Sweet Revenge by Carolyn Keene Page B

Sawyer.”

Chapter

Seven
    S EEING N ANCY , Samantha turned to her.
    â€œNancy, I know Tim didn’t do it. You’ve got to find out what really happened,” she begged. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. “I don’t have anyone else to turn to!”
    Samantha let out a little moan as the police led Tim toward the door. She, Nancy, Bess, and George followed them outside and stood watching as the police car sped away with Tim inside.
    â€œI’ll be happy to take on the case,” Nancy told Samantha quietly. She didn’t mention that she’d already begun investigating. “Should we talk in your office?”
    â€œI guess that would be better than broadcasting all my problems to the guests,” Samantha said with a wan smile. “They know more than enough already.”
    Straightening up with determination, she led the way through the lobby and down the hall to her office. Samantha sat at her desk, motioning the girls toward chairs.
    â€œThe whole inn must know Tim was arrested,” Samantha groaned.
    â€œMaybe that’s best right now,” Nancy suggested. “If your guests think the problem’s been taken care of, they might start to relax again. And if the real culprit is someone else—and if he or she thinks that Tim is the only suspect—then that person might start getting careless.”
    â€œSo you don’t suspect Tim?” Samantha asked, brightening. “Oh, I’m so glad!”
    â€œWell, I certainly don’t think the case against him is airtight,” Nancy replied carefully. “It’s the fight Tim picked with Brock that makes him the most likely suspect to the police. But picking a fight with someone is a long way from poisoning him.”
    â€œThat’s right,” George put in hopefully.
    â€œI know Tim didn’t poison Brock,” Samantha said firmly. “He—he certainly had a motive. But I’ve known Tim for a long time. There’s no way he’d be so vicious.”
    â€œI hope you’re right,” said Nancy, “And if he didn’t, then we need to find out if anyone else has a bone to pick with Brock Sawyer.” She got to her feet. “Why don’t you go back to your guests now, Samantha, while we get to work. The minute we turn something up, we’ll let you know.”
    A sheepish expression came over Samantha’sface as she asked, “How would you feel about keeping me company for lunch? I don’t feel as if I can face eating in the dining room with all those people around.” She plucked nervously at one of the combs in her hair. “I’ve got a few phone calls to make, but then would you like to grab a sandwich in here with me?”
    â€œSounds great,” said Nancy. They agreed to meet in forty-five minutes.
    â€œI didn’t want to say this in front of Samantha,” Nancy told her friends when they were out in the lobby, “but we definitely can’t rule Tim out. There’s no way I can question him when he’s in police custody, though. Let’s start our questioning with Dan Avery, since I did hear him make a threat about getting some actor. It’s about time we found out what he was talking about. George, you want to come along?”
    â€œWhat about me? Should I question Brock?” Bess asked hopefully.
    â€œNot quite,” Nancy told her, smiling. “You can do the next best thing and spend time getting to know Jake Tagley better.”
    Bess’s blue eyes widened. “You think Jake’s a suspect? What could he have against Brock?”
    â€œI have no idea,” said Nancy, “but he may be able to shed some light on what the people around the inn think of Brock. Just turn on the charm, Bess, and see what you come up with.”
    â€œYou’ve got it!” Bess said brightly. Then, gesturing to her stained T-shirt and shorts, she added, “But first I’d better change. I