The Silent Confession

Chapter Four

Frank took a sip of filtered, icy water. Classical music sang in the background as waiters stopped by each table, taking orders for the main course of the dinner.

He watched Nancy as she spoke with his father. "The trial was very long and enduring, but he proved the defendant guilty," she finished, telling the tale of her father's most recent case.

"Your father was always a good lawyer," Fenton smiled. "And his daughter is a great detective."

Nancy blushed sheepishly. "Thank you, Fenton." She looked so beautiful under the dim glow of the chandeliers to Frank, faint shadows hugging her skin.

Nancy had been quiet when she returned from the dance floor, the crinkles in her forehead revealing that she was deep in thought. Frank had asked if she was alright, wanting to know what Dave Radley had wanted to dance with her for, beside the fact that she was a wonderful dancer. Nancy simply explained that he had wanted to know how far they were in the mystery of Alvin Brixton, but that she hadn't revealed anything to him.

Fenton continued the conversation. "How's that Ned Nickerson doing? Is he still studying to be a lawyer as well?"

"Oh, yes," Nancy said. "He's working on his midterms now." Frank looked down, having forgotten all about Nancy's boyfriend who attended some school in River Heights. A small pang of disappointment shuddered through him, louder than he'd liked. Ned was a lucky guy...

Nancy continued. "My father took him in as his apprentice."

"Is that so? Oh-" Fenton stood up from his chair, the clothed table shaking slightly. "There he is!"

Frank turned to see an unfamiliar man approach Fenton, embracing him. "Fenton! It's so good to see you again!"

Frank assumed that the man was Mr. Smithers, his father's friendly partner in crime that was to arrive late to the convention. "It's been one year too many!" Fenton replied, laughter escaping him. "Oh! You can finally meet my sons!"

"Hello," Frank said, standing and shaking the man's hand. "Mr. Smithers?"

"Please, call me Bill," the elder man said. He looked much like Fenton, with the exception of his chubbier side. Wrinkles crinkled around the man's aging eyes as he smiled. "You must be Frank. I feel as if I already know you! Fenton talks about you all the time. You must be two very talented detectives."

Joe grinned by Frank's side. "We may have solved a few cases."

"And they're modest!" Bill laughed, turning to Nancy. "And who is this fine young lady?"

She stood next, holding out her hand. "My name's Nancy Drew. You may know my father."

Bill's eyes widened. "Well, I'll be darned. You're Carson's daughter? I should have known, you have your father's eyes. And the beauty of your mother, I might add."

"You knew my mom?" Nancy questioned. Frank could see the curiosity creeping into her as Nancy's eyes loomed over Bill for any information on her deceased mother.

"Sadly, no," Bill responded. "I've only seen the pictures. She was a lovely woman."

"Yes... she was." Nancy's eyes flickered to Frank as he found himself moving closer to her. The two locked eyes, sitting down next to each other. Their food had arrived. They both started on the delightful dinner that Joe had already dug into as Fenton and Bill caught up with each other.

"This is heaven on a plate," Joe moaned. Frank nodded, taking a bite of his delicious chicken and vegetable dinner.

The five enjoyed the night, discussing past cases and the current one at hand. However, Frank and Nancy gave away nothing of their knowledge on Alvin Brixton, even to Fenton, who expected nothing less.