"It just isn’t like Frank," Vanessa said.

Joe stopped in the lobby and looked around. He knew his brother didn’t like the moving, but he never thought Frank would just leave them. He glanced at Callie. He could tell she was angry enough to explode.

"I thought Frank was more of a gentleman," Callie said angrily. "He will never forget he did this to me."

"I’m as angry as you, but even though Frank didn’t like this kind of movie, he would only leave if it was important," Joe said.

"Like a case," Vanessa said.

"If it’s a case, where is he?" Callie asked.

"I don’t know," Joe said. "Come on. Let’s go see if the van is still in the parking lot. If it is, I’ll give you a ride home."

Joe led the way to the parking lot with Callie and Vanessa in tow. As they entered the parking lot, they saw the van was still there.

Joe looked around wondering where Frank was. He knew his brother would leave a message if something came up. As he looked around, he had an uneasy feeling. He tried to shake the feeling, but he couldn’t.

"Come on," Joe said. "I’ll give you a ride home."

"Thanks," Callie said.

When they pulled up in front of Callie’s house, Joe said, "Frank will probably call as soon as you get inside."

"I hope he does," Callie said angrily. "I want to give him a piece of my mind." She looked at Joe, he voice softening a little. "Thanks for the ride."

"You’re welcome." Callie closed the door and went inside her house.

"I wonder where Frank disappeared to," Vanessa said aloud.

"I’m not sure," Joe said, putting the van in gear.

Thirty minutes later, Joe was parked outside Vanessa’s house. Vanessa leaned over and put her hand on Joe’s shoulder. She said, "You don’t have to worry. Frank will show up. He probably went off in search of something."

"You’re probably right." Joe leaned over and gave Vanessa a kiss. "Good night."

"Night." Vanessa climbed out of the van.

"Vanessa." She turned and looked at him. "Thanks."

Vanessa smiled and went inside. Joe headed for home.

When Joe arrived home, he went inside and looked through the house. There was no one there. The moved over to the answering machine and saw it had a new message. He pressed play and heard their father’s voice. "Frank, Joe, we made it to Albert’s house. Make sure you lock the house up when you’re out. Try to eat something besides pizza over the next week. We’ll talk to you soon." That was it.

Joe looked around. He was worried. He knew Frank could take care of himself and shouldn’t worry, but he still had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.

* * * * *

Joe slowly moved his head. His neck was stiff. He reached for his neck and rubbed it. He opened his eyes and looked around. The sun was streaming in through the windows. He figured he must have fallen asleep in the armchair in the living room waiting for Frank.

Joe looked around. Everything was as he left it the night before. He glanced at this watch and realized it was almost time for school.

He hurried quickly upstairs and changed his clothes. He looked in Frank’s room and realized his brother wasn’t there. He was really worried about Frank now. He knew if Frank was tracking someone, he would’ve left a message. Joe wondered if something had happened to his brother.

Joe hurried downstairs and left the house. He climbed in the van and headed for school. As he pulled into the school parking lot, he noticed a limousine pulling out. He noticed it, but put it in the back of his mind. He was more concerned about Frank.

After finding a parking space, he hurried inside. He made his way down the hall. He spotted his brother’s back among the students. Frank was wearing the same clothes as the day before.

Joe hurried to Frank and put his hand on his brother’s shoulder making him stop. Joe asked, "Where have you been?" Joe moved around to look at Frank’s face, surprised to see Fran’s eyes were glazed and unmoving. "Frank, are you all right?"

"I’m fine," Frank said quietly. He started down the hall again.

Joe watched Frank walk away from him. He knew his brother wasn’t fine. His brother looked like he’d seen a ghost. He followed Frank to his locker. He wondered what was with him. He had never seen Frank act like a zombie before. It wasn’t like him. Even if he studied for several days straight, he wouldn’t look this bad.

"Frank!"

Joe turned. Callie was coming toward them. Callie didn’t look happy. She reached for Frank’s arm. She turned him to face her and Joe saw Callie’s mouth fall open in shock.

"Frank," Callie said quietly. "Are you all right?"

"I’m fine." Frank closed his locker. He made his way down the hall.

Once they were alone, Callie asked, "What’s with him?"

"I don’t know, but something’s wrong," Joe said. "Callie, I’ll see you later." Joe hurried down the hall after Frank. He knew he had to find out what had happened to him.

At that moment the bell rang. He glanced in the classroom and saw Frank sitting at a desk. He figured Frank wasn’t going anywhere. He knew he could find out where Frank had been later.