Chapter Three
Night had fallen and Nancy still sat in the chair. She could feel her legs going slack, the pins and needles of discomfort shooting up and down her body. But the only thing she could do was sit. Donatelli had proven to her that he was not someone who should be crossed. Even Martin Davenport wasn't this ruthless to her.
Nancy blamed Gidget for everything that had happened but she was regretting not going with the woman when she had a chance. She wondered what the favor was that Gidget wanted to ask of her but it was too late. By now, the woman was either dead by the hands of Austin or long gone from the grounds of the castle. Nancy hoped that Gidget would return with help for her but it was fleeting dream.
Bowing her head, Nancy could feel her emotions swelling up within her. She was alone. She had no one near her who cared for her. And worst of all: she was in desperate need of a bath and a comfortable bed to sleep in. But that was Donatelli's intention. He wanted her stamina and strength to wane before he swooped in and "rescued" her from the depths of despair. Nancy had no intention of feeling like a damsel in distress.
After another hour of agony, she finally slipped into an uncomfortable yet much needed sleep. Dreams swirled around in her head. Nancy raced through stretches of hallways and mazes. Every time she fell to the ground or tripped, she cried out in pain, the cries escaping her lips as she slept. Then a firm, but gentle hand held hers though she could not see who it was. And a voice called out to her, a voice she so very much wanted to hear.
Don't give up, Nancy. We are coming for you.
Nancy's eyes shot open and her head bounced up. There was no one around her, the room dark save for a light coming from the hallway. Her hand felt warm as if someone had just let go of it though no one was around. She didn't know why but she believed the words that were spoken. Frank would never lie to her and no matter where he was at that moment, she knew he was alive. All she had to do was remain strong until it was time for her to go home...even if it took her giving in to Donatelli in order to do it.
Gidget ran as fast as she could away from the wall around Donatelli's castle. She knew if she didn't get away fast, he would send someone to find her and kill her. More than likely the assassin he sent for the week before: the Texan with a knack for killing. But she wasn't going to let anyone near her again until she had a gun in her hand, aimed at Donatelli's head. She was through with trying to get the information from Kate Drew. The former FBI agent still hadn't shown up but for all Gidget knew the woman could have been in town.
Suddenly she heard a car engine coming from the road just outside the copse of trees she was in and she followed the sound. Gidget stalked toward the road, cautious of what she might find. She smiled when she saw the driver and casually walked out into the road.
"It's about time you showed up," she replied once she was settled into the backseat of the sedan. Seconds later, the vehicle turned around on the road and headed toward the nearby town.
"This is pointless," grumbled Frank, plopping down onto a chair. He and Joe were escorted to a conference room the moment they arrived at the FBI office in Manhattan. Frank and Joe came in on their own while their father was meeting up with Carson at the airport. The two were to meet them soon afterward.
"You never know what is going to happen, Frank," Joe pointed out. He noticed a small dry bar at the other end of the room filled with pastries and scrambled for the food.
"Don't you ever not eat?" his brother grimaced watching him stuff his face with a cheese and raspberry Danish.
"I'm hungry, dude!" he cried. A few flecks of food came out as he talked causing Frank to shy away. Joe swallowed as he sat down in the chair next to him. "Besides I don't think they would just put that stuff out for no reason. It was there to eat so I took advantage."
"Next time, try to eat with your mouth closed," Frank huffed looking away. "Especially when Dad gets here. I don't think he'll appreciate you scarfing your face down when we're here to get information."
"Since when did you turn into Aunt Trudy?"
"Since never but you know both Mom and Dad would tell you the same thing," he pointed out. "We're here to find out what the FBI knows about Nancy's disappearance, not eat."
"Fine, I'll watch my eating habits from now on. Sheesh." Joe rolled his eyes then finished off his Danish before crumpling up and throwing his trash away from his seat. He missed the waste paper basket by a mile and smiled nervously when Frank gave him a dirty look. As Joe went to pick up his trash, he continued. "Why did we come up here without Dad or Mr. Drew anyway? It seems kind of weird that we're here alone."
"I think Dad wanted to talk to Carson beforehand," Frank replied. "Besides, Dad had a last minute change of plan so he wanted us here to make sure we got here on time. I'm sure he knows a few things that he hasn't told us yet but I'm just glad that he wanted us to come. I'm anxious to hear if they have any news on Nancy."
"I know you are," his brother replied sadly. "I think we all are. It's been months since she disappeared and several weeks since those photos in England were taken. I keep wondering where she is now and if she's okay. Gidget is keeping her alive for a reason."
"Right," he nodded, "and I personally think that the FBI knows the real reason why Gidget took her. As to why they're keeping it from us is beyond me. I just hope that we find out what's going on today so we know where to start. The moment we have some good solid information, I'm heading to Europe."
"And Mom will stop you before you even leave your apartment," Joe laughed. "You know well and good she won't let either one of us out of her sight after what happened in November. She's terrified of losing us and Dad."
"I know but I need to get out of here," Frank grumbled, rising from his chair. He walked over to the window overlooking the city. "I…I just feel like we're sitting here twiddling our thumbs and wasting time…time that Nancy doesn't have."
"Frank," his brother replied following him to the window, "you sound as if you're about to give up hope on Nancy. What gives?"
"Joe…"he sighed, bowing his head. Tears welled in his eyes though Frank hid it well. He rubbed his face as if nothing was going on then sniffed loudly as he continued. "I had a dream yesterday afternoon." Frank paused staring outside, unsure of what to say next.
"And?"
Frank took a deep breath and looked at him. "I kept hearing her voice, Joe. I…I don't know why. She sounded like she was in pain or hurt but I couldn't find her. I…I couldn't get to her. There was nothing I could do to help."
"Nancy's strong, Frank," Joe said softly placing a hand on his brother's shoulder, "and she's going to be fine."
"You're right," he smiled taking a deep breath. He chuckled as he thought of something. "I could have sworn though that touched someone. And I did cry out to her in the dream. At least, I think I did."
"What did you say?"
"I told her that we're coming for her."
"You bet your ass we are." The two brothers were silent for a few minutes before Joe spoke again. "When did you take a nap yesterday anyway?"
"I asked Dad if I could borrow his office for a little while," Frank answered with a shrug. "I locked the door, turned off the light, and crashed on his couch."
"Seriously?" Joe's shoulders slumped. "Every time I've ever done that I got reprimanded."
Frank laughed. "That's because you never asked Dad for permission." He then turned around to face the empty room as Joe grumbled about Frank being the favorite. "Where are our hosts, anyway? I would have thought at least someone would have been here by now."
"My thoughts exactly," replied their father as he walked into the room alone. "Have you two heard anything since you've been in here?"
"No, Dad," Frank shook his head walking over to the conference table. "It's been really quiet…with the exception of Joe munching down on food…again."
"Hey! I told you I was hungry!" Joe defended.
"Uh huh, and you still have a little bit of jelly on your mouth," his brother pointed out. Joe quickly swiped at it before racing for a napkin.
"Where's Mr. Drew, Dad?" he asked when he was done wiping his face.
"He'll be along."
The doors to the conference room suddenly opened and several people walked in including Agents Spencer Bryant and Lori Reyes. Another man came in behind them, the expression on his face giving him an air of authority. The newcomer seemed to be their boss by the way the agents reacted to him and more than likely would be the target of Carson's ire…or at least it's what Frank believed.
"Fenton Hardy," the man replied holding out his hand to shake, "it's good to see you again."
Fenton shook his hand though both Frank and Joe could feel the tension between the two.
"Where's Carson Drew? He's the one who called this meeting yet he's not here."
"He's on his way," Fenton growled. "I'm surprised to see you here, Marcus."
Frank and Joe exchanged surprised looks. How their father knew the man in charge was beyond them but the brothers hoped that their questions would be answered. As if sensing an explanation was needed, Fenton spoke up though he didn't look at the others. "Frank, Joe, meet Special Agent Marcus Haynes."
"Actually its Assistant Director now," Haynes smirked. "I'm the boss. I ordered Bryant and Reyes on the case and pretty much any information found goes through me first."
"Then you can tell us why Nancy was taken," Carson said as he walked into the room. A few others came with him and went off to the side. Carson's eyes seem to bore into the director making Haynes very uncomfortable.
"Carson!" Haynes cried, his demeanor changing in a split second. "I'm surprised it took you so long to get here. I thought you'd be the first to arrive."
"Cut the crap, Marcus," Carson growled strolling toward him. "I want to know the truth."
"The truth? I can't tell you what I don't know, Carson," Haynes said politely, holding out his hand. "It's good to see you though."
"Unfortunately, I can't say the same about you, Marcus," Carson frowned, ignoring the man's hand. He walked by Haynes towards Fenton and shook his hand before greeting Frank and Joe. After a few minutes, Carson turned back to the assistant director and folded his arms in front of him. "Now, this is where you tell the truth."
Haynes laughed defiantly. "I already told you," Haynes replied, "I don't know. None of my agents know anything either. For you to keep asking…"
"Enough, Marcus!" the lawyer cried startling the others. He stepped closer to the director, his eyes blazing. "You're still lying!"
"How dare you come in here and demand something that I know nothing about!" yelled Haynes. "I ordered my agents to keep what they know until we had concrete proof! I was not going to get your hopes up on anything until I did!"
"Oh, you mean about Kate?"
Fenton's eyes went wide in alarm. Carson hadn't mentioned the reason as to why they were meeting with the FBI besides wanting to get some more information out of the agents. The whole atmosphere in the room seemed to change in a matter of minutes as Frank and Joe stood to the side unsure of what to do next.
"Kate?" Haynes repeated, taken by surprise. "She's dead. You know that."
"Then why would I get a message saying that I needed to ask more about her? Or an old photo of her and Nancy that said She's not dead on the back? Explain that to me."
"I have no idea what you are talking about, Carson," the man said smugly. Frank wanted nothing more than to wipe the smirk off his face. Haynes knew something and he was still keeping it from them. "Kate died in that explosion 20 years ago and we're still trying to find your daughter. We have no idea where she is at the moment. That is all we know."
"How the hell am I supposed to believe you?" Carson cried, his fists clenched at his sides. "I mean, you just admitted that you're keeping something from us. Why not tell us anyway? We're here now. Is Kate still alive?"
"You know as well as I do that she's gone!"
"Then we maybe need to speak to Director Kruger instead. She might get it out of you."
"Kruger?" Haynes chuckled. "That's a laugh. That woman wouldn't know how to deal a deck of cards let alone dealing with this case. It's my case anyway. The only reason why she even got the job was because she's a woman! The FBI wanted to ensure they had ample women in high positions even if they weren't qualified. Besides, she left this morning for an important meeting out of state."
"Is that a fact?" Carson eyes flared.
"Sir?" Reyes timidly held up her hand, interrupting the argument.
"What is it, Reyes?" Haynes said annoyed, whirling around on her.
But Reyes wasn't trying to get her boss's attention. She stared at Carson, her held high in defiance. "Assistant Director Haynes told us everything, Mr. Drew."
"Reyes!"
"I'm tired of lying to these people, sir!" she cried glaring at Haynes. "They're good people and all they want is their family back. They need to know the truth!"
"And if you utter another word, I'll have your badge!" the assistant director boomed, the sound echoing around the room.
Joe could see several agents outside the conference room look up from their work and stare at them. He turned his attention back to Reyes and Haynes just as the young agent continued.
"Take my badge, I don't care!" she screamed. Haynes' face turned red as Reyes stepped toward Carson. "He ordered us to remain quiet because he said we didn't have proof even though he knows it's true!"
"What proof?" Frank asked stepping forward. His heart pounded as he waited for an answer.
"Of why Ms. Drew was taken," Reyes replied turning to him. Frank's eyes went wide as he looked at the director.
"Enough!" Haynes yelled. He grabbed a hold of her arm and yanked her away from the Hardys and Carson. "I am ordering you to stop, Agent Reyes! You are going to jail for this if you don't!"
"No, it's you who should be going to jail, sir!" she retorted shrugging him off.
"Let her speak," stated one of the people who entered with Carson. A woman, dressed in a crisp suit, took off a wig and glasses, her steel gray eyes gazing intently at Haynes.
"Director K-Kruger," Haynes stammered though the woman held up her hand to stop him. Frank wondered why the woman didn't speak before but he thought he understood. She wanted to hear what Haynes had to say without him really knowing she was there.
"Speak, Agent Reyes," Kruger urged the woman.
Reyes nodded in return then looked to Carson. "Your wife's name came up not long after your daughter disappeared, Mr. Drew. Director Haynes ordered us to remain silent on it because he wanted to make sure it was true. He said he feared a few of you would go on a wild goose chase across Europe just on speculation. He didn't want any interference."
"Wait a minute," Carson held his hands up. He glared at Haynes with an intensity that scared even Frank and Joe. "You ordered them not to say a word about this? Why? I…I don't get it. I would think that you'd want to know more about what happened to Kate. Don't you think that the information would help in the case? To help find Nancy?"
"I didn't think it was critical for any of you to know!" Haynes defended. "It was just speculation! There was no evidence!"
"What was it about Mrs. Drew that you didn't want us to know about?" Frank piped up. His anger was rising just as much as Carson's though he was still a little confused about the situation.
"I'm not saying another word until I have my lawyer present!" the director defended folding his arms in front of him.
"You son-of-a-bitch!" Carson yelled. He launched himself at the man, taking the whole room by surprise. Frank and Fenton grabbed a hold of Carson while Bryant and another agent pulled Haynes away, the two men glowering at each other.
"You're done, Drew!" Haynes cried pointing at him. Several agents rushed in, their hands at their holsters waiting for orders.
"Stand down!" ordered Director Kruger, her voice loud and clear. The room suddenly grew quiet, the agents standing by though their hands remained on their guns. "That's enough! Director Haynes, you are hereby put on suspension."
"It'll never stand!" the man said incredulously, shrugging off Bryant. "He attacked me!"
"Yes, but he's not the one who kept vital information from an open investigation," she explained. "What else is there that these people need to know?"
"Do you have any idea where Nancy is?" Carson pleaded, his chest heaving from exertion. Fenton still held on to his friend while Frank stepped back stunned.
"We have reason to believe that she's in England again," Bryant finally stated. Haynes' face burned with rage and betrayal. "Assistant Director Haynes told me a few days ago though he kept that information from Reyes. He also knew about Mrs. Drew for quite some time."
"What do you mean?" Kruger asked.
The agent bit his lip contemplating his next move. "Mrs. Drew is alive. She called him about ten years ago."
Carson lunged for Haynes once again though Fenton was already holding him back. Frank was too shocked to move so Joe stepped in to help his father. "You knew?" Carson screamed, tears rolling down his face. "And you did nothing? This is my family! Why didn't you say something? Why didn't you do something?"
"What was I supposed to do?" Haynes yelled. Bryant and another agent stood in front of him more to stop Carson than to protect the man.
"Kate called you years ago! You could have told me that!"
The director clamped his mouth shut and glared defiantly at him. What no one saw was the gun he had in his hand. He held it behind his leg and silently slipped the safety off.
"I kept that from you because she asked me to!" he admitted. Carson's mouth dropped open slightly as he stumbled backward. "What could I have done? Nothing. And why would I tell you anything? Kate knew what she was getting into and she didn't want to bring you into that world."
"You're lying," Carson whispered.
"You'll never know if I was." With that, Haynes aimed the gun and a scream rent through the room at the same time as the gun shot rang off.
Author's Note:
I know this one is a little short but it served its purpose. I hope I'm not moving too fast for you all. I'm proud of myself too. I got this one out quicker than I thought I would and believe me, there are so many versions to this chapter that it's not funny. I couldn't figure out the best way to move forward but I realized several things needed to happen in order for us to get anywhere. Anyway, thanks to everyone who took the time to read the last chapter. I appreciate the support! Also thanks to those who left reviews. Your words and support keep me going. Yes, I know that Nancy was a little bullheaded in that last chapter but she still didn't trust Gidget enough even though the woman hid from the guards with her. But we can't have Nancy going home just yet though! There's more to come on that along with getting to know Austin. Any thoughts on our mystery guest who picked up Gidget? So, now we know what the FBI knew. I was going to have that later in the book but like I said, this story moves a lot quicker than some of the others. It feels right…I hope. Well, I hope that you enjoyed the latest addition to the story and if you will, please leave a review to let me know what you think! Have a great week and God bless!