Chapter Three: The F. B. I. Arrives

"Velma!? Fred's been hurt, Tommy's gone, I think kidnapped! I've called the ambulance and will ride with Fred…"
"Daph, we'll meet you at the hospital." Velma interrupted.
"Thanks guys…gotta run, I hear the sirens now."

Shaggy, Velma and Hanna fresh from her shower, her hair still wet, sat on uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room, waiting on news of Fred's condition. Waiting wasn't easy and all three fidgeted, stood to walk around and tried to tell the others that Fred would be okay.

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In Fred's room, Daphne looked at her husband, his head bandaged. He had been unconscious since Daphne had found him hours ago. "Concussion" the doctor had said. They would be keeping Fred until he regained consciousness but he didn't know when that would be.

She saw his eyes flutter, then open half way "Daph."

"I'm here my darling…what happened…quickly…"

"Two, no three men. They came from opposite directions; one asked directions, the other must have hit me from behind, third drove car. Daph, pants pocket, when I fell, I tore man's coat pocket, tore button loose, put it in pocket before I passed out…Tommy?"

"Gone, taken by the three. You rest, I love you, you know."

"I know…love you more." he fell asleep.

Daphne had found a sack for Fred's clothes but hadn't had time to go through the pockets when the door opened.
"Mrs. Jones? I'm Special Agent in Charge Brand, F.B. I. This case is officially a kidnapping. I need to ask a few questions if I may."

Daphne turned to see two men dressed in black suits. Her voice dripped venom when she said "You may not! My husband is lying unconscious; I have three friends who have been waiting to hear about my husband and …you have my address I presume…you'll want to set up your equipment. I'm going to see my friends then go home. I'll answer any questions there, not here! I'll have coffee ready in thirty minutes." with that Daphne picked up the bag with Fred's clothes and walked out, leaving SAC Brand looking at the door as it closed.

"Daph how's Fred?" Velma jumped up at the sight of her friend, hugging her.
"He's doing as well as expected. Doctor says he has a concussion…" her voice dropped to a whisper "F.B. I. here, may be watching, take this, I found them in Fred's pants pocket. I'll call."

In a normal voice Daphne continued "Hanna, I'm so sorry about tonight."
"Don't worry Daphne, there will be other nights…Tommy…is Tommy okay?"
"Honey, I just don't know right now…I promise we'll do the best we can to bring him home."

Daphne had gotten home, the coffee perking, when the doorbell rang. She opened it to find SAC Brand and the second man. "May we come in?" he asked. She stepped back, "Please, would you like coffee? It's decaff but fresh. No caffeine for me for a while"
She rubbed her slightly extended stomach to show her delicate condition.

"How far along are you? And where is your phone, we'll need to set up our equipment."
"Phone is in the living room with an extension in the bedroom. I'm four months along. I'm sorry about snapping at you at the hospital, I normally don't explode like that."

"I understand these aren't normal conditions. I've assigned an agent to your husband's room. Is there any thing you can add to your statement to the police?" SAC Brand spoke softly but Daphne thought that could change in a hurry if need be. There was a controlled energy behind that soft voice like a snake coiled and ready to strike.

"No, I don't think so. Lt. Smiley and I have been friends a long time. He was very kind in leading me through …everything. I'll get your coffee…"

The three sat in silence after the equipment was connected to the phone. "When they call and they will, we need you to keep them on the line as long as possible" SAC Brand informed her. "Have you done this before…kidnapping cases I mean, you seem so calm." Daphne asked. "Some" he didn't elaborate. The agent with earphones on his head didn't join in on the conversation and the three lapsed into silence once more.

The phone rang an hour later. "Stay calm" Agent Brand reminded her as she picked up the phone "Hello"
"Three million, small bills, we'll be in touch" the voice said.
"No, you have six hours to return my nephew or I'll be serving heart tartar, you'll supply the heart!" Daphne slammed the phone down, breaking the connection so loud the agent jerked off his earphones. Daphne picked up her cell, hitting a preselected number.

"Who are you calling?" SAC Brand demanded.
"My sister, her husband is sick…Hi sis, how's Henry? Good to hear…I was just checking." Daphne disconnected the call, picking up her purse.

"Where are you going" SAC Brand was near boiling.
"Shopping…Agent Brand, What wine do you serve with heart?"

SAC Brand was left to watch another closing door.
"What kind of woman goes shopping with her husband in the hospital and her nephew missing?" he had turned to watch the other agent replacing the tape.

"A very determined one. I suggest you find the kidnappers before she does and I'd go with a late autumn Riesling or Cabernet Franc." SAC Brand just looked at the agent. "The wine Sir, with heart…of course you could go with a traditional Merlot."

SAC Brand flipped open his cell "Follow her and I know who she called but I want confirmation. And you best not lose her!" He turned his attention back to the other agent

"She doesn't have a sister and you don't drink wine if you're pregnant!"

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Velma ended the call from Daphne. "What can I do?" Hanna asked.
"Stay here; I don't want you in danger" was Velma's answer.
"Velma, you said 'love, true love, loves that person's well-being before your own'. Did you mean that or was that just another fairy tale?"

"I meant it, it's no fairy tale, and you're too old for fairy tales anyway" Velma whispered. Hanna's words hadn't been meant to be harsh but Velma felt like she'd been slapped.

"Then I'm going! Anybody messes with my boyfriend, they mess with me!"