He looked up as they walked into the office. “May I help you?”

“Are you Detective Allen?” Ned asked.

“Yes, I am.”

“I’m Ned Nickerson. You’re investigating my fiancee’s accident.”

“Yes,” Detective Allen said. “Is there a reason you need to speak with me?”

“There is,” Joe spoke up. “I’m Joe hardy. We think my brother, Frank, may have been here a while ago.”

“He was here. He was trying to convince me that the girl survived the car crash.” He motioned for them to have a seat as he filled them in on the conversation he had had with Frank. “He has this idea that she couldn’t have been pulled out of the car by the current. He didn’t think it would happen with the way the car was positioned when it went through the guardrail.”

“Is it possible that Frank’s theory could be right?”

“There is a possibility.”

“But where could he have gone?” Joe asked.

Detective Allen got to his feet and moved over to the map on the wall, the same one he and Frank had looked at hours earlier. Ned and Joe also moved to the map. The detective pointed to the area on the other side of the river.

“This is about right across from where the car was found. Frank may have gone to see if there was anything there.”

“Is there?” Joe asked.

“It’s just woods.”

Ned looked at Joe and asked, “Do you think Frank went there?”

“I think so. Frank is determined to find her.” Joe focused on the map. He saw a road and pointed it out as he looked at the detective. “What’s that?”

“It’s an old access road to the river. It’s not used anymore.”

Joe looked at Ned. “Frank went there.”

“Are you sure?” Ned asked and Joe nodded his head. Ned continued, “We better go after him.”

As the detective moved back to his desk, he said, “I also told Frank that we’re searching for a car that was seen at the time of the accident.”

“A car?” Ned asked.

“From the reports, a red sports car was seen leaving the scene. There was also red paint found on the front of her car. It seems the other car caused her to go off the road.”

“Have you found the driver?”

“Not yet. But I can tell you, this case won’t be closed until the driver is found.”

They thanked the detective and left the police station. Once they were outside, Callie asked, “So, what’s our next step?”

“We’re going to head to the road to find Frank,” Joe said. “We should probably start in the morning. He can’t get too far in the dark.”

“Count me in,” Ned said.

Joe looked at Ned, not sure if he had heard him correctly. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. I can’t sit and do nothing. I want to help.”

“I’m glad,” Joe said.

“Come on,” Ned said. “I’ll give you a ride back to the hotel. Then we’ll start searching in the morning.”

“Sounds good,” Joe said.

* * * * *

It was Saturday morning and Frank woke as the sun came through the van windows. He slowly sat up. Every part of his body was stiff. He didn’t sleep well, but had succumbed to exhaustion since he had been moving for almost 36 hours straight. It had taken some time before sleep welcomed him, but he knew he should have stayed at the hotel. He had rolled out his sleeping bag on the van floor, but instead of waking up refreshed, he was only sore.

Frank stretched before climbing out of the van. Once he got out, he locked the van door knowing he needed to start searching for Nancy.

He made his way toward the river. When he reached the bank, he moved along searching for some clue. He was hoping to find something. A footprint, piece of clothing. He didn’t care what it was, as long as it was a clue.

Frank took his time as he searched so he wouldn’t miss anything. As he continued on, he began to wonder if Nancy was really okay. He wondered if he was dreaming, thinking Nancy was out there, somewhere, because he wanted to make himself feel better. He realized he needed proof that Nancy was gone before he could even consider the possibility.

He knew jumping to conclusions wouldn’t do anything to help him. He needed solid proof. He had to keep searching until he found Nancy. One way or another.