Chapter 16: The Hidden Staircase:
Nancy's POV - Flashback:
After sneaking through a cellar window of Gomber's house, I was almost discovered twice by the servant. Upon the second search by Gomber's servant, I was saved from discovery, but then I was locked in an upstairs room. I found a knob and by pulling it, I discovered a secret staircase. The stone staircase, as it turns out, leads to a large tunnel that splits off at various points, all of which lead into different rooms in the Turnbull mansion. The next morning, the Turnbull Sisters and I go to the Sheriff, who brings the police force to Gomber's mansion. They find Nathan Gomber and the cell where he is holding my Dad as prisoner and arrest Gomber.
Nancy's POV - Present:
Archie's parents tell the police about Archie's disappearance.
"We'll get on it," says Karen.
Then Veronica came in. "Police, someone's been robbing my family," says Veronica, "but there was never a sign of a break-in!"
"A kidnapping and a theft," I asked, "something's going on."
. . .
At Pop's, I saw Betty and Veronica talking. Strange, I was having a sense of Déjà vu. Then suddenly, Betty and Veronica looked like my old friends, the Turnbull Sisters. I then shook my head, and they were Betty and Veronica again. I have got to take a break from Pop's chocolate shakes.
"You okay," asks Shaun.
"I'm fine," I said, "I just feel like these two crimes might be connected... somehow."
. . .
I was walking when a man bumped into me. "Watch it," he said. He then walked away. Where have I heard that voice before?
. . .
I was home when I looked at the staircase. I don't know why, but that... it made me think, that's all. Shaun was watching the Nightmare Room.
"I sure wouldn't want any of my old toys stalking me," says Shaun, "I wonder if Buddy will ever learn to expand his vocabulary."
"Unless that doll is the culprit, I'm not interested," I said.
"Too bad because he's your best friend... forever," says Shaun.
. . .
First, I was at the Lodges' house. Mr. Lodge is not the nicest guy, but I doubt he'd rob himself. I looked around. There were no clues at all. It's like the smartest crook I have ever not seen. I haven't seen a crime scene this clean since...
. . .
I was at the Andrews' house.
"He called me and said he saw something when he was walking past the Lodges' house," says Mrs. Andrews, "but that was it, I hope he's alright."
. . .
There was something strange going on. I just wish I knew what it was.
"You stumped," asks Shaun.
"Pretty much," I said.
"I'm sure you'll figure it out," says Shaun, "I mean you solved the Mystery at the Ski Jump, the Mystery at Lilac Inn, and the Hidden Staircase..."
"Wait, that last one," I asked.
"You know, your first case," says Shaun, "that Nathan Gomber guy kidnapped Dad and robbed the Turnbull Sisters. Hey, why did he kidnap Dad, anyway?
I then realized all the Déjà vu. Why Betty and Veronica looked like the Turnbull Sisters, why I was looking at the staircase, and... that one guy's voice... "Shaun, you might have just helped me." I then kissed my wonderful brother on the head.
"Yuck," says Shaun.
I then left for the Lodge's house.
. . .
I talked to the Lodges about their neighbor. There was this strange man, and he had a familiar description.
. . .
Like before, I snuck into the house, but what are the chances of another hidden staircase?
. . .
I found Gomber's room and guess what... there was a hidden staircase. I guessed Gomber lucked out. I then went down the staircase.
. . .
I then found Archie and he was tied up.
"Nancy Drew," says Gomber as he appeared behind me, "it's been years. My, you've grown. I bet you're even more annoying than you were before."
"Nathan Gomber, you're losing your hair," I said, "so, you found another house with a hidden staircase."
"I know," says Gomber, "what are the odds?"
"So, you're up to your old tricks, I see," I said.
"Oh, it's more than that," says Gomber, "300 years ago, Clayton, Hudson, and Topaz defeated an ancient evil..."
"Yeah, I know the story," I said. I'm pretty sure that same evil cursed the alien leprechauns so that they would have to obey who ever captures them. "So, what about?"
"But here's what you don't know," says Gomber, "that evil chose me to be his herald. Now, I must sacrifice someone so that my Master may walk the Earth again!"
"Wait a minute, so that's why you kidnapped my Dad in the first place," I said.
"Yes, your dad was chosen by my Master and now my Master has chosen Archie Andrews," says Gomber, "now, your Death is probably not his will, but I'm going to kill you anyway. Call it payback."
"Wait, but why do you steal things too," I asked.
"Oh, that's just me being greedy," says Gomber, "I can't treat myself too? Now, enough talk, time to die!"
He then tried to kill me, but I managed to dodge. Last time, I was just lucky he wasn't home, and I managed to get away to tell the police. He tries to kill me again, but I managed to grab a stick and I hit him with it.
. . .
Archie was tying up Gomber and I called the police.
"The police should be arriving soon," I said.
"Was this guy your archenemy," asks Archie.
"Nahh, I only met him once," I said, "my archenemy was more like a rich, spoiled, self-centered snob named Deirdre." Is it weird that I might miss her?
. . .
The police came and took Gomber in. It was like old times, Gomber getting sent to jail, the hostage being reunited with his loved one, all the stolen stuff being returned, my Dad being taken away... wait, what?
"Det. Hart, why is my Dad in that police car," I asked.
"Because your father... killed Lucy Sables," says Karen.
Gomber was clearly enjoying this.
In the next chapter, Nancy's Father is in jail.