Joe made his way out to the parking lot. He was more confused than ever. Frank was acting as if nothing had gone on. He couldn’t believe the change in his brother.  

As he reached the parking lot, he saw Nancy standing beside her rental car. He moved over to her. When he reached her, he asked, “Did you come up with anything?”  

“No. I went to the theater and talked to the manager. He remembered seeing Frank go to the refreshment counter and assumed Frank went back inside. He had no idea what happened.”  

“Great. Not a single clue.”  

“I may have something thought. There may be a connection between Frank’s disappearance and those mysterious deaths.”  

“What do you mean?”  

“I checked out the stories on the mysterious deaths that people believe were done by vampires.” She went on quickly. “I know you don’t believe in vampires. Neither do I, but there’s a connection.”  

“Well, what is it?”  

“All the young men could easily resemble Frank. They all had the same build, height and hair color as Frank.”  

“But that doesn’t mean anything. Lots of people could resemble Frank.” Joe turned and saw Frank leaving the building.  

“So, how is Frank behaving today?”  

Joe looked back at Nancy. “He’s acting like nothing happened. He’s acting like he’s his old self.” Joe glanced over his shoulder, then back at Nancy. “Maybe I’m making a mistake. Maybe I’m stressed out.”

“You don’t make mistakes when it comes to Frank. Something is going on and we’re going to find out what it is.”

At that moment, Frank came over to them. Frank said, “I’m surprised you’re still here.”

“I thought I’d stick around for a little while,” Nancy said.

“Ned probably misses you.”

“He’s busy with work. I would be home alone.”

“You know, I might not have said anything before, but I am glad you’re here.”

“I’m glad I get the chance to see you guys. We don’t get to spend much time together.”

“How long will you be here?” Frank asked.

“A couple days. My ticket is open ended.”

“Well,” Frank said, “let’s go get something to eat. There’s not much food in the house.”

“That sounds great, Frank,” Nancy said, glancing at Joe who was nodding his head.

“There’s a restaurant we could go to just outside of town,” Frank suggested.

“Then we’ll have to change,” Joe said.

“Then let’s go.”

* * * * *

That evening, after Frank and Joe put on slacks and shirts, and Nancy had slipped on a dress, they went to the restaurant. Once they ordered, they talked about what they had been doing since they last saw one another.

Nancy said, “I really haven’t had any cases since the last one. Ned has been keeping a close eye on me making sure I take it easy.”

“Is your arm still bothering you from the gunshot?” Joe asked.

“My arm is fine. Ned is just being protective. He doesn’t want me to go through that again.”

“You were lucky the bullet didn’t do any damage,” Frank said.

“I was lucky,” Nancy admitted. She changed the subject. “So, what have you two been up to lately?”

“Nothing really,” Joe said. “We’ve been enjoying the quiet. It’s kind of nice to have a break from a case.”

All of a sudden, Frank got up from the table. Joe watched him head for the door. Joe glanced at Nancy and saw she was shocked. He got to his feet and saw Nancy do the same. Joe tossed some money on the table and they made their way to the door.