Read Online 038 The Final Scene by Carolyn Keene - Free Book Online Page B

they were reaching the end ofthe line. In one day Bart Anderson was going to tear down the Royal Palladium, and she wasn’t even one step closer to finding out who had wanted to prevent the demolition enough to kidnap her friend.
    She scanned the picketers for Nicholas. No luck. A phone call to his grandfather was in order. Nancy could check out whether or not Nicholas had been to see him the day before.
    In Joseph’s office, Nancy found him lovingly dusting his old oak desk. When he looked up at Nancy, he wiped a weary look off his face and gave her a halfhearted smile.
    “Hello, there, young lady,” he said, sitting down. “What brings you back here?”
    “Actually, I wanted to use the phone,” Nancy said honestly. “And I’m finding it hard to stay away,” she added simply. Nancy felt she could admit to Joseph, if no one else, how helpless she felt.
    He nodded. “I understand what you mean. It’s awful to think about what she must be going through.”
    The telephone rang, and they both jumped. Joseph grabbed for it. “Hello? Yes, she’s right here.” He handed the phone to Nancy.
    Nancy was surprised to hear Deirdre’s voice on the line.
    “Nancy, I’m glad I found you. I have to talk to you,” she said.
    “Are you still at the hotel?”
    “Yes.”
    “I’ll be right over.”
    “No.” Deirdre sounded very nervous. “I don’t want anyone to see us together. I’ll meet you in the theater’s auditorium.”
    “I’ll be waiting. And, Deirdre,” Nancy added, “I should tell you that George is keeping an eye on the hotel lobby. Explain to her when you see her that you’re coming to meet me.” Nancy didn’t know how to finish the sentence.
    Deirdre caught the drift of what Nancy was telling her. “Otherwise, she’s going to think I’m up to something suspicious, right?” she asked with a laugh.
    “I hope you understand,” Nancy said.
    “It’s okay, Nancy. See you in ten minutes.”
    As Nancy hung up the phone she looked up to see Joseph watching her anxiously.
    “Good news?” he asked.
    “Sort of.” She wanted to tell him about the call, but she didn’t want to break Deirdre’s confidence. Deirdre had said specifically that she didn’t want anyone to know they were getting together.
    Nancy picked up her purse and tucked it under her arm. “I’m going to take another look around the theater before I go home,” she said.
    “I wish you wouldn’t,” Joseph said, concern registering on his wrinkled face. “After what happened to George this afternoon, I’m worried about you girls.”
    “I’ll be careful, Joseph. I promise.”
    Joseph stood up from his chair. “If you’re really going to do it, I’ll go with you.”
    Nancy thought of Deirdre. “No, really,” she said, trying to stop him. “You don’t have to.”
    “I don’t mind a bit. I’m going to lock up anyway.”
    Nancy could see that no matter what she said, Joseph was going to tag along with her. She hated to lie to him, but she couldn’t see any way out.
    “Well, if you’re going to look around yourself,” she said, “I suppose I’ll just go on home.”
    He seemed relieved. “That’s a good idea. You’ve been through a lot these past twenty-four hours. Some rest would do you good. Just leave the search up to me. I probably know where to look better than anyone else anyway,” he said with confidence.
    “Good night.” Nancy hurried out the officedoor across the lobby. At the front door she turned and looked back toward the office. Joseph was standing there waving goodbye. She returned his wave and walked out the door.
    Once outside Nancy rounded the building and ran to the side door, hoping to get there before Joseph locked up for the night. She made it.
    Nancy was surprised to see Deirdre already there, standing off to the side on the stage. Deirdre seemed nervous.
    “How did you get in here?” Nancy whispered as she climbed the steps up to the stage. She motioned Deirdre back into the