The Silent Confession

Chapter Eighteen

Frank was growing more and more sure of Joe's theory, that Mr. Brown and Jason were both connected to Nancy's disappearance and the convention's challenges, including the incident with Mr. Smithers.

While searching for clues that Nancy could have left behind, Kelsey and Rosa had found a book sticking out from its shelf in the library. The book suggested Mr. Brown's affiliation with Alvin Brixton, hinting that Mr. Brown could have been the great-grandson of Alvin's wife, Catherine Brown. Frank also noted what Mr. Richardson had told him in the past...

"Mr. Brown knows more about the treasure than I do... Mr. Brown works behind the scenes... Mr. Brown chose the hotel as our location for the convention..."

Perhaps Mr. Brown wanted Alvin Brixton's treasure to himself, and perhaps he initiated the convention accidents with the help of Jason. It still seemed a little over the top, however. Why go as far as to do physical harm, especially when Mr. Richardson and Mr. Brown grew up together and worked to create the annual convention? Maybe there was more to their story.

Kelsey had quickly entered "B-R-O-W-N" into the box, which clicked and clanked as the lock opened. The four stood in disbelief as Kelsey opened the lid. Inside of the box, lined in dark blue velvet, was a piece of incredibly old and folded paper. It crinkled in Kelsey's hand as she pulled it out, unfolding it. "It's a map," she whispered. "Of the hotel."

The four crowded around Kelsey as she scanned the paper. Indeed, it was an architectural drawing of the hotel with arrows pointing in specific directions. There was a circle around a wall in the hotel's basement. "The hotel must have a basement, and it looks like there is a secret passage or something there that can take us to the treasure."

"It must be old," Frank said. "The passage. Do you think it's safe?"

"I have no idea," said Kelsey. "Even though Brixton's mansion was expanded into a hotel, I'm not sure if the basement was renovated or touched. It's off-limits to guests, and even to us. We have to ask for special permission to go down there."

"Don't worry about that," Mr. Richardson said from behind, startling the group. "I'm sorry, I was eavesdropping. A habit picked up from being a detective, as I'm sure you all can understand."

Mr. Richardson's eyes widened when he saw that the box had been opened. "Outstanding! Many have dreamed of getting this far to find the treasure, but no one has been able to open the box before! That map has only ever been touched by Alvin Brixton himself."

Joe whistled lowly, as if he was examining a shiny new car. "Damn."

"I'll ask the hotel managers to let you into the basement. Mr. Brown and I suspected that you would have to go down there eventually, but the basement is not in the best condition. It's used for storage, and the hotel managers don't want anyone poking around down there on their own. You will be escorted there, but don't hesitate to take your time or inquire to revisit after you are done." Mr. Richardson smiled. "It always helps to have friends in high places. They'll let you go down as many times as you like, if I ask."

"Thank you so much," Rosa said, sharing a sweet smile.

"I can ask the managers now, but it is terribly late... and, with the state of the convention..." Mr. Richardson cleared his throat. "However, if it will take your minds off things, I will ask personally."

The group turned to Frank, communicating with their eyes. They could feel his unending anxiety, and they were giving him the choice.

Frank's heart pulled him through the streets of New York. It didn't seem right to explore the basement without Nancy. On the other hand, perhaps finding the treasure would bring him closer to finding Nancy, if the two were connected.