The Cheating Heart by Carolyn Keene Page A

out. “You know how you felt when you were accused. This slip of paper is such slim evidence. First let me confront Carrie in person. I’ll call and arrange to meet her.”
    Ned stood behind Nancy as she called Carrie from the phone on the front hall desk. A group of freshmen were milling about on the porch as she dialed. She ducked her head to hear the phone’s ringing over the noise of hearty male voices. Carrie’s line rang and rang, but no one picked up.
    Hanging up, Nancy turned to Ned and shrugged. “She’s not in.” Ned groaned, and Nancy patted his arm sympathetically. “Don’tworry, I’ll try again later. Let’s just concentrate on the party. Show me where I’m supposed to work, okay?”
    Ned led her to a nearby table just inside the front door. As the freshmen came in, he explained, she was supposed to ask their names and write out name tags for them.
    For the next two hours a steady stream of freshmen poured through the door. Some stayed for only ten or fifteen minutes, then drifted on to other frat houses. Others stayed for an hour or more, trying hard to impress the Omega Chi brothers. Though the faces began to blur together, Nancy made an effort to smile at everyone graciously. She knew how important this party was to Ned. Though the formal fraternity rush wouldn’t take place until February, many guys were already deciding which house they wanted to join or pledge.
    A couple of times Nancy caught Ned’s eye across the crowded room, and they traded smiles. Then someone would steer Ned away.
    Around five o’clock, Paul dropped by Nancy’s table with a glass of punch. “How are you holding up?” he asked.
    â€œI’m getting writer’s cramp from all these name tags,” Nancy admitted, grinning. “But it’s great that you guys attracted such a crowd.”
    Paul nodded. “On a different subject,” he continued in a low voice. “Ned invited me tocome to the concert tonight with you and him. I understand that Brook will be coming, too.”
    Nancy laughed and was about to tease Paul, but she was interrupted when she saw someone familiar out of the corner of her eye—Steve Groff. He was shouldering his way through the crowded doorway. With his athletic build, he looked constricted in his navy blazer and red tie.
    â€œName, please?” Nancy asked when he reached her table.
    Steve barely looked at her at first. “Groff. G-R-O-F-F. Steve Groff,” he said brusquely.
    Nancy bent her head and copied his name onto a name tag sticker. As she handed it to him, their eyes met and he did a double take. “You again,” he snorted. “What are you doing, tailing me?”
    Paul leaned forward. “Can I help you?” he asked, trying to distract Steve.
    Steve focused on Paul and his expression became less guarded. “Didn’t I meet you at the English office the other day?” he asked gruffly.
    â€œOh, yes, I remember,” Paul said, taking Steve by the arm. “I’m Paul DiToma. Can I introduce you around?” He led Steve away.
    Nancy kept an eye on Steve and Paul as they crossed the room together. Nancy couldn’t hear their conversation over the hubbub, but she could hear the tones their voices took. She could also tell a lot by watching their faces. Paul was feeling annoyed, but tried to speak to Stevepleasantly. Steve made one short, sarcastic reply. Paul winced and answered Steve coolly.
    Boy, this Groff guy is really spoiling for trouble, Nancy thought to herself.
    Steve stood a good three inches taller than Paul, and he was at least twenty-five pounds heavier. As their strained conversation built into an obvious quarrel, he used his physical advantage to intimidate Paul, leaning over and jabbing his finger against Paul’s chest.
    Nancy twisted around in her chair, looking for help. The Omega Chi brothers were on guard for situations like this. She saw Jerry