On A Cold Winter's Night | By : PersephoneCorelli Category: M through R > Nancy Drew Series Views: 8208 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own the Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys and I make no money from these writings. |
A.N.- I am going to go out on a limb and warn any readers that updates may take time. If there is an overwhelming questioning of why, I will let people know when I post the next chapter. :) Also, while I have been writing fanfiction for years, it has mainly been Anita Blake *is a huge A/E shipper* and this is my first ND/HB fic. Please excuse any OOC as it has been forever since I have read the series. N/F is my ship of choice as I prefer my fanfic to be relationships I cannot really read about, usually ever. ;) In this story they are the ages of Nancy- 20, Frank- 20 and Joe- 19. I hope you all enjoy and I will do my best to update as frequently as possible. Thank you!!
Nancy glanced in the rearview mirror and took a centering breath. Her hands gripped the steering wheel in a death grip; her knuckles a pale white against the dark color of the leather. Meeting her own blue gaze for a few moments helped bring her breathing under control and she slowly released the wheel. Glancing over at the two-story house before her she reminded herself once again that she really needed to get in there. Time was running out. The caller had said she only had 24 hours to deliver the message and, thanks to the blizzard-like conditions, she was coming up on 20 as it was. Cursing the storm that had forced her to drive to New York from Illinois, she quickly ran through the heavy snow fall to the Hardy’s front door. Knocking on the door with one hand she rubbed her eyes with the other trying to keep them open. She went to knock again when she felt a soft chest under her knuckles rather than hard wood. Jumping back she sputtered an apology into the warm, brown eyes that met hers.
“Frank!! Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize the door had opened.”
Frank grinned at her and wrapped her in a warm hug. “Nancy, what a surprise. What are you doing here? And in this weather?”
Nancy managed a tight smile as she pulled away. “I really needed to speak with you and your family. Is everyone here?” She held her breath hoping that Frank would tell her that his father was home and the call was a hoax.
“Sure.” He ushered her in out of the cold and closed the door. While helping Nancy remove her coat and taking her hat he spoke. “Everyone’s in the family room watching a movie.” Nancy followed Frank while tucking a wayward red strand behind her ear.
Releasing the breath she had been holding she started to feel better as he continued. “Well, everyone but Dad that is. He’s out on an assignment.” Dread settled into her stomach and she said a weak, “oh.”
“Hey, look who dropped by.” Joe looked up at Frank’s announcement and jumped up to wrap Nancy in a big hug. “Nan! Did you see the weather outside?” Shaking his head he let her go so his mother could hug her as well. “Hello, Nancy. It’s nice to see you even if it is during a blizzard.” Nancy hugged Mrs. Hardy tightly. “I’m afraid there is more to this than a social visit but I really don’t know how to say this to you all.” Tears burned her eyes and she hid her head in Mrs. Hardy’s shoulder to help stem them.
Laura Hardy patted her on the back before gently lifting her chin. “How about you sit over by the fire to warm up while I get some hot cocoa and then you can tell us whatever it is. Surely 5 minutes won’t kill anyone.” Nancy choked back a sob at her unintended wording and nodded her head. “Ok. Let’s do that.”
Frank pushed her into a black leather recliner and rubbed one of her frozen hands lightly between his. “Whatever the reason for the visit, I’m….well, we’re glad to see you.” Nancy gave him a soft smile as her hand tingled with warmth. Gently swapping her hands she nods. “Yeah, it’s been awhile.” Their gazes locked and for a moment nothing else mattered.
Laura smiled at the picture she saw when she reentered the room. Joe was curled up on the sofa while Frank was sitting at Nancy’s feet warming her hands with his own. She had always known that there was something more to their relationship, but always understood why they did not go anywhere. With Frank now single she wondered if Nancy was as well. Clearing her throat softly she made her way over to the table and set down the tray. She noticed Nancy’s hands shake slightly when she reached for a hot cocoa. Waiting until everyone was wrapped in a hot mug of chocolate she turned serious eyes on Nancy. “So, what brings you to our door?”
Nancy took a breath and let it out slowly. “I’m here because I was told to be here.” Taking a small sip of the cocoa she sat up straight and turned her eyes directly on Mrs. Hardy’s. “About 21 hours ago I received a call on my personal cell phone saying that Mr. Hardy was being held captive and I was to deliver the news to you all, in person, within 24 hours or he would be executed. I tried to fly here, but with the weather the airports were down and I was told by them not to call. ‘In person or he dies.’ I believe is what they said. So, I hopped in my car and drove straight through and now here I am. They also told me that they were watching you all, and me, to see that everyone was following through on what they were told and to expect a call within the hour of my arrival for ransom demands.” Nancy lowered her cup to the table and stood, suddenly sick to her stomach. All the Hardys looked as if she had discharged a firearm. “I’m so sorry. I keep hoping I’ll wake up in my bed at home and that this is just a nightmare, but it isn’t and I’m sorry.” She moved to leave the room and give them some privacy when she felt arms being wrapped around her from behind. Knowing it was Frank she leaned back into his embrace. “Where are you going? It’s not your fault this is happening. We’ll figure it out.”
Nancy felt tears sting her eyes once more. How could he be so sweet to her after the news she had just given them? Joe stood and pulled her from his brother. “Frank is right. If you want to blame someone, blame the psycho who took our dad. Not yourself.” Nancy looked over at Mrs. Hardy who nodded. “You listen to my boys. They know what they are saying. Now, have you tried calling my husband’s cell phone?” Nancy shook her head. “I was told I was only allowed to come here and tell you. I was not even allowed to tell my father I was leaving or they said they would kill Mr. Hardy.” Laura nodded. “Ok, well, while we have no choice but to wait, let’s get you settled. You’ll stay here with us of course.” Laura stood and wrapped Nancy in another hug. “I know what it must have taken for you to tell us this and I just want to thank you for doing this. Whether this turns out to be nothing or something, I will never forget what you did for this family.” Wrapping an arm around her Laura gently led her from the room. “Did you bring anything?” Nancy shook her head. “No, I was not sure how long it would take to get here so I just drove. I have the clothes I am wearing and that is about it.”
Laura smiled despite the serious situation. “Well then I say that we need to go out tomorrow morning and get you some clothes.” Nancy gave a watery chuckle. “Provided we are not in serious trouble…….sounds good.”
Nancy helped Laura set up the bed. As she was fluffing a pillow Frank appeared holding a T-shirt and boxer shorts. “Hey, I overheard that you did not bring anything so I thought you could use this to sleep in…at least for tonight.” Laura smiled into her shoulder at the sight of her eldest son loaning clothes to Nancy. The red flush to his skin was hot enough to start a fire. She quietly made her way from the room mumbling something about checking on dinner. Nodding acknowledgement to Mrs. Hardy, Nancy accepted the clothes gratefully. “Thanks! This is so much better than having to sleep naked.”
She went still before placing the items on the bed, stuttering. “What I mean is….well……you know….since I have nothing else to sleep in. You know?” Frank’s blush burned hotter as he nodded. Clearing his throat he changed the subject. “What time did you get the call?” Nancy glanced at her watch. “Let’s see, it is 5pm now and I received the call at 9pm my time. Though that would be 10pm your time so I am not sure what the kidnappers meant by the 24 hour period. Would it be 9pm or 10pm that makes 24 hours?...” She trailed off at Frank’s finger covering her lips. “Calm down. You’re here now and well before the 9 or 10 deadline so either way it’s done. Hopefully the people will call soon and we can get my father back that much quicker.”
Joe walked into the room. “Don’t you mean our father?” He winked at Frank before gesturing to the door. “Mom wishes our presence downstairs. Dinner is ready.” Without waiting for a response he made his way toward the heavenly smell of beef stew.
A.N. I apologize now for any formatting errors as this did not copy as well as I had intended.
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