Chapter 9:

Fenton Hardy released the network agent and escorted him into the house. After they all talked to the police they sat down in the den and Fenton crossed his arms.

"You are going to tell us the truth."

"I'll tell you what I am authorized to tell you."

"Authorized? Authorized be damned. Callie Shaw was raped and left for dead! If we didn't live so close she would have died! I take this very personally...so does Frank."

The Gray Man frowned. "I am, of course, sorry she was subjected to this."

Frank blew up. "Like hell you are. You only care about the greater good. You wanted to see if we could get a line on this guy on our own. The truth of the matter is we can't. He is too good at what he does. NOW...what aren't you telling us."

The Gray Man started to respond but Fenton cut him off. "The network suspects a terrorist named Anthony Andolini. A terrorist I had arrested in New York for suspected terrorist activities and espionage. He was released 5 years ago on a technicality after an appeal. Apparently he is setting up terrorist cells in the United States and using the serial rapes as a smoke screen."

The Gray Man snapped. "I didn't say that Fenton."

"You didn't have to Christine did, and thank god she had the balls to come and tell me about this. This guy has plans within plans. He chose Bayport because it is close to New York City but as an added bonus he gets to torment me."

"Why is that a bonus dad?" Joe asked.

"Because I made him more visible. Because of me he has had to be more careful. He hates me."

Frank paled. "He chose Callie to get to me because of you."

Fenton nodded. "Probably."

The Gray Man sighed and pulled out a photograph and a disc. "Here is the file that I have on Andolini. First we have to see if Andolini is the one responsible for Miss. Shaw's assault."

Frank took the picture and put it in his pocket. "I'll take it and ask her. Is this guy a tattoo artist?"

The Gray Man smiled curtly. "What do you think?"

Fenton saw the man out. "We'll be in touch."

Joe was watching Frank. His hands were balled into fists. Joe put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Frank raged. "He wasn't going to tell us a damn thing. The only reason we know what we know is because of Christine defying her orders. She didn't deserve what happened to her. CALLIE didn't deserve what happened to her."

"I know big brother."

Fenton walked over and hugged Frank. "We have to show that picture to Callie."

Callie was asleep in her hospital bed. Her mother was reading a magazine next to her. Emma and Hannah were also visiting. They were surprised when the door opened. Mrs. Shaw saw Fenton and Frank. She stood up and hugged them both. "Hello I thought you were going home for the evening."

Frank smiled he was worried about this very worried. "We have a lead on the case...but I don't know if it is going to be helpful."

Mrs. Shaw raised an eyebrow. "What do you have?" She whispered.

Fenton took Mrs. Shaw's hand. "We have a picture of someone that we want Callie to look at."

She released Fenton's hand. "Do you think that is advisable? I mean..."

Callie suddenly began to toss and turn in bed. "NO! Help...please stop. Stop!"

Frank wheeled around. Mrs. Shaw, Emma, and Hannah all looked terrified. Frank ran to the bed and took her hand. "Callie...baby...wake up...it's Frank."

She raised her arm in defence almost knocking Frank over. She looked around disoriented then she saw him. She threw her arms around his neck and cried into his shoulder. "I'm sorry Frank. Did I hurt you?"

He stroked her hair. "Not at all...are you alright?"

Callie buried her face in his neck. "I am now. I'm so scared Frank...what if he comes back."

"I'll make sure that doesn't happen, baby. I won't let him hurt you again."

Callie took a deep breath. "I remembered another detail about him."

"What did you remember?" Frank murmured.

"He had tattoos on his arms. On the left arm was a serpent. On the right was a name. Tony."

Frank looked up at his father. Fenton nodded encouragingly. Frank pulled out the picture. "Callie, baby...is this him?"

Callie took the picture and paled. She squeezed her eyes shut. She was in her room she was seeing the assault all over again. She began to shake. Frank saw this and pulled her close. "He isn't here Callie...you're safe."

"It's him Frank...he was the one that...did it." She completely broke down.

Frank held her close and rocked her. "We'll find him and he will pay Callie. That's a promise."

She looked up at him her eyes full of tears. "I love you Frank."

He kissed her forehead. "I love you too Cal."

Fenton's heart broke for them. Poor Callie she was such a sweet girl, now this. He whispered in his son's ear. "I'll pick you up tomorrow. I'm going to call Joe so that he can call Nancy and Vanessa."

Frank acknowledged him by nodding his head. He didn't let go of Callie and he didn't want to startle her by speaking. Right now she needed him there to protect her and he wasn't about to leave.

Nancy Drew was in her hotel room waiting for Hannah and Emma to return. The phone rang and she answered it. "Hello..."

"Nan...it's Joe."

"Hi, Joe."

"Could you come help me look at some evidence. Callie positively ID'd the rapist and it is a huge file. By the time you get here dad will be here. Frank asked me to call you. And Hannah did say you could come over. Mom said you could stay in the loft on the futon."

"See you in a bit. Where is Frank?"

"He's at the hospital. He wanted to stay with Callie until morning."

"Joe, how is she?"

Joe sighed. "She isn't the same Callie I remember. She's scared...really scared. I hope we find the bastard before Frank does."

Nancy agreed. "I'll get Ned to drop me off."