Choosing Sides by Carolyn Keene Page A

plate number of the woman we saw at Hill’s house yesterday,” she said, handing Bess the paper. “It’s a long shot, but maybe the woman fits into Caroline’s frame-up or Bobby Rouse’s murder somehow. While we’re waiting for Caroline, we can call the Department of Motor Vehicles and try to trace the plate and find out the owner’s name.”
    â€œShouldn’t we be looking into Greenwood, too?” Bess asked.
    â€œDefinitely. We can search the phone book for every Greenwood in the area.”
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    An hour later Caroline returned to the campaign office. Leaving Bess poring over the phone book for any Greenwoods, Nancy went into the back office to talk to the candidate. She spotted a copy of Today’s Times on Caroline’s desk. “Oh, so here’s the article on Bobby Rouse’s murder,” Nancy said to Caroline as she picked up the paper.
    Skimming through the article, Nancy was relieved to see that there was nothing linking the murder to Caroline. In a small box at the bottom of the page, a few lines mentioned that there had been some “factual errors” in the previous day’s article about the fencing ring, as well as a short quote from Caroline.
    â€œIt’s not much of an apology,” Nancy said, folding up the paper in disgust.
    Caroline simply nodded as she sat behind her desk. “After this morning, I have other things to worry about. Hector has talked to Patrick Gleason’s manager about the incident in Farragut Park,” she said. “He told Hector that the attackers have already been fired. Gleason is issuing a statement condemning the attack, too. But I’m afraid those hecklers’ claims will still hurt my campaign.
    â€œI’m also concerned that you could be in danger. If Rouse’s murder is related to my being framed, that means someone is willing to kill to make sure I’m not elected. He might hurt you, too, Nancy.”
    A knock on the door made them look up. Bess was standing in the doorway. “Nan,” Bess said, “I’m still working on Greenwood, but I did find out who owns the car we saw at Steve’s house. It’s someone named Anna Dimitros.”
    â€œAnna Dimitros!” Caroline burst out, sitting forward. “Are you sure?”
    Bess nodded. “Positive. Why? Who is she?”
    â€œThe former owner and president of Helen of Troy Cosmetics,” Caroline explained. “She was charged with manslaughter when three of the workers in her manufacturing plant died after they were exposed to lethal doses of formaldehyde. That plant was one of the most dangerous workplaces I’ve ever seen. I prosecuted Dimitros, and I won. She got a five-year prison term, and her business went bankrupt. She must have gotten out on parole recently.”
    Nancy let out a low whistle. “So basically her whole life went down the tubes. Is she the kind of person who would try to get back at you?”
    â€œAnd why would she be at your ex-husband’s house?” Bess added. “Unless they’re both plotting to frame you.”
    â€œWhy not?” Nancy said, growing excited. “We should definitely check out Anna Dimitros, that’sfor sure.” She glanced at her watch and frowned. “I have to meet Ned for lunch now, but maybe you could do some checking, Bess.”
    â€œAnything,” Bess said, grinning. “Kyle should be here soon, too, so he can help me.”
    â€œMaybe you two could go to the library and look up back articles about Dimitros’s trial. Make copies of anything you find, okay? And see if you can find out any connection between her and Greenwood, too.”
    â€œNo problem!” Bess sang.
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    Ned was answering phones when Nancy walked into Gleason’s headquarters a half-hour later. He waved at her and signaled that he’d be off in a few minutes.
    Trying to act casual, Nancy