Out of Bounds by Carolyn Keene Page B

drive,” Nancy said, thinking fast. “He broke his ankle a couple of weeks ago on a fishing trip.”
    Through the front windows, Nancy saw Pete’s car pull out of the parking lot, then turn left onto Bedford Avenue. Nancy nibbled a finger nervously. “I know I should have told you before, but I completely forgot about it,” she added helplessly.
    The assistant manager let out a sigh. “Go,” he said simply. “But try to be back as soon as possible, okay?”
    â€œThanks a million, Mark,” Nancy said jubilantly. “You’re a doll!” Whipping off her jersey and hanging it on its hook, she raced out of the restaurant and made for her car. If only it wasn’t too late!
    As she pulled out into traffic, she didn’t see Pete’s car anywhere. She did know the direction he’d gone on Bedford Avenue, so she headed that way. At every intersection, she slowed and searched both side streets. Cars honked behind her, and she waved them past her.
    Frustrated that she was wasting precious time, Nancy did keep going on Bedford Avenue, though.
    Just as she was about to give up, she spottedPete’s white Toyota parked in the lot beside a huge old building. The sign outside said McCann’s Gym & Bodybuilding Center. Why had Pete left the restaurant to work out so close to the dinner rush? It seemed completely bizarre.
    Nancy parked half a block away and pulled a pair of aviator sunglasses and a lilac-printed scarf out of her glove compartment. It wasn’t much of a disguise, but it would have to do. At least the scarf would hide her distinctive reddish gold hair.
    She hurried to the building and pulled open the old-fashioned door. A red and gray sign pointed to a glass door on the first floor.
    McCann’s Gym was sleek and modern. A quick glance at the reception area told Nancy the gym was designed primarily for men. Through the glass doors, Nancy could see nothing much but punching bags, tackling blocks, and free weights. Scattered throughout, men were straining to lift heavy weights free-form. Pete’s burly form and distinctive red hair were nowhere to be seen. Nancy stepped inside.
    A good-looking, dark-haired guy wearing a form-fitting red T-shirt with a McCann’s logo stepped up to the maroon and black reception counter.
    â€œCan I help you?” he asked. “Looking for someone?”
    â€œHi,” said Nancy, lifting her sunglasses to thetop of her scarf-covered head, “Um, actually, I was thinking of joining McCann’s.”
    The guy behind the counter shot her a grin. “We don’t have many female members. In fact, we don’t have any.”
    â€œReally? Why not?”
    â€œWell, this is what some people call a rockhead gym,” he said. “It’s not for everybody.”
    â€œI’m not sure I understand,” said Nancy, confused. She’d never heard the term before. “What’s a rockhead?”
    The guy behind the counter smiled and explained, “A rockhead is a body fanatic. Somebody who pumps iron for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We say they’re built like rocks with brains to match.”
    Nancy laughed at the joke. “Are you including yourself in that description?” she asked.
    â€œMe? Oh, no. Actually, I’m the house intellectual,” he countered with a grin and a wink.
    â€œWell, could I at least see some literature?” she asked.
    â€œSure. I know we keep brochures around here somewhere. There’s a lounge around this corner, if you want to wait there.”
    With that, he sauntered off, disappearing behind a door marked Employees Only. Alone, Nancy glanced around again.
    As far as she could tell, Pete wasn’t in the gym. If he was in the locker room or shower, she’dhave no chance of finding him. Still, the receptionist might know something about Pete. Nancy decided to wait in the lounge until he came back with the brochures.
    Before Nancy could