"Nancy!" the voice on the other end says a little nervous.

"Hey, Jacquie! What's wrong?" I say instantly knowing she's upset.

"This guy has been following me around… leaving me notes… I have never even seen him... Nancy, he is freaking me out, and I can't even sleep without feeling like someone's watching me." she manages to spit out between nervous gasps.

"You mean he's been stalking you?"

"Yeah! He left me a picture of my boyfriend and I on my bed and the note attached a note telling me to stay away from other guys… he thinks I'm his girlfriend…" I wince at the deluded thoughts behind this psycho…

"Sure! Let's meet at a coffee shop or something, ok? Don't worry, I'm here for you!" I say. We agree and when she's calmer she tells me a coffee shop location and I immediately agree to meet her there.

I pull into the parking space and walk in, getting in line, and soon enough she pulls into line next to me. Her eyes have dark circles under them and I can tell this guy has really gotten to her. We order and sit down. She sighs with exhaustion and finally is able to get started.

"Ok, so about two months ago I got this call from this guy telling me that he was in love with me… I thought it was a crank call, and then I kept getting letters... and when I say letters I mean like three pages long, hand written, and all they talked about was me and just how beautiful I looked as I blow dried my hair or as I danced in my dorm… All this stuff I did behind closed doors, and no one knew about it… then he started getting jealous about my boyfriend. He's been sending me messages about how we belong together and… then I got that picture and I just lost it…. I'm sorry I'm just so stressed and he's driving me insane!"

"Have you told your boyfriend?"

"Yeah… He thinks that I'm just being dramatic….." I feel sick to my stomach... what kind of guy is he, that just brushes off something so influential on his girlfriend. She catches my disgust, "Oh, but when I told him about the picture he was pretty shaken up and told me I should do something to protect myself…"

"Oh ok, that's better… Your friends, did he involve them in this to?"

"Oh, well… I don't have any close friends…" she says making my heart beat.

"You mean you're all alone?" I feel my skin crawl off.

"Yeah..." she says rubbing her forehead.

"Ok, listen, the semester just ended so I can pick up my classes at your college and I can keep you company, ok? Not a big deal. My school has this branching program encouraging us to try more schools, so I could probably even get a scholarship or something…" Her jaw drops.

"Are you serious? You would do that for me Nancy? Wait, what about Ned?"

"He and I are kind of on the rocks right now… he and I could use a break."

"What? What's going on?" she says

"Nothing…" I say eager to turn the conversation away from me.

"Ok, Nancy just know that I'm here! Anyways, I'll let the college know I'm getting a roommate."

"Oh! Even better!" I give her a hug and tell her I have to get going. Suddenly I feel my pocket vibrating.

"Oh, Ned's calling…"

"Hope you guys work it out!"

"That means a lot!" I say thanking her.

"Bye, Nance!" she says leaving. I pick answer the phone once I get into the car.

"Hello?" I say expecting to hear either his agitating yelling or a fake apology as he stalls for time...

"Nancy, before you say anything, I just want to tell you I'm sorry… I've been a horrible boyfriend…"

"Ned, you don't have to-," I start wanting to stop his apology. He's not sorry.

"Nancy, I want us to be like we were in high school!" I groan wanting to hang up.

"Ok, Ned, I'm glad we had this talk… for the millionth time… but you and I both know you aren't really sorry… why did you call?"

"Your father told me that you felt bad about what happened, and that you were willing to put your sleuthing on hold for a while… I hate worrying about you…" I want to scream, but I hold back.

"Ned, he didn't say that. He didn't even talk to you." I say with a sigh.

"I have to go Nancy, bye!" I look at the phone in shock. He's like a toddler. He wouldn't even let me talk! I groan pulling out of my parking spot and driving home. The only thing I can think about the whole way home is how badly I just want this relationship to be over. I walked in on him making out with a girl that has been torturing me since she first could talk... I groan and feel another head ache coming on.

I pull into the driveway noticing my father is getting out of his car.

"Dad!" I greet him smiling.

"Nancy!" he says turning around. He surveys me or a second.

"New case?" he asks. I nod.

"I'll tell you and Hannah all about it during dinner." I walk inside and up to my room. I know I'm an adult, and I live at home, but hey, if you have a good home life, and a nice house, who would want to pay to live with annoying people in a cramped closet. I smile at a picture sitting on my desk of me and some friends on a ferry on our way back from a case in Canada. The hardy's faces would be a warm welcome from the Ned situation right now. Joe always knows exactly what to say and Frank… although his very obvious dislike of Ned, tries to look out for me… Oh Frank. I could use one of his hugs right now. They make me feel like I could fly and yet like I could melt all over the floor. I walk to the picture picking it up… his face melting something deep inside and somehow telling me I'll make it, and that somehow I'll make the right decision. No hints from him needed. What a blatant lie. I realize my phone is on my bed and almost run the three feet to get to it. I text him, 'hey frank, what's up?' I flinch as I send it, almost throwing the phone on my bed. Why is it so hard to talk to him? It buzzes and I feel my hands there before I even think to reach, 'hey Nancy! Homework… what's going on with you?' he responds. I tell him I have a new case and instantly my phone starts vibrating telling me there is an incoming call from Frank. I laugh.

"Hello?" I answer.

"What's it about?" he asks. His voice kills me, but somehow I am able to formulate thoughts. I tell him about Jacquie; leaving out that I'll be moving in with her… he would strongly object... well not as strongly as Ned, who would kill me where I stand, well sit…

"That's freaky… What does Ned think about it? Isn't it a little dangerous for him?"

"Oh... yeah. I haven't really brought it up yet…"

"You two seriously need to talk more."

"No frank, I would tell him, but he would seriously flip. HE's been so… weird lately… Like telling me to stop working on cases, and telling me I'm the worst girlfriend ever because I make him worry way to often…"

"Yikes… Does joe need to be alerted?"

"No! I mean, no… I really don't want Ned to be encouraged… I just need a breather… anyways, how is Joe?"

"HE's good! He's planning on popping the question to Iola pretty soon…"

"What? That's great! When? How does he want to do it? Where?"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! On their two year anniversary, at the spot where they first met, and he's just going to get down on one knee and ask her."

"Aw… that's so amazing! Tell him I say congratulations!" I say hearing Hannah calling.

"Oh I can hear Hannah!"

"Yeah! Dinner time! Hey you guys should drop by sometime!" I say crossing my fingers.

"You can count on it!" he says. I can practically hear him smiling. Saying good bye I hang up almost yelling into a pillow. I instantly remember why the conversation ended and head down to Dinner.

"Nancy that seems awfully dangerous!" he responds after I share what the case is about. My mind races to Jacquie and her eyes…

"Oh dad you know I won't do anything irresponsible." he nods.

"Hannah?" I say expectantly. She looks to me.

"Nancy… this is so scary…"

"Yes! This is why it should end! You should've seen Jacquie! She hasn't slept for days; she doesn't have any friends…"

"Ok, Nancy. She needs your help. Just tell me. Make me believe that you'll be safe." He cuts in, placing a hand on mine.

"I'll be safe." I say sighing. HE nods in assent Relieved I rush to call Jacquie. Once I tell her I go upstairs to pack. I throw all of my essential items in and as much clothing as I'll need. I run back downstairs to help Hannah clean up after dinner. She pulls me aside once we are alone.

"Nancy, I know your father doesn't know about Ned, but who is going to protect you!"

"Jacquie has a boyfriend!" I point out already dreading the fact that I have to tell Ned. Ugh. Ned. I groan at the thought of him. I run into my dad's study telling him I'm leaving. He gives me a bear hug, and I do the same with Hannah. After I say good byes I grab my suitcase, and load it into the car. I decided to drive by Ned's house on my way to my university. I pull into his driveway almost shaking with apprehension. Just be honest with him, Nancy. I knock on the door. He opens it within two minutes. I counted.

"Ned, I have a case." I say watching him closely. Then my brain catches up to my eyes. Ned isn't alone. His door is only opened wide enough for me to see him, and not past. He looks nervous, and my presence is the cause. I instantly put the pieces together. He's with a girl. I push past him into his living room, and see her come walking back in. She wears only her underwear, and her lips look stained as if her lipstick was once there but something, or should I say someone, worked hard to rub it away. I glance back to Ned. His ear has a tint of red gloss.

"Don't worry Ned, She was awful anyways. I wouldn't -," she stops when she realizes I'm not Ned.

"Didn't mean to interrupt…" I say on my way out. He looks defensive I stop him saying what I should have said a long time ago, "Oh and Ned, we're done." And as if those words were magic, an invisible burden lifts itself off of my shoulders. I sit in my car feeling like I should be crying, but honestly I think all I am feeling is relief. I drive to my campus with fresh energy and walk into my councilor's office.

"Hey, Carla!" I say sitting down.

"Nancy! What can I do or you?" she asks.

"Ok so you know that branch out program? I want to do that this semester. I already have a dorm to stay in, and everything. I just need to apply to classes, and everything."

"Is this for a case?" she asks seeing my desperation.

"Yeah…" I respond.

"Ok, I'll see what I can do. For now just go stay at the dorm and apply to classes. What university?" she asks. I tell her.

"Oh ok, so you can go, all I need to see about is financial aid."

"Carla this is why you're the best!" I say smiling. She laughs and then asks me a few more questions filling out a form.

"See ya round!" I say smiling. She grins and I walk out heading over to Jacquie's dorm.

I pull the luggage onto my bed on my side of the room which… this rom is basically just for beds. It's so small.

"Nancy, it happened again." She flies in waving a letter in the air.

"What does it say?"

"Blah, blah, blah, creepy stuff… oh ok, 'your friend Nancy is really beautiful. She drinks my favorite kind of coffee. It's so sweet that you had some time for her… blah, blah, blah; tell her to tell Ned I said hi. They are so cute together."

"Oh! He made a mistake! We aren't together! I ended it!"

"It says here, 'the way she was screaming into her pillows when they finished talking was absolutely adorable." My blood turns cold.

"I was talking to frank."

"So he was watching you?"

"I guess so… All the more reason to stop him…" I stop at knocks on the door. Jacquie undoes the locks on the door. A tall attractive man saunters in, he stops short upon noticing me.

"Nancy this is my boyfriend, Mark." I smile stretching out his hand.

"Nancy, it's nice to meet you!" he says warmly.

"Mark, he was watching her too." his face falls.

"J, this is really scaring me! Are you sure this place is safe? You staying here by yourself is scary!"

"Nancy is moving in!" she points to my bags.

"Nancy, you might be a life saver literally. Just remember girls, keep your window closed, and 911 on speed dial." He says firmly. I already like him.

"Already done!" she responds.

"Nancy you got a boyfriend?" he asks.

"Uh, no." I say after hesitation.

"She just ended it."

"Oh sorry… I only asked for protection…"

"Oh yeah, I understand, um I do have a really close friend though. He's always there when I need him.

"What's his name? Maybe I know him…"

"Probably not… but Frank Hardy."

"Oh, Frank!" he's in my criminal Justice class!" I feel my eyes widen.

"You know him?" Jacquie says surprised. I wait or his response.

"Yeah, he's a nice guy! Talks about his cases a lot. Pretty interesting stuff… you know, come to think of it, he may've mentioned you a few times… small world…"

"Yeah, that's crazy!" I can't believe he actually knows him…

"Anyways… It's time I get back home; I don't live on campus…"

"Oh… ok, bye mark… I'll see you tomorrow night at dinner, then?"

"Ok, bye sweetie! And Nancy, it was so great to finally meet you! Both of you, be safe ok? And I'll tell Frank you say hi."

"Oh ok," I say, "Bye mark, nice to meet you too!" he leaves the two of us to the creepy room and I look around. I examine the door.

"Nancy what are you doing?"

"Before bed I just want to inspect the place." I shudder at the thought of being constantly watched, and yet I know that living with Jacquie will bring it on…

"For what?" she says.

"Anything… maybe he's been sneaking in here, scraping the doors, or the floors…. Have you had the locks changed?" she nods.

"Let's do it again, only I'll text my friend Joe and he'll give it to us so we can do it ourselves. He's watching you so if you went to a shop he did too…" I freeze seeing some scratches on the door knob… he's definitely been in here… I feel shivers running up and down my spine. I immediately decide to call Joe. Maybe he can help sooner rather than later. I point out the markings and I see the fear clouding her face. I pull my phone out of my pocket and dial Joe's number.

"Hey, Nance! What's going on?"

"Joe, have you talked to Frank recently?"

"Yeah, wait is this about that new case you're working on?" he asks putting the pieces together.

"Yeah... Jacquie and I were looking around and I spotted some scratches on the door knob… It looks like this guy has been sneaking into her room…"

"Oh! I see where I come in now! Ok, Nance, where does she live?"

"University of Lakewood, dorms sector 3 room 129." I say remembering her response when I asked.

"Oh, University of Lakewood! Frank goes to a university near there I think…"

"Really?"

"Yeah... sorry, I'll be there in a jiff!" he says hanging up. I smile to myself. Fenton Hardy did something right… His boys are the best guys in the world. I just mean that they're my best friend… because it'd be weird if I liked Frank... Wait, why did I single him out? What about poor Joe? No, there's no way... Joe is like that younger brother that I wish I had, and Frank is like my best guy friend... Ned stopped being that a long time ago, around the same time our relationship started going downhill…

A couple knocks come on the door and Jacquie opens it to come face to face with Joe. He wears a smug expression.

"I knew one of these days Nancy would need my expertise."

"Joe, when do I not need it?" I say laughing. He laughs too accepting the statement as fact.

"Hey, I'm Joe Hardy!"

"Jacquie!" she says smiling shaking his outstretched hand. He kneels down staring to work immediately.

"So Nancy, how's Ned?"

"He's excellent." I say trying not to sound affected by his question.

"He never talks to me anymore…"

"Hopefully he'll extend me the same courtesy." I say bluntly before I realize I just basically dropped a bombshell on Joe. His hands freeze in midair and he slowly turns.

"Nancy?"

"I caught him cheating earlier today."

"What! Are you ok?"

"It wasn't the first time, so it was more like confirmation… And surprisingly, I'm ok." I say smiling sharing a look of relief.

"To be honest, the guy was getting whiney, I'm glad you ended it, Nance," Joe say shaking his head with shock.

"Me too," Jacquie says cutting in which surprises me, "I've seen him at parties, and he was a little crazy, but I figured you must like him, because you were still with him…"

"Yeah…. He's a lot different now…" I say. Joe turns back to his lock giving a low whistle.

He finishes with a sigh and I realize it's practically eleven o'clock.