The Silent Confession

Chapter Fourteen

Frank continuously checked his phone, awaiting a message from Nancy. She had said she would be arriving a bit late to the restaurant. That was almost twenty minutes ago. He couldn't help but think of worst case scenarios.

"What can I get for you this evening?" A waiter asked.

Joe, Kelsey, and Rosa ordered drinks in the meantime, but it was clear that everyone was feeling worried. Joe slumped a bit in his seat while Kelsey fiddled with a mint wrapper. Rosa sat quietly beside her.

Frank had been persistent on accompanying Nancy to the library, but her words had left him hesitant.

"Frank, just stop it!" She had yelled. It was so unlike her to be so angry with him, or with anyone for that matter. She was usually such a calm, collected person. He still didn't understand what happened between her and Ned, but it was obvious that something was wrong. Something that he wasn't sure how to fix.

On more than one occasion, he'd suggested checking in on Nancy as the group toured Broadway.

"Frank, Nancy can take care of herself," Kelsey had said. "I think she just needs some time alone right now."

"No offense, but I agree with Kelsey," Joe added. "I don't think you're the guy she needs right now."

Frank gave into the peer pressure and had tried to enjoy the sights of the city. It was difficult when one of your loved ones was upset and wandering the city on her own.

What if that Clayton guy was still around or whoever attacked Mr. Smithers?

"She isn't answering her phone," Frank finally said. "I think we should be worried."

"What should we do?" Kelsey asked. "Should we tell Mr. Richardson?"

"I'll let him know," Joe offered, rising from his seat and moving towards Mr. Richardson's table.

"He's not going to be happy," Rosa said. "He wanted us to stay in groups."

Frank sighed. This was his fault. He'd promised himself that he would always be there for Nancy and that he would never turn from her out of fear. Once again, he had let his hesitation determine the course of his actions and he was paying for it. His voice grew forceful. "What's important is that we find Nancy."

Soon, Mr. Richardson approached the table with Joe. "What's going on?" Mr. Richardson asked.

Frank stood, explaining the situation of Nancy's absence to a strained Mr. Richardson.

"We have officers on standby. I'll let them know of the situation and have someone check out the library," Mr. Richardson declared. "Does anyone know which one she went to?"

"I do."

The group turned to see Rita coming towards them from a nearby table. "We attended the same workshop today, and a library was mentioned during the presentation. I'm positive she went there. It's about thirty minutes away by car."

"She did," Frank clarified.

"Alright," Mr. Richardson said. "Everyone just remain calm." He turned and headed towards the exit.

Other members of the convention looked over from their tables in concern, looking for answers to the commotion.

"Don't fret too much, son," Fenton told Frank, reading his son's face like a book. "You know she can be forgetful when it comes to using her phone. Don't let yourself jump to conclusions."

"Dad's right," Joe added, patting Frank's shoulder.

Frank nodded, staying silent. Whether he was jumping to conclusions or not, something didn't feel right.