"A coma is the way the body shuts down all non-vital activity to give the body a chance to heal."

"How long until Frank comes out of the coma?" Callie asked.

"It’s hard to say," the doctor answered. "I wish I had better news."

"It’s the best for now," Joe said. "Thanks."

The doctor left the room and several people hurried over to him to find out about their family and friends. The officer sat down and they heard the volume of the television go up again.

They looked and saw Captain Stallson standing at a podium where several microphones were positioned. "Good afternoon. I am Captain Andrew Stallson, of The Emerald Star. My statement will be brief. Based upon our manifest who were on board and those who have been rescued, there are still 60 people unaccounted for. The Coast Guard is still searching for them."

A voice by the camera asked, "Do you know what caused the explosion that sunk The Emerald Star?"

"At this time, there are only theories. The actual cause will not be determined until the wreckage is lifted from the ocean floor. That’s all for now."

They all turned their attention back to Officer Stamwell as the volume was turned down again. Ned asked, "Is there anything else you need?"

"Just one more questions," Officer Stamwell said. He looked at his notepad. "Would any of you know anyone who would want to kill a ship full of people?"

Joe suddenly realized he hadn’t seen Victoria since they climbed aboard the Coast Guard cutter. Joe said. "A girl was rescued with us, Victoria Armans. She was taken somewhere by one of the lieutenants on the cutter and we haven’t seen her since. For some reason, I think she is involved."

"Why is that?"

"She claimed she was on board to avenge her father. She wanted to pay my brother and I back for putting him in jail."

"Do you think she could have caused the explosion?"

"It’s certainly possible," Nancy replied. "We ran into her just after the first explosion when we were leaving the dining room."

"Thank you all for your help." Officer Stamwell said. "If you’ll come with me, we’ll get you all settled in the hotel so you can rest."

"Thanks," Joe said.

* * * * *

About half an hour later they arrived at the hotel. Joe and Ned were assigned a room together and Callie and Nancy were sharing the room next door. They four of them spent the afternoon resting. Nancy and Callie came to the boys room and ordered from room service.

They all picked through their dinners and when they finished, Joe suggested they go see Frank. Callie readily agreed, but Nancy and Ned declined. After Joe and Callie left the room, Nancy rose to her feet and wandered around the room. She just couldn’t sit still. She was worried about her father. As she wandered around, she started to talk. "Before Callie and I came over here I called the front desk to let them know where I was in case there were any messages."

"Nancy," Ned said, but she didn’t hear him.

"Isn’t it strange how we always seem to stumble on a case where ever we go? It doesn’t matter what we do, one always sidetracks us." She looked at Ned, then at the picture of a field of flowers hanging on the wall. She smiled. "I remember when I was little, I would go on picnics every Sunday with my dad. We’d always go to the same spot and spend quality time together. I was something we would do together. We did that until I was about 12 when I started thinking it was corny, but then he would take me to a nice restaurant saying it was grown up way to spend time together."

All of a sudden, Nancy broke down and started to cry. She turned to Ned and he quickly hurried over to her. He wrapped his arms around Nancy and let her cry. He moved the two of them over to one of the beds and sat down. After a few moments, Ned said, "That’s it, honey, let it out."

"I’m so scared, Ned," Nancy cried. "I’m afraid I won’t see him ever again."

"I know you’re scared," Ned said rubbing her back in comfort. "But your father has to be all right. We are."

"But what if he didn’t make it?"

"Come on," Ned said lifting Nancy’s chin so she could look at him. He wiped the tears from her cheeks with his hands. "You have to be optimistic. We won’t know anything until the authorities tell us."

"I know you’re right, but what will I do if he didn’t make it?"

"You’ll survive," Ned said pulling her close. "Besides, you still have me, Hannah and your Aunt Eloise."

"I hope dad is okay."

"He’s probably wondering if you’re all right," Ned said. "I’m sure your dad will be found soon."

"I hope so."

Nancy leaned against Ned and closed her eyes. She felt safe in his arms as he held her tight.

All of a sudden the phone rang and Nancy jumped to her feet. Ned reached for the phone as Nancy turned to face him. Ned said, "Hello?" He paused. "Miss Drew? She’s right here. Hang on a moment." Ned put his hand over the receiver and said softly, "Aunt Eloise."

Nancy sat down on the bed beside Ned and took the receiver. She put the phone to her ear. She said, "Hi, Aunt Eloise."

"Nancy, are you all right?" Eloise asked.

"I’m fine."

"Has there been any word on your father?"

"Nothing yet."

"Hannah and I are on our way. We don’t want you to go through this alone."

"I’m not alone, Aunt Eloise. Ned is here with me and so are the Hardy’s."

"No matter. Hannah and I will arrive tomorrow afternoon. A family should be together at a time like this."

"All right," Nancy said. "I’ll see you tomorrow."

"Bye, Nancy."

Nancy put the receiver down and looked at Ned. "Hannah and Aunt Eloise are coming here."

"It’ll be good for them to be here."

"I know."

"I’ve got an idea, let’s go down to the lobby," Ned suggested. "We need a change of scene."

"Not now," Nancy said. "I want to be near a phone in case there’s something about my dad."

"I understand." Ned gave her hand a squeeze.

Ned switched on the television and found a station that was showing a movie instead of the constant coverage about the cruise ship and interviewing passengers.