The Mystery of Adventure Island by Paul Moxham Page B

the details,” Nancy said. “Just trust me. Besides, what we really need is to discover where the paintings are. Once we know that, I’ll contact headquarters, and they’ll send along plenty of men.”
    The children fell silent as the boat passed by. Will looked at Nancy . “Can we go back with you?”
    Nancy frowned. “Why?”
    “Out boat got damaged on some rocks, and I’m not sure if it will get us to the mainland,” Will replied.
    The woman hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. But enough talk. Does anyone have any idea where else we can search?”
    “We could search the church and storehouse,” Joe said.
    “ Oka y, let’s go there now,” the woman replied.
    The group moved off, heading towards the ruined buildings. Arriving at the church, Joe was the last one to enter the building and, as he did so, he thought he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye.
    Turning around, he spotted Luke, the one with the ponytail, heading in their direction. He rushed over to the others. “One of the men is coming this way!”
    Everyone stopped what they were doing as they peered out of the doorway.
    “Do you think he saw us?” Nancy said.
    “I don’t know, but if we stand here for much longer he will.” Joe leaned against the wall. “We need to hide.”
    Nancy shook her head. “I need to find those paintings now. So, instead of us running all over the island, why don’t we ask that man?”
    Will looked at the woman. “What? Why would he tell us anything. ”
    Nancy reached into her pocket and pulled out a pistol. “This can be a very persuasive tool if you use it right.”
    Joe stared at the gun. “Why are you carrying that?”
    “I’m a police officer, remember?” Nancy said. “Don’t worry, it isn’t as though I’m going to shoot him. I just want to find out about the paintings.”
    “So what do you suggest we do?” Amy said.
    “If you can make some noises, he’ll come and investigate, and I’ll use the weapon as motivation for him to tell us,” Nancy said.
    “I can make a noise like a cat,” Sarah suggested.
    Nancy nodded. “That should do it. If only we could trip him up as well.” She glanced around, trying to spot something that would do the job. But there was nothing.
    “We’ll have to trip him up using our legs,” Joe said.
    “Let’s get into position then.” Nancy and Will stood by the door while the girls hid below the window. Joe kept his eye on the man from another window. As Luke walked closer, the girls started their performance.
    “Meow,” Amy said.
    “Meow, meow,” Sarah said.
    Joe saw Luke stop and stare in the direction of the storehouse. He then walked on, but stopped once more as the girls continued to make cat noises. Frowning, he turned and walked towards the storehouse. Joe motioned to the others that the man was coming and everyone fell silent.
    The footsteps got louder as the man approached. He stepped through the open door and glanced around. His eyes caught sight of the girls and his facial expression turned from one of amazement to one of anger. He strode towards them.
    Luke didn’t see the foot that tripped him and he fell to the ground. But he did see the pistol that was pointed at him as he attempted to get up. This was evident by the way he raised his hands straight away. “Don’t shoot!”
    “On your feet now!” the woman said.
    As the man stood up, a thin smile flickered across his face. “Long time no see, Julie.”
    Will frowned and glanced at Nancy . “Do you know this man?”
    Nancy shook her head. “ Nev er seen him in my life. Now, about the—”
    Luke spat on the ground as he heard Nancy ’s response. “You haven’t changed, have you, Julie?”
    “Where are the paintings?” Nancy asked. Luke was silent.
    “If you help us, the police will go easier on you,” Will stated.
    “What do the police have to do with this?” Luke sneered.
    “Everything,” Will answered . “We’re going to take the painting to the police with