She looked at Frank. “I’m glad you’re here. I appreciate it.”

“I’m happy to be here to help you.”

They heard the door open. They both look. They saw Carson step into the hallway. He came into the living room. Carson said, “Frank, it’s good to see you again.”

“It’s good to see you too,” Frank said.

Carson set his briefcase on the coffee table. He said, “I didn’t think you were coming in until Wednesday. Is Joe here for the wedding also?”

“Nancy called us both in early.”

Carson creased his forehead as he looked at his daughter. “Why did you call them in early?”

“I got myself onto another case and needed their help.” Nancy went on to tell Carson about the case.

When she finished, Carson asked, “How’s it coming?”

“Slow,” Nancy admitted. “Joe went undercover. He’s with the group that has Vicki with them. We’re waiting to see if Joe comes up with anything.”

“Is Ned coming over after work?” Carson asked, opening his briefcase.

Nancy looked at Frank, who was looking at her. Nancy said, “Dad, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Carson looked at her. His forehead creased again. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Let me call Hannah. Hannah? Could you come in here?”

A moment later, Hannah appeared in the doorway wearing an apron. She looked at all of them. “What is it, Nancy? It sounded important.”

“It is. Please sit down.”

Hannah sat down in one armchair, while Carson sat in the other. Carson said, “Nancy, tell us what’s going on.”

Nancy took a deep breath and looked at her father. She said, “Ned and I are not getting married.”

“What?” Carson asked. “Why?”

“Ned and I had a fight. We weren’t able to resolve our problems.” Nancy looked down at her hands. “It’s over.”

Carson got to his feet and looked at Nancy. Carson said, “I can’t believe it. If this is some kind of joke, it’s not funny.”

“It’s no joke,” Nancy said, keeping her eyes on her hands and attempting, but failing to keep the misery out of her voice. She couldn’t look at her father and see the disappointment on his face.

She could see him pacing. He asked, “What was the fight about?”

“My detective work. Especially this case.”

“Did you try to resolve this?”

“I tried, but Ned wouldn’t listen.”

Nancy glanced at Hannah and could see the shock and sadness on her face. She glanced at Frank. She said, “Excuse me.”

She got to her feet and quickly went out on the porch, closing the door behind her. She went over to the railing. She started crying. She thought, this was all my fault. Ned was right. I do put my investigations before him and this time it cost me the one thing I loved most in the world. This investigation cost me Ned.

Nancy heard a door close. A moment later, she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was a strong hand. She turned slightly. Frank was standing beside her. She leaned against him and cried. She felt Frank wrap his arms around her and pull her close.

After a few minutes, Nancy pulled back from Frank. As she wiped her eyes, she said, “I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s all right. I’m glad you’re getting it out. If you kept it bottled up, you’re going to make yourself sick. It’s good to get it out now.”

Nancy smiled slightly. “I’m all right now.”

“If you need some time to get yourself together, Joe and I can handle the case.”

“I’m going to help,” Nancy said, leaning against the railing. “I’m going to focus on the case.”

“Good. The faster the case is over, the better.” Frank leaned against the railing beside her. “Then, once it’s solved, you can deal with Ned. We can knock some sense into him.”

“There’s no need. Ned was right.”

“Right about what?”

“Right about me. Ned told me I always put an investigation before him. He was right. I always put him second. I never thought about it until now. I took him for granted. I always assumed he’d support me, but I know I was wrong. I should’ve realized I was hurting him.”

“Nancy.”

She looked at Frank, and was surprised to see the shocked look on his face. “What?”

“I can’t believe you’re giving up so easily.”

“I‘m not giving up. I finally realized the truth.” She glanced at her watch. “Come on. Let’s go inside. Dinner should be just about ready.”

“Okay,” Frank said and followed Nancy inside.