Disclaimer: I only own Kailey and the bad guys.

Chapter 8

Uncomfortable. That is all she could think of. There she was stuck between two large men in the back of a small car. Kailey had been separated from the Hardys after they returned shortly to the barn to figure out the car situation. All she understood is that the leader, who called himself Warren Hildern, thought they were too much trouble to be together and needed to be handled separately. Hence the reason she was in the back of a Prius, while she believed the boys were in the back of one of the SUVs.

Willing for the ride to end soon, Kailey stared outside at the brewing storm. The wind was brutally beating the trees that were covered with thin layers of snow that refused to stick. Everything seemed to blur together, and she wasn't sure if it was the combination of lack of sleep and the speed at which the car was flying down the road or the fear of what was going to happen next.

Anxious and determined to not fall asleep, Kailey took to the task of memorizing her captors. Tweedle-dumb on her right was a large man that had horrible BO. He was always looking out the window, so she wouldn't be able to describe his face. Tweedle-dumber on her left was a smoke-smelling muscle man with a creepy grin that she refused to subject herself to. Both of them were about the same height, extremely scrunched in the back seat with their legs ben all awkward.

Feeling uneasy at the lack of conversation earlier, she asked where they were going now. The thin man in the passenger's seat faced her with a deep expression of anger and slapped her across the face. He told her to not speak, stunned Kailey readily nodded in agreement. From then on he had not moved at all. He remained unusually still, only glancing at the rearview mirror from time to time.

The driver had large glasses on that she was pretty sure he had kept from the 70s. He appeared to be the least threatening because he was acting in a nervous manner. With the constant tapping of his fingers or feet in a steady rhythm she sympathized with the man, who was uncomfortable with the rash change in plans.

All four of the men were dressed in dark slacks and polo. It wasn't very menacing, but it struck a chord because she expected the criminals to be dressed in black. Finally coming to the conclusion that they did not want to be too conspicuous, she allowed her thoughts to wander about her current situation.

Kailey knew she was going to get out of there with help from the boys. The only question was when she was going to go back to her vacation. Only two days in and she was kidnapped, twice. Glad that this might be a regular occurrence for the teenagers, Kailey decided that Mr. Hardy would find them in no time with their experience in the detective field.

Something was nagging at the back of her mind. Why were they taken to the unsecure barn? Logical reasoning was amiss. Trying to remember every detail from that place, she closed her eyes. Nothing had stood out.

All of a sudden she was pulled back into reality. The car had stopped and the men were getting out. Hoping to get a good look at the men and see the Hardy boys, she eagerly scooted out after Tweetle-dumb. He grabbed her arm and slammed the door.

Kailey was being half-dragged as she couldn't seem to keep up with the burly man. She barely had time to take in her surrounding with her focus on staying upright. Her attention was diverted with a slamming sound behind her.

A few SUVs had parked and men were pouring out. Her eyes only focused on the younger ones that were being forced at gun point to walk forward. They were to follow the trail that Tweedle-dumb had dragged her to. She looked in front of her at a large house, he had stopped. Obviously he was a nameless, expendable goon, and therefore did not have a key to the boss' fortress, so they took refuge from the howling winds on the porch.

They did not wait long for the sneering Warren to strut up the walk playing with his key chain. Kailey was captivated by the grandeur of the mansion. The men and the teens were all gathered in the large foyer. There was a beautifully crafted spiral staircase to the second level, a room with a grand piano on the right, and long dining table on the left.

In an orderly fashion the criminals ducked around the staircase and through a door before the kitchen. It was not a closet or cupboard, but an entrance to a high-tech lair. Being in darkness for an extended period of time made their eyes sore as fluorescent lights flipped on, highlighting the vastness of the underground lab.

The men began dispersing and separating in to pre-determined groups. The teens were momentarily forgotten as Warren directed his crew and giving them the DL on this place. Some retreated to corners and pulled out laptops and papers, while others went back upstairs. Finally the head criminal approached the teens and their captors who were waiting anxiously off to the side.

"Welcome again to my wonderful operation," Warren said smiling and opening his arms wide. "Now, I have a special place for you three, where I know you will not get out. So you follow me."

Unnoticed before, the group travelled behind the ruthless leader to another corridor that seemed less homely than the lab that preceded it. It had a musty smell and water slowly dripping could be heard.

The completely contrasting atmosphere sent alarm bells off in Frank and Joe's minds, while it sent shivers down Kaylie's back. With little time to dwell on the diverse compartments of the basement the teens were pushed forward until Warren halted in front of a large metal door.

"This is your new home. It's not quite as warm or comforting as you last, but it'll do," Warren motioned for the teens to be put in the room. Quickly Kailey, then the boys were shoved in and the door was slammed shut.

"Are you alright?" Frank asked, his voice filled with concern as he once-overed the younger occupants of the cell.

"Yeah," Joe responded, standing up and shaking off dirt and snow.

"I'm alright. Thanks Frank," Kailey replied, slowly getting up.

"Well, this is definitely different."

"You got that right," said his younger brother. The teens examined the room. It was small without any windows and the only entrance was the metal door.

Kailey hit the door furiously with all the force she could muster, but it barely acknowledged her presence. "I guess getting out is outta the question."

"Yeah, it sure looks like it," Frank agreed.

"Oh, come on, we're the Hardy boys," Joe began and quickly added, "And you're a great friend. We can do anything!"

His smile was contagious, but Frank turned serious, "Exactly what do you expect, Houdini? Door is padlocked from the outside it sounded like and there aren't any other openings to escape from."

"Fine then, Mr. Reality-dashing-hopes man, why couldn't we try the ground or the ceiling?"

"Are you serious Joe?" Kailey asked extremely skeptical on the chances of getting away.

"Really, Joe, how can we dig through this packed dirt? There aren't tools to help us. I'm pretty sure we'd be heard. Attention is something we don't need. I'm not too sure about the ceiling. We're in an old basement; the other part looked newly renovated. I can't be sure what's above us."

"You're such a negative Nancy," Joe retorted, but continued, "Yeah, I guess we don't have the best options, but at least we have something?" He smiled, hoping to cheer-up his brother and Kailey.

"Maybe we should check out our options after we get some strength back," she really gave the brothers a close look. "We are all exhausted and don't know if our energy will be needed for something else. Why don't we take turns sleeping?"

Frank smiled, the girl was brilliant. "Sounds terrific. I'll take first watch. You two get your beauty rest."

"Okay," Joe said.

"I will wake you if I hear them coming back,"

"Sounds good," Kailey replied after a long yawn. She situated herself between the brothers. The teens were facing the door, trying to become comfortable against the concrete and dirt floor.

Frank remained awake. The only way to do that he decided was to keep his mind on the case at hand. Who were these men and what did they want? They weren't too bothered at grabbing another innocent teenager. Ammo they weren't short on. Someone is or had been the wealthy benefactor to this operation. Most likely it was the Warren fellow. He was calling all the shots.

Trying to recall the events at the barn, Frank swore he mentioned checking up with someone. Maybe he is the head man, but acts as though it is a man without a face. Now that would be pretty clever. What would that have to do with their father's most recent case? Nothing. That was a simple one. So either that guy is lying or his father was. It has to be Warren.

So, if he's fibbing, why? He's so dramatic for a reason. Maybe he's trying to pull attention away from something. It's always the little things. Nothing was coming to Frank as he recalled all the conversations from the last few hours.

These men seemed to know of his family. They seemed professional and not rash, more like methodical. Maybe they hadn't expected them to escape and get his father down there that quick. Maybe it was the rapid pace at which the night was going that unnerved the older Hardy. They had no break; they've each been going all day. And he had no idea where they were.

With the continued relocation, Frank suspected something had the kidnappers rattled. Who was in charge of such a large operation with the ability to fund such a renovation like this basement. It had every high-tech gear imaginable and was pristine compared to the section the teenagers currently occupied.

From then Frank was lost in thought. He was coming up with the most hair-brained theories. He was only brought to reality by something on his shoulder. It was Kailey, she had finally relaxed and was leaning on him. He smiled, and then dived back into his thoughts.

Time passed quickly before Joe began to wake up. Frank got his attention and mouthed for him to be quiet. Joe responded for him to sleep because he couldn't remained cramped up on the floor any more. Frank nodded his head and closed his eyes, willing himself to get some rest. There were just too many maybes, and that made him uncomfortable.

Joe was up and bored. Frank had finally nodded off with Kailey leaning all over him. He paced for a while and tried the floor for a loose spot where they could possibly dig out of. He thought better of the idea. It was winter time. There was no way they were going to get out that way. Frustrated, he pound is fist on the wall. Then he just stood there, angry with his head and arms resting against the old musty cement.

"Are you alright?"

The quiet voice startled Joe. He turned around and noticed Kailey looking at him. She rubbed her eyes, barely smearing her makeup. She smiled, 'man she's gorgeous,' Joe thought.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he responded walking over to the young woman in front of him.

"Okay, whatever you say, after you just hit the wall." They both went into fits of laughter, but stopped as they heard a moan from Frank who resituated himself.

"Oh, I thought he had gotten up for a moment."

"Me too." Kailey stood up and dusted off her clothes. "So you haven't broken out of here yet?"

"Nope, it's actually more difficult than I had previously imagined."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, apparently it may be difficult to dig through frozen ground."

"Oh," Kailey smiled, "How about your ceiling theory?"

"Haven't given that too much thought."

"Oh, well, while we are sitting here with nothing to do and no plans, why don't you fill me in on your car ride?"

"It wasn't that exciting actually. It was probably the longest and most boring one of my life."

"How come?"

"The first thing the driver says as he gets into the car is 'if one of you speak, my friend here will shoot the other one, got it' and so Frank and I stayed silent. His friend spent to whole ride cleaning his weapon of choice."

"Oh, well that kind of puts a damper on things," Kailey interjected.

"You've got that right," Joe smiled and continued, "Anyways, the driver was flying through the town so I have no real idea where we are, hopefully Frank does. None of the goons talked either so the quietness and tension just elevated after each pothole and little slide. Uneventful is probably the best description of the trip. How about yours?"

"I guess the no speaking is a universal thing. As we hopped in and I asked 'now where are we going' or something like that and the man in the passenger's seat spun around and slapped me."

At this Joe backed away from Kailey and slammed his fist against the wall.

"Doesn't that hurt?" she asked as he pulled his red knuckles away.

"Yeah, but I can't believe they did that. They are absolute scum. That man hit a girl."

Seeing that Joe wasn't taking this news lightly, Kailey decided to continue, "I'm fine and the rest of the ride was painfully quiet. I felt a bit nauseous, but I'm sure it was from lack of sleep and the speed at which the car flew down the road." She quickly added when she saw the emotions on the younger hardy's face.

He knelt down and check out her face to make sure that was all. Satisfied he smiled, "That would have been something I would have said."

"I didn't know what was wrong with me for saying that in a car full of large, angry men."

"It happens, don't worry."

"I won't, thanks Joe," Kailey replied. "Okay so do you have a plan to break free? We won't even know if they are going to like feed us and stuff."

"Well nothing definite."

"Oh, well then let's get to it."

The two of them alternated pacing, drumming, and lounging on the ground. This took a while because after the reevaluation of their situation, Kailey and Joe became a little more hopeless. After getting out they had to get past those is the other part of the basement, up the stairs, and leave this property with getting killed by trigger-happy goons.

It had been at least an hour before Kailey broke her pacing and faced the younger Hardy. "I've got it!"

"Really? Well, spit it out!" Joe responded, jumping up.

"Hold your horses Joe. Okay, well what if we could lure one of them to take one of us out of here? Do you think that could work?"

"Yeah, possibly."

"But…."

"But, what reason would they let one of us out?"

"Bathroom run or sick?"

"Maybe, but we'd have to be really convincing. What if they don't care? Or what if one of us has to remain next to a goon at all times? How would they manage to get out and rescue the others?"

"Those are all good questions." They each started at the new voice. Frank looked up at his brother and Kailey. "I think I can help you."

"Okay, so genius boy, what's your plan?"

Frank began, "Well either Joe or I, presumably me, will act very sick and be escorted to the bathroom. Or if they just bring something to help soothe me, then attack whoever's at the door."

"Sounds, great, but no offense, he's going to overestimate if anything. So like he's really going to go for you two? Why don't I request to use the bathroom? After all I'm a girl and I can be pretty persuasive."

The brothers looked at one another. It was a silent eye conversation. Frank was doubtful and over protective. Joe was anxious, but had faith this girl could standup for herself. It was decided.

"Sounds like a believable plan," Frank responded.

"Good, well now why don't you go back to sleep, Frank you look horrible. Joe I'll talk to you a little while longer then ask. It will be less suspicious."

"Sounds good," Joe turned to Frank, "Nighty, nighty Frank."

Kailey snickered as Frank rolled his eyes at his younger brother and tried to get comfortable on the ground.

Joe and Kailey just finished going through the last little kid hand game they could think of. So Kailey got up and approached the door.

She knocked three solid knocks and said, "Hey! I need to use the bathroom! Someone out there? A girl's gotta go!"

There was no answer, so she repeated this a few more times, "Please, it's an emergency, tell Warren." She was wary about using his name because she wanted it to be one of the other criminals, who she could easily fool. If he was her ticket out of the cell, Kailey was taking it.

Prepared to start the knocking ceremony again, she was taken aback at the sound of the lock moving when her hand went to hit the door.

A raspy voice warned them to vacate the immediate area by the door. She said yes and moved. Moments later it was opened to a middle-aged man with glasses. It was the driver of her car earlier. 'Yes!' She thought, 'what luck!'

Behind him was Warren. "I heard you needed the bathroom. I am much obliged to have my comrade Henry take you there. I just wanted to warn you that if you don't return in 15 minutes, these boys will be seriously injured, much to my dismay."

"Got it," Kailey replied, anxious to leave the leader's presence.

"That's it then." Warren strode off.

Henry bid Kailey forward. Once she was outside the cell, the door slammed shut. She was one step closer to freedom. Only a few men with guns at the ready for her friends, a team of criminals beyond the basement, the leader's crew in the house, and the nervous man leading her through the maze of the basement complex. Nothing too much.

Author's Note: Please let me know what you think! Thanks!