Author's Note:
There's a lot going on here so I will make this brief. Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to read the previous chapter and a special thanks to those who left reviews! I'm impressed with the theories as to who is where and what. Some of them will be answered in the following chapter while others will be later on. I'm trying not to be too predictable. Anyway, we're getting there. Only a few more chapters left! I hope that you enjoy this latest addition and, if you will, please leave a review to let me know what you think or what your theories are! Keep them coming too! I love reading them! Have a great week and God bless!
Chapter Eighteen
Donatelli was momentarily at a loss for words as he took in what his guard was telling him. Kate coughed, her lungs slowly filling back up with air. The baron moved away from her, unsure of what to do next.
"How…how is this happening? How did they know?" He looked to the other man, his eyes burning with rage. "Stall them."
"H-how, my lord?"
"Bar the road! Tell a story! Make up something! I don't care what you do as long as it gives me time!"
The man bowed then quickly left. Donatelli glared down at Kate. "It was you!" he cried. "You did this!"
"I have no idea what you're talking about!" she yelled back.
The baron lunged for her again but she rolled off the chair causing him to fall over the table. Dishes fell, breaking as they hit the floor. Donatelli cried out in frustration as Kate scrambled away from him.
"I had nothing to do with this!" she cried. "How could I? I've been here for days!"
"This is not possible!"
"It's over!" Kate yelled triumphantly. "Nancy is gone and now they're coming for you! Where do you think you can hide?"
"We'll see about that! Michael!" Donatelli yelled, taking her by her wrists and lifting her up. The assistant rushed into the room, stopping when he saw the mess. His boss turned to him, struggling with Kate. "Find Nikola and take her downstairs. Give Austin some company. Leave her down there then come back up to deal with the police. I'll be down to get her once Nancy is gone."
"But, my lord, I don't think that the police are going to believe the girl's not here!"
"I know that, you nitwit!" Donatelli yelled. He looked over at the servants who were still in the room. "Start cleaning up this mess, now! If the police get in here and see this, I'll have all of your hides!"
All of the servants suddenly moved into gear. As Donatelli was about to hand her off to Michael, Kate pushed him away from her. In the brief moment Donatelli and Michael were put off guard, she was able to rush off before anyone could stop her.
"Katherine!"
Charlie, Jenny, and Muldoon were in the SUV monitoring the screens in front of them. The young hacker was able to get into the estate's security system, overriding most of the security protocols. Only thing they couldn't do was monitor the majority of what was going on inside the mansion. Most of the rooms that had cameras were empty save for one in which one person was behind the door of a cell. The outside of the mansion was bustling with activity including at the main entrance where several guards stood.
"Do you think we're going to see anything from the inside?" Jenny asked.
"Not from the feeds that we're getting," Charlie shook his head. "Looks like the baron was confident he didn't need cameras outside certain areas. Bad thing is that we won't be able to see the others to make sure they're okay. But at least we'll know if they get sent to the dungeon. It's pretty cool that the baron actually has one."
"Focus, Charlie," Frank stated, his voice crackling over the radio.
"Do you want my opinion?" Gidget called out from behind them. She was sulking in the third row, her wrists handcuffed behind her back.
"No!" Charlie, Jenny, and Muldoon said together.
Charlie took a look again at the layout of the property and the schematics of the mansion. He wasn't sure if anyone knew of the road that led out the back of the property which looked like it was rarely used.
"What's that?" the military man pointed out at one of the cameras bringing Charlie back to what was going on. A line of cars just pulled up to the main entrance but were stopped by the guards.
"Frank, you seeing this?" Charlie replied.
"Yeah, I'm keeping a close eye on it."
The three watched the screen, wondering what was going to happen next.
British intelligence agent, Wesley Jones and three police officers strolled up to the guards and began talking. The line of guards in front of the entrance never wavered once their caravan stopped just minutes before. Carson, Fenton, Laura, Senator Hawkley, and the Interpol inspectors waited in their SUV just behind the lead car.
"I wonder what they're saying," Laura muttered, expressing what Carson was thinking.
"Just asking for permission to enter," Inspector Braun answered. "We have a warrant but there's no telling what will happen once it's been issued."
"Well, they have to obey the warrant," Carson growled. "It's against the law to not to."
"We understand that," Cluseau stated. "We just can't barge in either, especially when there are guards blocking our way. Hopefully we will be able to get in to at least speak with the baron."
"And if they don't let us in?" Fenton inquired.
"We'll have to rely on your son's plan to get in, Monsieur. We might not be able to help with it though."
"But why aren't we out there?" Carson demanded.
"It's Agent Jones' jurisdiction first and foremost," the inspector explained. "We will step in if needed."
"Looks like you'll get your chance," Senator Hawkley pointed out Jones who was heading their way. Cluseau rolled down his window just as the British agent stopped at the vehicle.
"They won't let us in," Jones grumbled. "The baron apparently doesn't want to be disturbed. He's having dinner was the actual excuse."
"I guess the warrant is going to be ignored," Cluseau said out loud.
"More than likely but they can't for long. I told them it was of the utmost importance that we speak with the baron but they wouldn't budge."
"So now what?" Laura huffed looking around at the others in the vehicle.
Carson angrily pounded the side of the door. He was angry knowing they were just feet from where Nancy was and they all knew she was there.
"We will just have to wait it out here until the baron is able to speak with us," Jones replied sadly, watching Carson. "We should be able to stop anyone from leaving as there are really no other known exits from the estate."
"A lot of good that's going to do," the lawyer spat, shaking his head.
"It's all right, Carson," Hawkley reassured him. "No one is getting out of there without our knowledge." He turned to Jones. "Are you sure there's no other way out of the estate?"
"As far as we know. On the original photos of the property, there was none that could be seen other than this road but then again the photos were over 20 years old. We couldn't obtain new satellite images in such short notice."
"But there is a possibility that there's another way out," Fenton stated.
"There's always that possibility but we are relying on what we have for now," Jones replied. "Lord Kingsley and his son have to leave sometime. Right now, all we can do is to just sit tight."
The British agent stepped away just as the sound of a motorcycle revved up behind them. Jones' eyes went wide in alarm as headlights illuminated him. He flattened himself against the SUV just as a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle whizzed by him.
"Bloody hell!" Jones cried.
They all watched as the guards quickly scattered when the motorcycle purposely aimed for them. It stopped just on the other side of the entrance, the tires kicking up dirt and stone.
Carson's heart pounded, watching the event unfold. He had a feeling the motorcyclist really had no intention of hurting the British agent as he had swerved to avoid hitting Jones. The same could not be said of the guards that were still trying to pick themselves off the ground in front of them.
"What's he doing?" Laura asked breathlessly.
Fenton wondered, his mind reeling. He looked up at the motorcyclist, who revved the engine again. He noticed the guards were slow moving to get back to the posts, the driveway now open. That was when his phone chirped with a message. Fenton looked down, realizing what was going on.
"Go!" he yelled, motioning forward.
As she ran into the adjacent room, Kate bumped into a servant who looked like he was returning to the dining room. Apologizing without really looking at him, Kate tried to continue on, tripping over a knot in the carpet. She heard Donatelli order Michael to get Nikola before he suddenly burst into the room, his face red with anger. He sneered at her as she got up but he didn't notice the servant Kate had bumped into. Just as the baron was about to go after her, the blonde-haired servant rammed into him, sending the man to the ground.
Kate blinked, shocked at what she just witnessed. Donatelli roared in anger that a servant of his knocked him down. He took a better look at the servant but it took him a moment before he thought he recognized the person standing over him. Before the baron could say anything, the servant punched him in the face, knocking him out.
Not knowing what to expect, Kate wrapped her hand around a candlestick then wielded it over her head as a weapon. She was about to wave it at the servant but he ducked at the last minute.
"Woah!" he cried. "A simple thank you would be better!"
Kate stopped, staring at the young man. "You…you're American?"
"Born and raised," he smirked. When he finally took a look at her, the man did a double take then shook his head. "I think we should get out of here before he gets up, Mrs. Drew."
He took her hand and rushed out the direction Kate intended on going. She followed behind him though she wondered who he was and how he knew her. For some reason though, she felt he was trustworthy. They could hear Donatelli croak orders from the other room though neither of them stopped. They ran through the house but it wasn't until they reached a small room that Kate stopped, yanking her arm away from him.
"Who are you?" she gasped.
"Where is the end to this place?" he muttered at the same time. He barricaded the door before moving around the room. He stopped when he heard the distant sound of a motorcycle going by. "Show off."
Kate glanced at him, taking in everything about him. He was tall, blonde, and muscular though his facial features were extremely familiar to her. He walked over to the other door in the room only to find it led to a small powder room. Cursing, he stomped his foot in anger.
"Joe?" Kate blurted out.
"Yeah?" he said glancing out the window. Joe turned toward her in surprise. "How did…"
"You look like your mother," Kate smiled. "It took me a while to figure it out but when you cursed just now…well, Laura does the same thing."
"Yeah, well, I think Mr. Fancypants back there figured out who I was too," he joked. "We need to get out of here but this house is too big. What I wouldn't give for one of Frank's escape plans."
"We need to find Nancy. I can't leave without her."
"It's all been taken care of," Joe smirked. "We just need to get you out too."
Kate thought about it for a moment. "Then there's one other place we need to go."
"Uh, in case you didn't notice," he looked at her confused, "there are a couple of people looking for us."
"Yes, but Austin is downstairs."
"Who's Austin?"
"A friend. He helped Nancy so we need to help him."
Joe bit his lip in thought. He knew they had to get out of the house but if Kate was anything like Nancy, she was sure to be reluctant to leave someone behind.
"Then we need some help here," he stated. Joe tapped a finger to his ear. "Charlie, you there?"
The moment she heard his voice, Nancy knew who was holding on to her. As she quieted down, he let go of her, relinquishing his hand from her mouth. Nancy whirled around to see the man behind her. He was dressed as a guard, a small smile on his face.
"Carlos!" she hissed. Without hesitation, Nancy wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you!"
"Glad to see you still can fight," he laughed.
When they let go of one another, Nancy started batting at him angrily. "Where have you been!? You told me you were going to get me away from Gidget weeks ago!"
"I know! I know!" Carlos whispered loudly, defending himself. "But I'm here now and I've got to get you to the side door."
"Wait, we can't leave!" Nancy cried. "Not without my mother!"
"Shh!" he hissed. "They'll hear you! Besides, Joe's got that covered!"
"Wait," she stopped. "That was Joe? I thought I was seeing things!"
"Yeah, and he'll meet us outside once we get out of here ourselves." Carlos went to the door and peeked out. The hallway was empty. "Looks like the coast is clear. You ready to get out of here?"
"As long as I can get out of this awful dress the moment we're safe."
He chuckled. "I think that can be arranged although I'm sure Frank wouldn't mind seeing you in that."
Nancy's eyes began to water and she took a step back. "Frank? He…he's alive."
"Yeah, why wouldn't he be? He's waiting for us outside."
"But…why didn't he…"
"Long story, Nancy," Carlos smiled politely. "He wanted to. The quicker we get out of here, the quicker you can see him."
Nancy nodded then followed him to the door. Carlos eased it open then snuck out with her in tow. The back door was clear though a dark sedan was now situated just outside. He thought it was strange but didn't think it had anything to do with them. Just as the pair rounded the corner, Geoffrey came upon them, blocking their way out.
"Well, look who we found," Geoffrey smirked smugly. "Whoever you are, I sincerely hope that you weren't planning on leaving with Nancy. She is to go with me. We're leaving for Europe the moment we get to the airport."
"Nancy, get behind me," Carlos cautiously urged, placing himself in front of her. "She's not going anywhere with you."
"I don't think you understand me, sir," the man clucked. "She doesn't have a choice. I bought her fair and square. The baron informed me that I could do as I please with her so I'm not about to let her leave without me."
"I'm not going!" Nancy cried defiantly.
She turned around to run off only to be stopped by Barton who had snuck up behind them. Carlos tried to move to protect Nancy but Geoffrey hit him on the back of the head with the butt of his gun, knocking the man out.
"No!" she cried though Barton muffled her cries by placing a hand over her mouth. Nancy's eyes widened when she saw Donatelli rushing down the hall with Michael and Nikola. She struggled once again with Barton but he didn't let her go.
"Oh, good, you found her," the baron replied. He looked down at Carlos who was still out cold. Kneeling down, Donatelli studied him though confused. "Who is he?"
"I don't know," Geoffrey shrugged. "We didn't get the chance to introduce ourselves but I do believe he had the intention of helping her escape."
"Well, that won't do," the man tutted. "Whoever he is, he'll join Austin and Katherine downstairs until this mess has been cleared up. Nikola, take care of him."
The guard nodded and picked up the unconscious Carlos. He disappeared around the corner as Donatelli looked at Nancy and stepped toward her.
"I guess this is adieu, my dear. I'm sorry that you won't be able to say goodbye to your mother but it's for the best. Geoffrey, here, will take good care of you, I'm sure. You'll be by his side as he takes over my businesses abroad. Pity you won't be in the same capacity as him though. Consider it a demotion after everything that you've done but I believe that he is getting the better side of the deal."
"Oh, we'll have loads of fun," Geoffrey winked at her.
"The car is waiting for you so get going. Your father will be on his way later after he's recovered from the shock, Geoffrey."
"I don't care about him. I would have left him behind anyway."
"Whatever you say." Donatelli smiled at Nancy who glared back at him. "I'm sorry that we have part in such a way, my dear."
Nancy bit down on Barton's hand causing him to cry out in anger. Donatelli grabbed her but she suddenly spat in Donatelli's face, the spit hitting him directly in the eyes. Barton was able to take hold of her while his boss laughed, taking out a handkerchief and wiping his face. "Spunk, Geoffrey. The girl's got spunk. I hope you're up for it."
"She'll be putty in my hands before I'm through with her," the younger man smirked.
"You're not going to touch me, you little worm!" she cried. Nancy tried to scratch at Barton but Geoffrey slapped her across the face.
"You don't speak unless I talk to you," he seethed, watching her hold her cheek. Nancy could feel the side of her face swelling. "Now, I don't want any more trouble from you on our way to the airport."
Geoffrey looked to Donatelli who nodded to Michael. Minutes later, Barton half-dragged, half-carried a struggling Nancy out to the waiting car, her hands tied in front of her and a piece of tape over her mouth. Geoffrey and Donatelli followed behind, a look of triumph on both of their faces.
"Call me the moment you land," the baron ordered. Geoffrey nodded then got into the car beside Nancy. Barton got into the front seat next to the driver then the car pulled out and down the back drive leading away from the front gate.
"Huh?" Cluseau looked at Fenton confused.
"Oh, my God, he's right!" Hawkley nodded, urgently gesturing. "The gate's open! Hurry before the guards have a chance to reassemble!"
Cluseau nodded, putting the SUV into gear. He honked the horn and the vehicle partially blocking them surged forward. Agent Jones quickly stepped up onto the side of their SUV and hung on as Cluseau followed the other vehicle. Several officers stayed behind to deal with the guards at the entrance.
Fenton kept his eyes on the motorcyclist, who moved quickly the moment the caravan surged forward. By the time they reached the massive stone mansion, the motorcycle was gone, disappearing as if it were never there.
"Where'd he go?" Laura mumbled, looking around.
"That's what I'd like to know," Hawkley agreed. "We need to thank him for getting us up here. Only this time I'm not sitting around and watching everything going on outside."
The others agreed and followed suit, each one of them getting out of the car as a man stepped out of the front door to the mansion. Nervously smoothing out his suit, the man went down the front steps, stopping about midway.
"Can I help you?" he inquired, folding his hands in front of him.
"We're here to see the baron," Jones announced, moving forward. "We have business to discuss with him and a warrant to search the premises."
"I am sure that the men at the entrance informed you that his lordship is currently indisposed," the man stated. "You were turned away then and you are being turned away now. Be gone before we have you removed."
"This guy is just as bad as the geniuses at the entrance," Fenton muttered to Carson who nodded in agreement.
"Where's our 'friend' when we need him?" the lawyer muttered back.
"I assure you, sir," Jones said, "that we will not leave until we are given an audience with the baron."
"Then you will be waiting a while, Mr.?"
"Wesley Jones, British Intelligence," he announced. "Interpol is here as well. We have some questions regarding a missing American."
"A missing American?" the man laughed. "Is that what this is all about? I can assure you that we have no idea what you are talking about. Now, please leave."
"Inspector Emile Cluseau," the inspector cried out, holding up his badge. He moved toward the stairs with the intention of going inside. "We have a warrant to search the premises."
"As I have already stated, we have no recollection of an American being here. The baron can avouch for that when he is available."
As Cluseau argued with the man, Carson took a gander around the area. The stone mansion looked old, more than likely dating back several generations of the baron's family. It was well kept but he noticed that several cameras scanned the grounds. Who would need that much security yet not an actual gate into their property, he wondered.
Fenton nudged Carson and nodded toward the guards who seemed to materialize out of nowhere. Some of the guards had dogs though they kept the animals at bay for the time being.
"Something's not right here, Fenton," Carson mumbled.
"I get that feeling too," he nodded. "Why does a baron have so much security?"
"Exactly."
The two looked over at the front entrance just as another man of about 50 slowly walked out. He wore a charcoal three-piece suit that looked tailored to him. Flecks of grey rippled through his hair though mainly at the temples. There was something about him that put Carson on edge especially when the man's eyes settled upon him. It was almost as if the newcomer knew who Carson was.
"Michael," the man replied with an air of authority, "what is going on here?"
"As if you didn't know," mumbled Fenton. He two felt the same uneasiness with the man as his friend did. Fenton maneuvered himself in front of Laura just as a precaution.
"My lord," Michael bowed, "the gentlemen…and ladies, are searching for an American." He turned his attention back to Cluseau. "Who are you looking for again?"
"A young woman," Cluseau state. "We have reason to believe that she is here."
"Well, your 'reason' is wrong," the baron said curtly, stepping down further. "Why would I have a young woman here? I have no children of my own. I only came out here to see what is going on but I must return for I have a guest who is waiting for me. If you would be so kind as to leave now, I will not call your superiors and have you suspended."
"Would your guest happen to be Lord Kingsley and possibly his son, Geoffrey, Baron Greesley?" Agent Jones inquired. "As you know, Geoffrey Kingsley is wanted for several crimes though he seems to have disappeared."
A slight twitch in the baron's demeanor gave away his surprise that they knew who was there. The next moment, he composed himself and spoke. "Lord Kingsley is here on business but I wouldn't have his horrendous son in my presence and taint my household. I know what he does to women and it disgusts me. Lord Kingsley and I were preparing to talk about my upcoming election for Prime Minister. I'm sure you know about that, Agent Jones. Am I correct?"
"Aye, I do know," the man nodded, "but you're not Prime Minister yet so I don't think you'd mind it if we search the premises for this girl and anything else we find?"
"Actually, I do mind sir," the baron snapped. "You are implying that I know where this girl is but I do not. There's no one here who fits her description but obviously you not allowed to check. That would be an invasion of my privacy."
"You're lying!" Carson cried out pushing his way forward. He had had enough listening to the baron's words. The baron quirked an eyebrow at him and waited. "I know a liar when I see one. Where's my daughter?"
"Your daughter?" the baron scoffed innocently, "I have no idea who she even is!"
"Quit lying!"
"Carson," Fenton warned stepping in front of his friend. "Let the police handle this."
"But he's lying, Fenton!" Carson cried. He then pointed a finger at the baron, his eyes blazing. "You know it too! From your reaction of us knowing Kingsley and his son were here to you just stating you didn't know who my daughter was. You. Are. Lying! I've come all this way…"
"For nothing, Mr. Drew," spat the baron, his face red with anger. Carson took a slight step back in alarm. "I don't know who your daughter is let alone know where she is. Now get off my property before I dial the real police who will escort you to the nearest jail cell. And you, Agent Jones, expect a pink slip on your desk by the time you return to London!"
Baron Greesely whirled around to go back into his home when Fenton spoke up.
"Excuse me, sir," he held up his hand. "But um…how did you know his name?"
Greesley stopped abruptly, his shoulders tensing. When he turned, a nervous smile was etched on his face. "You…you just said it," he replied politely.
'Yeah, but I called him by his first name," Fenton pointed out. "We never introduced ourselves so how would you know?"
The baron sucked on his lips in thought. He smiled again as he continued, backstepping slowly into his house. "I must have seen his face in the news recently, that's all."
"Uh huh."
The two men stared at one another for a several moments, the tension felt throughout the group. Greesley broke the stare to glance at Carson. A sadistic smirk formed on the man's face knowing he had been caught.
"I wasn't lying when I said she wasn't here," the baron replied slowly. "But I would be lying if I said she was never here."
It took a moment for Carson to realize what the baron said. The moment it registered, the lawyer launched himself toward Greesley only to be stopped by Fenton and Hawkley. The baron laughed maniacally then turned to Fenton.
"And thank you, Mr. Hardy," he replied. "Now I know who I ran into earlier but I'll make sure he knows you were here."
It was Fenton's turn to get angry though he didn't move.
The baron laughed again and spoke to Michael.
"Get rid of them."