The Silent Confession

Chapter Sixteen

Frank wandered the hotel hallways, deep in thought. He felt a sort of emptiness inside of him that was swimming in guilt. He was starting to feel the need for air, desperately. His legs carried him outside to the patio with the fountain.

It would have been completely dark outside, if not for the light of the moon and the decorative lanterns. Memories of Nancy surfaced as he recalled their conversations on the same patio, particularly the one where Nancy had turned him down. Where did they stand now?

Determined to keep his promise to himself, he pushed away his feelings. He had to focus in order to find Nancy. He wouldn't let his hesitation, fear, or despair control him, although visions of bloodied stone flashed before him.

He just had to wait for the blood samples to be examined. The police would contact Mr. Richardson with their evidence, who had promised Frank that he would do the same.

Frank pulled out his phone and tried to call Nancy again, knowing it was useless but hoping it would reach her.

The call went to voicemail. He clenched the phone in his hand.

Scrolling through his last messages with her, he reread her suspicions of Mr. Brown. Frank and Joe had concluded that they had three main suspects, including Mr. Brown, Dave Radley, and Jason Danforth, one of which they had already confronted and presumed innocent.

Radley was not happy with Nancy's disappearance. In fact, he seemed determined to help find her. Whether it was to impress Rita or not, Frank was grateful. However, he would still be weary of the man.

That left Mr. Brown and Jason Danforth. Frank was eager to talk to Mr. Brown, even if the man had been at the restaurant during Nancy's disappearance. However, Mr. Brown had said that he was going back to the hotel to search for Nancy after the announcement of her disappearance had been made, according to Fenton Hardy. That was hours ago, and yet Frank hadn't seen Mr. Brown anywhere.

As for Jason Danforth... Frank didn't know where to begin. No one seemed to know where he was or why he came to the convention in the first place.

In the meantime, as he awaited the test results, Frank had asked his father for advice earlier that night. "I don't think Dave Radley is capable of committing such a crime, if that's what you are getting at," Fenton had said. "He might be intimidating, but I think it's just a front.

"As for Mr. Brown... I've only spoken to him a few times, to be honest," his father continued. "He's a quiet man who prefers to remain behind the scenes. He used to be a bit more outspoken, I believe, before Mr. Richardson got his big break and became the star of the show. Why do you suspect him?"

"Nancy overheard an argument between Mr. Brown and Mr. Richardson. Apparently he's been making a lot of mistakes recently, and Mr. Richardson admitted that accidents have been occurring during this convention. If Mr. Brown is the one working behind the scenes, it gives him the opportunity to control who comes to the convention, where it takes place, and how it runs."

"That doesn't make him capable of kidnapping," Fenton replied. "Remember, don't jump to conclusions... Personally, I'm more worried about this Jason character, if anyone is to blame. However, we don't know if Nancy's disappearance is connected to anything going on at the hotel to begin with."

Frank's father came closer, pulling him close. "It'll be okay. I know you are trying to help, but don't worry yourself to death."

"If it takes worrying myself to death to consider every aspect of this puzzle, I'll do it," Frank said sternly.

Fenton smiled sadly. "I know the feeling. That's what makes you a good detective. You're willing to give it your all, no matter the cost. However," Fenton patted his shoulder. "Promise me to be careful, for your old man."