Read Online Never Say Die by Carolyn Keene - Free Book Online Page A

were standing in the kitchen. “You actually tried to clobber the burglar with a chair?”
    â€œActually, I don’t think it was a burglar,” Nancy said. “I think it may have been someone who didn’t know that George had a couple of friends sleeping over tonight.”
    â€œYou mean—”
    Mr. Fayne walked in, interrupting Bess. “Yes, that’s exactly what she means. And I’m afraid she may be right. Come and look at what I found outside!”
    Quickly, they followed him out to the driveway. He pointed his flashlight at the front of the garage door.
    Mrs. Fayne gasped. On the door was the picture of George that had been in the newspaper. It was pinned in place with a gleaming butcher knife!
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    The next morning Nancy set out for the Imperial Motel. She was angry. The picture on the Faynes’ garage door had been the last straw. No one had the right to terrorize innocent people and get away with it. No one!
    Nancy parked in front of the bank next door to the Imperial. Her car wouldn’t be noticed there. Then, pulling a straw hat over her reddish gold hair, and putting on a pair of sunglasses, she began her surveillance.
    It was a hot day, and a few people were already in the pool. Walking up to the soda machine behind the front office, Nancy pretended to study the selection. From there, she eyed the people at the pool. Debbi was not among them. No problem, she thought. She knew which room was Debbi’s.
    Casually, Nancy walked past Debbi’s room. She could hear the TV but nothing else. Just then, the phone rang and Debbi picked it up, saying, “Oh, hi, Mom.”
    Nancy’s heart began to thump as she listened through the door. Perfect! She could hear every word.
    â€œSure, I remember,” Debbi said in a sullen tone. “I had to go out last night—I couldn’t wait for your call. . . . I’m sorry. Yes, it was very late when I got back—about two. . . . Uh-huh, I’m learning a lot about racing. It could be a good sport for me with the skating. Okay, yeah. I’ll behome soon. . . . Yeah, I promise, no more late nights. . . .”
    Nancy couldn’t believe her luck. She had the evidence she had come for, so she hurried back to her car.
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    â€œShe did what?” Ned asked.
    Nancy had gone over to the velodrome. Ned, Bess, and George were gathered around her in the parking lot, their mouths hanging open.
    â€œI said, she was out last night until two a.m.! That’s not proof, of course, but it’s quite a coincidence.”
    â€œSo it could have been Debbi who was creeping around my house with a butcher knife last night!” George said.
    â€œThat’s how it looks to me.”
    â€œI can’t believe it. Who’d have thought she’d actually try to kill me?”
    â€œI’m not surprised,” Bess said, crossing her arms. “A man stealer like that would try anything, I bet.”
    Ned shook his head and sighed. “I’m sorry, Bess, but I can’t agree. Sure, Debbi wants to get Jon back, but murdering George to do it? That’s too extreme. I don’t think we have enough evidence.”
    Nancy listened with mixed feelings. At first she’d been excited, but now she wasn’t so sure. Ned was right. The evidence was very circumstantial.
    Ned rubbed his chin. “Then again, I could be wrong. After all, Debbi is the best suspect we’ve got. What do you think, Nancy?”
    â€œWell, of all the suspects in the case, Debbi looks as good as anyone,” Nancy said slowly. “Every time something’s happened, she’s had the opportunity to do it.”
    â€œSo what are we waiting for?” Bess asked.
    â€œBetter evidence. When we go to the police, I want them to be convinced that we’re right.”
    Just then, Jon walked up. “Hi, everyone. What’s going