Joe decided to break the silence. "Frank, you know I don’t like to pry, but is everything all right? You seemed distant on the ride over."

"I’m fine."

"You sure?"

Frank looked at him "I’m sure."

Joe watched Frank get to his feet and head back into the store. He knew there was something going on. He didn’t want to push his brother to know what the problem was, but he wasn’t going to sit still. There was something wrong and he was determined to figure it out.

"Joe?" Vanessa called out.

"Coming," Joe said getting to his feet and heading into the store.

"I found the perfect costume for us," Vanessa said as he approached her.

"And what’s that?"

Vanessa held up a long, white dress with fuzzy wings. "I’m going as an angel."

Joe looked at her questioningly. "I am not wearing a dress. That’s crossing the line."

Vanessa smiled and let out a breath. "You’re not going to be wearing a dress. You are going to be wearing all red and be going as a devil."

Joe stared at Vanessa. He couldn’t believe she wanted him to wear that. He shook his head. "No way, Van. There is no way I am going as a devil."

"Joe, you r costume will be simple. You can wear black jeans, which you already own with a red shirt. We’ll get you some horns and a pitchfork to compliment the outfit. It’ll be perfect."

"Van, I’m not too sure about this."

"Please, Joe," Vanessa begged, taking hold of his arm.

Joe let out a breath knowing he wasn’t going to win. "Fine. I’ll go as a devil"

"Come on, Frank. There is nothing wrong with this costume," Callie said loudly.

"I’m not wearing it," Frank said just as loud.

"What is going on with him?" Vanessa asked quietly. "He’s acting so differently."

"I don’t know. Something has to be bothering him, but he won’t tell me."

"Callie, I am not going like that."

"Come on," Joe said leading the way to Callie and Frank surprised they were fighting in public.

Reaching his brother, Joe saw Callie was staring angrily at Frank. "There you two are," Joe said. "Have you guys found your costumes?"

"I thought we did," Callie snapped.

"What are they?" Vanessa asked.

"I thought we could go as a prince and princess," Callie responded.

Joe looked at Frank and realized he wasn’t happy about the choice. Joe decided to come to his brother’s rescue. "I think Frank would make a lousy prince. He’s more of a warlock or a vampire."

"Frank?" Callie asked.

"I would prefer either one of those to the prince costume."

"Callie was quiet for a moment. "Fine. I’ll still go as a princess. Which do you want?"

"The warlock."

"All right. I’ll get that costume."

"I’ll help," Vanessa said and they went in search of the warlock costume.

Frank turned to Joe. "Thanks for your help. I really didn’t see myself in tights."

"I laid down that law before we even got here. There was no way I was going to be caught dead wearing tights."

"Come on. Let’s find the girls and get out of here."

"I’m right behind you," Joe said.

*****

After paying for the costumes, they climbed in the van. They dropped the girls off before heading home themselves. When they arrived, Frank made his way upstairs to his room to get started on his homework.

Sitting at his desk, Frank tried to concentrate on the government assignment he needed to turn in the following day, but he couldn’t. He wasn’t sure what it was, but everything that used to keep him busy wasn’t doing the job.

A knocking on the door got his attention. "Come in." He turned as Joe came into the room. "What’s up?"

"I was wondering if we could talk," Joe said.

"About what?"

"Well," Joe began. "I’m concerned."

"About what?" Frank repeated.

"You."

"Me?"

"Yeah, you."

"Why?"

"It’s just a feeling I have. It’s also that you’ve been distant the past couple days and raising your voice is out of the ordinary."

"I didn’t mean to raise my voice," Frank admitted. "I just don’t know what came over me."

"Is there something in particular you want to talk about? I mean, I’m here if you want to."

"I just think that I’m restless. We haven’t had a case in a while and I’m itching for one."

"Usually I’m the one wondering when our next case will be," Joe joked.

"That’s true." Frank got to his feet and started pacing. "But this restlessness is affecting everything."

Joe was looking puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I can’t focus on anything."

"Maybe its senioritis," Joe said. "Each high school senior gets it sometime during their last year in high school when they can’t focus. You’ve heard the stories. It’s just a phase."

Frank was quiet for a moment, then looked at Joe. "I guess you’re right."

"Besides, everyone flakes off once in a while."

"Thanks," Frank said with a smile.

"Is that also the reason you haven’t been too excited about the Halloween party?"

"I guess. Just the thought of the party doesn’t spark an interest. People will be purposely trying to scare others and you know I can’t be scared with stuff like that."

"I know. The only things that scare you are the real life events."

"For sure."

"Well," Joe said standing up. "I think if you give it some time, everything will fall back into place."

"You’re probably right," Frank said. "And what’s surprising is that it’s for the first time in your life."

"Very funny," Joe said.

"I thought so." Frank smiled.

"I’m going to get out of here before you come up with any more wonderful comments."

"Joe, thanks."

Joe smiled. "You’re welcome."