Author's Note: Yep, another story by me. This one takes place when Nancy is twenty-one. This is not a story that will be connected to my other ones, meaning Nancy isn't going out with Frank in this one. This will include Ned (which should make one of you happy!). It will also include past characters from The Nancy Drew Files.

I got the idea for this story from a soap opera, of all places. I tell you that in case it sounds familiar. I really hope that you like this one, so let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters and I won't unless I found out that one of the owners is my long-lost relative and they left them to me...wishful thinking.

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"The sirens were deafening to Katie. A few years working as a detective still hadn't made listening to them any easier. But she supposed she should have been happy to hear them. After all, they were here to take him away.

"Katie watched with great satisfaction as one of the officers slapped the handcuffs on him and escorted him to a waiting police car. A paramedic was coming to look Katie over, but she waved him away. Sure, she was hurt; he had made sure of that. But her injuries could wait for a few more minutes. She was enjoying this.

"And rightfully so. She had finally put a stop to the grisly murders that had terrorized the city–her city–for days. And now she knew that, at least for tonight, the citizens of Dunning, Illinois would sleep easily tonight."

Applause and cheers broke out as Ann Granger finished reading an excerpt from her book, Never Again. A small audience had gathered at Bookends, the small bookstore in River Heights, to celebrate the book's highly anticipated release.

She stepped down from the podium as the applause died down. He agent, Allan Hawthorn patted her on the back and took her place at the podium.

"We really appreciate everyone coming out tonight and supporting Ann with her new book. It's always helpful for an author to have the support of their community," Allan said. "We are going to have a small break right now. In a few minutes, Ann will start signing books."

The crowd dispersed and headed for the refreshment table that was set up in the back of the store. Ann made her way through the crowd to where twenty-one year old Nancy Drew was standing.

"You've got a great turn-out here," Nancy said smiling as Ann came to a stop beside her.

"Yeah, but it's mostly everyone from the newspaper," Ann said.

Ann Granger was a good friend of Nancy's and an investigative reporter for the River Heights Morning Record. Ever since Ann had really started to write on her book, she didn't write for the paper as much as she used to. But she was still a very well-respected citizen of River Heights and everyone had stood behind her one-hundred percent while she pursued her book.

"I think there's a lot more people here than you realize," Nancy said.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm really grateful that everyone is here for this," Ann said. "Especially you, Nancy."

Nancy smiled at her friend. "There was no way that I was missing this."

"I mean it. This wouldn't have been possible without you," Ann said. She grabbed a plastic cup from the table that was filled with lemonade and took a sip.

"I think you're giving me a little too much credit," Nancy said.

"Are you kidding? You've been with me since the beginning," Ann said. "You're the only one that I know I could call at two o'clock in the morning and share an idea with you without you getting mad."

Nancy shook her head. "Oh, no–I was plenty mad. If only you could hear the names I was calling you every time that phone rang."

Ann laughed and took another sip of her lemonade.

Nancy remembered when Ann first came up with the idea of writing Never Again. She had been really excited when she had called Nancy and asked if she could base the lead character, Katie Duncan, after her. Nancy was reluctant at first, but hearing the excitement in Ann's voice, she couldn't refuse.

So, here they were, a year later, celebrating the release of her book.

"Oh, I already have you a copy of the book, Nancy." Ann set down her glass and grabbed a book that was sitting behind the counter. "This is the first copy–I thought that you should have it."

"Thank you, Ann," Nancy said, taking to book from her.

"Here," Ann said, flipping to a page at the very beginning of the book. "I want you to read this."

Nancy looked at the page that Ann was talking about and read aloud. "'To Nancy Drew–my friend and inspiration. Without you, this wouldn't be possible.'"

"Oh, Ann," Nancy said, grinning at her friend. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. It was the least I could do after you helped me with that case a few years ago," Ann said.

Nancy remembered fairly well the case that Ann was talking about. Ann had uncovered a story about an insurance scam that was run by several members of organized crime. She was being represented by Nancy's father, Carson Drew. In turn, Carson was framed for bribing a judge. The real criminal behind it kidnapped Ann to try to force her source out of her, and it had been Nancy's detective skills that had found Ann and cleared her father of any wrong-doing.

"I told you that you didn't owe me anything," Nancy said, closing the book.

"I know, but I didn't listen," Ann said. "So, now we're even."

Just then Allan came up to them. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but they're ready for you to begin the book-signing, Ann."

"Thanks, Allan," Ann said. She turned to Nancy. "So, are you going to stick around for a little bit longer?"

Nancy looked at her watch. It was nearing nine o'clock. "I really should get home. I have to pick up Dad from the airport early tomorrow."

Ann gave Nancy a big hug. "Thanks for coming, Nancy. Tell Carson I said hi."

"I will." Nancy grabbed her jacket from the chair she had been sitting in and slipped it on.

"Congratulations again, Ann," Nancy said.

"Thanks," Ann said. She started for the podium but stopped just as Nancy was about to open the door. "Let me know what you think, Nancy!"

Nancy smiled as she stepped out into the chilly October night.

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He smiled to himself as the blond left the bookstore. She was a very beautiful woman, he'd give her that. He has overheard her conversation with Ann Granger without really meaning to. But he wasn't here for that–he had another reason.

He wasn't really that much of a reader, but for some reason this book called out to him. Maybe it was the buzz he was hearing that surrounded the book that excited him. Maybe it was something else entirely–he didn't know. All he did know was that he needed to be here tonight.

He wasn't from River Heights; he was just passing through, actually. So, to everyone there, he was just another fan of the mystery genre.

The line was starting to move a little faster. He would get Ann to sign his book for him and then be on his way. What Ann didn't realize was that she had just handed him his guide. The book that would tell him exactly how he would do it.

He smiled as he stood in front of Ann.

"Hi," Ann said, smiling up at him. "Who do you want this dedicated to?"

"You can call me Dom," he said, smiling at her.

She quickly signed his book and handed it back to him. "I hope that you enjoy it, Dom."

"Oh, I will," Dom said. "More than you know."

Dom walked out of the bookstore and looked at the book with satisfaction.

Yes, he would definitely enjoy the book–just a little bit more than everyone else will.

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Post Note: I will have more characters soon and the story will start evolve. I just wanted to get you started and wondering...