Murder On Ice by Carolyn Keene Page B

She looked quite calm, though slightly red-eyed. “How’s the ankle?” she asked Ned, obviously trying to act as though everything were normal.
    Bess and Nancy exchanged glances. “We’ve just been talking about going to the Overlook tonight to do some dancing,” Bess replied brightly. “Ned is much better. You and Luke want to come?”
    George looked grateful. “Sounds good to me. I don’t know what Luke’s plans are, though.”
    â€œWe can all ride over in my car,” Nancy offered. At least that way everybody will be safe, she added mentally.
    In order to keep an eye on Luke, Nancy took an advanced class with him that afternoon. He was a good teacher and an excellent skier, even if he did favor his right leg slightly. Nancy noticed that it didn’t bend well at times. Had Luke damaged his leg in a skiing accident or some other kind of accident? Nancy wondered.
    Luke did not show up at the lodge for dinner. Nancy preferred it that way, except that George looked so unhappy. Immediately after dinner,she scooped up a pile of ski magazines from the lounge and headed for the dorm.
    Bess made an exasperated sound. “This has gone far enough. Come on,” she said to Nancy. The girls went to the bunk room and cornered George. “Are you coming dancing with us?” Bess demanded.
    George didn’t look up. “I don’t know. I told Luke you guys were going, but he wasn’t too thrilled with the idea.”
    â€œWell, you’re coming,” Bess ordered. She pulled George to her feet. “You’re already dressed for it, anyway,” she commented, surveying George’s tight gray pants and oversized turquoise sweater.
    â€œIf Luke wants to find you, he’ll know where to look,” she went on. “It’s a good idea not to let guys think you’re just sitting around waiting for them. Trust me.” George allowed herself to be led out of the room.
    The girls found Ned and Gunther and piled into Nancy’s car for the two-mile drive to the Overlook Hotel.
    The first sight of its ornate wrought-iron gates produced a squeal of delight from Bess. The hotel looked like a French château and was surrounded by trees decorated with little white lights.
    The hotel’s dance club was spacious and elegant. The band was playing a Stones classic, and the dance floor was already crowded. To one side, glass doors led to an indoor swimming pool complete with Jacuzzi.
    Ned and Nancy found an unoccupied table as the others made their way to the dance floor. “This is a good spot to watch from,” Nancy said. She smiled at Ned. “This is fun!”
    Ned smiled back and took her hand. “You’d have more fun if you were dancing.”
    â€œWe agreed you’d stay off the ankle today, remember?”
    â€œThat’s no reason for you to stay off yours.”
    â€œI’ve done enough tearing around the mountain today. I’d rather sit the night out with you.” Nancy meant it, but she found it hard to keep still while listening to the music.
    After a while, Bess, Gunther, and George returned to the table. Gunther politely asked Nancy to dance.
    â€œGo! I’ll talk to George while you’re gone,” Ned whispered.
    Nancy smiled and got up. Maybe George would listen to Ned more easily than to her. She followed Gunther to the dance floor and started moving to the bass beat.
    Ned was right, it felt great to dance, even though the floor was crowded. It was impossible to avoid colliding with other people. Nancy felt her elbow connect with someone behind her. “Sorry!” she exclaimed, laughing, and turned around apologetically.
    A deep voice said, “It’s perfectly all right.” She looked up at a tall, blond man with a deeply tanned face and vivid blue eyes. “I’ve already clobbered a few people that way myself,” the young man said, smiling.
    There was something oddly