Chapter Twenty

The sirens grew louder as Con, Nancy, and Joe walked slowly out of the tree line. They didn't have long to wait before Bayport police cars swarmed onto the property. Chief Collig exited a vehicle and ordered officers into the house as he made his way over to the trio. Sam Radley was right on his heels.

"Con!" he barked, eyeing his officer. "What the Sam Hill is going on here? Why didn't you radio me earlier?"

"Sorry, Chief," the officer replied, stepping forward. "I was going to radio when I got here but I needed to see what we were dealing with. Then as I was heading back to my truck, I heard her scream. If I hadn't gone back to help Nancy, he would have killed her. What was I to do?"

Collig glanced at Nancy whose neck was starting to bruise. She leaned heavily on Joe, her blue eyes glazing over. His face lightened slightly as he took in her disheveled look before turning his gaze to Joe. "Where's your father?"

"Inside, Chief," he pointed toward the house. "He stayed with the kidnappers while Frank and I came out here to look for Nancy."

"Where's Frank then? He's the one who radioed us."

"He went to my truck," Con interjected. "He hasn't gotten back yet."

Collig sighed. "Do we know if there's anyone else out there?"

"I don't think so," Joe piped in. "There were only two of them who took me and Dad and then the other two arrived earlier today with Nancy. Three of them are inside with Dad while the fourth is in the woods. We haven't seen anyone else but we do know who sent the other two men."

"Who?"

"Angelo something or other. I can't remember. Dad would know."

"Angelo Biancci," Fenton called out walking out of the house. "The two men who brought Nancy in work for him."

"The Angelo Biancci?" Sam asked, his face draining of color. Fenton nodded grimly. Sam swore and shook his head.

"I've never heard of him," the chief replied confused.

"He's a known killer out of Chicago," the private detective answered. "We knew of him years ago before he had a falling out with the families in New York. Last time I heard, he was working for one of the Chicago crime families who has a beef with Vincenzo Martinelli."

Collig sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes. "This just gets better and better. And with Frank not coming back yet…"

"Wait, what?" he stopped the chief. Fenton glanced at his younger son. "Where's Frank?"

"He…he walked away," Joe sputtered. "I…I…"

"He yelled at Frank," Con answered. "Then tried to punch him, blaming him for what happened to Nancy."

"Joe!"

"I'm sorry, okay? I screwed up! I already got it from Con along with the glaring looks from her." Joe glanced at Nancy, who was giving him another look. "See? Please don't look at me like that. It's creepy."

"Can you tell us your story, Nancy?" Collig gently said. She shook her head.

"Uh," Con cut in, "she can't talk, Chief."

"What do you mean she can't talk?"

"I told you, Chief," the officer continued. "I went back to help her after she screamed. The man in the woods was…strangling her. I…I think he damaged her throat."

Collig grew quiet, studying Con. He looked at Nancy again and then over to the trees before returning his gaze to Con. The chief called for a few officers over, ordering them to go into the woods to search for the fourth man.

"I can take Nancy to the hospital," Sam offered once the chief was done. "If you're okay with that, Chief."

"Yes, that's fine," the chief nodded. "Take Fenton and Joe with you too."

"I want to stick around, Ezra," Fenton objected. "And to make sure Frank gets back okay."

"Yeah," Joe piped in, "and I don't need a doctor."

"Don't start with me, either one of you," Collig growled, glaring at them. "I want you in the car and over to the hospital to get checked out. You may not feel that you need it but it doesn't hurt to have a doctor make sure. Con will bring Frank over later once he gets back."

"But…"

"Now, Fenton!"

"Fine," the man grumbled, "you'll make sure he…"

"Just get out of here before I handcuff you to the car!"

"Okay, okay, I'm going."

Collig stood with Con, watching the Hardys help Nancy into Sam's car before getting in themselves. Once the vehicle was down the driveway and onto the road, the chief motioned to an officer standing at the door of the house. The man nodded and went inside. Moments later, the three kidnappers were escorted out of the house, each one looking beaten up and worse for wear. The chief turned to Con. "What happened to them?"

"I don't know, sir," he answered. "I was never inside the house. I only know what I saw out here."

The sound of an approaching car turned everyone's attention toward the driveway. A truck stopped feet from where the prisoners were and Frank stepped out seconds later. The moment he was in sight of the three kidnappers, one of them broke away and tried to go after him. Just as he was about to ram him, Frank sidestepped causing the man to tumble into a heap a few feet away. Several officers went into action, grabbing the man and dragging him back towards the others.

"Where's my jewels, Hardy?" the man blurted out. "Just tell me where they are!"

"Shut up, Tannen!" muttered the greasy-haired man in a suit. He was held back by another officer. "He ain't gonna tell you anything!"

"Get them out of here!" yelled Collig, his voice booming over the commotion.

Frank said nothing as he watched Tannen being led toward the waiting paddy wagon where the other two were waiting. Tannen was still crying out as he was thrown into the back of the vehicle and the doors closed. Soon the paddy wagon was gone leaving the area quiet once more…until Chief Collig began yelling at Frank.

"What in God's name were you thinking in getting into that car?" he demanded, his voice louder than it should have been. "You could have been killed if Con hadn't followed you!"

"I know that, Chief," Frank protested, "but it was the only way to get to Dad, Joe, and Nancy. What was I supposed to do? Let them get away because I refused to show them where the jewels were? They promised to kill Nancy which they almost did! I did what I thought was best. Why are you yelling at me anyway?"

"Because Con already beat me to Joe," Collig waved nonchalantly, his demeanor changing. "Well, and Nancy too. That woman has a look that can kill."

"She…she's okay?" He looked around expectantly before turning back to Con and the chief. "Where is she? And Dad and Joe? I need to talk to them."

"I had them all go to the hospital with Sam to get checked out," the chief stated. "I wanted to make sure your father and brother were okay even though they seemed fine.

"Nancy woke up a few minutes after you walked away," Con explained, shaking his head. "That man pretty banged her up real good."

"Nick," Frank growled.

"Who's Nick?" Collig asked. Con answered by pointing to the trees nearby. "Was he one of the ones who took Fenton and Joe?"

"He was on the airplane with Nancy and me," the young man answered. "He sat across from her and was the one who walked off the plane with her. I think his partner's name is Marco."

"What about the two who took your father and brother?"

"Tannen was the one who was asking about the jewels. He was also in the car that hit Mom though I don't know who the driver was. While I was with them, it didn't seem like Tannen liked either of the ones who were sent from Chicago."

"How do you know that?"

"Because Tannen was the one who shot Nick," Frank replied. He went on to explain the fight that occurred after Nick ran after Nancy. "Marco attacked Tannen, Sampson attacked me, and Nick went after Nancy when I told her to run."

Collig sighed, hitching up his pants. He watched as several officers carried a body out of the trees before turning back to the others. "Con, take Frank to the hospital. I'm sure Fenton is chomping at the bit wondering where he is. I'll take care of everything here before heading over as well."

"Yes, Chief," the officer nodded.

"I'll be seeing you later, Frank," Collig growled. He extended his hand toward Frank and smirked. The young man took the hand and shook it. "You did good, Hardy. Your old man is proud."

"Thank you, Chief."

Con guided him over to the truck and the two quietly pulled away from the house leaving behind the police to clean up the mess. Frank stared out the window as they rode away. The truck was quiet save for the sounds of the road and the engine. It wasn't until they were down the road that Con opened his mouth.

"For a minute there I thought you weren't coming back. I was worried that I wouldn't get my truck back."

"For a minute, I thought the same thing," Frank softly answered. "Though I would have made sure you got your truck back."

"I appreciate that. What made you change your mind?"

The young man blew out a breath then ran a hand through his dark hair. He didn't want to admit anything but he knew it was time he did.

"I needed to go home," Frank finally answered. "It's time I stop running from the past and make up with Dad and Joe. We all need to heal and it won't happen if I'm running away from it."

"That's good, Frank," Con smiled, glancing at him. "All of you need some time." He drove in silence for a few miles before speaking again. "Your father really did miss you and as much as he won't admit it, Joe did too."

"I'm sure they did," he mumbled, not taking his eyes off the scenery outside. "I missed them too. It's just taken me this long to say it."

The rest of the trip to the hospital was uneventful and quiet. Con pulled the truck into the parking lot and cut the engine. The pair sat in silence for a few minutes, neither of them moving.

"Are we going in?" Con finally asked, glancing at Frank.

"I need a minute, Con," the young man answered. "You go on ahead."

The officer nodded then proceeded to get out of the truck. He stopped just before closing the door. "You're not planning on…"

"No, Con," Frank replied monotonously, looking over at him with sad eyes. "I already told you I'm done running. I just need a minute but I'll be in soon."

"Okay," Con shrugged. Closing the truck door, he slowly walked toward the hospital leaving Frank to his thoughts.

What are you doing? Frank thought. He closed his eyes, leaning his head against the back of the seat. Images of the past slowly moved through his mind as if watching a movie: his mother; Callie's face; Nancy's blue eyes sparkling. Each woman was smiling, watching him with anticipation of what he would do next. Frank wanted to go into the hospital, to speak to his father and Joe.

His hesitation seemed to spur another flight moment in him. Was he afraid? Yes, absolutely but he wasn't afraid of how his father and brother would react now. No, Frank was more afraid that his fears would make him want to leave again. Fear of rejection; fear of powerlessness; fear of the future.

Stop this nonsense, Frank, a voice called out.

Frank's eyes shot open at the sound of the voice. It was familiar and calm. Just go in. You can do it. Frank nodded and was about to get out of the car when another sound came from nearby, that of knuckles rapping on glass. He turned to see a man standing at the door. He motioned for Frank to roll the window down.

"Can I help you?" Frank asked after rolling the window down slightly. He took in the man, wondering who he was. His suit was pristine with a white handkerchief sticking out of the breast pocket.

"Someone would like a word with you, Mr. Hardy," the man stated in a heavy New York accent.

"Excuse me?"

"It'll only take a minute of your time," he replied without answering Frank.

The man opened the door, gesturing for Frank to get out of the truck. Feeling he didn't have much choice, the young man got out after rolling the window back up and followed the man over to another car nearby. He opened the back passenger side door and waited for Frank to get in. As the young man leaned over to look inside, he was surprised at who he saw staring back at him.

"Get in the car, Frank," replied the man. "We have a lot to talk about."

"How long do you think we'll have to wait here?" Joe grumbled, sitting next to his father. Sam was down the hall in the restroom.

Fenton sighed, glancing at his youngest son with a deep desire to smack him. "How many times are you going to ask that, Joe? We've only been here for a half hour."

"I know that, Dad," he snapped, "but you know how much I hate hospitals. It's not exactly the Waldorf, you know."

"I understand, son," his father nodded, remembering the time Joe spent in a hospital after returning home from Korea. His son purposely put off having the surgeries he needed. Instead, he stayed with Nancy after Ned's death. It took a lot to convince Joe he needed his body to mend but he finally caved after Nancy told him to. "I do have to say something though."

"And what's that?"

Fenton leaned toward his son, keeping his voice low. He stared intently at him, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "If you don't be quiet, I'm going to make sure you stay here longer."

"But, Dad…"

"Joe, just be quiet. The doctor will be out when they're done with Nancy. Then we'll know when we can leave."

Joe grumbled something inaudible and crossed his arms as he sulked in his chair. Both he and his father were cleared right away by the doctor while Nancy, who was barely awake by the time they got there, was taking much longer. Not only was the wait for word on Nancy agony but the wait to see if Frank showed up was just as bad. Joe didn't give much hope that Frank would return after what he said to him earlier. The suspicion was nearly confirmed the moment he saw Con Riley enter the waiting room was Sam Radley.

"Fenton! Joe!" the officer called to them as he approached. "How are you doing? How's Nancy?"

"We were cleared not long ago," Fenton replied, rising and giving his friend a brief hug. "As for Nancy, we have no idea what's going on. They haven't come out yet."

"The doc said it could be a while before we know," Sam piped in. "I'm surprised though that they cleared Joe so quickly with that hard head he has."

"Thanks, Sam," Joe rolled his eyes.

"The only thing we needed," Fenton stated, "was some food and water."

"Which we haven't gotten yet," his son pointed out. "I'm hungry!"

"What else is new?" Con laughed. "So, I didn't miss much then?"

"No," Fenton shook his head, "but are you missing something?"

"Huh?"

"Where's Frank? I thought you were supposed to bring him."

"Oh, right!" the officer nodded. "He's here but I left him in the truck. He said he needed a minute. That's all I know."

"Oh, okay," his friend said, his eyes darting to Joe. "Is…is he okay?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't he be?" Con noticed the sadness in Fenton suddenly understanding. "He wanted to come back if that's what you're worried about. He didn't want to run anymore. Just give it time. Frank will be here."

"I hope you're right, Con," Fenton sighed. "Did he tell anyone where the jewels were? Collig didn't say much when he got to the house. Tannen was pretty adamant that Frank had these jewels but I don't remember him once telling me about them."

"That's because he bought them right before Laura died. The only person he told was her."

"So, where are they?"

"That's not my story, Fenton," Con answered with a shrug. "Frank needs to be the one to tell you. The only thing I will say is that he said he buried them."

"He what?" Fenton and Joe said together.

"Frank said he buried them," he repeated. "And I wouldn't want to get them even if we could."

"Why's that?" the older Hardy asked.

"They're with Laura, Fenton."

Fenton took a step back, surprise registering on his face. It was not what he expected to hear. He looked over at Joe who studied the ground as if in thought. Sam softly swore, his eyes round as saucers. Fenton cleared his throat before looking back at Con. "Did…did he say anything else?"

"As I said, he needs to tell you everything and I think he will." Con took a deep breath. "The only thing we don't know is what the importance of these jewels are."

"What about Walter Tannen? Who is he exactly and why was he after the jewels in the first place? I've never even heard of the guy before yesterday."

"I don't know, Fenton, and I don't think Frank knows either. The chief may know more though."

"Perhaps I can help," replied a voice behind the group. The four turned to see a silver-haired man standing nearby. He wore a distinguished pinstripe suit with a white rose sticking out of his lapel. An overcoat was draped over his shoulders and two gruff-looking men flanked either side of him.

Fenton's face turned red the moment he saw the man though he didn't move. "Vinny," he growled, not taking his eyes off the man. "Why am I not surprised to see you here."

"It's good to see you too, Fenton," Vinny smiled. He shrugged off his coat and one of the men easily took it. Vinny stepped forward, his eyes bright. "I came the moment I heard you were reported missing. I needed to make sure you were okay."

"This is your way of making sure we're okay?" Fenton replied. "By bringing your goons into a hospital and intimidating everyone. Who did you buy this time to get in here?"

"I'm hurt, Fen," Vinny said, touching his chest. "I am not the type of man you think I am. I came here out of good faith. I didn't like what I was hearing."

"Were you the one who sent those two men after my son and Nancy?"

"Absolutely not," he answered looking appalled. "That was Biancci and you know that. Angelo has been trying to get back in the good graces of New York for a while now. This was just his way of doing that. I would never put a broad in danger. That's not me. You know me, Fen."

"Dad," Joe interjected, looking confused, "who is this?"

"Not now, Joe." Fenton sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "No, I don't know you, Vinny. How could I? We're not exactly best friends anymore."

"But you're still family to me," Vinny replied firmly. "I would never turn the other way from you."

"Dad…"

"I said not now, Joe. Besides, Vinny's not staying long."

"Now I'm really hurt, Fen," the man said, clearly upset. He studied Joe briefly then looked back at Fenton. "Both your sons have grown into fine young men. You should be proud."

"You stay away from my family, Vinny," Fenton warned through gritted teeth. "I mean it."

"Dad, what is going on?" Joe cried looking expectantly at his father.

When Fenton didn't elaborate, Vinny reached out his hand to Joe. "I'm sorry that your father is being a prat at the moment, Joseph," he said with a dazzling smile. "Let me introduce myself. Vincenzo Martinelli. Pleased to finally meet you."

Author's Note:

I know. I took a long time getting this out. Sickness didn't help and neither did having family issues that made my brain turn to mush at times. Plus football tends to get in the way this time of year but now that it's almost over (Nooooo!), I have more time. I'm hoping to get another chapter out over break. Anyway, Christmas is finally here! I trust that you are all ready for the holiday. I think I am. Wait...am I? I know I'm not ready for my daughter's birthday tomorrow. Actually, that's more along the lines of having the realization that she's another year older. Six years old already. Time sure does fly. So, I hope that you enjoyed the latest chapter and if you will, please leave a review to let me know what you think. Thank you so much for the continued support of this story through both your reading and leaving reviews! Sending everyone many blessings this Christmas season and many more in the coming new year! Merry Christmas and God bless! And don't forget...Go Blue!