his concern, his love for her. It had been so long since she looked into those eyes and it broke her, knowing that he was there.

"When I saw you…" she began but soon started sobbing. It took her a few moments to compose herself then continued. "The last time I saw you, Davenport stabbed you. I…I thought you died. Gidget didn't tell me you were alive, not until we were with Donatelli. By then, he was already lying to me about you. He showed me a photo of your grave, Frank! What was I supposed to think? You were dead!"

Frank sighed, his heart breaking for everything that happened to Nancy while she was gone. He wrapped his strong arms around her, feeling her body shudder with torment. He wished he could take the last several months away from her, to heal her but there was no way to go back in time. He looked down at her wrists, seeing the bruising where her bonds dug into her. There were bruises all over her and it angered him.

"I'm here now, Nancy," Frank whispered into her ear. "And I'm not going to let you go."

"I almost lost you, Frank," she rasped.

"I'll be with you no matter what." He gazed into her eyes. "You're stuck with me."

She giggled though it seemed forced. "We make such a pair, don't we?"

"And we have the scars to prove it," Frank grinned. His gaze turned serious. "We do need to get back though."

"Why?"

He leaned in with a malicious grin. "Because you wouldn't be able to see the look on that baron's face when he realizes he lost if you don't."

Nancy snorted, looking away. "You're right," she giggled. "I can't miss that."

"Then let's get going before we lose the opportunity."

"K…Kate?" Carson sputtered.

Laura gasped, her hands covering her mouth. Fenton and Senator Hawkley also looked on in surprise though none of them spoke.

Kate looked down at him, her eyes full of life but the same realization soon came over her. She soon turned her attention to the baron who was still on the ground. His steely eyes glared at her. His gaze soon turned to amusement as if he thought the whole exchange was humorous.

"You got me, Katherine," the man laughed. He struggled to get up with Michael weighing him down. When he finally got to the point of irritation, the baron kicked his assistant hard. "Get off of me, you oaf!"

"You lied to me!" Kate cried, stepping toward him. "You lied to my daughter and you lied to everyone here! No more!"

"Now, Katherine," he said calmly though he was sweating. The baron took out a handkerchief and wiped the blood oozing from his nose. "We can talk about this."

"Call them back," she ordered slowly descending the stone steps.

Greesley gave a half-smirk to her. "You know I can't do that."

"Call them back!"

"No," he said firmly, his eyes wide with venom. "It's too late and you know it. In a few minutes, a small plane will fly over and you can wave as it goes by. I may be going to jail but I have the last laugh."

Kate lashed, slapping the man across the face. Her hand hurt but it felt good. Her chin quivered slightly. There was no way to know if he was telling the truth. Since Joe wasn't able to get a hold of Frank or Charlie, she didn't know if they made it to the car in time. The air seemed electrified though no one moved. A distant rumble was the only thing that could be heard. Kate looked over at Carson who looked confused as to what was going on. Greesley noticed the exchange and took advantage of it.

"Are you going to tell him everything, Katherine?" he asked gleefully. Carson glanced from the two wondering what the man was talking about. "Tell him about us. I think he might ought to know since you're the cause for all of this."

Carson looked at Kate whose eyes welled with tears. "I…I don't understand," he shook his head. "What…what's he talking about?"

"He's lying," Joe replied walking out of the house.

"Joe!" Laura cried in relief.

He gave a small wave before turning back to the baron. "He's trying to save face because he knows he lost."

"I should have known that was you," the baron snarled. "You know I'm right, Hardy."

"Sure, you are," Joe shrugged. "Just keep telling yourself that. But I know something you don't know."

"Oh? And what's that?"

"Just wait."

"What?"

"Shh!" Joe held up his hand, waiting.

"Joe, what are you doing?" Fenton hissed.

"Dad, quiet! We need to hear."

"Joe…"

Joe stopped as if listening for something. A sound interrupted the night air, growing closer.

"Ha!" cried the baron triumphantly. "It's the plane!"

"Dude, you really need to get your ears checked because that isn't a plane." The young Hardy looked at his father. "Are we missing anyone?"

"Huh?"

"Not everyone's not here, am I right?"

"I'm confused."

"Yeah," Carson muttered. "So am I."

Joe turned toward Kate and smiled. The sound grew louder and she finally realized who he was talking about.

"Did you finally hear from someone?" she asked with a smirk.

"Maaaybe," he proudly smiled. Joe looked at the baron as the distinct sound of a motorcycle could be heard. "And now, you're screwed."

"Joe," Laura piped in, looking around, "where's your brother?"

Joe grinned at his mom as Greesley realized what was going on. He turned toward the drive where the brightness of headlights could be seen through the trees, heading in their direction. The baron took a step back, nervously looking around though Joe stopped him.

"This is about to get good," the young man said in a low voice to the man. "I wouldn't want you to miss it."

Carson was confused, unsure of how to react. His wife stood before him as if she was never gone but his daughter was still missing. He looked at Joe whose smile broadened each second the sound drew closer. That was when Carson realized what was happening. He whirled around just as the headlights came into view, shining brightly at them. As the motorcycle rounded the driveway, Carson could see two people on it, their helmets obstructing their identities. He didn't care as long as it was who he was thinking it was.

"I think you should have been more aware that there were three of us on this little excursion," Joe snickered as he moved past Greesley. "Then you probably would have seen this coming."

The baron's face turned beet red in anger though he couldn't move as the two Interpol inspectors came over to stand by him. The young Hardy rushed past his stunned parents, coming up to the motorcycle just as it came to a stop in front of them.

"Did you have to come in like that?" Joe asked though he was just joking.

"Well," Frank replied pulling off his helmet, "you know me."

"Yeah, yeah," Joe rolled his eyes. "You like to make an entrance."

The older Hardy smiled then looked to his passenger just as Nancy pulled off her helmet.

"No!" screamed the baron, trying to step back from everyone. The whole group looked at the man as he was handcuffed. "That's not possible!"

"Told you it would be worth it," Frank commented to Nancy with a knowing smirk. The two watched as it took several officers to get the baron into a nearby car, the man continuing to scream along the way. "Was it what you expected?"

"Meh," she shrugged then broke into a grin. "It was better!"

"Damn, it's good to see you, Nan!" Joe cried. He gave her a big hug that almost knocked her off the bike.

"It's good to see you too, Joe," she choked out.

"Liking the duds, there," he smirked looking down at the suit that was obviously too big for her. "I might have to borrow that sometime. Except for the shoes, of course."

"Take it," she grimaced. Nancy took off the heels and threw them into the fountain nearby. "I didn't really have a choice in wardrobe."

"Yeah," Frank laughed, "but at least it's better than what you were wearing before."

"Nancy!"

She looked up to see her father rushing over to them. "Dad!" The brothers helped her off the motorcycle then she made her way over to Carson. The father and daughter embraced for the first time in months, with Carson kissing her head.

"God, I thought I'd never see you again!" he said softly. Carson glanced at Frank, mouthing a 'thank you' to him. Frank nodded in response.

"Do you think you're going to be able to be alone with her again?" Joe nudged his brother, watching the others.

"I'm sure I will," Frank smiled though he wondered that himself. He blew out a sigh of relief but still said a silent prayer for the future. He watched as Kate cautiously approach Carson and Nancy and smiled. Only the sound of their father's voice brought him back to the present.

"Frank! Joe!" Fenton cried, walking over though Laura was the first to reach them.

She immediately grabbed a hold of Frank who was still sitting on the motorcycle. Joe had conveniently moved to allow his mother to reach his brother first. Frank glared at him as Joe snickered.

"Franklin Hardy," Laura scolded. "You should have said something that you were okay! You gave us all a fright disappearing like that!"

"Speak for yourself, Mom," Joe quipped though he instantly regretted it.

"And you!" she squealed, pointing a finger at her younger son. Joe leaned back, a little leery about what his mother was going to do. "You didn't say anything either! And working with a wanted fugitive…two wanted fugitives. How could you? Have we not taught either of you anything?"

"Laura, I think they get it," Fenton replied calmly, prying her hands off their sons. "I think the boys know they should have called but you know what? They handled the situation better than I would have."

"Really, Dad?" Joe asked surprised, his face beaming.

"Yes, I do," his father smiled. "And I couldn't be prouder."

"I'm so happy to see you, baby girl," Carson mumbled into her hair. "I didn't think I'd see you again."

"I know, Dad," Nancy sniffled. She didn't want to let go but knew she had to eventually. It was the only thing keeping her going at the moment. "I'm just so happy to be finally going home."

"And that's what counts the most." He pushed her away to take a look at her.

The months Nancy was gone, he'd almost forgotten what she looked like. She looked tired and thin, her beautiful face marred by bruises and a fat lip. Not what he expected to see. Still it was his daughter and he was just glad that she was alive. It was going to take time but Carson was willing to do anything it took to get Nancy healthy again. He embraced her again, hugging her tight.

"Hello, Carson," came a soft voice. The pair turned around to see Kate standing behind them, her hands nervously wringing. He let go of Nancy then stepped toward his wife. "I…I know you have to be mad at…"

Kate stopped when Carson grabbed a hold of her and kissed her, taking her completely by surprise. A few catcalls erupted along with applause.

"You were saying?" he smirked, when they finished.

"You're not mad then?"

"Why would I be?" Carson gave her a funny look. "Because you didn't come home? Or because of what that idiot said? You know me better than that, Kate."

"That was most excellent, Mr. Drew!" Joe cried, slapping a hand on the man's back.

"Well, thank you, Joe," Carson blushed slightly. "I'm a little rusty though."

"Oh, I don't think so," Kate smiled, leaning into him.

The other three Hardys came up behind Joe with Laura breaking off to give Kate a hug. Frank went to stand beside Nancy, weaving his hand around her waist and drawing her close to him.

"We have so much to catch up on," Laura smiled at her friend.

Kate nodded. "You have no idea."

Author's Note:

We are coming down the home stretch! I am hoping to get this one done by early February. It has really taken too long to get it done too but I'm excited for it! I do believe though that this will be the final book in the series. I have thought about it for a while now and I think it's a good way to end it even though I have thought of a few one-shots plus a possible return to a certain manor that everyone just loved to go to. However, it may take me a few weeks to think of something, if at all. I want to concentrate on a few things including getting my house in order for when I'm out of commission for a few weeks (that'll be fun). Anyway, I also had the chance to reread a few of the stories and had a few misgivings with my writing. I reached out to a few of you and you have really given me some insight on what to do. Thank you so much for your advice, you know who you are! Also a thank you to everyone who has stuck it out for me on this journey. I know I have had some moments where I didn't write for long periods of time and I regret those moments. I hope that in the future, I will be able to write and publish more often though I feel that I will only publish if I have a good portion of the story written beforehand. I made that mistake too many times. So, thank you to all for reading the last chapter and this chapter along with those who were kind enough to leave a review. The theories are so amazing so keep them coming! The final question is coming, just so you know. I keep saying it but we will know who the baby is in the near future (next chapter...I hope!). Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed the story and if you will, please leave a review to let me know what you think! Have a great weekend and God bless!