at a phone booth on her way home to make that second threatening call to Marta; that might explain her renewed good mood. So far, it certainly seemed as though they were trying to sabotage each other.
Nancy drummed her fingers on the kitchen table, concentrating. Somehow it seemed too neat. And then there were the reporters and photographers. How did they fit in?
âNancy?â said Cheryl. Her voice sounded loud, as if she had already spoken three or four times without any response.
Nancy blinked. âSorry, what is it?â
âI was wondering if you have a bathing suit I could borrow,â Cheryl said. âWeâre about the same size, I think.â
âI guess so. Why?â
âThey announced yesterday that the high school pool will be open for us during the games,â Cheryl explained. âI thought Iâd take advantage of it. Thereâs nothing like a few fast laps to soothe you and cool you off.â
Nancy nodded. âIâm sure I can come up with something,â she said.
âBring one for yourself, too,â Cheryl called as Nancy started up the stairs. âI love to have company when I swim.â
â¢Â â¢Â â¢
Nancy dropped Cheryl off at the locker room and strolled over to the athletic field. The stands were already starting to fill up with spectators, and the athletes were gathering on the grass near one end of the stands, waiting for the opening parade.
Nancy walked in their direction. She had been hoping to talk to Marta that morningâabout the second phone call and about the previous nightâs attackâbut so far she hadnât seen the German girl or her trainer.
As Nancy approached the athletes, Willy waved and called to her. Annelise was standing next to him.
âGood morning,â he said, smiling, as Nancy came over. âWhat a beautiful day, isnât it?â
âIt sure is,â Nancy replied, glancing around her. âHi, Annelise. Are you enjoying your visit to River Heights so far?â
âYes,â the Swiss girl said. âIt is very nice here.â
âCan you tell me about the history of your town?â Willy asked Nancy. âThe history of America interests me very much.â
âI can tell you a little, I think,â Nancy said. She searched her mind for some of the local history she had had to learn in grade school. âLetâs seeââ
âAttention, please,â a loud voice rang out, and Nancy turned to see a man in a blue satinwindbreaker who was speaking into a bullhorn. âWill the athletes please take their places for the opening parade.â
âExcuse me,â Willy said. He and Annelise moved over to where the other athletes were lining up. Just then Cheryl came jogging over, on her way back from the gym. She took her place among the other athletes, wearing a very solemn expression. This moment clearly meant a lot to her.
There was a stir in the crowd, and Helga Roth appeared, holding the arm of the official in the blue windbreaker. She was talking rapidly, and although her voice was too low for Nancy to hear her words, Helgaâs whole body conveyed a sense of urgent intensity. The official listened, shook his head, then listened some more.
From the loudspeakers came the opening music of a lively march. The athletes straightened their ranks, and as the first of the competitors stepped out onto the track, the spectators began to cheer.
But at that moment, Helga shouted, âThere! Cheryl Pierceâshe is the one!â
8
A Serious Charge
At the sound of her name, Cheryl stopped so abruptly that the young woman behind her in line almost tripped over her.
âExcuse me, miss,â the man in the blue wind-breaker said to Cheryl. He took her arm and led her out of the line. âWould you mind coming with me, please?â
Nancy moved closer so she could hear.
Cheryl stared at the man, then looked back at the parading athletes. Over half
Zoe Sharp
Back in the Saddle (v5.0)
Sloan Parker
Morgan Bell
Dave Pelzer
Leandra Wild
Truman Capote
Unknown
Tina Wainscott
Melissa Silvey