Ernie's suspicions, concerns and fears were confirmed with the cry that came from Seamus. He had lingered at the back of the room, just at the door. He figured that he wasn't at work, and when he wasn't at work, he was firstly and foremost a friend. That's why he didn't wait in the reception.
He was one who was deeply shaken by what this all meant since Dean was supposed to be with her, and just filled with the sadness and uncertainty as to what to do or if anything can be made better. It was why he typically waited in the reception instead--the feeling of powerlessness was oftentimes overwhelming. He wondered if it were alright to approach or whether he should just let Seamus be and wait at a distance. But he couldn't really help but at least in a quite awkward way be there, or around.
"I'm sorry," he said as he approached Seamus. For lack of a better word or words. He wasn't going to go into any detail about where she was found or that Dean wasn't anywhere to be seen. Not while Seamus was like this.