Frank had now been missing for five days and Callie was going out of her mind with worry. She had not heard anything from the Hardys since Mr. Hardy had called her about the note that came with the picture of Joe.
Her parents were forcing her to go to school although she had not really been able to pay any attention to what was happening in any of her classes.
She paused at the mailbox on her way into the house as was her habit, and began to sort through the mail. It was mostly bills, and there was hardly anything addressed to her normally; she paused when she came across a letter with her name neatly typed across the front and no return address.
Her stomach flipped anxiously, and she wondered if she should open it.
She carefully slid open the envelope and pulled out the letter.
Dear Miss Shaw,
I have had the pleasure of your boyfriend's company for the past five days. I am given to understand that the he and I have gotten farther than the two of you ever did.
I trust that this note will make its way to the authorities as well as the Hardys, but I thought you would like to know your boyfriend's situation.
Enclosed you will find a photograph.
Best wishes,
The Nameless Man
Callie felt dizzy, and she knew that she should not reach into the envelope and find the photograph, she knew in every fiber of her being that she would regret it, but she couldn't stop herself, she had to see that Frank was alive.
She pulled out the photo, glanced at it, and quickly dropped it on the floor.
She quickly ran to the bathroom and threw up violently. She didn't think she would ever get the image out of her head.
Callie allowed herself only a few moments to pause and compose herself after that, she got up and dialed the number for the Bayport police station. Less than fifteen minutes later her house was host to an assortment of officers and FBI agents.