Read Online Trail of Lies by Carolyn Keene - Free Book Online Page B

carefully.
    â€œJohn?” Henry sounded surprised. “Surely you don’t suspect him.”
    Nancy shrugged her shoulders. “At this point, I don’t know,” she said honestly. “I need some more information about him, such as where he worked before he came to you.”
    â€œBefore he came to Anchorage, he worked as a butler for a railroad executive in Seward.”
    â€œWas he there a long time?” Nancy asked.
    â€œNo,” Henry admitted. “He told me he was let go after two days. I didn’t press him as to the reason for the firing.”
    Carson looked at Henry. “Why did you hire him?”
    Henry shrugged. “My instincts told me he was a good man, and so far they’ve been right. John has been an excellent butler—and I like him.”
    â€œOne more question,” Nancy said. “I sawfrom the employment records that Steve used to work for you. I wondered why he quit.”
    A frown crossed Henry’s face. “If you want to know that, you’ll have to ask Steve. I assure you, though, it has nothing to do with this case.”
    Nancy was about to press him further when the door to the conference room opened and Detective Chandler strode in. He grunted when he saw Nancy.
    â€œI’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave,” he told her. “This is official business—only the suspect and his counsel have the right to be here.”
    Chandler’s tone was firm. Nancy thought of pointing out that Carson wasn’t Henry’s counsel, but she knew that wouldn’t help Henry any. Swallowing her disappointment, she said goodbye and headed back to the Wilcox mansion.
    Nancy was deeply preoccupied during the entire drive back. The miles flew by unnoticed. When she arrived at the Wilcox mansion, she was greeted by an ecstatic George.
    â€œI had the most fabulous day!” George exclaimed. “Steve and I spent the whole day working with the dogs.”
    â€œThat’s great,” Nancy said.
    â€œWe took them out for a long run, and then we made them this really disgusting goop forlunch.” George wrinkled her nose playfully, then babbled on. “Steve really loves his team—he’d spend all day just mucking around in the barn with them if he could, only he says Craig always beats him to the chores these days. He’s going to help Craig buy his own team—that’s going to be his Christmas present. Don’t tell Craig, okay?”
    â€œMmm, that’s terrific,” Nancy said absently.
    George gave her a long look. “You don’t sound very excited,” she commented. “Were you even listening to me?”
    â€œSorry,” Nancy said contritely. “It’s just that my day’s been pretty rough. Don’t tell Dad, but I took a tumble down a flight of stairs, thanks to someone’s helping hand.”
    â€œSomeone pushed you?” George exclaimed, her dark eyes widening. “Who do you think it was?”
    â€œI’m not sure. By the time I landed, whoever it was had disappeared. I went back to the shipping offices, though, and Craig and John were there.”
    â€œDo you think it was one of them?”
    Nancy shrugged. “At this point, all I know is that they were there. One of them could have pushed me. But so could Amanda Spear.”
    â€œAmanda?” This time George really was surprised. “You suspect Amanda?”
    Nancy gave a tired chuckle. “I can see we’ve got some catching up to do,” she said. “Let’s go up to our room—I need to lie down and rest my aching bones for a few minutes. While I’m doing that, I’ll tell you all about my day.”
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    That night it snowed heavily, and a few lazy flakes were still falling when the girls came down for breakfast the next morning. Both Steve and Craig were keyed up during the meal. It was the day of the first trial