Thank you for the review, I do plan on not having the brothers be overshadowed by their guest too much more, just this chapter seemed the only plausible way the teens could learn something more about the position they were in. I felt that since Joe is upset and a lot of built up energy he was pacing (hitting the wall wasn't helping), while Frank fell asleep from mental and physical exhaustion.

Hope you enjoy this new chapter, I haven't actually done this, but it seems somewhat plausible, right?

Disclaimer: I don't own the Hardy clan.

Chapter 10

It hadn't taken too long to leave the rotting basement, bypass to renovated part, and get to the bathroom in the mansion. The odd thing was it being upstairs. Henry, the buffoon chosen to watch over they young woman, was determined to remain outside the door. Kailey could hear him breath and it was not the most comfortable feeling.

"Can you please back away? Seriously, I can't do my business when listening to your deep breathing."

Her pleading was met with a grunt. She crept toward the door and saw his shadow retreat. Kailey purposely moved around the bathroom with as little noise as possible. Being creative was her specialty. En route to the bathroom various ideas filtered through her mind of ways to seem as though she was in there, while she explored the mansion.

Eventually, Kailey came up with the idea to fill up an empty container with liquid and lean it at an angle so it would drip in the toilet. It didn't take long to set up when she came in. It was a precaution, so she didn't feel too concerned with it.

The room was quite small, but above the tub was a window. It would be a close squeeze. Kailey decided it was her only option, so she prayed there was a nearby window that would allow her access to the rest of the building.

Slowly easing herself on the tub and through the window, Kailey held onto the ledge that was decorative, yet strong. There was a window close to her left side, so positioning her feet on the bathroom window, her hand reached for the other sill.

Once she got a good grasp, she pulled herself through. It made some noise as the screen broke and the window creaked open. The rest of the mansion had not been restored and didn't have heating for that matter. So she was absolutely freezing, having shed her big coat and shoes in the restroom. Kailey got up and took in the room. It was a guest room no doubt. There was nothing personal in it.

She sucked in her breath as a shadow went past the door and creaked. It moved on momentarily. So she took this time to take out Henry's cell phone from her pocket and dialed 911. Putting it on mute and silent, she went to the closet.

In a hushed toned said, "I have been kidnapped with my two friends the Hardys. Please alert the police to our location. I know you are recording this. I took this phone from one of my captors and he is coming back soon because he probably noticed," She paused dramatically, "I have to go, I can hear his footsteps. I just don't want to die please save me. My name's Kailey. Thank you." She ended the call and returned the cell to her pocket.

Relieved that she was not heard she ruffled through drawers and desk in the room. There wasn't anything useful she could relay to the brothers. Thankfully she still had her watch on, and noted there was not that much longer before she needed to return. Quite nervous, Kailey dared crack open the door. Her guard was perched on the steps, avidly watching the events unfold beneath him.

Approximately three minutes left before he would come knocking. Taking a deep breath she maneuvered around the door without it creaking and reached above, feeling around the door frame. The tips of her fingers finally grazed a thin key, which she grabbed and stuffed in her pocket.

Content with her plan, Kailey kept her eyes on Henry as she walked down the hall past the bathroom. Henry continued sharing glances between down stairs and at his watch that was timing their entire excursion. Easily enough the door was opened. Sneaking over to the ventilation shaft, she could barely hear whispered tones.

"We'll need to feed those brats eventually. It won't look good if there are health issues, even though they are a pain."

"I understand. But has Hardy responded to the message yet?"

"No. He's probably still cooped up at the police station. His wife is probably asleep, so hasn't noticed the ransom note."

"Whose choice was this anyways to grab those brats. Especially ahead of schedule."

"Yeah, now everything is slowly disintegrating, all that we have worked for, to form this agency. We will not let some punk teens mess this up."

"Since we know he has means of getting plenty of money under the radar, it should be a no-brainer."

"Unless he finds out about that one family that did go to the police."

"Champ, that was years ago. By the time he puts two and two together, we will be long gone with our money and the kids returned."

"Yes boss. Anything else?"

"Nothing right now. That girl should be returning soon, I'll go notify Henry to get a move on. He has better things to do than babysit."

Worried that he was going to ruin her plan, she left the musty old room. Henry was still sitting down. Kailey slowly made her way to the bathroom door, key in hand. She began working on it quietly. It took forever to turn, but once it clicked she threw the door open and jumped inside.

Inhaling deeply, she lowered her rapidly beating heart. Putting together what the men were talking about was going to need some information from the brothers. Kailey rearranged the bathroom and slipped her clothes on.

While she was fixing her shoes, Henry knocked on the door. "Come on miss, let's go."

"Okay, just a minute Henry." She flushed the toilet, washed her hands, and then opened the door.

He met her with a grim look and she followed his gaze to the man retreating down the stairs to the discussing room. Giving his a smile, Kailey walked in step with him down the stairs.

"So, Henry, how long have you worked in this position?"

"Quite some time," he answered and looked intently down at his watch.

"Oh, so you know everyone here pretty well then?"

"Yes, one could suppose that."

"I guess one could. Would you consider yourself a willing person aiding-and abetting in a crime?"

He stopped and turned to look her in the eyes, "Now no more of that miss. You mind your business and I'll mind mine."

Kailey was then taken into his grasp as Henry led her through the first level and into the basement. He had quickened his pace and refused to acknowledge her any further. They were coming around one corner when she heard, "So what do we do shoot'm?"

Terrified at the scene she was about to come upon, Kailey broke into a jog, dragging Henry with her. She stopped when she came upon the standoff. Two men with large guns were aiming at a defenseless Joe who was still in the cell, leaning against the back wall.

"Hem, hem," she managed, which brought the guards attention and weapons to her. "I'm back so you can put those away now, right Henry?"

"Yes, of course," Henry said, his nervousness noticed in his strained voice.

"I don't think so," said the one to her right. "You see He said we could have at'em after fifteen minutes."

Kailey swallowed, and glanced at Henry's watch it was at 14:54. With a sigh of relief she said, "You are mistaken sir, it has not been that long yet."

"Really sweetheart, why would we believe you?"

"Oh, your watch must have a delay Henry. See," Kailey pointed the watch out to the men, "It has just reached fifteen minutes, so let me in and leave them alone."

The men glanced at each other and motioned for her to step forward. Once she was against the back wall, they slammed the cell door.

Inside she let out a deep breath. Once she opened her eyes, Kailey could tell the worry and concern bubbling in both of the boys. Joe was and Frank both went to her side, trying to read the expression on her face.

She was ready to tell them her idea, but was cut off by a frantic "NO!" down the hall, followed by guns going off.

Author's Note: hem, hem- what is the first character that comes to mind?