The Silent Confession

Chapter Three

"What does that mean?" Bess Marvin asked, totally lost. Nancy could almost picture the scrunching of her best friend's nose and the furrowing of her eyebrows in confusion.

Nancy glanced down at the decoded clue. It had been a bit of a challenge, each sentence a new puzzle to solve, but Nancy had broken down the riddle. It was like a delicious poem of delight to her, just waiting to be eaten.

She reread the clue for the millionth time, wishing to know all of it's secrets.

Buried is the old soul,
Locked up for those who care.
Stitched into a stream of rage,
Burning with an elegant flare.

Nancy giggled at her best friend. "I can't say for sure yet, but the Hardy Boys may know something about what it means. They've been doing some research on the history of the hotel."

"It's so cool that they're there with you," George Fayne said. "What are the odds?"

"It is funny that we've both been invited the same year..." Nancy recalled that Fenton had told her how Dave was also invited the same year as himself. She wondered if it was a coincidence. "How is Ned doing?"

"We messaged him yesterday. He has some big exams he's taking in school right now," George replied.

Nancy sighed, missing her boyfriend who was studying away in law school. He occasionally worked for Nancy's father as well, learning the tricks of the trade. She reminded herself to call him after the dinner party.

"Tell Joe I said hi!" Bess said. Nancy couldn't help but smile. Although the two had never officially dated, Bess and Joe were both impossible flirts. "Now, what are you wearing for the dinner?"

Nancy glanced up from her phone, gazing at herself in the mirror. The dress was modest, but one of Nancy's favorites with a classic look. The light-brown fabric felt soft against her skin, falling down just below her knees. If she twirled in a circle, the skirt would whirl with her in a beautiful daze. A matching belt cinched the dress at her waist, hugging her figure nicely. Her strawberry blonde curled locks fell over the short sleeves, and her heels held a tan color that matched her dress.

"That sounds gorgeous," Bess sighed. "I wish we could be there with you. It sounds like so much fun!"

"If you ever need any help on the mystery, let us know!" George added. Suddenly, Nancy could hear a doorbell ring through the phone. "Oh gosh, is it time already?"

"Yes!" Bess shouted with anticipation, Nancy flinching at the sound.

"Time for what?" She asked.

"George has a date!" Bess cheered.

Nancy could almost hear George rolling her eyes. "Ugh, Bess, calm down. It's just an old friend of mine, Nancy. I'm having dinner with him."

"That is such a lie, I know he's into you. Oh, Nancy! She's blushing! She knows it's true!"

"Bess!"

Nancy laughed at her friends, the two girls who had always been by her side through thick and thin. Even though they were cousins, they couldn't be better opposites. Bess had glamorous blonde waves and dazzling blue eyes, always being found in a mall with a boy. However, George had short brown curls and sweet, chocolate brown eyes. There was no doubt that she could be seen typing away on her computer or fixing a gadget she invented herself.

"Good luck with your date, George," Nancy smiled. "I'll talk to you guys later."

"Call us with any updates!" Bess cried.

"Will do!"

Nancy hung up the phone, glancing once more at the clue before folding it carefully into her purse. Just as she approached the door to leave, someone knocked against it.