Author's Note

I'm back! I know it's been a while but I did take the time to work this story through. Also a few events have been going on that sort of put a damper on a few things but I am somewhat getting back to normal. Even through it all, I am so ready to start the new story! From the title, it should be obvious what this one is about. We are going to see what happened at the end of the previous story in the prologue. From there, we move a few months ahead. The epilogue of The Bridal Killer was around July so after the prologue of this one, the main part of the story takes place in early November of the same year. All three of our main characters are still in their early twenties now though only Joe is not "of age" just yet. I made calculations as I prepared for this story and it is where I want our characters to be by this time but expect another jump in time for the story after this one. As usual, reviews are always welcomed and appreciated. I love to read your thoughts and your ideas as to what you think is going on or what will happen in the chapters. So, I will leave you for now so you can enjoy the prologue. Until next time, God bless!


Prologue

The sun began to set bringing shadows across the room. A lone person sat next to an occupied bed, his head bobbing as he slept. A sudden noise jolted him awake and Frank Hardy sat up quickly looking hopeful around the room. He was the only one there at the moment besides the person slumbering in the bed next to him.

Nancy Drew slept peacefully without a care in the world or what was going on around her. Frank stared at her and sighed. Nearly another day had gone by and her eyes hadn't opened. What he wouldn't give to see her ocean blue eyes again. But everything had changed the month before when a nurse came in and asked Frank and his brother Joe to leave the room. If only he had stayed behind, Nancy would be okay.

It was unknown as to what was given but the moment Frank and Joe returned to the room with Carson Drew and their parents they knew something was wrong. Nancy was unresponsive, the doctors unable to revive her after several tries. A blood test later revealed an experimental drug that rendered a person in a comatose state. How long it would last the doctors did not know.

A note was also found in her hand that confirmed the Hardys' and Carson's worst nightmare: Davenport had returned and he was showing that he could get to any of them at any time. Since that day, a guard was posted at the door, checking IDs and making sure only those who were allowed in the room to enter.

And every day since, Frank kept vigil next to the girl he loved, waiting for her to open her eyes and smile at him. He felt that he betrayed her in leaving the room that day though it was really not his fault. All he wanted was to know she was going to be okay.

Taking a deep breath, Frank rose from his chair and stretched, the joints in his arms and legs popping from sitting for too long. He looked down at her once again but she remained asleep, her breathing steady. Frank leaned over and kissed Nancy on the forehead, lingering momentarily as he said a silent prayer. Although she didn't respond, he still spoke to her as if she were awake.

"I'll be right back, Nan," he reassured her cupping her face with his hand. He brought her hand up to his lips and gently kissed it, remembering how she would blush whenever he did it. Frank bowed his head then walked over to the door, looking back just before he exited. Nancy was still silent, her eyes closed and her body tranquil. Frank could feel a tear trying to escape and he quickly wiped it away as he left.

The moment he was in the hallway, he heard the hushed tones of a few people talking and looked toward the direction of the sounds. His parents stood nearby with Carson Drew, the three talking a doctor. Laura glanced in Frank's direction and walked over to him with a sad smile on her face.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" she asked after hugging him tight.

Frank rubbed the back of his neck and yawned before he spoke. "Just tired, Mom."

"You look it," his mother smiled sympathetically. "We were just in the room and you looked so peaceful. I didn't want to bother you."

"It's okay, Mom," he replied glancing at the others. "Is something wrong?"

"Oh, no, dear," she answered. "In fact, the doctors are very optimistic right now. They say that Nancy is becoming more receptive. They're saying that it could be any day now."

"That's what they said last week," Frank shook his head. "Sometimes I wonder if they know what they're even talking about."

"Frank, you can't give up on her," Laura stated softly. "Not now. Listen, your father and I are taking Carson to the airport. He has to be back home tomorrow for business. Are you going to be okay until we get back?"

"Yeah, Mom, I'll be fine."

"Joe is on his way," she said hopefully. "He's bringing you food. Please eat, sweetheart. You don't look very well."

"How am I supposed to look, Mom?" Frank asked harshly. Laura took a step back, surprised at his abrasiveness. "It's my fault she's like this. If I hadn't left, we wouldn't be standing here like this."

"Frank, honey," Laura replied touching his face. "You can't be thinking this way. Nancy wouldn't want you to think this way. You can't give up hope."

"What if I already have? I shouldn't be here. She doesn't deserve me. I…I just hate the waiting game, that's all."

"I know you do," his mother smiled. "We're all playing that game and it's nerve-wracking. With Davenport out there, we need you to have your head on straight. Nancy needs you too. Just don't give up, sweetheart."

"Everything okay over here?" Fenton asked coming up to the two of them. Carson was close behind him while the doctor walked away.

"Yes, we were just talking, Fenton," Laura replied giving Frank's hand a squeeze. "What did the doctor have to say?"

Carson sighed. "Same as yesterday only higher hopes. It seems the drug has finally worn off. Maybe just maybe…"

"Why did it take so long for it to wear off?" she asked.

"No one knows," the man shook his head. "I wish I could stick around though just in case but I have a deposition to prepare for."

"Don't worry, Carson," Fenton said. "We'll be here the whole time and let you know the moment anything changes."

Frank nodded quietly though he stared at the floor. Carson watched him then turned to Fenton and Laura. "Do you mind if I talk to Frank for a moment? I'll meet you two downstairs in a few minutes."

"Sure," Fenton answered glancing warily at his son. He took his wife's hand and walked away leaving the two men in awkward silence.

"Walk with me, Frank," Carson ordered kindly, nodding down the hall. Frank looked toward Nancy's door where a man in a suit stood guard. "We'll only be a few minutes. I think he can handle anything right now."

"Uh, sure," the young man answered cautiously then followed him down the hall.

"I know why you sit next to Nancy every day," the lawyer admitted softly. He stopped only a few feet down the hall and turned toward Frank.

"You…you do?"

"Yes," he nodded. "It's hard not to see what's going on. Nancy is my only child. She's all I have and it pains me to see her growing up without needing my help anymore. And I know how she feels…especially about you."

Frank's face went red with embarrassment and he looked away to hide it. Carson chuckled. "She told me something once just before the surgery. Nancy doesn't keep anything from me and she wanted me to know about how she was feeling which surprised me considering she had only been dating you since December."

"Sir, I…"

"Let me finish, Frank," the man stated holding up his hand. Frank clamped his mouth shut and listened. "Just in the past few weeks, I've noticed how you truly feel about my daughter and honestly, I'm happy for her. I'm happy that she has found someone who means so much to her and that he feels the same way about her."

"Thank you, sir," Frank fumbled with his words. "I…I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Carson smiled. "Just take good care of my little girl. That's all I ask."

"I will," he nodded.

"I know you will, Frank." The tired father sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I just hope that this ends soon. I can't stand seeing her like this and knowing who did it. I want to know why…why attack just her? They could have attacked any one of us since then but there's been nothing. I know what the note said but I just don't get it."

"Sir, there's a reason why Davenport did this," Frank explained. "He wanted to get under our skin, to put us on edge so that when he does come in for the final blow, we're not ready. Obviously, he doesn't know us very well so he won't expect how we'll react when he does attack."

Carson smiled at him. "You are so much like your father and I see why Nancy loves you so much. You see things differently than other people do. I just wish you could see the potential you have within yourself."

"Thank you, sir."

Carson patted Frank on the shoulder then went over to the elevator bank and pressed the down button. The older man turned back to him and smiled once more just as the elevator dinged. "Remember what I said, Frank. Don't blame yourself for this. I don't and neither will Nancy."

With that, Carson waved goodbye then disappeared into the elevator leaving Frank to his thoughts. The young man stared at the floor thinking about what was said. He knew he shouldn't blame himself for what happened to Nancy but he still did. Frank blew out a breath of frustration and ran his fingers through his dark mane. There was nothing more he could do and he walked back toward Nancy's room just as the elevator dinged once more.

"Hey, Frank!" cried the voice of his brother and he turned around to see a smiling Joe holding up a few bags of food. "You hungry?"

"You read my mind, Joe," Frank smirked taking one of the bags. He savored the smell of hamburgers and french fries when he opened the bag, his stomach growling loudly in anticipation.

"Man, and I thought I was hungry," Joe laughed. "What I miss?"

"Not much," he stated leading the way back to Nancy's room. "The doctors are a little bit more optimistic though."

"Isn't that what they said last week?"

"Yeah, but they mean it for real this time, I guess."

"Well, that's a good thing, right?" Joe sighed. "Vanessa's been asking about her. She wants to come by sometime soon but I don't know if it's a good idea."

"Why not?" Frank stopped and turned to his brother. "She knows what's going on. Why not let her come by?"

"Because I don't want her to get hurt, that's why," he explained. "I need to talk to Vanessa about all of this before she comes around. I'm not sure she really understands what it's like to be in this family."

"Don't be a douche, Joe," Frank shook his head. The younger Hardy playfully swatted at him. "I'm serious. Don't blow it with her. I told you before that she knows what she's getting herself into by being a part of this family."

Joe sighed again. "I know but I don't want her to be…"

"I get it, Joe," he interrupted. "Believe me, I do but don't you think that Vanessa's been around us long enough to get the picture. Hell, she's seen what Nancy's been through and that's not including the whole thing in Florida." Frank paused to let his words sink in before continuing. "Vanessa is crazy about you. She's the only girl you've met who is able to handle your antics with finesse. Well, except for…"

"Iola," Joe nodded. "There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about her, Frank. Every single time we have a case, I wonder if something will happen to Vanessa. She didn't choose this life."

"But she did choose you," the older Hardy said sagely, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder. "We're both guilty of worrying about things. Look at Nancy. I feel like it's my fault that she's like this. If we hadn't walked away that day, would it have been any different now? The note that was left for us explained it all. Davenport's coming for us one day and we just have to be prepared for it. Don't push Vanessa away either because of it. She knows what's hovering over our heads and I think if you talk to her, she'll tell you that."

Joe sniffed, looking away. Frank didn't mention it but he knew his brother was on the verge of tears. Joe just wasn't the type to let it all out when he needed to. The younger Hardy growled slightly as he rubbed his eye.

"Dang it!" he scoffed. "I hate it when I have something in my eye."

"I know you do," Frank stated knowingly, wrapping an arm around his brother's shoulder. "Let's go sit down in the room. I'm starving."

"Right. Food. Priorities," Joe nodded.

Frank smiled and thought about the pep talk he just gave Joe. He wondered if he was going to be able to follow the same advice. He was constantly worrying about Nancy and what else could possibly happen. The nurse who visited them weeks before was still being sought by police but the woman disappeared. She was still out there and had nearly taken Nancy's life but from the note, that wasn't the intention. Davenport wanted her alive for a reason and it scared Frank as to why.

As the two Hardys approached the hospital room, the man standing outside stopped them briefly to check the bags in which Joe gave him one since he bought the man lunch. Happily taking the bag, the guard waved them in and the two stepped inside. The bag Frank was holding fell to the ground as he stared blankly at Nancy who stared right back, her blue eyes tired but mischievous. Joe's mouth dropped open in shock.

"Nancy?" Frank said softly.

"Hey, you told me you would be here when I woke up," she said groggily though he could hear a hint of playfulness in her voice.

Without hesitation, Frank rushed over to her and planted a kiss on her lips then hugged her tight. This took Nancy completely by surprise and when she broke away from him, she gave him a curious look.

"What's going on, Frank?" she asked. "You act as if you haven't seen me in a while." When he didn't answer, Nancy looked over his shoulder to see Joe still standing by the door. "Hey, Joe. Why's he acting like this?"

"Um, we're just happy to see you, Nan," Joe stammered.

"Okay, now you guys have me worried," Nancy stated confused. She pushed Frank away and looked from him to Joe. "What?"

"I'll be right back," the younger Hardy said quickly and rushed out of the room.

"Frank?"

"Yeah, um," Frank rubbed the back of his neck. Nancy looked around the room as if in search of something but didn't find anything. When her gaze returned to him, he smiled as best he could. "Nancy, are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be okay?" she demanded. "I honestly feel fine. What's going on? It's not like I've been dead or anything. I only saw you and Joe a few hours ago."

"Uh, that's not entirely correct," he said cautiously taking her hand.

"I…I don't get what you mean."

"What day is it?"

"Well, that's a silly question," she laughed. When she saw the seriousness in his eyes, Nancy's smile seemed to melt off her face as confusion took hold. "It…it's July 15th or 16th. Somewhere around there. My surgery was yesterday…or was it this morning. Frank, you're scaring me. Why would you ask that?"

Frank took a deep breath and caressed her hands tenderly.

"Frank?"

"Nan," he began trying to find the right words to say. "It's August 20th."

"What?" Nancy tried pulling away her hands though he squeezed them. She tried to look out the window but the blinds blocked her view. "You're kidding me right?"

Frank shook his head slowly. "I'm sorry but I wish I could say that. You've been asleep for a month. Your dad just left to go home. He's been here the whole time waiting for you to wake up."

"A…a month?" She blinked several times as the news hit her. "That's impossible. I…I was just awake not long ago. The…the nurse was here and…" Nancy looked up at him in alarm. "The nurse…she did this."

He nodded solemnly. "We don't know who she is. All we do know is that she has ties to Martin Davenport."

Nancy started breathing heavily, her heart racing.

"Nancy, you're going to be okay," Frank said calmly.

"How can I be?" Nancy snapped. He took a step back in surprise but she stopped him as she tried to calm down. "I…I'm sorry, Frank. I didn't expect to hear that. I feel like I only fell asleep yesterday."

"It's all right, Nan," Frank smiled cupping her face tenderly. "Do you remember anything besides the nurse?"

"Um," she closed her eyes as she thought about it. "I remember you and Joe being here just before she walked in."

"Right," he nodded. "She asked us to leave. Do you remember anything after that?"

Nancy sat in silence for a few seconds as she thought. In those few moments, the doctor walked in along with the nurse. Joe was right behind them, putting his phone away.

"Ms. Drew, it's good to see you awake," the doctor replied with a smile. "How are you feeling?"

"A little perturbed about the whole thing," she answered looking up at Frank. "I want to know what happened."

"That can wait until later," he stated. "For now we're just going to check you out to make sure nothing is wrong. Are you hungry?"

Nancy silently nodded.

"Well, we'll make sure you get some food once we're done."

"We'll be just outside, Nan," Frank replied after glancing at Joe. The younger Hardy looked eager to talk to him. As Frank rose, Nancy grabbed his hand and pulled him back.

"Don't go," she urged softly. "I want you to stay."

"It's okay by me," the doctor shrugged.

Frank looked over at his brother who nodded.

"I'll be right outside," Joe replied pointing out the door. "Mom and Dad are on their way back anyway."

Frank nodded then sat back down. Throughout the whole check-up, Nancy never let go unless she had to. Frank just sat relieved that she was finally awake. Now came the hard part: How to protect them all from what was coming.


The phone rang interrupting the silence. Martin Davenport looked at the clock above the mantel. It was early evening but he still didn't like being disturbed.

"What is it?" he growled annoyed. Melody looked up from the magazine she was reading as he listened to the person on the phone. She quirked an eyebrow when she saw the smile form on her father's tired face. "That's wonderful news! Thank you for letting me know."

"Who was that, Daddy?" Melody purred the second he was off the phone.

"Oh, just someone from the hospital," he answered smirking. The young woman brightened, closing her magazine and putting it down beside her. "Seems like Gidget's little cocktail has finally worn off. And it's perfect timing too. Everything is almost in place."

"But I thought we were going to wait until they weren't really expecting it," she said. "Like when..."

"I know that, Princess," Davenport nodded. "This was just a part of the plan. I wanted her recovery to be slowed down a little as we prepared. The only thing left is Hunter and then everything will fall into place when we need it to. We just have to wait a little longer before we do anything."

"Okay, Daddy," Melody pouted. "I just want to get back at them. I spent the past few years in an institution telling me I was crazy because of him. I want make him pay for humiliating me."

"You will get your chance, darling," he purred, giving his daughter a tight hug. "We will both have our day soon enough."