Sinister Paradise by Carolyn Keene

balloon with the air leaking out. “But—but—but—!” He sounded like an old motorboat.
    â€œYes, Alice. Of course, Alice. Good day!” Ross hung up quickly. He pressed a crumpled handkerchief to his lips, then turned to face Nancy and her friends. “Ahem! Perhaps I was a little brusque before.”
    He dismissed the bank guards, then told Jack Showalter, “I’d like you to serve as the bank’s liaison in this matter.” Turning to Nancy, he said, “Since we have to work together on this, I suppose we should make the best of it.” He spread his hands in mock invitation. “How can I help?”
    â€œI’d like to look at the safety deposit vault, if you don’t mind.” Nancy circled the table. “And I’d like to ask you a few questions.”
    Ross Rafferty led them all downstairs. The vault was as large as a barn, with a huge circular door. Inside, a tall Japanese man was examining some papers. He had iron-gray hair, a bristling mustache, and mournful eyes that reminded Nancy of a basset hound’s.
    â€œNancy, this is Mitsuo Kaimonsaki, the president of the bank.” Ross caught Nancy’s questioning glance and explained, “I’m chief executive officer of the company that owns the bank. Mitsuo here is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the bank itself.”
    Mr. Kaimonsaki cocked a slim eyebrow. “This is related to the matter of Mrs. Faulkner’s grand-daughter?”
    â€œYes,” Nancy replied. “Mr. Kaimonsaki, didyou suspect anything Friday when you let Lisa into this vault?”
    â€œNot at all,” he answered. “Lisa ran errands for her mother on several occasions.”
    That fit with what Diana had told Nancy. “Tell me, who had access to Ms. Faulkner’s safety deposit box?”
    Rafferty seemed to bristle at the phrase “Ms. Faulkner.” Nancy guessed that the divorce hadn’t been his idea.
    â€œThe immediate family,” Kaimonsaki replied. “Alice, Diana, and Lisa. Bank employees need authorization to enter the vault—a pass signed by the three highest officers of the bank. The officers, of course, have routine access to the safety deposit boxes.”
    â€œWho are they?” asked Nancy.
    â€œMyself, Mr. Rafferty, and Amy Sorenson, the bank’s vice-president.”
    Nancy nodded in understanding. “Could I talk to Ms. Sorenson?”
    â€œPerhaps later. She’ll be back soon.” Kaimonsaki looked apologetic.
    Ross Rafferty fingered his tie. “Mitsuo, why don’t you show Nancy’s friends around the bank? She and I have to talk.”
    As soon as the others had gone, Rafferty said, “Nancy, I’m afraid I may have given you the wrong impression a little while ago.” He smiled feebly. “We’ve all been under such a strain these past few days. Some of us more than others.”Nancy said nothing. Rafferty rushed to fill the conversational gap. “I—I don’t know what Diana may have told you, but, well—I’m quite fond of Lisa, even if she isn’t my natural daughter. I want Lisa home safe and sound. The same as you and Alice.”
    Nancy wasn’t convinced. “Mr. Rafferty,” she asked, “why didn’t you want to cooperate with me?”
    â€œI was afraid your involvement in this matter would upset an already delicate situation. The bank has certain—difficulties. I’m not at liberty to discuss them. Forgive me. Of course, I’m willing to give you all the help I can.”
    Sure you are! Nancy thought tartly. She was remembering what Dawn Burnham had told her about Lisa’s home life. Ross Rafferty would never win a Father of the Year award!
    Nancy wondered if Ross’s “difficulties” had something to do with his stepdaughter’s disappearance. Was Ross Rafferty a man with a closet full of nasty secrets?
    Would one of those secrets get