ChapterOne

DO I LOOK OKAY?” Nancy Drew’s friend Bess Marvin asked. “I mean—do Ireally lookokay?”Bess straightenedherblackvelvetchokerandpushedbackastrandofblondhair.

“Youlookterrific!”NancysaidastheypulledawayinNancy’sblueMustang.“Gosh,Bess,you’dthinkyouweregoingonadatewithahotnewguyinsteadoftoabooksigningatastuffydowntownhotel.IfIdidn’tknowhowmuchyouloveromancenovels,I’dwonderwhathadgottenintoyou.”

Besshadpulleddownthesunvisorandlookedinthemirrortoexaminehermakeup. After reapplying a coat of Fabulous Grape lip gloss, Bess turned toaddressherfriend.“NancyDrew,youknowEsmeMoorejusthappenstobethehottest romance writer going, and this is a very special occasion. Esme hasn’tbeenhometoRiverHeightsforyears.Andshe’splannedanincrediblefewdaystocelebrateherhomecoming.”

Nancy negotiated a turn and whipped onto the expressway headed towarddowntownRiverHeights.Onceshe’dgottenthemsafelyintotheflowoftraffic,Nancysmoothedher reddishblondhairbackbehindherearsandsaid,“Whatexactlyisplanned?”

“Well—youwon’tbedisappointed,”Bess saidmysteriously.She rummagedaroundinherpurseandbroughtoutawell-thumbedbrochurethathadabrightredheartonitscover.“EsmeMoore’snewbookiscalledPassion,andit’sbeingreleased this weekend, in time for Valentine’s Day.” Bess’s sigh was full oflonginganddespair. “What Iwouldn’tgive tohaveadateonValentine’sDaythisyear!”Besssaid,forgettingtotellNancytheweekendplans.

Nancysmiledherunderstanding.BesshadfallenhardforKyleDonovan,anassistantinNancy’sfather’slawoffice,butKylewasnowinlawschool,andBessrarely got to seehim.Besides,whenKyle left to start school,he andBesshadagreedthatthematurethingwouldbeforthemtocooltheirrelationship.Theyvisited each other occasionally, and they dated other people. Still, Bess hadn’tmetanyonewhosetherheartpoundingasKyledid!

“I’vebeenthere,”Nancysaidreassuringly.“Oh,Nan,” said Bess, her blue eyes reflecting her concern. “I should have

remembered.Youof all people knowwhat it’s like tokeepup a long-distanceromance.MaybeNedwillsurpriseyouforValentine’sDay.”

Nancybecamepensiveatthethoughtofherboyfriend,NedNickerson.Sincehe went to Emerson College, Nancy only got to see him on vacations andholidays. Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day was neither. It hadn’t been easy forNed andNancy tomaintain a long-distance relationship, and there had beentimeswhentheirfeelingsforeachotherhadbeenputtothetest,butthroughoutitalltheymanagedtorememberhowimportanttheyweretoeachother.Untilrecently, that is. Lately, she andNed had been fighting a lot, andValentine’sDaywasthecauseofoneoftheirfights.NedwasbusywithabigresearchpaperandwantedNancytocometoEmersonforavisit,butNancyhadpromisedBessto go to Esme Moore’s book signing. She didn’t want to cancel out on herfriend. The last time she talked to Ned about it, he’d been hurt anddisappointed, and Nancy felt bad about letting him down. Still, there wasnothingshecoulddo.She’dpromisedBess.

“Doyouthinkhe’llsurpriseyou?”Besspressed.Shakingherselfoutofherreverie,Nancywentbacktopayingattentiontothe

lightearly-afternoontraffic.“I’mafraidnot,Bess,”shesaid,startingofftheexitramp.“Ned’sgotapaperduenextweek,sohe’llbegrindingawayallweekend.”

“Kyle’s the sameway,” said Bess with a laugh. “Even he didn’t expect lawschool to be so tough.” For a moment Nancy glimpsed the sadness on herfriend’s face andunderstoodhowhard the separationwas forBess.Amomentlater,though,Bess’sfacebrightenedandshewascheckinghermakeuponelasttime.“If I happen tomeet somegorgeous guy today, and if hehappens to beinterestedinme,andifIlikehim,too,domeafavor,Nan.”

“What’sthat?”Nancyasked.“Remindmenottogetseriousabouthim,”Bessstatedflatly.“KyleDonovan

wasitforme.Iamnever,Irepeatnever,gettingseriousaboutanotherguyagain!Ithurtstoomuchwhenitgetscomplicated.”

“Iknow,Bess,anddon’tworry,I’llremindyou,”Nancypromised.NancywasfamiliarwiththehotelwhereEsmeMoorewasholdingherbook

signing,becauseherfather,CarsonDrew,hadhislawofficesnearby.EsmehadafullscheduleofeventsattheBarringtonHoteltocelebratethereleaseofPassionand her birthday, which just happened to fall on Valentine’s Day, Bessexplained.BothgirlsdrewinasharpbreathastheypulledintotheBarrington’ssweeping,circulardriveway.Limousineslinedtheway,andthehotel’sdoormenand porters were busily escorting well-dressed guests and all their luggagethroughthebrass-accentedrevolvingdoors.

“Wow,”saidBess.“Esmesurehasrichfriends.Arewedressedupenough?”“For a book signing?” Nancy asked. “I should hope so. Who are all these

peopleanyway?”Besssteppedoutofthecar,smoothedhergreenvelvetdressunderherwool

plaid coat, and nervously fingered the choker at her throat. “Esme’s a star,Nancy,”Besssaid.“Withstarpower.”

NancybuttonedhergreencoatandgavethevaletherkeysbeforejoiningBessat thehotelentrance.Justaheadof themanattractiveblondwomanturnedtothemanshewaswithandsaid,“DoyouthinkGiancarlowillbehere?”

“Does she go anywherewithout hermascot?” theman shot back.The twobrokeoutinlaughterandheadedfortheregistrationdesk.

“Didyou seewho thatwas?”BesswhisperedatNancyafter thecouplewasgone.AtNancy’sblanklook,Bessrolledhereyesandsaid,“LeeMichelle!Esme’sarchrival.Ican’tbelieveshe’shere.Andlook—”Besspointedoutatall,brown-hairedmanattheelevators.“That’sToddGilbert.”

“NottheToddGilbert,”Nancysaid.“Theoneandonly,”Besssaid,watchingTodddisappearintoanelevator.“I

read inFacesmagazine thatTodd’s trying for a comeback—with apart in themovieversionofTellingAll,Esme’ssoon-to-be-releasedautobiography.”

Nancynoddedalmostwithout thinking.Besshadbeen fillingherearswithEsmetriviasinceshe’dfoundoutthatherfavoriteromancewriterwascomingtoRiverHeights.AlongwithEsme’snovelPassion,herautobiography,TellingAll,wastobepublishedsoon.Theauthorwasstillmaking last-minuterevisions totheautobiography,butalreadytherewasintenseinterestinthebook,bothfromthepublicandfromthevariouspeopleEsmehadknownandaboutwhomshewaswriting.

“Ibetthisplaceisfullofpeoplewhowouldlovetogettheirhandsonacopyof thatmanuscript,” Bess said. “Esme’s promising to tell the truth, thewholetruth,andnothingbut the truth.Therearea lotofpowerfulpeoplewhowishshe’dlieaboutthem—atleastjustalittle!”

“Look,”Nancy said,pointing toadark-hairedwomanstridingpurposefullythroughthelobby.

“BrendaCarlton!”Besssaid.“Twoguesseswhatshe’sdoinghere.”Nancy shrugged. “Her father must have sent her to cover the event for

Today’sTimes.”“Watchout,”Besswarned.“She’scomingourway.”A moment later Brenda Carlton was standing next to them, flashing both

BessandNancyahugesmile.“Surprise,surprise.Isupposeyou’rehereforthesamereasonIam?”

“Ifit’stoseeEsmeMoore,thenyes,”Bessofferedgrudgingly.

Brenda’s green eyes shone as she flipped back her black hair to announce,“Well,guesswhohasahotleadonMs.EsmeMoore?”

“Itwouldn’tbeyou,Brenda,wouldit?”Nancysaid,raisinganeyebrow.“Noneother,”Brendasaidsmugly.Shetappedherpencilonthejournalist’s

notebookshecarriedandcheckedherwatch.“Unfortunately,Idon’thavetimetostandaroundandbrag.Thebooksigning’ssupposedtostartanyminute.Seeyouthere!I’llbetheonewiththeshockingrevelation.”

Bessnarrowedherblue eyes asBrendawalked away. “Idon’t evenwant tothinkaboutthesleazythingsshe’supto.”

“Lightenup,Bess,”saidNancy.“Brendamaygooverboardsometimes,butshe’shelpedusoutonafewoccasions,too.”

“Iguess,”Bessadmitted.“Don’taskmetolikeher,though.”Nancylaughed,happyforherfriend’sloyalty.BecauseNancywasatalented

detectiveandBrendawasareporterforherfather’snewspaper,theyhadgoneupagainst each other more than once, matching investigative skills. Nancy waslevelheadedandcautious.Brendawasimpulsiveandnotalwayscarefultocheckherfacts.

“Comeon,”Bessurged.“Esme’sbooksigningisabouttostart.”BessledNancythroughthehotellobbyandalongaplush,carpetedhall.The

Barringtonhadundergoneamillion-dollar renovation recently, and it showed.Therich,darkpanelinghadbeenrefinishedandthebronzedetailinghadbeenpolished until it gleamed. On the ceiling, original frescoes from the latenineteenthcenturywererestored,andangelslitthewayfromonhigh.

In the sun-room the opulence became more intimate. Oversize sofas andarmchairs, upholstered in rich browns and reds, were set among expensiveantiques. Bay windows lined three sides of the room, and the late-afternoonsunlight cast awarmglowon the oil paintings hanging on thewalls.Out thewindowtheroomfacedanenormousgarden.Theoveralleffectwasunderstatedbutelegant.

“Hurry!”BesspushedNancyforwardintothecrowd.“Esmeshouldbehereanyminute.Idon’twanttogetstuckattheback.”

Sure enough, a blond-hairedwomandressed in a tailoredwinterwhite suitwasatthelectern,callingthecrowdtoattention.Aroundthem,Nancyspottedseveralwell-knownfaces,includingthoseofToddGilbertandEsme’srival,LeeMichelle. Nancy couldn’t believe that Esme could attract people like VanessaHopkins, the hotmodel, but there shewas, alongwith her newhusband, therocker Billy Bolt. The couple were sitting next to Jesse Dean, the youngerbrotheroftheactorJacksonDean,andanup-and-comingstarhimself.Itseemedthateverywheresheturned,Nancyspottedanactorormusicianorwriter.

“It’slikebeingatanincrediblenightclub,”Bessmarveled,herblueeyeswidewithdelight.“Wow!”

Nancy had to agree. “You were right, Bess. Esme is a star, with real starpower.”

“Itoldyou,”Besssaid.“Please take a seat,” the blond-haired woman urged. “There are several

comfortablesofasandarmchairsupfront.”BessandNancy sat in the front row.Thewomanat the lectern introduced

herselfasJanineHalpern,Esme’spublicist.Aftergivingashortintroductioninwhich she highlighted some of the major successes of Esme’s career, Janinefinished, “But enough about her accomplishments. Let’s have you meet thewomanherself—inperson.”

The sun-room’s double doors opened and Esme entered, followed by astunninglyhandsomemanandayoungerwomaninblack.Esmewasdressedinflowingredpantsandamatchingredsilkshirt.Atherthroat,sheworeadoublestrandofpearls.Shestrodeintotheroomsmilingandconfident,hergreeneyesshiningandherdark,shoulder-lengthhairswinging.

“Hello, everybody,” Esme said into the microphone, her voice deep andhusky.“Iseesomedear friendshere,andIwanttothankyouall forcoming.”Esmereachedovertothestackofbooksonthetablebesideher,pickedoneup,andhelditaloft.TheredandgoldcoverofPassionglintedasEsmeshowedittothe crowd. “This one is hot!” she said, laughing lightly. “Please don’t be shyaboutcominguptohavemesignacopyforyou.IpromisedJanineI’dstartbyansweringquestions.Who’sfirst?”

Atall,brown-hairedgirlwearingjeansandadenimjacketstoodupandsaid,“Uh,Iwaswondering.IsGiancarloyourhusband?”

Themanwho’d come into the roomwith Esme smiled, displaying perfectwhite teeth and high cheekbones. He stood up in the front row, ran a handthroughhishair,amassofdarkcurls,andsaidinasoftlyaccentedvoice,“Iamindeed.”

“DidyouhaveaquestionforGiancarlo?”Esmeaskedgraciously.The girl stammered and blushed. “Uh-um, no, not really. I thought I

recognizedhimfromhispicture.That’sall.”Esmesmiledandsaid,“SometimesGiancarlogetsmoreattentionthanIdo,

butIdon’tmind.Irealizehe’salotbetterlooking!”The crowd laughed.Giancarlo blewEsme a kiss and sat back down. Esme

answeredseveralmorequestions,someofthemaboutPassionandhowshecameto write it, others about Telling All and when it would appear.Nancy foundherselfmesmerizedbythewoman—hercharm,hergrace,howsheputeveryone

atease.Shehadexpectedthat someoneasglamorousasEsmemightbea littlefake,buttheoppositewastrue.

Bess, meanwhile, was in seventh heaven. She hung on the woman’s everyword,laughingathereverylittlejoke.NancycouldtellthatBesswouldbefirstinlinetobuyasignedcopyofPassion.

Janine was about to call an end to the questions whenNancy saw BrendaCarlton leap fromher seat, notebook inhand. “Ms.Moore,”Brenda shouted.“Thepublicityforyourautobiographymakesalotofthefactthatthebookwillbethetruth,withnoholdsbarred.Isthatafaircharacterization?”

Esme smiled ruefully and scanned the crowd. “There are some people herewhowouldpreferIdidn’t tell the truth,but,yes,TellingAllwillbeabsolutelyhonest.”

“ThenwhyistherearumorinNewYorkthatTellingAllisgoingtobeabigdisappointment?”Brendapressed.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,”Esmesaid,bristling.“Forexample—”Brendacheckedhernotebook.“Willyoutelltherealtruth

aboutyourex-businesspartnerBarryHobbes?OryourrelationshipwithToddGilbert and why it ended? Or the secrets you know about your rival, LeeMichelle?”

Esme stood her ground. “You pretend to know a lot about me. Who areyou?”

“BrendaCarlton,Today’sTimes.”“Well, Brenda, I suggest you do some fact-checking the next time you ask

rudeandunprofessionalquestions,”Esmesaid.Nancy held her breath. Brenda had bluffed her way through a lot of

situations,butEsmeMoorewasobviously apro.She stoodbeside the lectern,hergreeneyesnarrowedonBrenda.

“What’sBrendatalkingabout?”Besswhispered.“Ithinkwe’regoingtofindout,”Nancysaid.“Youhavefivesecondstoexplainyourcomments,”Esmepressed.“I’dbehappyto.”BrendaloweredhernotebookandturnedhergazetoEsme

herself.“IhaveareliablesourcewhoswearsthatTellingAll isnothingbut lies.Whatdoyouhavetosaytothat?”

ChapterTwo

I’MNOTGOINGTOsinktoyourleveltoanswerunsubstantiatedrumors,”Esmesaidcalmly,glaringatBrendaCarlton.

“Doyoudenytheaccusation?”Brendademanded.Although she was restraining herself, Esme was obviously on the verge of

losing her composure.Nancy felt the crowd grow restless. Flasheswent off asphotographerscapturedEsme’sstonyexpression.AfterBrenda’saccusation,theaudiencehadletoutacollectiveaudiblegasp,andnowtheywerestartingtotalkamongthemselves.Esmeknewshewaslosingheraudience.

“Nancy,we’vegottodosomething,”Bessurged.“Wecan’tletBrendastandthereandruinEsme’sreputation.”

WhileBrendawenton,pressingEsmeforananswer,NancyassumedJaninewouldjumpintostopher.ThepublicistonlynoddedandwaitedpatientlyforBrendatoaskeveryoneofherquestions,leavingEsmeutterlyvulnerable.WhenBrendawasdone,Janinestoodupatthepodiumandsaid,“Wehaveheardtheseaccusationsbefore.Theyareuntrue.UnlikeEsme’sotherbooks,TellingAllwillnotbeaworkoffiction!”

“Esme!Esme!”aphotographercalledout.Whentheauthorturnedhisway,the man caught Esme at her angriest and most vulnerable. More reportersjumpedupfromtheirseatsaroundtheperimeteroftheroomanddemandedanexplanationforBrenda’saccusation.Janineshoutedfortheaudiencetocomposeitself.Allthewhile,NancywatchedEsmedrawdeepbreaths,obviouslytryingtocalmherself.

Besswasright.Nancycouldn’tjustsitbyandletthechaoscontinue.“Comeon,”shesaidtoBess.“Weneedtostopthisatthesource.”

With that, Nancy led the way to where Brenda was standing. When theyoungreportersawBessandNancy,hergreeneyesflashed—infearorsurprise,Nancycouldn’ttell—butshepromptlyputhernotebookaway.

“I’dliketoaskyouafewquestions,Brenda,”Nancystatedflatly.“Suchas?”Brendaasked.

Nancy crossed her arms and eyed the reporter suspiciously. “Who’s yoursource?” Nancy demanded. “You and I both know that as a responsiblejournalist,youcan’tgoaroundmakingaccusationswithoutconfirmationfromatleasttwosources.”

A flicker of fear passed overBrenda’s face, andNancy knewher suspicionswerewellfounded.Brendawasobviouslyonafishingexpedition,andprobablyhadnothingmorethanrumorstobackupherquestions.

“I’ve got a source,” Brenda insisted, her eyes narrowed to show herdetermination. “Someone who swears to have proof that Esme Moore’sautobiographyis”—Brendacheckedhernotebookandreadfromapage—“hereit is: ‘EsmeMoore is a fake, and that book of hers is a pack of lies.’That’s adirectquote.”

“Fromwhom?”Bessdemanded,reachingforBrenda’snotepad.“Noneof yourbusiness!”Brenda cried.She shoved thenotebookback into

herblackbag.The crowd had quieted down, and Esme was actually signing books. The

reporters had cornered Janine, and Brenda, sensing that waswhere the actionwas,gathereduphercoatandfollowed.

“There goes trouble,” saidBess. “I’ve seen that fire inBrenda’s eyesbefore,and Inever likewhat comesof it.Why is shegoing afterEsme?”Besswailed.“She’s a great person and doesn’t need trouble from someone like BrendaCarlton.”

“It’snotBrendawho’sgoingafterEsme,”Nancy toldher friend. “Brenda’ssourceisthepersonwhowantstogetatEsme.Thequestionis,whoandwhy?”

While Bess got in line to buy a copy of Esme’s book and have it signed,Nancy sat down and waited for her friend. Something nagged at her aboutBrenda’s questions and Esme’s responses. Then she remembered what it was:Janinehadsaidthattheywereawareoftheaccusationsandrumors.SoBrenda’slineofquestioningwasn’tnewtothem.IfNancywasright,someonehadalreadybeen after Esme. Therefore Brenda’s questioning could be part of a largerattempttoruinEsme’sreputationbybrandingheraliar.

WhenBesscameback,asignedcopyofPassioninherhandandstarsinhereyes, Nancy shared her suspicions with her friend. Bess’s stars immediatelydimmed.

“We’vegot tohelpher,Nan,”Bessurged.“Let’s tellEsmewewant to findoutwho’sbeenspreadingtheserumors.”

“My idea exactly,” saidNancy. “ButwillEsmewantourhelp?Myguess isthatsheorherpublisherhasalreadyinvestigatedtherumors.”

“Maybe,”Besssaid.“Maybenot.Wedon’tknowtillweask!”

InalittlewhileEsmefinishedsigningherbooksand,alongwithGiancarlo,Janine,andtheyounggirlinblack,lefttheroom.Photographerspackeduptheirequipment and hotel staff busied themselves rearranging the sofas and chairs.Nancy andBessmade theirway from the room to themaindesk,where theyfound out Esme’s room number. In the elevator up to the sixth floor, whereEsme had a suite, Nancy made a mental list of the questions she’d ask thewomanifEsmeagreedtoletherinvestigate.

“How longhave they been going on?”Nancy askedherself. “Andhowdidtheystart?Phonecalls?Notes?Isyourpublisherawareofthesituation?Ifso,hasheorshedoneanythingtofindoutwho’sbehindtherumors?”

“Nancy.” Bess prodded her friend in the side with her finger and glancedaroundtheelevator.Severalpassengerssmiledatthetwogirls.“You’retalkingtoyourself.”

“Iwasthinking,”Nancywhisperedback.“Out loud,”Bess informedher,awide smile spreadingacrossher face.“It’s

because you’re excited to be on a case,” Bess remarked. “That way you don’thavetospendValentine’sDayalone.Youcanspenditwithamystery!”

Onthesixthfloor,NancyandBessfoundEsme’scornersuiteattheendofalong corridor. The door was closed, but whenNancy knocked it was quicklyopened byGiancarlo. “May I help you girls?” he asked in his softly accentedvoice.

Upclose,Giancarlowasevenmorehandsome,withhisflashingblueeyesandlong, thickeyelashes.Bess stoodtongue-tied,butNancymanagedto introducethemboth,andsaid,“We’dliketospeaktoEsmeifit’spossible.”

“Inreferencetowhat,mayIask?”Giancarlosaid,clearlyusedtoputtingoffEsme’sfans.

“It’s about the questions that reporter was asking,” Nancy offered. “We’rehoping,Imean,wewerethinking—”

“Nancy’sadetective,”Bessblurtedout,suddenlyrediscoveringherabilitytospeak.

“Isshe?”Giancarloaskedskeptically.“Giancarlo,whereareyou?”awoman’svoiceasked.“I’mtalkingtoadetective,”Giancarloanswered,speakingoverhisshoulder.

Whenhe turnedback toNancy,hisblue eyeswere sparkling, and therewas asmallgrintuggingatthecornersofhismouth.

“Awhat?”thewomancried.“There’s a young woman here who apparently wants to sign on as your

personalprivateinvestigator,”hesaid.“WhatshouldItellher?”“Tell her I’m not interested.” Esme Moore herself appeared at the door.

Whenshe sawNancyandBess standing there, sheappeared tobe takenaback

andsurprised.“Whichoneofyouisthedetective?”sheasked.Nancygrinnedandquicklyfoundhernerveasshedoveintoanexplanation

ofhowsheandBessknewBrendaCarltonandsuspectedthatsomeonewasusinghertomaketheaccusationsagainstEsme.

“Nancywantstoinvestigate,”Bessputin.“Ifyou’rewilling,”Nancysaid.“I’vehadabitofexperienceandsome luck

withthissortofinvestigationinthepast.”BothEsme andGiancarlo seemed amused, butNancy could tell Esmewas

weighingtheideaseriously.“Whydon’tyoucomein?”shesuggested.“Janine’sdownstairs,butwhenshecomesbackwecanalltalk.”

Like the lobbydownstairs,Esme’s suitewaspaneled in richmahoganywithbronze fixtures.The living roomwas furnishedwith antiques, and through anopendoorNancy saw that thebedroomhadahuge four-posterbed.Esme satdownonafloweredsofa,whileGiancarlopulleduparmchairsforthegirls.

“Ifthereisaproblem,”Nancysaidgentlyoncetheywereseated,“IhonestlybelieveIcanhelp.”

Esmepaused.ShestillseemedabitreticenttotellNancyherproblems,butfinally thewriternodded,pushedbackherdarkhair,andsaid,“AsJaninesaiddownstairs,someonehasbeenspreadingrumorsandgossip—maliciousgossip—aboutTellingAll.TheclaimsarethatthebookispurefabricationandthatIshyawayfromtellinginsidestoriesaboutpeopleandevents.Further,theygoontoaccusemeofhidingbehindlies.WhatmakestheserumorssooffensiveisthatIonly agreed to write the book because everyone urged me to set the recordstraightaboutcertaineventsinmylife.Peoplewantthetruth,andthat’swhatIplantogivethem.”

“Don’t let yourself get upset, cara,” Giancarlo urged, sitting on the couchbesideher.“Janinesaysyoushouldsimplyignorethethreats.”

“Threats?”Nancyasked.“Whatkindofthreats?”Esmesighed.“Someonehasbeensendingnotestomypublisher,warningme

againstpublishingthebookandthreateningtoruinmycareerifIgoaheadwithTellingAll.”

“That’sterrible,”Besssaid.“Whowoulddosuchathing?”“Idon’tknow,”Esmeconfessed.“Someonewhowantstoruinmeobviously.”“MaybeIcanhelpyoufindout,”saidNancy.Aknock soundedat thedoor, andGiancarlowent toanswer it.Nancywas

abouttoaskEsmemoreaboutthethreatswhenaman’sshoutbrokethesilencefromtheopenfrontdoor.

“Iwillsoseeher!”themancried.“Letmein,you—”Nancy turned inher chair to seeGiancarlo trying to force thedoor closed.

Whoeverwasontheothersidehadstuckhisfootbesidethedoorframeandwas

doinghisbesttopushthedooropen.FinallyGiancarlowasn’tstrongenoughtoholdofftheintruder.Assoonasthedoorflewallthewayopen,Esmecriedout,“Todd!Whatareyoudoinghere?”

NancyrecognizedToddGilbertfromthebooksigningdownstairs.Hislightbrownhairwasdisheveledfromhisstruggle,andhehadloosenedhisnecktie.

“Ineedtoseeyou,”Toddsaid,stridingpurposefullyintotheroom.“Toobad,”Giancarlosaid.Esme’s husband blocked his way, and before Todd could react, Giancarlo

whippedhisarmbackandtookagiganticswingattheactor,knockinghimtothefloor.

ChapterThree

NANCYCOULDTELLTHATToddGilbertwasgoingtohaveaniceblackeyethenextday.Theactormoaned,clutchedhishead,androsetoasittingposition.

“Thanksabundle,”hemanagedtosay.“Iwasgoingtohavenewheadshotstakenthisafternoon.Theregoesthatplan.”

“Youhavenorighttobehere,”Giancarlosaid,standingoverTodd.“Ifyoudon’tleaveimmediately,Imaybeforcedtostrikeyouagain.”

“Please—” Esme said, holding up her hand for peace. She walked over toToddandGiancarlo.“There’snoneedforthiskindofdisplay.”

“Ithoughtyouneverwantedtoseehimagain,”Giancarloprotested.Esmesighed.“Ididn’tmeanforyoutodefendmewithyourfists,caro.”She

heldoutahandtoToddandhelpedhimupfromthefloor.“Can’twesettlethislikeadults?”

WhileEsmespoketoToddandGiancarloinlowtones,NancyrememberedsomeofthegossipBesshadtoldherabouttheactor.HiscareertookanosediveafterheandEsmehadbrokenupafewyearsearlier.He’dbeentryingtomakeacomeback ever since, but his career floundered after hehadbecomeknown asbeingdifficultandshort-tempered.

Besswhispered to her thatToddhadbeen trying to changehis image intothatofasensitivemaletype.“Heevenwearsglassessometimes,”Besssaid.“Likethat’sgoingtoconvinceanyone.”

Nancy laughed softly. “If this scuffle is any indication, he’s going to needmorethanglassestoovercomehisreputation,”Nancysaid.

EsmehadsentToddandGiancarlooutoftheroomandaskedthattheynotcomebackuntiltheyhadsettledtheirdifferences.

“Men!” Esme said, flopping back down on the sofa. Despite all her coolglamour,whenEsmesmiledshelookedasifshewereinhertwenties.“Can’tlivewiththem,can’tlivewithoutthem.”

“Ihearyou,”Besssaid.

“I hope you aren’t disappointed, now that you’ve seen the private EsmeMoore,”theromancewritersaid.“ToddandGiancarloarejealousofeachother.I’mafraidit’snotentirelyoverme.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Nancyasked.“TheybothwantapartinthemovieversionofTellingAll.I’vegotadealin

theworkswithaHollywoodproductioncompany.Todd’s read for the roleofmyeditorinthemovieversion.AsfarasI’mconcerned,ifhegetscasthecanbeinthefilm,butIprefernottohaveanythingtodowithhim.Iwon’tstandinthe way of his career, though. Meanwhile, Giancarlo has been cast to playhimself,andhe’svetoedtheideaofTodd’shavingapart.HesaysifTodd’sinit,hewon’tbe.”Esmeshrugged.“I’mawriter,notamagician.It’suptothemtosettletheirdifferences.”

Thedoor to the suite opened.Nancy expected to seeTodd andGiancarlo,but instead JanineHalperncame in, alongwithayoungwoman inblackwhowore funky, thick-soled shoes and ringson all her fingers.Nancy rememberedseeingtheyoungwomanearlieratthebooksigning.Fromwhereshesatcurleduponthecouch,EsmeintroducedNancyandBess.

“Janine Halpern, my publicist, and Kim Scott, my assistant,” Esme said.“This isNancyDrewandBessMarvin.Janine,thesegirlswanttohelpusfindoutwho’sspreadingthoserumors.”

Kim’s dark eyes flashed as she crossed the room andpicked up the phone.Whileshedialed,sheexpressedhersurprise.“Really?”

“Nancy’s a detective,” Esme explained. With a shrug she said to Janine,“What do you think? My publisher hasn’t made any headway on thosethreateningnotes.Whydon’tweletNancyhaveacrackatthem?”

Janine deliberated for a moment, checking out Nancy and Bess with anintense,thin-lippedexpression.Beforeshehadachancetoanswer,Esmeadded,“They know that reporter who was asking those questions earlier.What’s hername?”

“BrendaCarlton,”Bessoffered.“From Today’s Times,” Janine finished. “I just spent the last ten minutes

fieldingherquestions,alongwiththoseoffiveotherreporters.Frankly,Esme,ifit’s the reporters who are bothering you, I’ve told you before that I wouldn’tworryaboutanypublicitythatcomesfromthis.Inourbusiness,there’snosuchthingasbadnews.”

EsmereturnedJanine’ssteadygaze.“AndItoldyouthatI’mnotinterestedinhaving somenut caseout there trying to ruin the reputation I’ve spent fifteenyearsbuilding.”

Nancy was about to speak up whenKim, off the phone now, announced,“They’re sendinguphotwater foryour tea andaplateof rawvegetables.Did

youwantanythingelse?”“Nothingrightnow,”Esmetoldher.“I’llgiveyouacallifIneedyou.”“Noproblem.”With a toss ofherdarkhair,Kimwalked toward thedoor.

“I’llbeinmyroom.Ciao!”AfterKimleft,NancyspoketoJanine.“Whetherornotthepublicityisgood

forEsme,harassmentisillegal.SinceEsmeiswillingtoletusinvestigate,I’dliketopeekatthenotesshe’sgotten.”

Withasigh,Janineopenedthebriefcaseshehadwithherandhandedoverafile toNancy. “Those are all the notes that have been received, including theenvelopes. Please be careful.Although I left copies atmy office inNewYork,thesearetheoriginals.”

Nancy took the file from Janine. “Beforewe leave, I’d like to know if youhaveanysuspicionsaboutwhomightbespreadingtheserumors?Whohasthemosttolosebywhatyou’vewritten?”

Esme shook her head sadly. “Whoever is most worried about the truth, Isuppose.”

“WasBrenda right?”Bessput in. “Are youwriting aboutLeeMichelle andBarryHobbes?IsToddinthebook?”

“All of them,” Esme confirmed, her green eyes lighting up in amusement.“Andothers,too.Butseriously,Nancy,therearemanyfriendsandenemieswhohavecontactedmesinceIstartedwritingthebook,beggingmetoprotectthemand their reputations. I’ve told everyone that I’m not open to suggestion,bribery,orthreats.”

“Clearlysomeonehasn’tgottenthemessage,”Nancysaid,puttingthefileinherpurse.“I’mgoingtodomybesttofindoutwhothatis.”

FifteenminuteslaterNancywasheadinghometoporethroughthefileJaninehadgivenher.She’dleftBessatEsme’shotelroom,sincetheromancenovelisthadkindlyagreedtoanswersomeofBess’squestionsaboutthebusinessandhowshemightbecomeawriter,too.

Nancy’s fatherwasn’thomefromwork,andanote fromtheirhousekeeper,Hannah Gruen, told Nancy she’d gone to the store. After checking theansweringmachine and finding nomessages,Nancy climbed the stairs to herroom, threw herself down on the bed, and started going through the file. Anhour later she realized just how hard the case was going to be. Starting threemonths earlier, Esme, her publisher, her agent, even prominent reviewers andbooksellers, had received dozens of threatening notes. Every single one wastypewritten,but the typefaceswerealldifferent.Evenworse, thenoteswereallmailed fromdifferent addresses across theMidwest.Therewas nowayNancycould travel to each post office. If shewas going to trace the notewriter, shewouldneedhelp.

Startingwiththevariouskindsofpaperthenotesweretypedon,Nancymadea list of possible clues. Once she’d gotten to the end, her list read: “paper—eighteen different kinds; typefaces—twelve different kinds; addresses—fifteen.”Lettingouta longsigh,Nancywentbackovereachnote, searching for telltaleclues.Asidefromsomeminordifferences,thenotessimplywarnedthepersontowhomtheywereaddressednottohaveanythingtodowithEsme’sbook—thatitwould be a pack of lies—and threatened that if Esme went ahead with theproject, thenotewriterwouldmake sureher careerwas ruined.Theywere allabout the same except for the last one.The first time she read it,Nancy hadgotten a shiver.Now, rereading it, shenoticed somethingdifferent, somethingsheshouldhaveseenbefore.

“BlackWidow,”thenoteread,“I’minsulted.Sinceyou’vedecidedtoignoreme,I’llhavetomakeitpersonal.Thethreatswillstopandthedeedswillbegin.”

WhywasthewriteraddressingEsmeasBlackWidow?WasthisaclueEsmemightrecognize?NancypickedupthephoneanddialedtheBarrington.SecondslaterEsme’sfamiliarhuskyvoicecamethroughtheline.

“ThisisEsmeMoore,”shesaid.NancyquicklyaskedheraboutthereferencetoBlackWidow.“Doesithave

somekindofspecialmeaning?”sheasked.“Mygoodness,”Esme said, “it certainlydoes. I’m surprisednoonenoticed

thatbefore.EvenJanineknowsthatusedtobemynickname.”“Yournickname?”Nancyechoed.Esme gave a short bark of a laugh. “Back in my salad days I never wore

anythingbutblack.And Iguess I tended tobreakmen’shearts.SomyclosestfriendsallcalledmeBlackWidow.”

“Howmany people in your immediate circle would know this nickname?”Nancyasked.

“Let me think.” Esme paused. “There’s Janine,” she said, “and Kim.Giancarlo, of course. Todd. Nancy, you don’t think it’s someone I know—personally?”

“This note seems to indicate it is,”Nancy said, but after hanging upwithEsme,Nancystaredatthenote fora long time, thinking toherself, “Someonewhohasaseriousgrudge,too.”

•••

The next morning Nancy picked Bess up early. Esme was holding a pressconferenceattheBarringtonsincetheeventthedaybeforehadofficiallybeenabooksigning.

At the coat check in the hotel,Bess barely had her coat off before shewasscoldingherfriend.“Nancy,youhaven’tsaidawordaboutmyoutfit.”

BesswaswearingflowingredpantsandamatchingshirtthatwereremarkablysimilartotheoutfitEsmehadwornthedaybefore.“Iranoutandboughtitlastnightbeforethemallclosed.Whatdoyouthink?”

“Ilikeit,”Nancysaid.“Redisagoodcolorforyou.”“Thanks!”Bessbeamed.“Esmesayswomenshouldn’tshyawayfromred.It

showstheyhaveconfidenceandaren’tafraidoftheirpower.”“ItsoundslikeEsmeisfullofgoodadvice,”Nancysaid.“Whatdoesshesay

about jeans?” Nancy added, pointing out her own denim shirt and matchingpants.

“That theymakeyou look likea cowhand,”Bess saidwitha laugh. “Comeon,let’sgo.”

Thepressconferencewasbeingheldinasmallroombetweenthelobbyandthe sun-room. Bess led the way. “Hurry,” she urged. “I don’t want tomiss athing.”

“Bess, we’re early,” Nancy insisted, checking her watch. “The pressconferenceisn’tsupposedtostartuntilten,andit’sonlynine-fifteen.”

As soon as Nancy and Bess arrived at the room, they both realized thatsomething was dreadfully wrong. Esme stood guard at the half-open door,frantic,whileinsideNancyspottedJanineandKimfuriouslyscramblingaroundtheroom,tearingdownpostersthathaddecoratedthewalls.

“Whathappened?”Nancyasked.“This.”Esmesaid.Hergreeneyesbrimmingwithtears,Esmethrewopenthe

doorforthemtosee.Inside,wherevertherewasapictureorposterofEsme,someonehadscrawled

thewordLiarorFraudacrossitinhuge,redletters.EvenworsewasthebannerthathungabovethepodiumonwhichthephraseComingSoon:EsmeMooreTellsAllhadbeenchangedtoreadTellsLies!

“Findthepersonwhodidthis,”EsmesaidtoNancy,hervoicehighandthinwithfrustrationandanger.“Findwhoeveristryingtoruinme—beforeheorshesucceeds!”

ChapterFour

WHILE JANINE AND KIM continued to clear the room of all the ruined pressmaterials,Nancysurveyedthedamage.Alongwithall thephotographsandthebanner,presskitsandreleaseshadtobethrownaway,too.Untilnowthishadbeenacaseinvolvingharassment,butwiththisactsabotagewasinvolved.Nancyknewitwastimetocallthepolice.

Esme regained her composure after her initial outburst, and gaveNancy afrustratedanddisgustedtourofthedamage.“Whowoulddosuchathing?”sheasked,herpearl anddiamondearrings glinting in the softmorning light. “Mylifeandworkareaboutromanceandadventureandfantasy—aboutescapingthiskindofuglinessandhatred.Whyisthishappeningtome?”

“Esme!”awomancalledout.Nancyturnedtoseeawell-dressed,middle-agedcoupleapproaching.Thewomanwastannedandfitanddressedinanexpensive-looking gray cashmereblazer, awhite silk blouse, and jeans.Themanhadonsimilar attire, and was carrying a briefcase on a strap over his shoulder.“Darling!”hesaid.“We’vebeensearchingalloverforyou.Ourplanejustgotin.We’reexhausted,butwecouldn’twaittoseeyou!”

“Bob, Helen,” Esme said wearily. “I’m so glad you got here. Look at thismess.Lookwhatsomeonedid,andrightbeforemypressconference.”

“Whataboutourannouncement?”Helenasked,fingeringtheruinedbanner.“I’msureyourealizethisisnotgood,Esme,notgoodatall.”

EsmeturnedtoNancyandBesstointroducethemall.“HelenKleinandBobSamuelsarefromKlein-SamuelsProductions,thecompanythat’sgoingtomakethemovieversionofTellingAll.Ihatetoruinthesurprise,butweweregoingtousethispressconferencetoannouncethatthefilmhasbeencast.”

Besscouldbarelycontainherexcitement.NancysawshewasitchingtoaskifToddwould be in themovie. Before she could say aword, Bob asked Esme,“Whoarethesegirls?”

Fora longmomentEsmewassilentandacteduncomfortable.NancycouldtellshewasdebatinghowmuchtorevealtoHelenandBob.Finallyshetooka

deepbreathandsaid,“Nancyisadetective.SheandherfriendBesscameforthepressconference todayandNancyhaskindlyoffered tohelpme findoutwhomight be trying tomakemy life difficult.” Esme didn’tmention the notes orproblemsthenightbefore.Clearly,shewasplayingitlowkey.

“Didshe?”HelenKleinasked,givingNancyawitheringlook.“Listen,Esme,Ihatetobeawetblanket,butdon’tyouthinkweshouldcallthepolice?They’remoreexperiencedatthissortofthing.”

Nancyclearedherthroat.“Actually,IwasplanningtogetintouchwithmycontactsintheRiverHeightsPoliceDepartment.”

EsmewantedtostopNancy.“Doyoureallythinkweneedto?”Nancy and Helen Klein were on the same side. Simultaneously they both

said,“Ofcourse.”Nancyoffered tomake thecall,whileBess stayedbehindtohelpJanineandKimandEsmeconferredwithHelenandBob.Nancyfoundaphone in the hotel lobby and quickly put in the call. B.D.Hawkins,Nancy’sbestcontact,wasn’tathisdesk,soshehadhimpaged.EventhoughB.D.wasinHomicide, he could recommend someone on the force to help with theirsabotagecase.

“There’sJackHenley,”B.D.saidwhenNancytoldhimwhatwasgoingon.“Buthe’skindofarelicandI’mnotsureyou’dgetalong.PaulaJablonski—no.Igotit!There’sanewkidassignedhere.SamFanelli.You’lllovehim.Theguy’sacrackup.He’scute,too.”

“Thanks,B.D.,”Nancysaid.“ButIdon’tcarehowcuteheis, justthathe’sgood.”

“Hewastopofhisclass,”B.D.assuredher.“I’llputinthecalltohissuperiorrightnow.Hopefully,he’savailable.Ifnot,I’llfindsomeoneelse,don’tworry.”

Before heading back to the room, Nancy started some preliminaryinvestigating. At the front desk, she questioned the day manager, a youngwomannamedTerri,whoputherontothepersoninchargeofalltheconferenceandmeetingrooms.WhenJ.J.Vazcametothefrontdesk,NancytoldheraboutwhathadhappenedtoEsme’spressmaterials.

“Ican’tbelieve it,” thewomansaid.“Iwas in thereateightandeverythingwasfine.ThenImademyroundsofthehotelfromeightuntilnine,andthenItookmybreakfastbreak.Ijustgotback.”

So someone got in there between eight andnine, just beforeEsme, Janine,andKimarrived,Nancydetermined.“Wasthedoorlocked?”sheasked.

J.J.shruggedandexpressedherregret.“Unfortunatelynot.It’shotelpolicytokeepconferenceandmeetingroomslocked,butJanineHalpernrequestedthatitremainopensothatearlyarrivalswouldbeabletoletthemselvesin.Itoldhershe’dhavetotakeresponsibilityifanythinghappened.I’msosorryaboutthis,”J.J.said.

Backinthepressroom,therewaslittleevidence,ifany,ofwhathadoccurred.Bess,Janine,andKimwererearrangingthefewpressmaterialsthathadnotbeendamaged, and Esmewas cheerfully greeting the arriving guests, reporters, andphotographers.Giancarlo had arrived, andwas dressed to kill in an expensivegraywoolsuit.HestoodbyEsmeasshesaidherhellosandposeddutifullyforthecameras.FinallyJaninecalledthepressconferencetoorder.Onelastpersonsneaked into the room before Janine closed the door. Janine greeted the latearrival with a cheerful hello and personally escorted her to an available seat.NancywasshockedtoseethatitwasBrenda.

Bess, who was standing with Nancy at the back of the room, didn’t missJanine’s greeting. “Why is she suddenly so friendly to Brenda Carlton?” shewhisperedtoNancy.

“You gotme,”Nancy said, bells going off. Janine had asked that the pressroomremainunlocked.Janinehadalsosaidthatnopublicitywasbadpublicity.NowJaninewasacting friendly towardBrendaCarlton,despite the fact that itwasBrendawho’dbeenanuisanceatthebooksigningthedaybefore.Plusshe’dmadenoefforttostopBrendaduringherattack.

AssoonasEsmestoodbeforethepresspodium,theroombecamequiet.“I’lltakeyourquestionsinamoment,”theromancewritersaid,hervoicehushedandsultry. “But first, I have an important announcement tomake.”Esmepaused.“HelenKleinandBobSamuelshavecometosomefinaldecisionsaboutthecastfor the movie version of Telling All,” Esme told the crowd. “I’m pleased toannounce thatGiancarlowillplay thepartofhimself,myhusband,andToddGilberthasbeencastasmyeditor,ConradO’Brien.”

Amurmur of surprise went through the crowd. As photographers snappedaway,bothGiancarloandToddcameuptothepodiumtostandbesideEsme.Toddwaswearing tintedglasses thatmadehim lookmorebookishbutNancyknew they were just a prop to hide what was probably a black eye. He wasbeamingforthephotographers.Esme’shusband,ontheotherhand,seemedtobefuriousaboutsharingthepodiumwithTodd.

“Hedoesn’tseemveryhappy,”Besssaid.ForthenexthalfhourEsme,Todd,andGiancarloansweredquestionsfrom

thepress.Duringtheconference,ayoung,good-lookingguylethimselfintotheroomandstoodatthebacknearBessandNancy.Hetookapadfromthepocketofhistweedjacketandstartedjottingnotes.

“Who’she?”BesswhisperedtoNancy.“He’scute.”“I’mnotsure,”saidNancy.ThewomansittingnexttoNancydroppedherpurseontheground.Nancy

reacheddowntopick itupandhandit toher.Thewomanwaswearingabigfloppyhatwithflowersonthebrimandlargeeyeglasses.

“Thankyou somuch,” thewoman said in a refinedvoice.Shehadgrayinghairandsmooth,paleskin.“AreyouafanofEsme?”sheasked.

“Sortof,”Nancysaid.“MyfriendBessistheonewhoreadsromances.Howaboutyou?”

Thewomancrossedherlonglegs.“I’moneofEsme’soldestfans,”shesaidinthatsamequiet,refinedvoice.“PiaWieland.”Shereachedoutaglovedhandtointroduceherself.

“NancyDrew,”saidNancy.“Andthisismyfriend,BessMarvin.”BesssmiledandnoddedatPia.Bynow,theconferencewasbreakingup,and

thegood-lookingguyinthetweedjacketanddenimshirtapproachedEsmeandJanine.NancysawJaninepointinherdirection,andtheyoungmanstartedovertothem.Justastheguyapproached,NancynoticedPiaquietlyleavetheroom.

“DetectiveSamFanelli,”themansaid,holdingouthishand.“B.D.sentme.”B.D.hadsaidthatSamwasyoung,butNancyhadn’texpectedsomeonewho

appearedtobeherownage.Hebarelylookedtwenty,butNancyknewhehadtobeatleasttwenty-five.Maybeitwashisslow,shysmile,ortheeagerexpressioninhischocolatebrowneyes,butNancyfoundherselfsurprisedtobetalkingtoapolice officerwho feltmore like a friend.WithBess filling in,Nancy quicklygaveSamthedetailsofwhathadhappenedsofar.

WhenNancywasdone,Samlookedoverhisnotes,chewedonhislowerlip,and said, “They trained us about the m.o.’s of stalkers and harassers. Usuallythesecriminalsseekrevengeforimaginedwrongs.Oftentheyjustwanttoruintheirvictims’personal lives, thatsortofthing.Buttheycanalsobedangerous.Wecan’tbetoocarefulhere.Doyouhavethosenotesyoumentioned?”

“No,”saidNancy.“Sincethey’reoriginals,Ileftthemathome—justincase.”“Good,”Samsaid,hisvoicelowandhisexpressionintense.Thensuddenlyhe

smiled and said, “Can you tell I’m new to this duty? I’ve been practicingmyseriousvoiceonyou.”

SamlaughedandNancyandBessjoinedin.NancyhadtostopherselffromthinkingitcouldbefuntoworkwithSam.“I’llgetyouthosenotes,”shetoldhim.“Maybeyou’llseesomethingImighthavemissed.”

Kim Scott came over, her arms full of press materials. “Esme has a photoshootforthemoviedealscheduledforafterlunch.Shetoldmeyou’rewelcometocomealongifyouwant.We’regoingtotakealimofromthehotelatnoon.”

“Thanks,”Besssaid.“We’llbethere.”KimwalkedawayandBessasked,“Isthatokay,Nancy?Imean,wecanwatchoutforEsmethatway.”

“SamandIshouldgooverthenotes,”Nancysaid,thinkingaloud.“Weonlyhaveaboutanhouruntillunch.”

“IcanstartonthenoteswhileyouandBessareattheshoot,”Samsaid.“Thatway,youcankeepaneyeonEsme.”

“Greatidea!”Besscried.Nancyhurriedhome topickup the file Janinehadgivenherbefore racing

back to thehotel.Luckily, the trafficwasn’t toobad,and shemade the roundtripinlessthanforty-fiveminutes.BessandSamwerewaitingforherwhenshegotbackbesidetwostretchlimousines,whichwerelinedupatthecurb.Behindthemwasabeat-upcompact.NancypulledalongsideittoallowthevalettoparkherMustang.ThenshehandedthenotestoSam,whotookthemwithasmile.

“Seeya,”hesaid,climbinginbehindthewheelofthecompact.Afterhewasgone,Nancycheckedherwatchandsaid,“Wehavetimeforaquickbite.”

“I’mtooexcitedtoeat,”Besssaid.“GoingtoEsme’sphotoshoot—andinalimo!”

“Well,I’mstarving,”Nancysaid.“There’sacoffeeshopacrossthestreet.I’llpickupacoupleofsandwiches.”BythetimeNancyhadorderedandpaidforthe two tuna salad sandwiches and iced teas to go, one limousine had alreadypulledawayfromthecurbinfrontoftheBarrington.

BesswasbreathlesswhenNancyreturned.“Ithoughtyou’dnevergetback,”she said. “Esme and Janine have already leftwithTodd andGiancarlo.Kim’swaitingforus.”

NancyandBess stepped inside thespacious limousineandthedriverclosedthe door behind them. Kim smiled, then gave the driver instructions to aphotographer’s studio across town. After that, she sat back and studied herfingernailstherestofthetripanddidn’tsayanotherword.

When they arrived at the studio, they sawEsme already posingwithToddandGiancarlo.Janinewasgivingthephotographer,ayoungwomaninawhiteT-shirt,bluejeans,andcowboyboots,instructionsonhowtoposethethreeandwhich angles were Esme’s best. Bess turned to Nancy and said, “Isn’t thisexciting?”

Nancy opened up her sandwich and began to eat, smiling at her friend’senthusiasm.Truthfully,shefoundthewholeprocessprettytedious.EverytimeJanineasked foranother shot, thephotographerandherassistanthad tomovethelightsandresetthemetersandthecameras.ThenthecamerawouldneedtohaveanewrolloffilmandJaninewouldchangehermindagainandthewholethingwouldberepeated.ForawhileNancywatched,butsoonshewasstrollingaroundthespaciousstudio,checkingoutthevariouspropsandbackdrops.Shepassedbythedarkroomatonepointandsawthatthelightswereon.Kimwaschattingwiththephotographer’sassistant,ayoungmaninjeans,ablackT-shirt,andasinglehoopearring.

“Idon’tknowwhyeveryonedoesn’tjustseerightthroughher!”Kimcried.“Imean,sheissofake.DidyouseeherposingwithToddandGiancarlo,likeshe’scrazyaboutbothofthem?Youwanttoknowthetruth?”sheasked.

“Mmmm,”theyoungmanreplied,evidentlymoreworriedaboutthefilmhewasloadingthanKim’scomplaints.

“Thetruthis,shecan’tstandTodd,anddoesn’tcareabitaboutGiancarlo.She’sonlyoutforherself—”

“Kim!”cameJanine’svoice.“Weneedthatsuitcase.Whereisit?”“Coming!”Kimreplied.Nancy darted out of sight asKim scooted past her carrying a suitcase that

Nancy remembered her having in the limousine. For a moment NancywonderedwhyKimhadn’t justput the suitcase inEsme’sdressing room.KimstrodeoverandhandedEsmethesuitcase.Apparently itcontainedachangeofclothes,becausebythetimeNancyreturnedtoBess,Esmehadgoneofftothedressing room and Janine was scolding Kim for wandering off with Esme’schangeofclothes.

“Ifshedoesn’tlikeit,shecanfireme,”NancyheardKimgrumble.“She’sgotattitude,”BesswhisperedtoNancy.“Youdon’tknowthehalfofit,”Nancysaid.ShewasabouttopullBessaside

totellheraboutwhatshe’doverheard,whenEsme’sscreamsfilledthestudio.“Help!”shecried.“Someonehelp!”Nancywas the first to react.She raced to thedressingroomand frantically

knockedonthedoor.“Esme,it’sNancy.Areyouokay?”sheasked.“Issomethingwronginthere?”Esme,whowasstilldressed,threwopenthedoorandrushedoutoftheroom.

Herhairwasdisheveled,andherfacecontortedwithfear.“In my suitcase!” she cried, barely getting the words out. “There . . .

there...”“Esme,calmdown,”Janinesaidassheapproached.Sheputherarmaround

theromancewriter.“What’swrong?”CarefullyNancyandBesswalkedintothedressingroomandsteppedoverto

thesuitcase.ThentheysawwhathadmadeEsmesofrantic.NestledamongthefoldsofEsme’swhite laceblouse,theyspottedablackmoundwitheighthairylegs.

Itwasadeadlyblackwidowspider.

ChapterFive

LOOK AT THAT!”ESME said, pointing out the spider to Janine andGiancarlo.“They’repoisonous.Andtheybite!Thinkofwhatcouldhavehappenedtome.”

Nancy started to slam the lid on the suitcase, but just before she did, shenoticeda typewrittennote in thesuitcase:“Howdoes it feel,BlackWidow, toknowyou’realiar?”

With a shiver, Nancy pointed out the note to Esme. Now, the romancenovelist letoutanotherwail,onethatbroughtHelen,Bob,Todd,andKimtothedressingroom.

“What’sgoingon?”Helenasked.ShetookoneglanceatthedistraughtEsmeandshotherpartneralookofdismay.“Areyouokay,dear?”

Esmequicklyputupahandandpattedherhair,laughingnervously.“Imustlook like a mess. I was in the middle of changing when I found that in mysuitcase.Needlesstosay,itgavemeashock!”

Nancy stepped back to let the group view the black widow spider beforeslammingthelidofthesuitcase.“Itcan’thurtusnow.WhatI’dliketoknowis,howdiditgetintoEsme’ssuitcase?”NancymadeapointofdirectinghergazeatKimassheaskedthequestion.

HelenKleinsmiledgrimly.“Ihopeyoufindout,kid.”Shecheckedherwatchand, givingherpartner aknowingnod, said, “Bob,we’dbetter go ifwedon’twanttomissthatmeeting.”

“Right,”Bob Samuels agreed.HepeckedEsme on the cheek. “Keep a stiffupperlip,Es.We’regoingtoneedyoutowritethatscreenplay.Takecareofher,G.C.,wouldyou?”

GiancarloputhisarmaroundEsme.“Iintendto,youcanbesure.”As soon asHelen andBob left, Janinewent off to give instructions to the

photographer, leavingNancy,Bess,Esme,Giancarlo,Kim,andTodd standingoutsidethedressingroom.

“Ithinkyou’vegotafewquestionstoanswer,younglady,”Esmesaidtoherassistant.“Youwereresponsibleforthatsuitcase.Wouldyoucaretoexplainhow

someonemanagedtoslipadeadlyspider—andathreateningnote—insideit?”KimcrossedherarmsandnarrowedherdarkeyesonEsme.“Yourguessisas

goodasmine,”shesaid.“That’snoanswer!”Esmecried.Afterpouting,Kimthenaddressedtherestofthegroup.“AfterIpackedthe

suitcase,IleftitinEsme’sroomduringthepressconference.WhereIthoughtitwouldbesafe!”

“Obviously someone broke into Esme’s hotel room during the pressconferenceandputthespiderinsidethesuitcase,orelseithappenedhereatthestudio,”Nancyconcluded.

“Butthatwouldmeanitwasoneofus,”Bessconcluded.“Don’tlookatme!”Toddprotested.“Ihatebugs.”“Kim, you had the suitcasewith you oncewe arrived here,” Esme pointed

out.There was an awkward silence. Esme stared at Kim, who started to say

somethingbut seemed to thinkbetter of it. She just turned and stalked away.Beforesheturned,Nancythoughtshesawtearsintheyoungwoman’seyes.

“Kim!”Giancarlo cried. “Don’t be that way!”He gave Esme an imploringlook.“Youknowshewouldn’tdosuchathing.Youshouldgoapologizetoherrightnow.”

“Oh,please,”Esmesaidwithasigh.“Ipayherwellenough.Idon’thavetoapologizetoher,too.”

“You’reacoldwoman,Esme,”Giancarlosaid.Hiseyesnarrowedonherforamoment,andthenhewentafterKim,whohaddisappeared.

“Harshwords,”Toddsaidlightly.“You’d probably be the first to agree with him,” Esme said, her lips

trembling.NancyfeltasthoughsheandBesswereabouttowitnesssomethingveryprivate. She coughed lightly to remindEsmeandTodd that theyweren’talone.Thensheedgedawayfromthem,tryingtofindawaytoexitgracefully.Sheheadedback toward thedarkroom.Despiteherobvious interest,Bess alsodidthediplomaticthingandturnedherbackonEsmeandTodd,joiningNancybythedarkroom.

“I’ve told you, Esme, I take the blame for everything,”Nancy heardToddsay. “If I thought youwould ever forgiveme, I’d be down onmy hands andknees in a second.Why can’t you believe it was someone else who did thosethings?”

“Todd,please.”Esmetookalongpausebeforecontinuing.“That’sallinthepast.”

“Butyourbook—”Toddprotested.

“Thebookwill tellonly the truth,”Esmecountered. “Noonecan stopmefromdoingthat.”

“ThinkaboutwhatIaskedyou,Esme,”Toddimplored.“Ifyoucouldsimplyholdback just a little . . . you and I bothknow itwouldhelpmeout a lot.”Todd’s voice grew gentle. “We shared quite a bit,” he said. “I find it hard tobelieveyoucan’trememberourgoodtimes.”

Esmeletoutalongsigh.“Ido,Todd,Ido.Pleaseleavemealonenow.Sofar,thishasn’tbeenthegreatestday.”

“Iunderstand,”Toddsaid.“WillIseeyoutonight?Willyousaveadanceforthemanwhooncehadyourheart?”

At this,Bess clutchedNancy’s arm andmade a face of disbelief. “Can youbelievethiscreep?”shewhispered.“Esme’sgottoseethroughhim.”

“Shemadethemistakeoftrustinghimoncebefore,”NancyremindedBess,hervoicelow.

“We’vegotenoughshotswithoutthechangeofclothes,”Janineannounced,comingtowardthedressingroom.“Let’scallitaday.Ithinkit’stimewewentbacktothehotelandyouhadanicelongsauna,Esme.”

“Thatsoundslikeheaven,”Esmesaid.ThenshecalledNancyandBessover.“Yougirls arecoming to themasqueradeball I’mhosting tonightat thehotel,aren’tyou?”

“You’rekidding!”Besssaid.Nancy had heard Bess mention the ball, but it was by invitation only.

Excited,Nancyrealizeditwouldbeachancetokeepaneyeonallthesuspects—includingKimandJanine.

“Butwedon’thavecostumes,”Besspointedout.“Iwouldn’tletthatstopyou,”Esmesaidwithalaugh.“Janinecangiveyou

theaddressof a costume shopwhereweall gotours.By theway,youhave tocome dressed as a character from one of my novels, so pick your costumesaccordingly.”

“Thatsoundslikefun,”Besssaid.“Thanksforinvitingus.”JanineledawearyEsmeoutofthestudiowithToddfollowing.Nancywaited

to see ifGiancarlo andKimmight appear, but they seemed tohave leftwhileEsmewastalkingtoTodd.NancyandBesshailedacabandheadedbacktotheBarringtontopickupNancy’scar.Besswaseagertogostraighttothecostumeshop,butsinceNancyhadtostopbythepolicedepartmenttoturnthesuitcaseover to Sam, the girls split up. Bess caught a cab and would pick up twocostumes.NancywasfreetodriveovertotheRiverHeightsPoliceDepartmentthen.

Samwasn’tin,soNancylefttheevidencewiththesergeantonduty,andalsowroteanotetoSamaboutthelatestincident,askinghimtocallwhenhegotin.

On thewayhomeNancy tried tomake senseofwhat sheknew so far. ItwasobviousthatwhoeverwasharassingEsmeknewherwellenoughtoknowheroldnickname. That person held enough of a grudge against Esme to want someserious revenge.Most of the harassmentwas centered aroundTellingAll. ThenotewriterhadwarnedthatifEsmewentaheadwithTellingAll,herlifewouldonlygetmoremiserable.Thequestionthenwas,whywouldsomeonenotwantEsme to publish the book? Better yet, who would want to stop Esme fromwritingit?

Onepersoncametomindrightaway:ToddGilbert.Hecouldhavealottolose personally and professionally if the book painted him in a bad light. ButwouldhegosofarastothreatenEsme’slife?

Meanwhile,KimScott had themeans to put the spider inEsme’s suitcase.ThereappearedtobemorethanalittletensionbetweenKimandEsme,butwasthatenoughforKimtogoafterherboss?Orwassheworkingwithsomeoneelse,someonelikeTodd?

AndthentherewasJanine.Thepublicisthadaccess to thepress room,andalsohadakeytoEsme’shotelroom.ShemighthavegoneuptotheroomandputthespiderinEsme’ssuitcase.

Bythetimeshepulledintoherdriveway,Nancywassokeyedupshedidn’tfeellikesittingaroundandwaitingforSamtocall.AftersayinghellotoHannahandpouringherself a glass of juice,Nancy sat down inher father’s study andplottedherstrategy.Itwasn’ttoo latetomakesomephonecalls toNewYork.Nancyquicklyput inacall to Janineat theBarrington,and fiveminutes latershehadthenumbersforEsme’spublisher,editor,andagentinNewYork.

ConradO’Brien,Esme’seditor,wasactuallyonhiswaytoRiverHeightstoattend the masquerade ball that evening, but his assistant was able to answersomeofNancy’squestions.Apparently,alongwiththenotestherehadalsobeena series of phone calls made by someone using a voice disguiser. The callerwarned that Esme’s lifewould be in danger if shewent aheadwith the book.SusanSegal,Esme’sagent,wasabletogiveNancyanevenbetterlead.Althoughshehadn’tgottenanyphonecalls,shehadnoticedthatthenotesbegantoarrivearoundthetimethatKimScotthadcalledSusan,askingifshewouldrepresentherwork.

“Kimisawriter?”Nancyasked,perplexed.“Ofcourse,”SusanSegaltoldher.“That’swhyKimwenttoworkforEsmein

thefirstplace.Esmepromisedtohelpherwithhercareer,butEsmedidn’tknowthatKimwasn’t verygood.She’sdonewhat she can tohelp,but I thinkKimholdsitagainstherthatshehasn’tbeenabletodomore.”

Nancythankedthewoman,andafterhangingupthephone, it rangalmostimmediately.ItwasSam.“Ihearthere’sahotpartyattheBarringtontonight,”

hesaid.Nancylaughed.“Whotoldyouthat?”“Never mind,” he said. “Since I’m invited and you’re invited, how about

goingtogether?”“Asinadate?”Nancyasked.“Well,actually,yes,”Samsaid.Nancywassurprisedtofindherselfblushing,andshewassuddenlyawareof

what a nice voice Sam had: low and intense. “My friend Bess is going, too,”Nancyremindedhim.

“I’llpickyoubothup,”Samsaid.“Idon’tmindthecompany.”“I just got off the phone with Esme’s agent.” Nancy then proceeded to

explainwhatshehadlearnedfromSusanSegal.“It lookslikewe’vegotasolidleadthere,”Samagreed.“Let’skeepoureyes

onKimScott.”“Didyougetanywherewiththenotes?”Nancyasked.“I’vescannedthemall intoourcomputers,”Samtoldher.“We’vegotsome

greatnewsoftwarethatcananalyzethethreatstodetermineiftheywereallmadebythesameperson.Ifso,theprogramcanalsogiveusatentativemake-uponthatperson.”

“That’sneat,”Nancysaid.“The computer is running through the threats now,” said Sam. “It should

takeuntiltomorrowmorningbeforewehaveanythingsolid.Meanwhile,whenandwhereshouldIpickyouup?”

NancygaveSamheraddressandremindedhimitwasacostumeball.“Ihavejustthething,”Samtoldher.“Seeyouateight?”

“Soundsgreat,”Nancysaid.Assoonasshehungup,NancythoughtaboutNedforaninstant.Thenshe

hadastrangesensation,andsherealizedwithastartwhatitwas:guilt!ShefeltguiltyaboutgoingtoEsme’sballwithSam!

Nancyshookherself, throwingoffthethought.Itwasnothing, justaparty.Besides,Besswouldbethere.

Sowhywas she already imagining her first dance with Sam?Why did thethoughtsendawarmglowthroughherfromheadtotoe?

•••

Esme’sballwasinfullswingbythetimeNancy,Bess,andSamarrivedatnine.Besshadrentedabeadeddress forherself,andablueballgown,glitteringwithrhinestonesforNancy.BesswasgoingtotheballasBillieKasper,aheroinefromEsme’s1920shistoricalnovelsetinNewOrleans,JazzNights.Nancy’scostumewasmeant to represent JewelTrelawny, a feisty character from one of Esme’s

eighteenth-century historical romances. Samwas dressed in a dashingmaroonvelvetsuitcompletewithaflowingwhitepoet’sshirt.

“This is going to be somuch fun,” Bess announced as theywere about toentertheBarrington’selegantballroom.

Nancy,Bess,andSamstoppedinthedoorwaytotakeinthetransformationoftheballroomintoafantasyofromanceandrevelry.Panelsofsheergoldfabricfloatedfromtheceiling,creatingdiaphanouswallsforthedancerstopassaroundandthrough.Thepartygoersweregivenhandfulsofred,heart-shapedconfettitotoss.Alreadyitsparkledacrossthelitteredfloor.Theroomwaslitinsoftbluesandpinks,andeveryoneglowedandlookedterrificintheirromanticcostumes.Abigbandplayedslow,romanticstandardsfromaraisedplatformattheendoftheroom.

NancyspottedEsme,resplendentinaflowingwhiteballgown,dancingwithGiancarlo,whoworea tuxedo.Todd,alsodressed ina tux,whirledanelegantHelenKleinaroundthefloor.AveryEdwardianBobSamuelscameby,inhigh-waistedpantsandafrockcoat,toaskBesstodance.

“HowcouldIsayno?”Bessasked.AsBesswhirledoffonBob’sarm,Nancyspottedanotherwomanacrossthe

room,dressedinhersamecostume.“Look,”shesaid,pointingoutthewomantoSam,“Therearetwoofme!”

“I sincerely doubt there could be,” Sam said gallantly.Therewas a slightlyawkwardpause,whichhefinallyfilledbyasking,“Doyouwanttodance?”

“Sure,”Nancysaid.AsSamledherontothefloor,Nancyfeltthatsamewarmglowpassthroughher.Quitit,Drew,shetoldherself.You’vegotaguyalready,andbesides,Sam’solder.He’snotinterestedinyou.

Orwashe?WhenSamtookherinhisarms,Nancysawahalfsmileturnupthecornersofhislips.Thenhepressedhertohim,andNancyletherselfgetlostinthemusic,themoment,andthewarmthofhisarmsaroundher.

Thenshefeltsomeonetouchherhandandpushapieceofpaperbetweenherfingers.NancysawGiancarlowhirlby,withEsmeinhisarms.Beforeshecouldsayawordtohim,theyweregone.

She pulled away from Sam,whowas surprised to findNancy ending theirdancesoabruptly.“Someonepassedmethisnote,”Nancyexplained,unfoldingthepieceofpaper.

Whenshereadthenote,Nancy’sheartstartedbeatingfaster,andshehadtotakeadeepbreathbeforeshecouldreaditoutloud.

“ ‘OnlyyouknowhowmuchIcare,caramia.Pleasedonotdoubtmylove.Ipromise,Iswear—thefutureisours!Yours,andyoursonly,G.C.’ ”

ItwasalovelettertoherfromGiancarlo!

ChapterSix

ACROSSTHEROOMGIANCARLOwashavingaconversationwiththewomanwhowasdressedlikeNancy.Withastart,GiancarlosawNancyglancehisway.

“Kim!”Nancysaidoutloud.ThewomandressedlikeherwasKim,andallatonce Nancy realized that Giancarlo must have intended the note for Esme’sassistant.

Sam figured itout asNancydid. “Comeon,”he said. “We’re going to askthatguysomequestions.Andtheywon’tbeinItalian!”

GiancarlowasstandingalonebythetimeNancyandSamgottohim.Esmewas dancingwithBob Samuels,while Besswas gliding across the floor in thearmsofToddGilbert.

“Cara!” Giancarlo cried when he saw Nancy. “Did you get my note?” hewhispered,hisvoicelow.

“I certainlydid,”Nancy replied. “But I’mnot convinced youmeantme tohaveit.”

“What?”Giancarloblinkedseveraltimes,andheldhishandtohischest.“Youdoubtmyaffections?YouthinkIwouldlie?”

“Wethinkyougotthewronggirl,”Samtoldhim.“OurguessisyoumeanttogivethatnotetoKim.”

“You haven’t shown a single bit of interest in me until just now,” Nancypointedout.“Kimiswearingexactlythesamecostume.Whywouldyoupledgeyourundyinglovetome?Kimseemsmorelikely.”

Just then the song ended, giving Giancarlo an excuse not to answer. HepeeredpastNancytothedancefloor,andcalledout,“Esme!Youpromisedmethenextdance.Excuseme,”hesaid,kissingNancy’shand.“Ithoughtyouwouldbe flattered atmynote.Obviously, Iwaswrong. I give thesenotes towomensometimes,tokeeptheirlivesfullofromanceandlonging,butInevermeantforittocausetrouble—forme,orforyou.”NancytookhisspeechtobeapleaforhernottotellEsme.

“Iunderstand,”shesaid.

“Grazie,”saidGiancarlo.Withthat,hestrodeontothedancefloorandtookaradiantEsmeinhisarms.

“Bushwah,”saidSamafterGiancarlowasgone.Distractedlyheranhishandsthrough his dark brown hair. “Or, as they say in the streets of Little Italy,baloney.Theguy’saliar.HemeantforKimtohavethatnote,andweallknowit.”

“Icouldn’tagreemore,”Nancysaid,hereyesonGiancarlo.“What’sgoingonbetweenKimandGiancarlo,anddoesEsmehaveanyidea?”

“And does it have anything to do with the threats against Esme?” Samfinished.

Bessarrived,breathlessfromherdancewithTodd.“It’shardtobelievethosethings I’ve read about Todd and his temper,” she announced. “As far as I’mconcerned,ToddGilbert’sadream.”

“That’snotwhatEsmethinks,”Nancysaid.“I know, and he’s really worried about that,” Bess confided. “Todd’s sure

Esme’s going to paint the most unflattering portrait of him and their timetogether.He’sbeggedhernotto,butshe’sadamantabouttellingthetruth.”Besstookapadandpenfromhereveningbagandstartedscribblingmadly.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Nancyasked.“Takingnotes,”Besssaid.“Forwhat?”askedSam.“FortheromancenovelI’mgoingtowrite,”Besstoldthem.Shescannedthe

roomandwrotemore.“Esmetoldmethatifyou’regoingtowrite,thebestthingis to write from experience. So I’mwriting downwhat I remember from theconversationIjusthadwithTodd.”

“When you’re done with that,” Sam told her, “Nancy’s got some goodmaterialtoaddtoyournovel.”

“Really?”Bessasked,hernoseinhernotebook.“Giancarlo wrote me a love letter,” Nancy announced and produced the

paper.Bessstoppedwritingtoreadit.“Wow!”shesaid,glancingupatNancywith

incredulityonherface.“Thisisunbelievable!Letmecopyitdown,okay?”“Weshouldgiveyouthebackground,Bess,”Samtoldher, laughinglightly.

“Don’tyouwanttomakesureyouhavethenoteinitspropercontext?”Besstappedherpenonhernotebook.“YoubetIdo.Shoot.”NancyexplainedhersuspicionsaboutGiancarlo’smeaningtopassthenoteto

Kim.Bess’s eyes traveled the room, first toGiancarlo,whowas standingwithEsme by the refreshment table, and then to Kim, who was just disappearingthroughthehugewoodendoorsaftergivingasurreptitiousglanceinGiancarlo’sdirection.

“Where’sshegoing?”Nancywonderedaloud,finishingwithherstory.“I’ll find out,” Sam said. He took off along the perimeter of the room in

pursuitofKim.“I can’t believe this,” said Bess, who by now had stoppedwriting andwas

simplystandingwithhermouthagape.“Whatyou’vetoldmeisbetterthananyromancenovel.”

“Let’sgetsomepunch,”Nancysaid.“Idon’tbelieveGiancarloaboutgivinglotsofwomenthesenotes.Iwanttotrypinninghimdownbeforetheeveningends.”

“Whatwillyousay?”Bessasked,followingNancytotherefreshmenttable.“You’re the buddingnovelist,”Nancy joked. “What do you think I should

say?”Bess thought for amoment. “Iknow,” sheannounced. “Callhisbluff.Tell

himyouwere suspiciousbefore,butnowyou’re ready toaccepthiseverlastinglove.Tellhimthatyoucan’tlivewithouthim,that—”

Nancyhuggedherfriend.“Ithinkthat’senough,Bess.Ifit’sokaywithyou,I’llplayitabitcooler.”

“Suit yourself,”Bess said loftily. “You asked formy advice and I gave it toyou.”

Giancarlowasno longer at the refreshment table, butEsmewas still there,talking to a group of fans, including a tall, dark-haired man whom sheintroduced as her editor, Conrad O’Brien. Todd Gilbert was also there, andNancy remembered that Todd had been cast to play Conrad in the screenversionofTellingAll.Conradwasyounger thanNancyhad imagined,andshecouldseeaslightresemblancebetweenhimandTodd,especially ifToddworehorn-rimmed glasses likeConrad’s.Nancy andBess excused themselves to filltheirpunchglasses.ThegrouparoundEsme slowlydispersed,untilToddandEsmewerealone.

“Promisemeyouwon’trevealoursecret,”theactorpleaded.“That’sallIask.Ifyoucanmakemethatonepromise,I’llstopbotheringyou.”

“Oh,Todd,”awearyEsmesaid.“DidyoureallythinkI’drevealoursecret?Howwould / look if thewholeworldknew themost intimatedetails ofwhatwentonbetweenus?”

ToddtookbothEsme’shandsinhisandstareddeeplyintohereyes.“DoyoureallyloveGiancarlo?Istherereallynochanceforus?”

Esme withdrew her hands and turned away from Todd. Nancy and Bessfound themselves behind a palm tree, no more than ten feet away from theromancewriter.Esmedidn’t seem tonotice them,however, anddrewa tissuefromtheeveningbagshewascarryingtodabhereyes.

“No,thereisn’t,”Esmesaidfinally,hervoicealmosttoolowtohear.“Atonepoint,Ithoughtwecouldgetbacktogether,butit’stoolate.Wecanbefriends,butthat’sall.”

Todd pulled Esme close to his chest. The embrace went on until Janine’svoice sounded through the crowdedhall. “Before the evening is takenoverbyromance,IknowEsmewantstoshareafewwordswithyou.Esme?”

Todd released Esme, and Nancy saw that before Esme walked across theglitteringdance floor toward thepodiumon the stageabove theorchestra, shetookamomenttocomposeherself.Shetouchedupherlipstickandcheckedhermakeupinthesmallcompactshecarried.Amomentlater,afterafinalsqueezeofTodd’shand,shestrodeconfidentlytowardthepodium.

“Doyouthinkshestillloveshim?”Bessasked,motioninginthedirectionofTodd.TheactorfollowedEsmewitheyesfulloflonging.

“I’mnotsure,”Nancyadmitted.“Buthereallydoesseemhunguponher.”Giancarlo appearedonstagebesideEsme.The coupleposed, and thebright

flashes of photographers’ cameras filled the room for several minutes. Nancyfound herself checking the door for some sign of Sam,wonderingwhere he’dgone.

Suddenly a small backstage area to Esme’s right began to fill with smoke.Janine’s face registered surprise,butEsmehad started speaking andclearlydidnotwanttobeinterrupted.

“Iwant to thank you all for coming tonight,” Esme said, not noticing thesmoke. “Itmeans somuch tome to sharemy loveof romancewithothers, tobringjoyandpleasureintothissometimesgrayworldofours.”

The smoke was thicker now. Why was Esme continuing? Janine gaveinstructionstoGiancarlo,whodisappearedbackstage.

“Thisisn’tsupposedtohappen,isit?”Bessasked.“It’snotaromanticeffectoranything?”

“No,”Nancysaid.“That’srealsmoke,notdryice.”Rightthentheredcurtainseruptedintoflame.Theaudiencestartedscreaming,and,aftercallingtoEsme,Janinehustledher

offthestage.Esmedidn’tmovefastenough.Inthesecondsittookforhertoreact,thefire

movedfromthecurtainsandontoherdress.“Someonehelpher!”Nancyfoundherselfcrying.“Esme’sonfire!”

ChapterSeven

ESME!”TODDCRIEDOUT,racingtowardthestage.“I’llsaveyou!”TheactorleaptontothestageandwrappedhisarmsaroundEsmetobeatout

theflames.Nancy, meanwhile, had also moved into action. While the frantic crowd

screamed and pushed toward the exit, Nancy grabbed a fire extinguisher shespottedtuckedintoacornerbeneaththestage.ThensheclimbedontothestageanddousedbothEsmeandToddwithblastsoffoam.Afterthat,sheturnedtothebackstagearea.Nancydidn’tstopshootingfoamfromtheextinguisheruntilshewassurethatthefirewascompletelyout.

Nancyquickly traced the fire to ahugeboxofValentine’sDaydecorationsstoredbesidethestage.Esme’snamewaswrittenonthebox,alongwithanotethat theywere to be used for aValentine’sDay bash to be held two eveningslater.

After she was sure the fire was out, Nancy started to check the box ofdecorationstoseeiftherewasanyevidencetoindicatehowthefirewasset.Butthesmokewasstillsothickthatitfilledthebackstagearea,makingitdifficulttobreathe.ShehadtoreturntothestagetoseehowToddandEsmeweredoing.

Soggyandwet,theactorandtheromancewriterstaredatNancy.“WhoeversetthatfirewantedtoharmEsme,”Toddwarned.

“I’mjustgladyoureactedsoquickly,”Esmesaid.ToddofferedEsmehisarm.“Takemebacktomyroom,please.Thishasbeenanawfulday!”

JanineandGiancarlocametotheedgeofthestagetolookafterEsme.WhiletheyallescortedEsmefromtheroom,Nancyheadedtowardthebackstagearea.The smoke had cleared enough by now for her to investigate the box ofdecorations.

Carefulnottodisturbanyevidence,Nancyusedanearbybroomtostir thecharredcontentsofthebox.Theairwasthickwithsoot,andshecoughedseveraltimes.Aftersearchingforseveralminutes,Nancydidn’tfindanything.Shewasabout to give up when a small, matchbooklike object caught her attention.

Leaningincloser,Nancyspottedwhatcouldhavebeenanincendiarydeviceliketheonesarsonistsused—theashyremainsofsomematerialtiedaroundaslow-burningmatch.

“Bingo,”Nancysaidaloud.“Thisfirewassetintentionally.”“AndIthinkIknowwhodidit,”amalevoiceadded.Nancy turned toward a winded Sam Fanelli, bent over and catching his

breath.“Ihadtheguycorneredintheparkinglot,buthegotaway.Almostranmedowninhiscar,too!”

“Whathappened?”Nancyasked.“Iwent to followKim,”Samsaid.“Well, she ledmeonawild-goosechase

intothebasement.You’llneverguesswhat’sunderthishotel.Anyway,Igotasfarasthegym—”

“Thegym!”Nancysaid.“Sheleftthepartytogoworkout?”“Yougotit,”Fanelliagreed.“ButIlostherwhenshewentintothewomen’s

locker room.So Iwaitedon thegym floor,but shedidn’t showup.Finally, Idecidedtoleave.Onmywaybackhere,Iranintosomeguyinatrenchcoatandahatrunningasiftherewasnotomorrow.Naturally,Ifollowed.Heledmetotheparkinggarage,but I losthimwhenhegot intoanelevatorandtook it toanother level.NextthingIknow,acar’scomingatmesofastIhadtodivetoavoidit.Unfortunately,Ididn’tgetthelicenseplate.Sorry,kiddo.Idon’twantyoutothinkyou’vegotalamepartner.”

“Idon’t!”Nancyprotested,resistingtheurgetogiveSammorereassurance.“CanwebesureitwasKim?”

“Wecan’t,”saidSam.“Butshediddisappearrightthen,andIwasfollowingher.Kim’stall,andifsheworeatrenchcoatandhat,Isupposeshecouldpassforaman.”

Nancy let out a deep sigh. “Ifwe confrontedher, I doubt she’d tell us thetruth.We’re justgoing tohave togoon the suspicion that it couldhavebeenher.”ThenshecalledSamovertoshowhimthedeviceshespotted.“Whatdoyouthink?”sheasked,pointingtothecharredmatchstick.

“Ithinkwe’vegotanarsonist,”Samagreed.Terri, the hotel manager, came rushing backstage with firefighters in tow.

ThefiremarshalagreedwithNancy’sassessmentofarson.NancyandSamspentthenexthalfhouransweringhisquestions.Finally,theywerefreetogo.BesshadgonetocheckonEsmeafterherordeal.ShecamebacktotheballroomjustasNancyandSamwerefinishingupwiththefiremarshall.

The threewalked through thenowdesertedballroom,kickingupcloudsofheart-shapedconfetti.

“It’s so sad,”Bess said, surveying the aftermath ofEsme’smasquerade ball.“Someone really is out to ruin Esme and destroy all the pleasure she gives to

people.Ihopewecanstopthisperson,Nancy,”shesaid.“Ihopeso,too,”Nancysaidastheyleft.After dropping Bess off at her house, Nancy and Sam parked in front of

Nancy’shouseanddiscussedthecaseforalongtime.Samagreeditwastimetorunbackground checks onKim,Todd, and Janine, since theywere theprimesuspects:Kimbecause of the spider incident andbecause she disappeared intothe hotel’s gym right before the fire was set. Todd because Nancy had thedistinct impression that the actor couldn’t be trusted.And Janine because shehadtheopportunitytoruinthepressroom.Meanwhile,NancyagreedtostickclosetoEsme.Someoneneededtobeonthescenewhenandiftheharassmentcontinued.

“Wemakeagoodteam,”Samsaid.“Betweenthe twoofus,we’llhave thisguycorneredinnotime.”

Nancystartedtoopenthecardoor.“I’llcallyoutomorrow,”shesaid.“Hey,Nancy—”Sambegan.“What?”NancyturnedbacktoSamandwasutterlydisarmedbythewarmth

ofhisbrowneyes.Hisarmwasover thebackofher seat,andhishand lightlybrushedherhairoffherface.

“Nothing,”he said.Thenhecoughedand lethishand fall.Nancy stillhadthe sensationofhis touchonher face,andshedidn’twant toadmit toherselfjusthowpleasantitwas.

“Seeya,”shesaid,findinghervoice.ThatnightNancylayinbedwithallsortsofconfusingpicturesinherhead—

ofbeing inSam’s arms, of feelinghis fingers inherhair andonher cheek, ofwhatitwouldbeliketokisshim.

Butshestopped, forcingherself torememberthat shehadaboyfriend, thatSamwas older, that he probably didn’t like her anyway. That she’d never doanythingtoruinthingswithNed.Atleastshehopedshewouldn’t.

•••

Friday morning Nancy picked Bess up at ten and zoomed over to the localtelevisionstudioswhereEsmewasdoingatapingforatalkshow.Assoonasshegotinthecar,BessaskedNancyaboutSam.

“You’vebeenhangingaroundEsmetoomuch,”Nancysaid.“There’snothingbetweenus.”

“Actually, I’vegotprettygood radar,”Bess scoldedNancy. “For example, Icanalwaystellwhenaguylikesagirl.Andbelieveme,Samlikesyou.”

“Oh,Bess,”Nancyprotested,“He’sseveralyearsolderthanIam,andbesides,I’minlovewithNed.”

“Thatdoesn’tstopyoufromhavingacrushonsomeoneelse,”Besssaid,hereyebrowsraised.Shepickedatastraypieceoflintonhercreamwoolcoatandretied the multicolored scarf that held her hair back. “Esme says scarves areromantic.Whatdoyouthink?”

Eagertochangethesubject,Nancyreassuredherfriendthatshelookedgreat,asusual.“Maybeyou’llgetoncamera,”shesaid.

“Mythoughtsexactly!”Bessannounced.Aftertheydroveinsilenceforseveralminutes, Bess banged her head with the palm of her hand and said, “I can’tbelieveIforgottoshowyouthis.”Besshandedoverthefrontpageofthatday’sToday’sTimes. Even as she drove,Nancywas able to see that one of the leadstorieswasbyBrenda,reportingonEsme’spressconference.Whentheycametoastoplight,Nancyskimmedthearticle.Whatshefoundsurprisedher.

“Brenda included the story about the black widow,”Nancy said. “But shewasn’tthere.”

“Shemusthaveaninsidesource,”Besssaid.“LikeJanineHalpern,forexample,”Nancyconcluded.“RememberhowchummyshewaswithBrendaatthepressconference,”said

Bess. “What if Janine is Brenda’s source? What if she’s the one who calledBrendainthefirstplace,andgothertocometothebooksigningandaskEsmeallthosequestions?”

ThelightturnedgreenandNancyacceleratedthroughtheintersection.“I’vethoughtabout that. Janinedoesn’tmind thenegativepublicity, that’s for sure.ButwasshetheonetosetthefirelastnightorputthespiderinEsme’ssuitcase?”

Bessshivered.“Shewascloseenoughbothtimes.Ifshedid,she’snofriendofEsme.WeshouldwarnheraboutJanine.”

“Weshouldn’twarnEsmeaboutanything,”NancycorrectedBess.“At leastnotuntilwe’resureourselves.”

At the studio the taping was about to begin. The girls got as far as theentrance to the studio, where they saw Giancarlo. Esme’s husband spottedNancyandBessandgavethembothaheartygreeting.

“Nancy!Bess!”heexclaimed.“I’msogladtoseeyou!”Withthat,GiancarlofelluponNancy’shand,puttingittohislips.“Howcan

Iever thankyou fornot revealingour secret toEsme?Nowthat IknowIcantrustyou, Iwant to tell you the truth. Iwas angrywithEsme,very angry, forhowshelosthertemperwithKimearlier,andIwantedtomakeherjealousinreturn.Shesawmepassingthenotetoyou,anditdrovehermad!Afterthefire,wewere able to settle our differences. She apologized tome and promised toapologizetoKim,too.So!Youseewhatafavoryoudidusall.”

Giancarlo kissed Nancy’s hand, and then pecked her twice, once on eachcheek.Nancyfelthiswhiskersbrushherface,andsaw,upclose,howclearand

bluehiseyesreallywere.“Thankyou,cara.I’msorryIcouldnottellyouthewholetruthlastnight.”“Iunderstand,”Nancysaid,notatallsurethatshedid.WasGiancarlotelling

herthetruthnow,orlastnight,orwastherealstorytheonehewasn’ttelling:thathereallyhadintendedtopassthenotetoKim?AndwhydidGiancarlocaresomuchaboutthefactthatEsmewasrudetoKiminthefirstplace?

Bess was scribbling away in her notepad, and only raised her eyes whenGiancarloopenedthedoortothestudioandusheredthembothinside.There,Esmewassitting,allglamourandradianceinafittedblackvelvetdresswithgoldandredtrim.Hertrademarkpearlswereatherears,andatriplestrandofpearlsdangledaroundherneck.Her rich,darkhairwaspulledback ina fashionablechignon, revealing her long, graceful neck.Giancarlowent immediately to hiswife,tookherinhisarms,andkissedherpassionately,muchtothedelightoftheaudienceandEmilyWells,theshow’shost.

“People,people,”shecriedoverthesoundofapplause,“we’reabouttostart.Let’skeepitdownuntilthecamerasarerolling,okay?”

NancyandBesstookseatsnexttoJanine.Asthepublicistleanedforwardtogreetthem,NancywassurprisedtoseeBrendaCarltonseatedontheothersideofJanine.

“Hi,Nancy,”shesaid,wavingsmugly.“Hi,Bess!”“Great,” said Bess under her breath. “Who invited the world’s biggest big

mouth?”“Ihaveoneguess,”Nancywhispered intoBess’s ear. “And I’m sitting right

nexttoher.”The show started taping, and even Nancy found herself caught up in the

excitement.MembersoftheaudiencestoodandthankedEsmeforthethrillandexcitement her books had brought to their lives.One by one, Esme answeredtheirquestions:Yes,shetriestowriteasmuchaspossiblefromdirectexperience.No,sheneverhadasteamyaffairwithPrinceHaroun.Asfortherumorthatshewasonce secretlymarried to the famous recluseTedStephens,Esmehadonlyonereply.“You’ll justhavetobuymyautobiography,”shesaid,hergreeneyessparklingmischievously,“andreadaboutitthere!”

After a short breakEmilyWells began fieldingphone calls on the air fromtheirlisteningaudience.Esmehadtakentwoorthreecalls,allflatteringandfullofrequeststhatEsmeverifysomebitofrumororgossip.Thenacallercameonthelinewhosevoicesoundedstrangeanddistorted,andNancy’searsprickedup.Unlessshewaswrong,thecallerwasusingavoicedisguiser.

“Admitit,Esme,”thecallerpressed,“youhaven’treallydoneallthosethingsyou claim. You’ve never been toNepal or theMiddle East. I’ll bet you neverevenmetTedStephens.Infact,Ithinkeverythingaboutyouisalie.”

“Holdon!”EmilyWellsshouted,herfaceredwithanger.“Whatrightdoyouhavetoinsultourguestlikethat?”

“Yeah,whoareyou?”anaudiencemembercriedout.“I’mafriend,”thecallerannouncedinthesamecreepyelectronicvoice.“A

friendoftheBlackWidow.”BothNancyandBessgasped.Theirharasserwasontheline!Fromthepallor

of Esme’s face, Nancy saw that the romance writer had come to the sameconclusion.

“Why don’t you tell us who you are?” Nancy cried out. “What kind ofcowardhidesbehindamask?”

“I’llrevealmyselfsoonenough,”thecallersaid.Then,withadullhum,thelinewentdead.

ChapterEight

THETALKSHOWAUDIENCE reacted inanuproar.EmilyWellsquicklycut toacommercial, while Esme, her face white and her hands trembling, fell intoGiancarlo’s arms. Beyond Janine, Bren-da was furiously scribbling away. Infrustration,NancyrealizedthatonceagaintheywerepowerlesstostopwhoeverwasharassingEsme.

“Maybethepersonwillcallback,”Besssaidhopefully.“Idoubtit,”saidNancy.Bynow,theshowwasbackontheair.EmilyWellsaddressedthecameraand

spokeearnestly.“Harassmentofthekindwejustwitnessedis terrible.If this isthepriceofEsme’s fame, then it’sahorribleprice. I’msureyouall joinme inwishingEsmeonlythebest.Ourthoughtsarewithyou,Esme.Weloveyou!”

Theaudienceburstoutinanotherroundofapplause.Astheshowwrappedup, Esme’s smile was forced and strained. She stood with her arm aroundGiancarlo, waving to her loyal fans. “Thank you!” she cried. “Thank you foryoursupport!”

Assoonasthecamerasstoppedfilming,GiancarloledEsmeoutofthestudio.Nancydidn’thaveachancetogooverwhathadjusthappenedwiththeromancewriter,butshecouldfindEsmeattheBarringtonlateriftheyneededtodiscussthecase.MeanwhileNancy’scarefuleyenoticedthatKimScottwasnowheretobeseen.HadEsme’sassistantmissedthetapingentirely?Couldshehavemadethecall?

Janine was talking to Emily Wells. Since the publicist was busy, BrendarushedovertoNancyinstead,andstartedthrowingquestionsather.

“Whatdoyouknowaboutthatcaller?”Brendaasked.“IsEsmebeingstalked?Issomeoneouttoruinherreputationorhercareer?WasthatthesamepersonwhoputthespiderinEsme’ssuitcase?”

“Howdidyoufindoutaboutthat,Brenda?”Nancyasked,hereyesnarrowingonthereporter.

Startled,Brenda’s eyes flitted around the room. “I don’t have to revealmysources,”shesaiddefensively.

“But youdoneed tohavemore thanone to verify a story,”Bess remindedher.“Itookajournalismclass,too,youknow.”

“Did the same person who sent you to the Barrington tell you about thespider?”Nancyasked.

“Maybe, maybe not,” Brenda replied. She flipped her notebook shut andscowled. “I can see you two aren’t going to be any help. I’ll have to get myinformationsomewhereelse.”

“Whydon’tyoutrythatsourceofyours?”BesscalledoutasBrendawalkedaway.Oncethereporterwasgone,shemadeaface.“Shemakesmesomad.DoyouthinkthepersonharassingEsmeisactuallytippingoffBrenda?”

Nancythoughtforamoment.“Possibly,exceptwhywouldBrendastillhavesomanyquestions about that caller—unless thepersonharassingEsme isonlytippingBrendaoffpartway.MyguessisthatBrendaknowslessthanwedo;she’ssimply more careless with what she does know. Come on,” Nancy went on,takingBess’sarm.“I’vegottocallSamtotellhimwhathappened.”

In the lobbyof the building,Nancy spottedPiaWieland coming from theladies room, wearing her customary eyeglasses and big straw hat. She walkedtowardthem,frowning,andsaid,“Whataterriblething!Don’tyoujustfeelforEsme?Whocouldhavedonesuchathing?Well,Imustbegoing.Seeyougirlslater.”

NancyandBesssaidgoodbyetoPia.ThenNancysteppedovertothenearbybankofphones.ShequicklydialedSam’snumber.

“I’mhackingaway,Nancy,”hetoldher.Samhadthatwonderfullowvoice,Nancythought.Whydiditgettoherso

much?“Did you come up with anything?” Nancy asked, shielding her expression

fromBess’spryingeyes.“Something,”Samconfirmed.“Althoughitwasn’twhatIexpected.”“What?”Nancyasked,excited.“ToddGilbert’sgotarecord,”Samtoldher.“Forbattery.Andthat’snotall.

EsmeMooreoncehadarestrainingorderagainsthim.”“You’rekidding!”Nancyexclaimed.“Whatisit?”Bessasked.Nancy quickly told Bess what Sam had learned. Then she asked Sam,

“Anythingontheprofileofourharasser?”“Nothingyet,” saidSam.“Fromwhat I can tell, this softwarehasamillion

bugs in it.The first bio it gavemewas for amiddle-agedwoman. You don’twanttoknowtherest!ButI’mgoingtorunthenotesthroughonemoretime.

Hopefullywe’llcomeupwithsomethinguseful.Listen,IsawinthepaperthatEsme’sgivingareadingattheBarringtonthisafternoon.IthoughtI’ddropby.Maybewecangooutafterwardtodiscussthecase?”

“Okay,” Nancy said, blushing. Bess raised an eyebrow to question Nancy.Leave it toBess to know exactlywhatwas going on inNancy’smind!NancyhungupthephoneandfacedBess’sscrutiny.

“Well?”Bessasked.“Whatwasthatabout?”“Sam’scomingbytheBarringtonthisafternoonforEsme’sreading,”Nancy

explained.“Hewantstogooutafterwardtodiscussthecase.”“I see,” said Bess. Her eyebrows arched another inch. “And what did you

say?”“Youheard!”Nancyprotested.“Honestly,Bess,you’dthinkIwasgoingona

datewithhimorsomething.”“Isn’tthatwhatyou’dcallit?”Bessasked.“No!”Nancy insisted.She shoulderedherpurse and foldedher arms across

her chest. “There’s nothing between Sam and me. We’re working on a casetogether,that’sall.”

“Okay,okay,”Bess said.Sheheldherhandsout,palmsup.“I’llbackoff. Idon’tneedtoremindyouofNed,orthattomorrowisValentine’sDayandthatyoushouldcallhimandworkthingsout.Idon’tneedtotellyouthatSam’sanolderguy,andhe’sprobablyjustplayingwithyou.”

BynowNancy’s facewasbright red. “Iknowyoumeanwell,Bess,but it’snotwhatyouthink.Really.Nowcanwegetbacktothecase?”

“Sure,”Bessagreed.Butonthewayovertothehotel,NancycouldtellthatBesswasstillpreoccupiedwithSamandthefactthatNancyhadagreedtogooutwithhimafterEsme’sreading.Nancytriedtotalktoherfriendaboutthelatestdevelopmentsinthecase.

“IhopeEsmeiswillingtotalktousabouttherestrainingordersheoncetookoutagainstTodd,”Nancy said, pullingout of theparking lot. “Doyou thinkthatcouldbethesecretToddwantsEsmetoleaveoutofTellingAll?”

“Couldbe,”Besssaid.“Iwonder, though. Is thatenough tohurtTodd’schancesofacomeback?”

Nancyasked.“Sure,”Bessreplied.Shestaredoutthewindowatthepassingscenery.“ToddhasthemotivetoharassEsme,buthisbehaviorisn’tassuspiciousas

otherpeople’s.Forexample,whataboutKim?”Nancysaid.“Shecouldhaveputthespider inEsme’ssuitcase,andshewasn’t intheaudienceduringthetapingjustnow.Shecouldhavemadethatcall.”

“Kim doesn’t seem to like Esme verymuch,” Bess agreed. “Butwhat’s hermotive?”

Nancy reminded her friend about what Esme’s agent had told her aboutKim’swritingcareer.“KimmayfeelbetrayedbyEsme.ShemaythinkEsmeisn’tdeliveringonherpromisetohelpherout.”

“Isuppose,”Bessmurmured,thensaidnothingfortheremainderoftheirridetotheBarrington.

Bythetimetheygottothehotel,Nancyhadtosaysomething.Shegaveherkeystothevalet,andwhensheandBesswerestandingonthecurb,Nancysaid,“Ifeellikeyou’remadatme,Bess,andIdon’tunderstandwhy.IsitbecauseofNed?DoyouthinkI’mnotbeingfairtohim?”

“Listen,Nancy,”saidBess.“IlikeNed,butmyproblemisthatIthinkyou’renotbeinghonestwithyourself.IfyoulikeSam,thengoforit.Stoppretending.”

Nancywastorn.ShouldshetellBessshehadbeenthinkingaboutSamthatwayorshouldshewaituntilsheunderstoodbetterhowshefelt?

“This is crazy!” she said out loud. “I don’t know how I feel, and you’remakingitharder.WhatifIdidlikeSam?Wouldthatbesobad?”

Besssmiledalittle.“No,butyou’dhavetotellNed,wouldn’tyou?”Nancyletoutthedeepbreathshefeltshe’dbeenholdingsinceshemetSam.

“Iknow,Bess,Iknow.”“You’re afraid todo thatwhennothing’s reallyhappenedbetween you and

Sam,right?”Bessasked.“Iguessso,”Nancyadmitted.“Doesthatmakemeabadperson?”Bess hugged Nancy to her. “Of course not. You’re just confused. Who

wouldn’t be? Sam’s a great guy. You have a lot in common. He’s new anddifferentandyou’vebeenwithNeda longtime.Maybeyouneedto letthingstaketheircourseandseewhathappens.”

“Isthatokay?”Nancyasked.“IfeellikeI’mnotbeinghonest.”“Youare,”saidBess.“You’rehonestlyconfused!”Theybothlaughed.“Ifeelmuchbetter,”Nancysaid,takingadeepbreath.“Good,”saidBesswitha firmnodofherhead.“Nowlet’sgetonwiththis

case.OrelseI’llthinkyou’redraggingitoutjustsoyoucanbewithSam.”AtEsme’ssuite,Janineansweredthedoor.ThepublicisttoldNancyandBess

thatEsmewasintheJacuzzi,butthatthetwogirlsshouldjoinherthere.“She’s at hermost relaxed in the Jacuzzi,” Janine said. “I’ll find you some

suits.”“Areyousure?”Nancyasked.“Idon’twant todisturbher,but Idohavea

fewquestionstoask.”Janine was already halfway toward the bedroom. “She won’t mind, I’m

positive.” She returned with a pair of black swimsuits, two robes, and sometowels.“Hereyougo.Youcanchangeinthelockerroomdownstairs.”

Thehealthclubwaslocatedinabasementfloorbelowthelobby.NancyandBesschangedinthelockerroomandheadedtowardtheJacuzzi.ThereEsmewasalone,quietlyrelaxinginthebubblingwaterwithhereyesclosed.ShelookedupwhenNancyandBessenteredthetiledroomandseemedgenuinelyhappytoseethem.

“Iliveforthesethings,”Esmesaid,floatinginthewater.Nancy stepped into thehotwater, sitting across fromEsme.Bess settled in

nexttoher.“Wewantedtoaskyouafewquestions,”Nancysaid.“Janinesaidyouwouldn’tmindifwecamedownhere.”

“Shoot,”Esmesaid,hereyesclosed.Nancy gently explained what Sam had learned about the restraining order

EsmehadplacedagainstTodd.“IknowToddisworriedyou’llrevealasecretofhisinTellingAll.IsthatthesecretToddwasmentioning?”Nancyasked.

“I’drathernotsay,”Esmetoldher,blottingherfacewithhertowel.“Youdidplacearestrainingorderagainsthim,”Bessinsisted.“Idid,”Esmeagreed.“ButthereasonsremainbetweenToddandmyself.It’s

toopersonal.”“IstheresomeothersecretToddwouldwanttoprotect?”Nancypressed.EsmeopenedhereyesandgaveNancyafirmlook.“I’dreallyrathernotsay.

Canweleaveitatthat?”Nancywasmomentarily distracted by several people walking past the glass

door.Then she said toEsme, “Iunderstand.But Ineed toknow if you thinkToddiscapableofharmingyoutopreventthepublicationofTellingAll.”

“I honestly don’t think so,”Esme toldher. “Toddmaybeheadstrong, buthe’dneverdoanything,notat thispoint, thatwouldhurthiscareer.Hemustknowthatifhewascaught,hischanceswouldbegonecompletely.”

Bessfannedherselfandwipedthehotwaterfromherface.“Idon’tseehowyoutwocanstandthisheat,”shesaid.“Thiswateriswaytoohot.I’llmeetyouguysupintheroom,ifthat’sokay?”

Esmelaughed.“It’sanacquiredtaste,Bess.”AsBesssteppedoutoftheJacuzzi,Nancywastryingtothinkofthebestway

to askEsme aboutKim.Shewas about to speakwhen shebecame aware thatBesswaspushingagainstthedoorinfrustration.

“What’swrong?”Nancyaskedherfriend.“I can’t open the door,”Bess said, her face beet redwith the heat and the

effort.“Nancy,help.We’relockedin!”

ChapterNine

THATCAN’TBE,”ESMEsaid,alarmed.“Thedoorsdon’tlock.”NancyrushedovertowhereBesswasstanding.Therewasn’tanykindoflock

on the door. Wiping the steam from the glass, Nancy immediately saw theproblem.Outside,someonehadslidabroomthroughthedoorhandle,makingitimpossibletoopenthedoorfromtheinside.

“This water is too hot,” said Esme, stepping out of the Jacuzzi, her bodyflushed.

“We’regoingtohavetoshoutforhelp,”Nancysaid.“I’mfeelingfaint,”Esmesaid.“Help!Someonehelpus!”ShesatdownontheledgebetweentheJacuzziand

thedoor.Moresteamrosefromthewater.Theheatintheroomcontinuedtobuildas

Nancy, Bess, and Esme shouted for help. It was clear to Nancy that Esme’spursuer had struck again.After aminute thedoor flewopen, and they all fellthroughtheopeningandintoJanineHalpern’sarms.

“Whatonearth!”Janinesaid.“IgotacallfromsomeonewhoclaimedtohavelockedyouintheJacuzzi.”

Esmedrewdeep lungfuls of fresh air and asked Janine for a glass ofwater.WhileJaninefilledupapapercupatanearbywaterfountain,NancycouldseethestrainthiswascausinginEsme.Shewasdoingherbesttoholdupunderthemostdifficultcircumstances.

“Did you recognize the voice of the person who called?” Esme asked herpublicistafterdrinkingallherwater.

“No,”Janinesaid.“ButI’mfairlycertainitwasthesamepersonwhocalledthe television studio earlier today. At least, the voice had that same strangeelectronicqualitytoit.”

Esmevisiblysaggedatthenews.Herlipstrembled,andsheclutchedtherobeJanine hadhelpedher into. “Why is this happening tome?” she said, a slightedgetohervoice.“WhodidIhurtsodesperatelythatIdeservesuchrevenge?”

“Easy, easy,” said Janine, and put a comforting arm around her writer. “IknowNancywillfindtheperson,andnoonewillrememberanyofthisayearfromnow.Meanwhile,youneed toget ready for the reading.Let’sgoback totheroom.We’llorderlunch,andI’llmakeyouacupoftea.”

Esme sighedand turnedher attention toNancyandBess.Nancy could seethedarkcirclesunderEsme’seyes.Theromancewritergrippedbothgirls’handsandsaid,“Won’tyouhavelunchwithus?It’stheleastIcandoforyou.”

BessgrinnedandimpulsivelyreachedouttogiveEsmeahug.“We’dloveto,right,Nan?Wecangrabourstuffandchangeupstairs.”

“Sure,”saidNancy.“Givemeasecond,though.Iwanttoaskafewpeopleiftheysawanyonenearthisdoor.”

“We’llwaitforyoubytheelevators,”Janinesaid.Nancymade aquick tourof thewomen’s locker roomwhileBess retrieved

their clothes andwent to join Janine andEsme.Nancyasked severalpeople ifthey’d seen anyone around the Jacuzzi;most gaveNancy an apologetic smile.But the lastwoman sheasked toldNancy that she’dbeenheading to thepoolfromthelockerroomwhenshesawatallpersonwearingatrenchcoatandhatstandingbytheJacuzzidoor.Pressed,thewomancouldn’tgiveNancyabetterdescription,butNancyalreadyknewmore than shehad startedwith:whoeverhadlockedthemintheroomfitthedescriptionofthepersonSamhadchasedthenightbefore.

Nancy hurried to the elevators. Bess handed her a robe, then shot her anexpectantlook.“Ithinkwe’vegotasuspect,”NancytoldBess,Janine,andEsme.In the elevator rideup toEsme’s suite,Nancy sharedhernewswith the threewomen.

“That sounds like the same person who set the fire last night,” Bessexclaimed.

Nancyagreed,slippingintohertennisshoes.“I’llcallhotelsecurityandtellthem to keep their eyes out for someone fitting this description. In themeantime,wehavetofigureouthowthispersonalwaysknowswhereEsmewillbe,andwhen.”

Insideherrobe,Esmeshivered.“Thisisjusttoocreepy.”TheelevatoropenedonEsme’sfloor.Nancywasthefirsttogetoff,andwhen

she started down the hall,what she saw surprised her.At the end of the hall,someonewaslettinghimselfoutofEsme’ssuite,someonewithapileofpapersinhishand.Thatsomeonewaswearingatrenchcoatandhat!

“Stop!”Nancycried.“Don’tmove!”The tall, trench-coated figure hesitated for a moment. The person was

wearingsunglassesandleathergloves,anditwas impossibleforNancytogetagood look at the face.When she called out, the figure took off at a run, and

Nancy raced after him. Turning a corner, she just saw the person step intoanotherelevator.Asthedoorsclosed,apaperfelltothefloor.Nancyscoopeditupandquicklyscannedit.ThethiefhadstolenEsme’smanuscriptofTellingAll!

By now, Esme, Janine, and Bess had caught up with Nancy, who wasfranticallywaitingforthesecondelevatorinthisbanktoarrive.

“Itwasourman,”Nancyannounced.“HestoleEsme’smanuscript!”TheotherelevatorarrivedjustasEsmefelltothefloorinadeadfaint.“We’ll

takecareofher,”BesstoldNancy.“Yougoaftertheguy!”Nancyguessedthatthethiefwouldn’tbothertogetoffatanotherfloor,but

wouldtravelallthewaytothelobby—theeasiestrouteoutofthehotel.Whenherelevatorreachedthelobby,Nancyhadhersuspicionsconfirmed.Shespottedthe retreating figureofher suspectweavinghisway through thecrowd.At thehotel’s revolving doors, the person stopped to see if he was being followed.CatchingsightofNancy,thesuspectquicklypushedhiswaythroughthedoorsandoutontothestreet.

Ignoring the staresofhotelguests,whowere surprised to seeawoman inabathrobeandsneakersracethroughthe lobby,Nancytookoffatarun.Atthefront entrance, the suspect was dashing across the hotel’s circular drivewaytowardthestreet.

“Stopthatman!”Nancycried.The suspect turned, sawNancy, anddropped severalmorepages ofEsme’s

manuscript,whichwentflyingawayinthewind.Nancydartedbetweenparkedcarsandchasedthesuspectontothebusycitystreet.

“You’re not getting away from me this time,” Nancy said through grittedteethasshepursuedthethiefupthestreet.

Shewasnomorethanfiftyfeetbehindherquarry,weavingaroundnoontimepedestrians.Nancyfeltherselfgettingcloser.Astoplightattheendoftheblockturnedyellow,thenred,andNancyhadtowaitamomenttomakesureacarinthecross trafficdidn’thither. In thatmoment’shesitation,Nancy sawEsme’sharasserhailacab.

“No!”Nancy cried, but itwas too late.The yellow taxi squealed to a halt,and, with a last glance over the shoulder at Nancy, the suspect got into thewaiting cab. By the timeNancy darted between the passing cars, the cabwasgone.

Burningwith adrenaline and frustration,Nancy tried hailing a cab herself.Oneafteranother,yellowtaxispassedherby.Thensherealized:shewaswearingabathrobe!Noonewouldpickherupdressedlikethat.Dejected,Nancyturnedandheadedbacktothehotel.There,abellhopcloselyscrutinizedNancyasshepassedthroughthebronzeandglassrevolvingdoors.

“Don’task,”shesaid,shakingherheadruefully.“Youdon’twanttoknow.”

Besswaswaitingforherinthelobby.“Whathappened?”sheasked.“Ilosttheguy,”Nancysaidinexasperation.“Hetookoffinacab.”“Esme’sprettyupset,”BesssaidtoNancyastheymadetheirwaytowardthe

elevators.“She’sgotothercopiesofTellingAll,butthatonehadallhernotesandrevisionsonit.She’llhavetoredoallherwork.”

“Iwassoclose,”Nancysaid,gettingintoanelevator.Bess reassured her friend. “Don’t worry, Nan,” she said. She pushed the

buttonforEsme’sfloorandthedoorsclosed.“Ihaveafeelingthatwasn’tthelasttimewe’llseethatperson.You’llgetanotherchance.”

Inside the suite,Nancy saw thatGiancarloand Janinewerehavinga roughtimetryingtocalmadistraughtEsme.“Wewillfindthisperson,”Giancarlowassaying.“Wewillgetthemanuscriptback!”

“It’s not that simple,” said Esme, the tears in her eyes ready to spill over.“Don’t you see? This person isn’t going to stop at stealing my manuscript.Whoeveritiswantstoruinmeentirely!”

“Cara—”GiancarlotriedtotakeEsmeinhisarms,butshethrewhimoff.“You’re no help!” she cried. “Wherewere youwhen this happened?You’re

uselessexceptforaphotoopportunity.Ishouldjustdropyourightnow!”Nancy coughed uncomfortably. “I’m afraid I lost our suspect,” she said,

tryingtobreakthetensionintheroom.Esme,clearlyembarrassedatthesightofNancyandBessandbywhatthey’d

just overheard, immediately composed herself. “We think,” she said, “thatwhoeverstolethemanuscriptwasthesamepersonwhocalledJaninetotellherwewerelockedinthesauna.”

“That’s likely,” saidNancy.“The theftwasclearlyplanned.Butweneed tofindouthowthatpersongotintothisroom.”

Nancy quickly got on the phone toTerri, the Barrington’smanager. Afterlettingherknowaboutthetheft,andlearningthattherewerenomissingkeystoEsme’ssuite,Nancyhungup.“They’regoingtochangethelocks,butitseemstomethatthispersonmusthaveaninsidetrackatthehotel.HowelsecouldhegetintoEsme’sroomnotonce,buttwice?”

“Youmeanthespider,”Bessguessed.“Youthinkthepersonhasapasskey?”“Could be,” said Nancy. “Still, after Esme’s reading, I want to do a little

legworktoseeifTerrioranyoneelsehasanyideahowthispersonkeepsgettingintoEsme’ssuite.”

Janineorderedclubsandwichesforthegirls,abigtossedsaladforEsme,andiced tea all around.Nancyhadn’t realizedhowhungry shewas, but after theychanged back into their street clothes, both she and Bess wolfed down theirlunches.Whentheyweredone,JaninepreparedapotofEsme’sspecialherbtea,andthegirlswentdownstairstowaitforEsme’sreadingtobegin.There,inan

intimateparlor off thehotel’smain lobby,BrendaCarlton greetedNancy andBesswithaheartyhello.

“Igota tip thatEsme’s reading isgoing tohavea surpriseending,”Brendatoldthem,herfaceopenandeager.

“Fromyoursource?”Bessasked.“Noneother,”Brendaagreed.“Won’tyougiveusahintwhoyoursource is?”Nancyasked.“Thatperson

maybeabletohelpusfigureoutwho’sbeenharassingEsme.”“Why should I help you?”Brenda asked, arching her dark eyebrows.With

that,shewalkedtowardthefrontoftheroomandtookafirst-rowseat.JustthenNancyspottedKimenteringtheroom.“Nowwherehasshebeenall

thistime?”Nancywonderedaloud.“JaninesaidKimhasbeenfeelingsicktoday,”Bessexplained.“Iguessshe’s

feelingwellenoughtocomedownforthereading.”In Kim’s hands was a large manila envelope, and she was studying its

contents. Bess went to choose seats, and Nancy casually walked over to theassistant. As Nancy approached, Kim stuffed the sheaf of papers into theenvelope and clasped it shut. Nancy’s heart skipped a beat. Kim had amanuscriptinthatenvelope.WasitthestolencopyofTellingAll?

Nancywasabouttoquestionherwhensheheardsomeonecallouthername.She turned to seeSamFanelliwaving toher ashe approached.Kimused thatmomenttosneakaway.

“How’sitgoing?”Samasked.“Anynews?”Nancy told Sam about getting locked in the Jacuzzi, the theft of the

manuscript, andhow she’d chased the suspect.Then she sharedwith himhersuspicionsaboutwhatKimmighthaveintheenvelopesheheld.ThewholetimeSamstoodclosetoNancyandlistenedintently.Nancytriednottothinkabouthiswarmbrowneyesandthewayhislongishhaircurledathiscollar.

“DoyouthinkKim’sthesuspectyouchased?”Samasked.“Couldbe.Wouldshefittheprofileofourharasser?”Nancycountered.“I’mstillwaitingonthatprogram,”Samsaidruefully.Bynowthe roomwas fillingwithguests.Piawas sitting inconspicuouslyat

thebackof theroom.NancyspottedBessbeckoningtoher fromtheseats shewasholding.Esmeentered,alongwithGiancarloandJanine.

“Iguessweshouldtakeourseats,”shesaidquietly.“I’llsitwithyou,”Samsaid.“Wecangooverallthisstuffafterthereadingis

over.”Likeatruefriend,BesshadsavedtwoseatsforNancy.Sheshotherfrienda

knowinglookasNancyandSamsatdownandEsmemovedtothefrontofthe

room. “Watch out, Drew,” Bess whispered. “Esme’s stuff can be prettyromantic.”

NancyblushedandwaskeenlyawareofSam’shanddrapedlightlyacrosstheback of her seat. He wasn’t exactly putting his arm around her, but he wasdefinitely moving in that direction, and Nancy found herself a littleuncomfortable—andmaybealittleexcited.

Thecrowdhushed.Esmetookasipfromtheteacupshe’dbroughtwithher.“I’m going to read a section from Passion,” she said. “I hope you enjoy it.”Without further introduction, Esme flipped through the book she held andstarted reading.As thewoman’shuskyvoice filled the room,Nancy sneakedapeekatBess,whohadhereyesclosedandwasobviouslydriftingoffintoEsme’sromantic universe. As the writer went on,Nancy, too, found herself escapinginto Esme’s story. A young woman, caught in a dangerous country, hikedthrough enemy territory with the man sent to rescue her. Each night theycampedoutbesidearomantic fire,andeachdaytheypassedthroughbeautifulbut treacherous countryside. As the tension built, Nancy became all tooconsciousofSam’sproximity,hishandonthebackofherchair,thefactthathisfingerscouldsoeasilyreachouttotouchherhair.

In the midst of this reverie, Nancy became aware that Esme was havingdifficulty reading.Thewriterwas constantly interruptingherself to cough andsipteaandclearherthroat,untilfinallysheheldherhandtoherneck,obviouslychoking.

Then,rightinfrontofheraudience,Esmefelltothefloor,unconscious.

ChapterTen

CALLANAMBULANCE!”GIANCARLOshouted,rushingtoEsme’sside.“Cammia!”hecried,takingEsmeintohisarms.

Janinescrambledupfromherseatandranoutoftheroomtosummonaid.NancyandSamjumpedupandwenttohelpGiancarlo,buttherewasnothingtheycoulddo.TherewassomeslightmovementbehindEsme’sclosedeyes,butotherwisethewriterremainedunconscious.

WhenEsmehadfainted,theroomfellsilent.Now,slowly,audiencemembersbegan whispering among themselves. Nancy saw Pia in her seat in the backstraining to see over the crowd.WhenNancy spottedBrenda heading quietlytowardthedoor,sheknewimmediatelythatthisattackwouldbeinSaturday’spaper.

Meanwhile, Samhadpositionedhimself beside the small tablewhereEsmehadputher cupof tea.He leaned close for awhiff of thebeverage. Instantly,Nancyunderstoodwhathesuspected.

“Poison?”shewhispered,movingtostandbesidehim.“Verypossibly,”saidSam.“Thatwasanawfullysuddenfaintingspell.”Theparamedicshadarrivedandweregingerly liftingEsmeontoastretcher.

Janine answered questions from two police officers who had arrived with theparamediccrew.

Bess cameover toNancyandSam. “I’mgoing to thehospitalwithEsme,”she said. Looking over her shoulder at the emergencyworkers, shewrung herhandsatthesightofEsme,laidoutflatonastretcher,beingwheeledfromtheroom.“Unlessyouneedmehere?”

“Goahead,”saidNancy.“WhenEsmecomesaround,I’msureshe’llwanttoseeafewfamiliarfaces.I’llmeetyoutherelater.”

Bess tookoffafter theparamedics,andthe twopoliceofficerscameover toquestionSamandNancy.Samidentifiedhimself,thenexplainedhissuspicionsaboutEsme’stea.

“We’llgettheevidenceteamdownhere,”saidoneofficer.

“We need to find out whomade the tea,” saidNancy. “If it was Esme orJanine.The teabagsareprobably inher room, sowe shouldmake sure togetthatevidence,too.”

“Good,”saidSam.“Ifshewaspoisoned,thehospitalshouldbeabletogiveusatoxicologyreport frombloodtests.Call themandbesuretheyknowto lookforpoison.”

“Willdo,”thesecondofficersaid,noddingherhead.“Let’scheckoutEsme’sroom,”saidSam.“Theseguyscantakecareofthings

downstairs.”NancyandSamwere crossing the lobbywhenNancy spottedKimheading

forthemainbrassandglassdoors.“That’sstrange,”shesaidoutloud.“IthoughtforsureKimwouldhavegonewithEsme.”

SamfrownedatthesightofKimstandinginfrontoftheBarrington.“Unlessshedoesn’tcarewhathappenstoEsme,”hesaid.

NancywatchedasKimgotintoanold-stylecabwithadistinctiveyellow-and-blackcheckerboardpatternonitsdoor.“Maybeshe’sgoingtothehospitalnow.”

“Or maybe not. Maybe where she’s going has something to do with thatmanuscriptyousawherholding.Comeon,”Samurged.“I’vegotmycarparkedoutfront.”

NancyracedacrossthedrivewaytothestreettoSam’scompact.NancykepthereyeonthecabKimhadtaken,andgavedirectionstoSamashepulledoutintotheafternoontraffic.

“Theretheyare,”shesaid,pointingtothecab,halfadozencars infrontofthem. “I can tell you right now they’re not headed in the direction of thehospital.We’retravelingnorth.RiverHeightsMemorialissouthofhere.”

“WhyamInotsurprised?”Samsaid,givingNancyawidegrin.Nancytriedtoignorethewarmfeelinghissmilesentthroughher.“Doyou

thinkKimisEsme’sharasser?”sheasked.“Thecircumstantialevidenceisthere,”Samagreed.Heweavedthecarinand

out of traffic, andNancy had to hold on to the dashboard to prevent herselffromslidingacrosstheseat—andintohislap.“Issheourtrench-coatedculprit?”he asked rhetorically. “She’s tall enough. The guy in the trench coat couldactuallybeawoman.”

“Where’dyoulearntodrive?”NancyaskedasSamcutoffyetanotherdriverandgotanearfulofhorninresponse.

“NooYawk,”Samsaid,thickeninghisaccent.Hecutaroundacorner,stillinpursuit of the cab.By now, theywere only two cars behind it. Since the sidestreet theywerecruisingonwasquiet,Samhungbackabit.Attheendoftheblock, the cab driver stopped in front of a copy shop andKimwent in. Sam

parkedhiscarseveralhundredfeetback.TenminuteslaterKimemergedfromtheshopandgotbackintohercab.

“What’sshedoing?”Samasked,grippingthesteeringwheelandstaringaheadintently.“Arewejustfollowingherwhilesherunshererrands?”

“You’reimpatient,aren’tyou?”Nancyasked.“Youofallpeopleshouldrealizehowtime-consumingdetectiveworkcanbe.”

“Ido,”saidSam.“Butitdoesn’tstopmefrombeingimpatient.That’swhywemakeagoodteam.You’recoolasacucumber,whileI’mMr.Antsy.”TheywereatastoplightandSamglancedoveratNancy.“AmIright,oramIright?”heasked,thegazefromhischocolatebrowneyesintense.

Behindthem,acarhonked.“Thelight’sgreen,”Nancysaid,tryingtoignoretheeffecthehadonher.

Kim’s next stop was the post office. By now even Nancy was gettingfrustrated,butshepersuadedSamthat followingherwasstillworthwhile.Kimwastheironlysolidsuspect.Finally,theirperseverancepaidoff.Onherlaststop,Kimgotoutofthecabinfrontofanofficebuilding.Thistime,shepaidthecabdriver,whotookoffwithasquealoftires.

“See?”saidSam.“Eventhatguywaslosingpatiencewithalltheseerrands!”Nancywaited forKim to enter the building. “I’ll be right back, Sam,” she

said, getting out of his car. Then she followed, a short distance behind Kim.Inside, what Nancy discovered surprised her. Among the lawyers andaccountants, the building also had a literary agent among its tenants. NancywentbackoutsidetoreporttheinformationtoSam.

“Youdon’tthinkshe’stryingtosellacopyofTellingAll,doyou?”“Idon’tknow,”saidNancy.“ButIsayweconfrontherwhenshecomesout.”ForhalfanhourNancyandSamwaited.Theychatted,andNancylaughedat

thestoriesofSam’sboyhoodgrowingup inNewYorkCity ina sectioncalledLittleItaly.Itbecameeasierandeasier forhertotalktoSam—aboutdetectivework,aboutwhatitwas liketobeindangeroussituations,abouttravelingandhowmuch they both liked that part of the job.Nancy kept having a naggingthought,though—Ishouldn’tbehavingthismuchfunwithanotherguy.WhataboutNed?ThenextdaywasValentine’sDay.ShouldshecallNed,orwouldhecall her? Would she tell him about Sam? There wasn’t anything to tell, sheinsistedtoherself,evenas sheenjoyed lookingatSam’sbrowneyes,his stronghands,hisbroadshoulders.

“EarthtoNancy!”Samwassaying,hishandcuppinghismouth.“Suspectinsight.WillDetectiveDrewpleasecomebacktothisplanet?”

NancylookedoutthewindowtoseeKimemergingfromtheofficebuilding.Themanuscriptwasstillinherhands,andtherewasadejectedexpressiononherface.

“Let’sdoit!”Samcried.Kimwasmorethana littlesurprisedtoseeSamandNancycomingtoward

her.“Hey,”shesaid,“whatbringsyoutwodownhere?”“Actually,wefollowedyou,”Nancysaid.Kim’smouthsetinastraightlineasshepushedherdarkhairbackfromher

face.“Oh,really?”sheasked.Sheclutchedtheenvelopeshecarriedandheldittoherchestdefensively.“Whyisthat?”

“Wehave reasonto suspectyou’vegotEsme’smanuscript there,”Samsaid,“andthatyouweretryingtosellittoanagentjustnow.”

Kim’seyeswentwide.“You’vegottobekidding!”ShestaredatSamandthenatNancy.“YouthinkI’mthepersonharassingEsme,don’tyou.”

“Youareasuspect,yes,”Nancyconfirmed.Kim ripped open the envelope and shoved the manuscript at Nancy, who

readthetitlealoud:“LoveandFolly,anovel,byKimScott.”Nancyhanded the sheaf of papers toSam. “This is yourownmanuscript,”

shesaidtoKim.“Disappointed?”Kimsaid,herhandonherhip.“Youbetthat’smynovel.I

wastryingtosellanagentonitjustnow,buthewouldn’tbite.WhatmakesyouthinkIcouldactuallypassoffTellingAllasmyownbookanyway?Eveninthistown,everyagentwouldrecognizethatasEsme’slifestory,notmine.ImaynotbecrazyaboutEsmeMooreandwemayhaveourdifferences,butIwouldneverharassheroranyoneelseforthatmatter.That’snotadenial,that’sthetruth!”

KimyankedhermanuscriptfromSam’shandsand,pushingpastthetwoofthem,tookoffdownthestreetatafastclip.

“Phew!”saidSam,reelingabitfromKim’soutburst.“I’dsayKimhashadahardtimebeinginEsme’sshadow,”saidNancy.“Still,

she’s right aboutneverbeing able topassoffEsme’smanuscript asherown. Iguessweshouldhavethoughtofthat.”

Sam rubbed his stomach. “I’m getting too hungry to think straight. Howaboutdinner?”

“Sure,”Nancysaidbrightly.“Iknowjusttheplace,”saidSam.Tenminutes later Samwas pulling up to a small restaurant in one of the

quieter parts of town. Inside red- and white-checkered tablecloths and redcandlescastawarmglowandatmosphere.Garlic,bread,andtomatosaucefilledtheairwith theirpungentaromas.Nancy’s stomachgrowledandshe suddenlyrealizedjusthowhungryshewas.

Theywereseatedatacornertablewithaviewofthestreet,andafterorderingtheyslatheredbutterontothickslicesofwarm,yeastybread.

Astheyate theydiscussedthecase.Samstill thoughtthatKimwasaviablesuspect,butNancydisagreed.“Iknowshehasthemotiveandtheopportunity,”Nancy said. “But somehow I get the feeling that Kim really wouldn’t harmEsme.Wherewoulditgether?”

“Revenge,” saidSam,digging intohis spaghetti. “Manycasesofharassmentcomedowntothat,anyway.”

“What’sgoingonwithyourcomputerprogram,bytheway?”Nancyasked.Shecutoffabiteoflasagnaandblewonit.“Youhaven’tmentioneditlately.”

“That’s because the thing stinks,” Sam said.He sipped at his iced tea andsmiledatNancyovertherimofhisglass.“Ifyoucouldcomeupwithonethatworked, you’d make a mint, but this program isn’t worth the paper it wasrequisitionedon.”

“Noluck?”Nancyasked.“It keeps tellingme I’ve got a semiretiredwomanbetween the ages of fifty

andfifty-five.Ikeeptellingittotryagain.”“Maybeweshouldbelieveit,”Nancysuggested.Samshookhishead.“Nope.Itdoesn’tmakesense.Myguessiswe’relooking

atKimorTodd.Notsomepart-timelibrarian!”“What about Janine?”Nancy offered. She explained to Sam her suspicions

that Janinemight be givingBrenda information, and that the publicist didn’tmindthenegativepresscomingfromalltheharassment.Plus,shehadhadaccesstothepressroom.

SamconsideredNancy’s suggestion.He leanedback inhis chair and tossedhisnapkinontothetable.“It’sanidea,”heagreed.“Youreallydohaveagoodmindforthis,Nan.Everconsiderafull-timecareerasadetective?”

HearingSamcallherbyhernicknamesentanotherflutterthroughNancy’sstomach.“Maybe,”shesaid,smiling.

OverNancy’sprotests,Sampaidthecheck,thendrovethembothbacktotheBarringtonsothatNancycouldpickuphercar.“Thiswasfun,”hesaidwhentheywereparked.“We’llhavetodoitagainsometime.”

“Sure,”saidNancy.Shedidn’twanttosoundtooexcited,orelseSammightgetthewrongidea.Andwhatmightthatbe,Drew?avoiceinherheadaskedasthevaletdroveupwithNancy’scar.Thatyou’reinterested?

OnthewayhomeNancyrememberedshehadtomeetBessatthehospital.Itwas alreadyeighto’clock, andvisitinghourswereprobably ending,butNancythoughtitwasworthittoswingbytoseeifBesswasstillthereandneededaridehome.

WhenNancygottoEsme’sroom,thedoorwasopen.Shewentinside.Adimlightwason,andtheroomwasemptyexceptforEsme.JustasNancyentered,thephonerangonanightstandbesideEsme.Theromancewriterturnedinher

sleep,butdidn’twakeupenoughtoanswer it.Nancyreachedforthereceiver,pickeditup,andsaid,“Hello.”

“Hello, this is Helen Klein. Who’s this?” When Nancy identified herself,HelenaskedtospeakwithEsme.Nancytoldherthewomanwasasleep.

“I see,”Helen said, pausing. “When shewakesup, could youhaveher callme?It’sratherurgent.”

“IsthereamessageIcanpassalong?”Nancyaskedpolitely.“No—thatis—well,yes.TellherIhavesomebadnews,”Helensaidfinally.

“Ihatetodothistoher,butBobhasdecidedshe’stoocontroversialrightnow.”“I’msorry?”Nancyasked.“Maybeyou’dbetterexplain.”“Aftereverythingthat’shappened,andnowthepoisoning...”Helenbroke

off, but finally blurted out, “Just tell herwe can’t go throughwith themovieproject.Thedeal’soff.”

ChapterEleven

NANCY,”ESMEMURMURED,OPENINGhereyes.“Whatisit?IthoughtIheardthephonering.”

HelenKleinwasinthemidstofsayinggoodbyetoNancy,butthelinewentdeadbeforeNancycouldputEsmeonthephone.

“ThatwasHelen,”Nancysaid.“WasshecallingtofindouthowIam?”Esmeaskedweakly.Thewritertried

to sit up, but Nancy could tell from her pale face that even the slightestmovementwasaneffort.

“Takeiteasy,”Nancysaid.“Letmehelp.”Nancyhad justproppedEsmeupwhenBesscameintotheroom,herarms

fullofmagazinesandnewspapers.“Hi,Nan!”shesaidbrightly.“Wherewereyouallthistime?”

“I’lltellyouaboutitlater,”saidNancy.“Rightnow,I’mafraidIhavesomebadnews.”

“Whatelsecouldgowrongtoday?”askedEsme.Asgentlyasshecould,NancybrokethenewstoEsmefromHelen.Ittooka

momentforEsmetounderstandwhatNancywastellingher,butassoonasthenewssunkin,tearscametohereyesandshepoundedthemattresswithherfist.

“My entire career is in the process of being ruined!” she exclaimed.“Everything Ihaveworked toachieveduring thepast tenyears is slowlybeingeatenawaybythisperson.WhatonearthdidIdotodeservethis?Whenwillitend?”

Esme’s tears began to flow and her body was racked with sobs. NancywonderedhowBesswouldhandlehavingheridolbreakdowninfrontofher.Atfirst,whenEsmestartedcrying,Besswasdistraught,butamomentlatershewassittingbyheronthebed,handingheraboxoftissuesandtryingtoofferwhatlittlereassuranceshecould.

“I’msureyou’llgetanothermoviedeal,”Besssaid.

“AmIinterrupting?”avoiceasked.ToddGilbertstoodinthedoorwaywithahuge,bloomingpoinsettiaplantinhisarms.

“Iknowhowmuchyou like them,”he toldEsme, entering the room.“DoyourealizehowhardapoinsettiaistofindafterChristmas?”

Esmetooktheplantfromhimandputitonthenightstandbesideherbed.“Thankyou,”shesaid,dryinghertears.“It’sbeautiful.”

“Iwassoworriedaboutyou,”Toddsaid.“WhenJaninetoldme—”“I would have thought you’d be happy,” said Esme. “If I were dead, I

wouldn’tbeabletorevealyoursecrets,wouldI?”BynowBesshadgottenupfromherperchonEsme’sbed.“We’llleaveyou

twoalone,”Besssaid.Withthat,NancyandBesslefttheroom,quietlyclosingthedoorbehindthem.

“Thosetwoneverstop,dothey?”Nancyasked,shakingherhead.“It’s a sure sign that they still really care about each other,” said Bess. “I

almostbelieveToddwhenhesayshewasworried.Esmecouldhavedied.”NancyrememberedwhatHelenKleinhadsaidaboutEsmebeingpoisoned,

andsheaskedBesswhatsheknewaboutit.“TheypumpedEsme’s stomachas soonas shegothere,” saidBess.“Iguess

theydid a preliminary test and foundout it definitelywas poison.Tomorrowmorningwe’resupposedtoknowexactlywhatkindofpoisonitwas.Theythinkitwassomekindofplant.”

“Esme’stea!”Nancyannounced.“That’sgottobehowithappened.”Bessstifledayawn.“I’msureyou’reright,Nancy,buttruthfully,I’msotired

rightnowIcan’teventhinkaboutit.Whataday!”“You’renotkidding,”Nancyagreed.Sheknewtherewasn’tmuchtheycould

dountilthenextday,whenthetoxicologyreportcamein.“Let’ssaygoodbyetoEsmeandheadforhome.”

Nancypokedherhead intoEsme’s room,only to seeToddperchedonthesideofthewriter’sbed,herhandsclaspedinhisandasearchinglookonhisface,whileEsmekepthereyes,tearynow,downcast.Luckily,neitherToddnorEsmesawNancy,whoimmediatelydrewbackandwhisperedtoBess,“Idon’tgetit.IthoughtEsmecouldn’t standthesightofTodd,but she’s lettinghimholdherhand.”

“You’rekidding!”Besssaid,herblueeyeswidewithwonder.“What’sthatallabout?”

Nancyshookherhead.“Idon’tknow,butIhaveafeelingthere’salotEsme’snot telling about Todd. She never really wanted to go into the details of therestrainingordersheplacedagainsthim,forexample.”

“What ifTodd’sbehind theharassment andEsme’sunwilling to letherselfseethetruth?”Besssaid,bitingonherlip.

“Thatjustmightmakesense,”Nancyagreed.“Let’shopethatwhoeverturnsouttobetheharasser,Esme’spreparedtoacceptthetruth.”

•••

ThenextdayBesshadpromisedtohelpherparentswithchoresanderrands,soNancy was on her own until the Valentine’s Day Ball that evening. AfterbreakfastNancycheckedinatthehospitalandlearnedthattheromancewriterhadleftfortheBarringtonthatmorning.Unfortunately,Nancycouldn’tgetanydetailsoutof thehospital lababoutEsme’spoisoning.RememberingthatSamwasplanningtobeintheofficethatday,Nancycalledhimatwork.

“Just thewoman Iwant to see!” Sam announcedwhenhe got on the line.“Comeonover,I’vegotsomenews.”

“Did your software program come through finally?” Nancy asked with alaugh.

“Nah,” said Sam. “I’m sending that thing back to themanufacturer. It’s adud! Somethingmuchmore interesting, but you’ll have to come down if youwanttoknow.”

“I’monmyway!”saidNancy.Shechangedintoadenimshirttogowithherjeans,andranabrushthroughherhair.Atthelastminute,NancyappliedacoatofFabulousGrapelipglossthatBesshadgivenher.Takingafinal lookbeforeheadingdownstairs,Nancysawshelookedprettygood.

Forateenager,shethought.AndSam’snotinterestedinanyteenagers!As shewas putting on her jacket, the doorbell rang.A delivery personwas

standingontheporchwithahugebouquetofflowers.“NancyDrew?”themanasked.“Yes,”shesaid.“Signhere.”Nancy signed the delivery form and took the flowers.As soon as shewent

backinside,Nancyfeltawaveofguiltpassoverher.TheflowerswerefromNed.Acardattachedtothemread,“Ihatetoargue.

YouknowhowmuchIloveyou,andI’dneverdoanythingtoblowitbetweenus.Callme.Love,Ned.”

“Oh,Ned,”Nancysaidoutloud.“Iwishallittookwereafewflowers!”Immediately, she felt lousy about her reaction. But the truth was, even

thoughshedidmissNed,andeventhoughshedidfeellikecallinghim,shewasalso looking forward to seeing Sam. Hadn’t Bess said that it was okay to beconfused?Wellthen,shewasconfused,andtheflowersfromNedhadn’thelpedmattersatall.NancytriedcallingNedathisfraternityhouse,buthewasinthelibraryworkingonhispaper.Sheleftamessageandheadedoutthedoor.

At the River Heights Police Department, Sam was sitting behind his deskwhenNancyenteredthesmall,crampedroomthatwashisoffice.

“Itused tobea closet,”Samconfirmed,his eyes lightingupat the sightofNancy.Hegesturedtothefoldingchairbesidethedesk.“Haveaseat,”hesaid.“Ican’twaittotellyouwhatIfoundout.”

“Esmewaspoisoned,”Nancysaid,jumpingthegun.Sam’schocolatebrowneyesrestedonNancy’sface.“How’dyouknow?”“Istoppedbythehospital,”Nancysaid.“Besstoldme.”“Thehospitallabcalledmethismorning,”Samconfirmed.“Poinsettialeaves,

withspearminttomasktheflavor.”“Poinsettia,” Nancy said, softly repeating the word. “Todd Gilbert visited

Esme last night. He brought her a poinsettia plant. You don’t think he’d bestupidenough—”

“Topoisonherwithaplantandthenbringherthesameplantasaget-wellgift?” Sam finished for her. He shook his head. “I doubt it. Probably just acoincidence.”

“ToddsaidsomethingaboutpoinsettiasbeingEsme’sfavoriteplant,”Nancyremembered.“Otherpeoplemustknowthat,too.CouldsomeonehavepoisonedEsmewiththeplantassomekindofweirdjoke?”

SamleanedbackinhischairandstudiedNancy,whofoundherselfblushingattheattention.“It’sjustanidea,”saidNancy.

“It’sagoodone,”saidSam.“IstillmaintainthatEsme’sharasserissomeonewhoknowsherwellandharborsagrudgeagainsther.”

“So far, we know that could include Kim, or maybe even Todd, if he’sworried about her revealing his secret.” Nancy paused. “You know, there’ssomeonewehaven’tevenconsidered.”

“Giancarlo,”Samsaidmatteroffactly.“Yes,”saidNancy.“HeknowsaboutEsme’snickname.”Nancyremembered

Giancarlo’sexcusetoheraboutthelovenotehegaveher.“HecouldbeangryatEsmefornotcaringenoughabouthim.I’veseenthemfight,andit’snotaprettysight.Kimonce said thatEsmedidn’t love eitherToddorGiancarlo.PerhapsGiancarloisharassingEsmebecausehesuspectsshedoesn’tlovehim.”

“Weird,” Sam said with a shrug. “Why not just leave?” He turned to hiscomputer. “I’ll run a check on his social security file,” he said. “Maybesomethingwillturnup.”

While the computer began its search, the screen went blank. Since therewasn’t anything to watch, Nancy found her eyes being drawn to Sam, who,muchtoherembarrassment,wasalsolookingather.

“Listen,”hebegan.“Whenthiscaseends—”

“Whichwecanonlyhopewillbesoon,”Nancysaid,castinghereyesdownatSam’sdesk.“I’mnotsurehowlongEsmecanholdout.”

“I’mnotworriedaboutEsme,”saidSam.“WhatIwantedtoknowwas—”Abeepfromthecomputerandaflashofwhiteontothescreentoldthemthat

the information they’d requested on Giancarlo had come through. “Thanks,”said Sam, turning in his seat to seeGiancarlo’s record on the screen. “Perfecttiming!”

Nancy stared past Sam to the computer screen. Sam quickly skimmed therecordandshookhishead.

“Sorry,there’snothinghere,”hesaid.“Theguyisinthecountrylegallyanddoesn’thaveanykindofrecord—eitherhereorinItaly.He’sclean.”

Nancy steppedbehindSam’sdesk to lookat the filemore carefully.As sheleanedin,herelbowaccidentallybrushedagainstSam’scheek.“Itiscrampedinhere,isn’tit?”sheasked,laughingnervously.

“Yousockedme!”Samsaid,holdinghischeekinmockpain.“I’llmakeyoupayforthat,Drew!”

“I’m sure youwill,”Nancy said, counteringhis banter.Then she skimmedthecomputer screen.Something inGiancarlo’svital statistics surprisedher. “ItsayshereGiancarloissingle.Howoldarethesefiles?”

“They’resupposedtobeuptodate,”hesaid.“Why?”“EsmeandGiancarlohavebeenmarriedforfouryears.Don’tyouthinkhis

socialsecurityfilewouldreflectthat?”Nancyasked.“Itshould,”saidSam,squintinginconfusion.“Let’schecksomething.”Sam

typedinEsme’sname;aminuteortwolater,theromancewriter’sinformationcameonthescreen.

“Accordingtoherrecord,”saidNancy,“Esme’ssingle,too.”“I’ll check the IRS records,” said Sam. “I just happen to have a crucial

passwordthatwillletmeintotheirfiles—solongasIuseitforresearch,andnotillegalgain.”

Samhackedawayatthecomputer.AfewmomentslaterNancyandSamwerestaringatbothGiancarloandEsme’sIRSrecords.AsfarasNancycouldtell,theevidencewasirrefutable.

“BothGiancarloandEsmehavefiledsinglereturnsforthepastthreeyears,”Nancysaid,stunnedattheinformation.“Butthatmeans...”

Sam finished for her. “The romantic fairy-tale couple who’ve charmed theworldfromRiverHeightstoRome,Italy,aren’tmarriedatall.”

ChapterTwelve

FOR SOME REASON, THEN, Giancarlo and Esme have been lying about beingmarried.Why?”

A thoughtoccurred toNancy,one shehesitated to suggestbecause itmadeEsme seem terribly cold and calculating. “Maybe the whole relationship is apublicity stunt,” she said, thinking out loud as she went. “I remember EsmethreateningGiancarlowiththewords,‘Ishouldjustdropyourightnow.’Not,‘Ishouldbreakupwithyou,’but‘Ishoulddropyou.’Itdidn’toccurtomeuntiljustnow,butdoesn’tthatsoundlikesomeonebreakingacontract?”

Samnoddedslowly.Thenhegrabbedhis leather jacket fromoffahookonthe back of his door. “That’s exactly what we’re going to find out,” he said.“Comeon.”

“Wherearewegoing?”Nancyasked.“ToquestionMs.EsmeMooreherself,”Samreplied,reachingacrosshisdesk

topullNancyoutfrombehindit.“AndifthiskidfromLittleItalyhashisway,we’regoingtogetsomeanswers.”

•••

AttheBarrington,Esmeherselfansweredthedoortohersuite.Paleandwearingglasses,theromancewriterlookedalotlessglamorousandalotmoredowntoearth.NancythoughtthatBessmightbedisappointedtoseeheridollookingsoplain without her glowing makeup and fabulous clothes and jewelry, but forNancy, Esme’s casual attire made it easier to ask the questions she wantedanswered.

“Areweinterrupting?”Nancyaskedpolitely.“Notat all,” saidEsme. “Iwasworking,but it’snothing I can’tputdown.

Comeonin.WhatcanIdoforyou?”Nancy introduced Sam. “He’s been handling the police side of our

investigation,”sheexplained.“Pleasedtomeetyou,”saidEsme,shakingSam’shand.

“Esme,SamandIhavesomequestionstoaskyou,”Nancysaid.ShesatdownonthesofawhileEsmetookaseatinanarmchairacrossfromher.

SamjoinedNancyonthecouch.“Thismaynotbepleasant,”Samwarned.“Occasionallythetruthisn’t.”

Esmeswallowedvisibly.Nancyleanedforward,herelbowsrestingonherknees.LookingupatEsme,

sheplungedin.“SamandIhavereasontosuspectthatyouandGiancarloaren’tmarried.Isthattrue?”

Esmesatback inherchair, shockexpressedonher face.ForamomentherglancedartedbackandforthbetweenNancyandSam.Shetriedtospeakseveraltimes,butsimplyendeduptakingasuccessionofdeepbreaths.Finallyshesaid,“It’s true. I won’t deny it. My agent and my publisher and I—I acceptresponsibility—allthoughtthepretendmarriagewouldbeanexcellentpublicitymove.”Esmesmiledsoftly.“We’vedonenothingillegal,andthere’sneverbeenanydangerofour falling in love.Andbeing ‘married’ toGiancarlohashelpedmy sales. However, you must know what a scandal you’ll cause if thisinformationgetspastthisroom.”

NancyassuredEsmethatshewouldn’ttell.“We’renotinterestedinharmingyour career,” she said. “We simply need to know who has solid motives forharassingyou.”

“NotGiancarlo!”Esmeprotested.“Ofcourse,hehasacontractwithme,andIpayhimdearlytobemytravelingcompanion.ButheandIbothknowthathecan cancel at any time. He’d never use threats and tactics to break off thearrangement.”

“WhataboutKim?”askedSam.“Sheseemstohaveabig-timegrudgeagainstyou.”

Esmeshookherheadandstaredatthefloor.“Idon’tthinkso.Kimmayseemtough and cool on the surface, but she’d never sink this low.And I do thinkshe’llmakeitsomedayasawriter.Shesimplyneedstobepatient.”

“Todd?”Nancyputin.“Idon’tseemtobesurroundedbythemosttrustworthypeople,”Esmesaid

onasigh.“Isthatwhatyou’retellingme?Next,you’llbesuggestingJanine.”Nancy held back from confirming Esme’s suspicions. “Let’s get back to

Todd,”sheinsistedgently.“Wouldhehavereasontothreatenyou?”“You were right,” said Esme, wiping a tear from her eye. “This isn’t very

pleasant.” The romance writer got up, crossed the room to the desk, andreturnedwithatissuetodabathereyes.Afterblowinghernose,Esmewenton.“ToddandIhadanextremelyvolatilerelationship.Welovedeachothermadly,andsometimesthatmeantwealsofoughtterribly.He’sworriedI’llwriteaboutallthat.Infact,Ididgetarestrainingorderagainsthim,butit’snotwhatyou

think. He once threatened to kidnap a beloved cat I owned. I wanted to doeverythingIcouldtokeephimawayfrompoorSophie.”

Nancy exchanged a lookwith Sam. “That’s the secretTodd is afraid you’llreveal?”

Esmesmiledsoftly.“Iknowitdoesn’tseemlikemuch,butimaginethepress.‘Todd Gilbert threatened to kidnap prized cat.’ It wouldn’t look very good,wouldit?”

“WouldToddtrytohurtyounow?”Samasked.“Ihonestlydon’t think so,” saidEsme sadly. “I’ve assuredhim Iwill never

writeabouthisthreats,orthedangerIfeltIwasinwhenweweretogether.Thetruth is,heneverdidharmme—orSophie—andIdobelievenowthathehaslearned to control his anger. It’s unfortunate, since the Todd I see now issomeoneItrulycouldlove,ifonlythereweren’tsuchapastbetweenusandthepresentweren’tsocomplicated.”

Theroomwassilent.NancybelievedEsme,andthoughthowsaditwasthatsomeonewhohaddevotedherlifetoromanceandpassionhadseemedtomissoutonthegreatloveofherlife.

“Isthereanyoneelse?”Samasked.“Someonefromyourpast,fromwhenyoustilllivedhereinRiverHeightsmaybe?”

Esmethought,hereyesclosed.“Ijustcan’tthinkofanyone,”shesaid.SuddenlyNancyhada thought.“What ifweread throughTellingAll?” she

suggested.“Iftheharasserissomeonefromyourpast,wemightfindsomethinginthebook.”

Esmenoddedinagreement.“That’sanexcellentidea.Obviously,Idon’thaveaperspectiveanymoreonwhat’sgoingon.Mypublishersentmetwocopiesafterthe manuscript was stolen. I’ll get you one.” Esme got up, went into thebedroom, and came out with a manuscript. “Needless to say, this isconfidential.”

“We’ll keep it to ourselves,” Sam said, taking the manuscript from Esme.“Let’s hope yourhunch is right,Nan, andwe findourharasser somewhere inthesepages.”

AfterleavingEsme,NancyandSamstoppedtopickuplunch.“We’llneedacomfortable spot to read throughEsme’sbook,”Samsaidas theywerepullingoutof a fast-fooddrive-through. “Idon’t feel like staying in theofficeallday.Howaboutmyplace?”

Nancytookalongsipofthesodainherlap.“Sure,”shesaid,tryingnottoactnervous.

Quit it,Drew,Nancy thought.He doesn’t have anything inmind besidesreadingEsme’sbookandcrackingthiscase.

Nancycouldn’trelax.SherememberedthehugebouquetfromNed.Yethereshewas,driving throughRiverHeightson a sunnyFebruaryday—Valentine’sDay—thinking about what Sam had planned for them when they gotcomfortable in his apartment. What was she doing? Nancy resolved that thisthingwithSamhadgottenoutofhand.Shewasthinkingabouthimtoomuch.As soon as she gothome, she’d try callingNed again, tell himhowmuch shemissedhim,makeaplantovisit.

Sam’s apartment was located in a quiet, residential area just west ofdowntown. He parked in front of a one-story, yellow-and-white cottage andquicklystrodeupthewalk.Nancyfollowedhiminside,whereshefoundacozy,one-bedroomapartmentwithhardwoodfloorsandlotsoflight.

“Comeonback,”Samcalledout.Inthekitchen,Samwaslayingouttheirlunchonascarredantiquetable.It

wasalmosttwo,andNancyrealizedshewasstarving.Esme’smanuscriptlayoffto the side. Beyond the kitchen was a comfortable sun-room that looked outonto a smallbackyard.The roomhada couch, several armchairs, and a stereosystem.

“Niceplace,”shesaid,sittingdownatthetableanddiggingintoherburgerandfries.SheandSamateinsilence.Whentheyweredone,Samclearedawaythewrappersandheadedforthesun-room,Esme’smanuscriptinhand.

“Whydon’tyoutakethefirsthalf,andI’lltakethesecond,”saidNancy.Samjoinedheronthecouch,stretchinghislegsontothecoffeetable.“Ican

seeyou like tobe theboss,”he said,handingovera thick sheafofmanuscriptpages.“Let’srace.”

Nancy nestled back into a corner of the sofa and plunged into Esme’sautobiography.Within aminute she was deeply involved in the story of howEsmehadcometowritehernovelbeforePassion,andtheexperiencesleadinguptoit.Apparently,Esmehadbeenonacruise,sailingaroundtheworld,andeachnight the captain of her boat told the guests of his adventures in China, theSouthSeas,Hawaii,andthePhilippines.Afterthecruiseended,Esmestayedonboard,sailingaroundtheworldonceagaintohearmoreofthecaptain’sstories.TheseadventuresbecamethebasisofIslandDesires,Esme’sthirdnoveltohitthebest-sellerlist,andtheonethatmadehernameahouseholdworld.

“Having fun?” Sam asked.By nowhewas stretched out alongmost of thecouch.IfNancymovedherlegs,she’dbesuretotouchhim.

“Learnanything?”heasked,sittingup.“If you count how to become a romance novelist, then yes,” Nancy said.

“Howaboutyou?”“I’mstillincollegewithEsme,”Samjoked.

Afteranothertenminutesorso,NancynoticedSamwaslookingatheragain.“Issomethingwrong?”

“No,” he said, stammering. “I mean, well—kind of.” Sam swallowed andturnedonthecouchsothathefacedNancy.SuddenlyNancyrealizedthatSamwas holding her hand. “Nancy, I know this seems fast and everything, but Ireally—”

“Sam,”Nancysaid,herheartbeatingamileaminute.“There’ssomethingIhavetotellyou.”

ThelookinSam’seyeswasoneofconfusion.Heheldontoherhand,thenleaned close enough so thatNancy could see the flecks of green in his browneyes.“Don’ttalk,”hesaid.Aninstantlater,Sam’shandwastouchingherface,andthenhislipswereonhers.Sheheldherbreath,andthemomentseemedtolastforever.

“Wow,”saidSam.I’mintroublenow,Nancythought,feelingSam’slipsbrushhercheek,find

theirwayintoherhair,nuzzleherneck.Nancypulledback.Itwasawfultobreakthespell,andapartofherwished

thekiss could goon andon, but she couldn’t shake the thoughtofNed, andhowsheshouldtellSamabouthim.“I’mseeingsomeone...”

“It’s okay,” Sam said. He let Nancy’s hand drop after a final caress. “Iunderstand.Youdon’thavetoexplain.It’sjustthatweworksowelltogether.”

“Wedo,”saidNancy.“That’stheproblem.”Shegotupfromthecouchandbegan pacing the room. “I’m so confused. I’ve been with Ned—he’s myboyfriend—fora long timeandI really lovehim.But spending timewithyouhasbeenfunandexcitingand—”

“Andyoudidn’tmindthatkissjustnow,”Samsaid.“No,”Nancyadmitted,stillfeelingSam’slipsonhers.“Ididn’t.”“Listen,”saidSam.“It’smyfault.Irushedthings.MymotheralwayssaysI’m

too impatient. I think you’re great,Nancy. I’m not going to pretend I’m notinterested.ButIwon’tputanypressureonyou,excepttosaythatNedsoundslikealuckyguyandIhopeheappreciatesyou.”

“Hedoes,”Nancysaid,thinkingofNedforwhatfeltlikethemillionthtimethatday.

Sam sighed deeply and pickedEsme’smanuscript up from the coffee tablewherehe’dsetitdown.“Allthisromancemustbedrivingmeoffthedeepend,”hesaid,smilingruefully.“Canwegetanyworkdoneafterthatstupidmoveofmine?”

Nancy laughed and tried to quell the last remaining butterflies in herstomach.“Let’shopeso.We’vegotawholebooktoread.”

TenminuteslaterNancyfeltSampokingatherleg.“Sam!”shecried.

“Sorry!”Samsaid. “I think I found something.Check itout.”SamhandedNancytwopagesfromEsme’smanuscript.“Thepassagethatstartsatthebottom—there.”

NancybegantoreadaparagraphthatdescribedEsme’sfirstnovel.“ThebookwascalledBlackWidow.ThatwasEsme’snickname.”

“Readon,”Samurged.“Readabouttheplot.”Skimmingthepassage,Nancywasstunnedatwhatshesaw.“Itsaysherethat

inthenovelacharactergetspoisonedbyherbestfriend.”“Andwhatdotheyfindoutcausedthepoisoning?”Samasked.Nancyletthepaperfalltoherlap.“Poinsettialeaves.”

ChapterThirteen

WEIRD,HUH?”SAMASKEDNancy.“UnlessI’mwrong,wemaybedealingwithsomekindofcopy-catcrimehere.”

Nancy thought for a moment. “That could be, but what I find moreinteresting is that someone knew about the details of Esme’s first novel.”Somethingnaggedather,andassherereadthepagesshefiguredoutwhatitwas.“Holdon!Itsaysherethatthenovelwasneverpublished.Butshewroteitwithapartner inRiverHeights.”Aname jumpedoff thepageather.“PiaWieland!”Nancypracticallyshouted.NancyexplainedwhoPiawas,andhowshe’dbeenatthefirstpressconference,andtheTVtaping.“AndatEsme’sreading!”

SamtookthesheetfromNancy.“We’redefinitelyontosomethinghere,”hesaid.“Accordingtothis,Pia’sgottobeoverfifty.”

“So?”Nancyasked,perplexed.“Rememberhowmysoftwarekeptgivingustheprofileofanolderwoman?”

Samasked.“You thought it was bombing out,” Nancy said, thinking quickly. “But

maybeitwasn’t.MaybeEsmereallyisbeingharassedbyamiddle-agedwoman.PiaWieland!Where’syourphone?”sheasked.

“In the kitchen.” Sam followedNancy into the kitchen.Within aminute,NancywasonthephonewithEsme,askingheraboutPia.

“It’ssostrangethatIdidn’trememberPia,”Esmesaid.“Iwrotethatpartofthebookawhileago,sothedetailsweren’tfreshinmymind.Besides,it’sbeentenyearssinceIsawher.”

“WhywouldPiahaveareasontoholdagrudgeagainstyou?”Nancyasked.“Areasontoseekrevenge?”

“PiaandImetinawriters’workshop,”Esmesaid.“Weworkedtogetherforayear, but our collaboration didn’t work out. I understand that she neversucceededonherown.Wedidn’tkeepintouchafterweparted.Whywouldshedothisnow?”

“I’mnotsure,”saidNancy.“We’regoingtofollowthislead.I’llletyouknowwhatturnsup.”

NancyhungupwithEsmeandrelatedtheirconversationtoSam.“Thisisahotlead,”saidSam.“I’llgetanaddressonPiaandwecancheckitout.”

BythetimeNancyandSamleftSam’sapartment,thelightwasfadingfromtheclearFebruarysky.Itwasonlyfour-thirty,butitwouldsoonbecompletelydark.Nancyrealizedthenthattheydidn’thavemuchtimebeforeEsme’sball.Inall the excitement, she’d completely forgotten about the party, which wasscheduledtobeginatsixwithcocktails,andthencontinueonthroughthenightwithdinneranddancing.

“I hope Pia’s the one,” said Nancy, watching the sun fade from the sky.“Wouldn’titbegreatifwecouldwalkintoEsme’sValentine’sDayballwiththenewsthatwe’vecaughtherattacker?”

“It would,” Sam agreed. “But let’s not count on it. We still need to findevidencetoproveourhunch.”

Ontheirwayacrosstown,Nancy’sexcitementgrew.ShehadafeelingPiawastheone;allthepieceswerestartingtofallintoplace.Piamusthaveharboredagrudge against Esme, one that she had nursed formany years.Now, she wasenactingherrevenge.Thequestionswere:Whynow?Wherewoulditend?AndcouldNancyandSamstopherbeforeshestruckagain?

Tenminutes later Samwas pulling up in front of a nondescript two-storyhousewithfadedbluepaintpeelinginplaces.Thedrivewaywasemptyandthelightswereoutinside.

“Good,” said Sam, cutting the ignition. “No one’s home to keep uscompany.”Heleanedbackintheseat,obviouslysettlinginforawait.

“Let’sgoin,”Nancysaid.SheopenedthecardoorandwasabouttogetoutwhenSamputhishandonhershoulderanddrewherbackinside.

“Isthathowyoudoit,Drew?”heasked,grinning.“Alotofthetimethere’sanopendoororwindow.That’snotbreakingand

entering,”Nancyexplained.“That’slettingyourselfinandwaitingfortheownertoreturnsoyoucanspeaktoher.”

“I see,” saidSam.He seemed to considerNancy’s reasoning for amoment.Thenheclickedopenhisowndoorand said, “If anyoneasks, Iwasn’there, Ididn’tseeanything,andIdon’tevenknowyou.”

“Right,” saidNancy.And thatwasn’t akissyougavemeearlier, either, shethought,wobbly in theknees fromthememory.She’dcallNedas soonas shegot home and confess to him everything about Sam, including the kiss.Well,maybenotthekiss,buteverythingelse.

At the back of the house Nancy found a door that opened to her touch.“Bingo,”shesaid.“Comeonin.”

“Ishouldn’tbedoingthis,”Samsaid,steppinginside.“Ireallyshouldn’tbedoingthis.”

“Iwon’ttell,”Nancysaid.Shepushedhimthroughthedoorandfollowed.Theywerestandinginalaundryarea.Throughtheopendoor,Nancysawa

kitchen, then the living room beyond. Moving carefully through Pia’s darkhouse,Nancyquicklyfoundthebedroom.

“I’ll look inhere,” she said toSam,whostood in thedoorwaybetween thelivingroomandthekitchen.“Youtakethelivingroom.”

“Giving orders again, I see,” Sam said with a smile. He saluted, and said,“Yes,ma’am.”

“Anddon’t disturb any evidence,”Nancywarnedhimwith a smile. “But IguessIdon’thavetotellyouthat.”

“You must be used to working with amateurs,” Sam joked. “I’ve got onequestionforyou,Drew.”

“Shoot—”saidNancy.“Ifyoudothissooften,whyhaven’tyougonetojail?”askedSam.Nancy smiled and shrugged. “Just lucky, I guess.”Then shewent into the

bedroomtobeginhersearch.HalfanhourlaterNancyhaddiscoveredatroveofevidenceagainstPia.First,

she found file boxes in the closet that were full of clippings about Esme—nothingtooincriminatingthere,Nancythought,exceptyouhadtowonderwhysomeone would collect enough information about the romance writer to puttogether a biography of the woman. Next, Nancy saw a man’s trench coathanginginthecloset.Then,behindthefilebox,shespottedadyingpoinsettiaplantwithhalfitsleavescutoff.BesidetheplantwasabooktitledDeadlyDoses:TheAmateur’sGuidetoPoisons.That’swhenNancycalledouttoSam.

“Ithinkyoushouldcomeinhere,”Nancycriedout.Usingahandkerchieftopickup thebook,Nancynoticedabookmarkat apagedescribingpoinsettias,alongwith a list of othernecessary ingredients. “Check it out,”Nancy said toSamwhenhecameintothehalf-darkroom.

Samtookthebookfromher.Afterscanningthepageandthelist,heletoutalowwhistle.“Thetoxicologyreportsaysthepoinsettialeavesweremaskedwithspearmint.Andhereitis,rightonPia’slist:spearmintleaves.”Holdingthebookwithhislefthand,SamhandedaslipofpapertoNancywithhisright.

“It’sareceiptfromaspecialtypetstore,”Nancysaid,barelyabletomakeoutthewriting.

“Forablackwidowspider,”Saminformedher.“Whatdoyouthinkofthat?”“I thinkwe’ve got enough evidence here to putPia away for a long time,”

Nancysaid.

“Idon’tneedtoremindyouthatfirstwe’llneedalegalsearchwarrant,”Samrepliedinamockserioustone.

“Iknowthat,”Nancyreplied,feelingabitdefensive.“Iguessyoucouldreallygetintroubleforbeinghere,”shesaid.“I’msorry.”

“Hey,”saidSam,“Iacceptfullresponsibility.Besides,Iwouldn’tbethefirstguytolosehisheadoveragirl,wouldI?”

“Iguessnot.”Eveninthedark,Nancycouldfeelherselfblushing.AloneinPia’sdarkhouseandexcitedat the thoughtofcracking thecase,Nancy foundherselfwishingherlifewasn’tsocomplicatedandthatshehadn’tputoffSamsostrongly back at his place. But the sound of a key in the front door quicklysnappedNancyoutofherreverie.

“Pia!” Sam announced, peeking out the bedroom window to the street.“Quick,hide!”

BeforeNancycouldreact,SamwasscuttlingunderPia’sbed.Nancyrealizedit was the safest hiding place and found she had no choice but to follow. Amoment laterhernosewas fullofdust,Sam’selbowwaspoking intoher side,andPia’sankleswerevisibleasthewomanwalkedintothebedroomandheadedforacloset.Nancycouldhearherrummagingaround,andthendetectedwhatsounded like the chamberof a revolverbeing spun around, checked, and thenclickedintoplace.

She’sgotagun!NancywantedtoshouttoSam.Theycouldn’tbesure,butifNancywasright,Esme’slifecouldbeinseriousdanger.

Piawalked toward the door again, stoppingmomentarily by the bed.Nowher feetwere facingNancy, andNancy sawPiawaswearingwhat looked likemen’sshoesandcuffedpants.Thewholetime,PiahadbeendressinglikeamantoputNancyandSamoffhertrack.Thatwaswhysheworethetrenchcoat,theman’shat.Theplanning thathadgone intoPia’s revenge sent a chill throughNancy,made worse by the fact that Pia was standing next to the bed. If shediscoveredthatNancyandSamwerehidingrightbyherfeet...

Pia didn’t find them, though. A moment later she left the bedroom, andNancyheardthesoundofthefrontdoorclosing.Shewaitedfiveseconds,thencrawledoutfromunderthebedandracedtothewindow.TherePiawasgettinginto a late-model sedan. Samwas out fromunder the bed bynow andbesideNancyatthewindow.

“She’s going after Esme, I just know it!”Nancy cried. “We’ve got to stopher.”

ChapterFourteen

PIAWASPULLINGAWAY fromthecurb.Urgently,Nancyheldon toSam’sarmanddraggedhimfromtheroom.“We’vegottofollowher.I’msureshe’sgoingtotheBarrington.Pia’sgottoknowaboutEsme’sballtonight.WhatbetterwaytogettoEsme,finally,thantoruinherultimateparty?”

Samwaslookingoutthefrontdoornow,carefulnottobeseenbyPia.“She’sattheendoftheblock,”hetoldher.“Comeon.Let’sgo!”

Nancy followed Sam at a run out to his car. Sam had the engine startedbeforeNancywaseveninside.“Youareimpatient,”shesaidwithasmileassheslammedthedoor.“Justbesureyou’renotsoeagerthatPiaknowswe’rebehindher.”

“Please,”saidSam,peelingawayfromthecurbwithasquealofrubber.“I’vegotabitofexperience,asyouknow.”

“I figured,” saidNancy, her excitement rising. The chase was on! She wassittinginthepassengerseatforonce,abletoenjoytheride.Maybeshecouldgetused tohaving an equal for a partner.Maybe itwas a good thing—or a greatthing—thatsheandSamworkedwelltogether.Ifthatweretrue,thenmaybeitwouldalsobebetternottobeinvolved,tokeeptheirrelationshipprofessional.

“Earth to Nancy,” Sam said. “Beam in, Nancy.” He held his hand to hismouthasifitwereamicrophone.“Suspectisinsight.Detectiveisouttolunch.”

“Sorry.” Nancy laughed. “It’s so unlike me to have my mind wander likethis.”

“I thinkIunderstand,” saidSam, takingahard turn thatmadeNancy leanintohim.BothofSam’shandsremainedsteadyonthesteeringwheel,butNancycould rememberwhat it felt like tobe touchedbyhim.“Everythingwillworkout,”Samreassuredher.“Maybethisisonesituationyoucan’tthinkyourwaythrough.Maybeyou’lljusthavetoletyourheartleadyou.”

“Telling me not to think is like telling me not to breathe,” Nancy said,laughing.“Lookout.Pia’stakingthatleft.”

The light went from green to yellow as Sam swung through it, his tiressquealingandhisshocksbouncing.“Youknowwherewe’regoing,don’tyou?”Samasked.

Nancy nodded. “I have a pretty good idea.” The sun had set and thestreetlightswereonastheyheadedfromPia’sneighborhoodtowarddowntown.Nancylookedatherwatch.“It’ssixo’clock.Esme’sballshouldbestartinganyminute.”

“True,”saidSam.“Sowhat’sherplan?”Nancyshivered,hereyesrivetedtoPia’slate-modelsedanafewcarsaheadof

them.“Ihatetothink.Whateveritis,I’msureEsme’sindanger.”Pia ledthemthroughthebusydowntownstreets,until theywere justa few

blocks from the Barrington. In fact, the hotel was in sight when Pia wentthroughalightasitchangedfromyellowtored.Samhadtoscreechtoastopatthelight,whilePiacruisedthrough.

“Rats!”Samsaid,poundingthesteeringwheel.“Nowshe’sgotahead-startonus.Whatifweloseher?”

“Wewon’t,”saidNancy.SheknewPiawouldheadforEsme’sroom.Fromthere,shedidn’tknowexactlywhattoexpect.Asshewaitedforthelighttoturngreenagain,Nancybitonafingernail,tryingnottoimaginetheworst.

Saminchedoutintotraffic.Thecrosstownlightwasjustturningyellow,andNancycouldseeSamresistingtheurgetogothroughtheredlight.

“Go!”Nancyshoutedassoonasthelightturnedgreen.Pia was long gone. Sam raced toward the Barrington’s front entrance and

threwthekeysatthevalet.Inside,theyracedfortheelevatorsandcaughtaglimpseofPiaasthedoorsto

oneelevatorclosed.“There she is!”Nancycriedout. “Iknew it.She’sheaded forEsme’s room.

Comeon!”Another elevator appeared, and Nancy pushed her way onto it. To her

dismay,theelevatorproceededtostopateveryfloortoletsomeoneeitheronoroff,anditfeltlikeforeverbeforesheandSamreachedEsme’sfloor.

“Talkaboutimpatient,”Samwhispered,hiseyesonNancy’stappingfoot.“Wecouldhavewalkedfaster,”Nancywhisperedback.Finally theywere gettingoffon the sixth floor.Nancy raceddown thehall

towardEsme’ssuite.Whatshesawtheremadeherstopdead.PiahadEsmeinhergrip.Theromancewriterwasdressedinafull-lengthred

gown,readyforherball.Theexpressioninhergreeneyeswasoneofpureterror.Inaflash,Nancyrealizedwhy:Piahadasilver-barreledgunandwasholdingitatEsme’sside.

“Nancy!”Esmecriedwhenshespottedher.“Helpme,please!”

Pia’s face contorted into an expression of anger and frustration. “No one’sgoingtohelpyouthistime,”shespatatEsme.“Can’tyouseethatyou’regoingtohavetocomeclean,finally?”

“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,”Esmesaid.ShestruggledtobreakfreeofPia’sgrip,but thewomanwasstrong.SheheldEsmemore tightly, stickingthegundeeperintoEsme’sside.“Whatareyouplanningtodo?”

“You’llsee,”saidPia.“Nothingmorethanyoudeserve—BlackWidow.”Pia’svoiceas shepronouncedEsme’snicknamedroppedtoameanwhisper

thatsentshiversdownNancy’sspine.ItwasobviousthatPia’sdesireforrevengewasenoughtomakehertakedesperatemeasures.Theyhadtostopher!

GivingSamameaningfullook,Nancytookasmallstepforward.AtthesametimeSamcalledout,“Pia,let’stalk.Let’sbereasonable.IfyouharmEsme,you’llbeinserioustrouble.Whydon’tyoureconsider?”

Slowly, while Sam distracted Pia, Nancy tried moving forward. Theexpression inEsme’s eyeswas desperate, yet hopeful. ButNancy hadn’t takenmorethanthreestepsbeforesheheardanexplosionandsawaflash.

“Nancy!”Samcried.“Getdown!Pia’sshooting!”Nancy fell to the carpet, face first,herheartpounding.Thatwas tooclose,

shethought.Shedidn’tlookupuntilSamwasbyherside.“Thatwomanisnuts,”hesaid.“Areyouokay?”“I’mfine.Where’dshego?”Nancyasked,gettingtoherknees.“Assoonassheshotatyou,PiadraggedEsmetothefirestairs,”Samtoldher.A second laterNancywas racing toward the fire exitwithSambyher side.

Oncetheywereinthestairwell,NancycouldhearthesoundofPiaandEsme,afewflightsdown.Nancyflewdownthestairs,takingthemthreeatatime.ButassoonasPiarealizedNancyandSamwereafterher,shestartedshootingupthestairwell.

Nancy pressed herself against the wall. “I guess she wants us to keep ourdistance,”shejoked,panting.

“Ithinkyou’reright,”Samtoldher.“Let’sstaycloseenoughtofollowher.Assoon as we get downstairs, I’ll call for backup. It looks like we’ll be needingsome.”

After reaching the bottom of the stairwell, Pia led them down a series ofcorridors.SoontheywerepassingbytheBarrington’senormouskitchen,headingforthebanquetrooms.Keepingasafedistancebehind,NancyandSamtrailedPiaandastill-strugglingEsmeallthewaytotheballroom.

“She knows these hallways like the back of her hand,” Sam said, runningbesideNancy.

“Ihave a feeling thatPiamusthaveworkedhere,”Nancy replied, catchingherbreath.“Sheprobablystoleapasskeyatsomepoint.”

“Ibetyou’reright.ThatmustbehowshegotintoEsme’ssuite,”Samsaid.Now,PiawaspushingEsmethroughadoor.“Hurry!”Nancycried,following

them.Nancyyanked thedooropen todiscover that theywere standing in thebackstage area of the Barrington’s ornate ballroom. From behind the stage,Nancy could hear the crowdmurmuring and the strains of the orchestra as itplayedtheevening’sfirstsongs.

Sam was beside Nancy. They both hung back in the shadows, while PiadraggedEsmetothefrontofthestage.

“What’sshedoing?”Samasked.“I’mafraidtofindout,”saidNancy.Withonehand,Piawaspawingatthecurtainstopullthemopen.Withthe

other, sheheld the gunpointed atEsme’s side.Nancy knew that if theyweregoing todisarmPia,nowwas the time.Quickly,Nancyassessed the situation.She’dneed to sneakuponthewoman,andtheonlyway todo thatwouldbefrom the side. Or, Nancy thought, noticing a catwalk above the stage, fromabove.Aladderwentfromthecatwalktothefloor.Besidetheladderwasalongrope.Nancycouldclimbtheladder,haulherselfontothecatwalk,tietheropetothecatwalk,anduseittoswingontoPiafromabove.

NancywhisperedtheplantoSam.“Thatsoundsdangerous,”Samsaid.“Wedon’thaveanychoice,”saidNancy.“IfwetrytotacklePiafromboth

sides,shemightshootEsme.”“You’reright,”saidSam.“I’llcoverherontheground.Becareful.”Hitchingtheropeoverhershoulder,Nancybeganherascent.Below,shesaw

thatPiahadthecurtainsopen.Fromthecrowdcameamurmurofsurprise,andNancyspottedBess intheaudience.WhenBesssawNancy,sheputahandtoher mouth and clutched the arm of the man standing next to her. OthermembersoftheaudiencespottedNancy,too.

No!Nancy thought. By now, shewas on the catwalk, frantically tying theropetotherailing.IfPianoticedtheaudiencestaringupatNancy,thentheplanwasfoiled.Keepyoureyesoffme!Nancythought,shakingherheadslowlyatthecrowd.

Bessandtheothersmusthavegottenthemessage,becauseaninstantlaterthewholegrouphadturnedtheirattentiontoPiaandEsme.

“Can I have your attention,” Pia was saying. “My dear old friend EsmeMoorehasanimportantannouncementtomake.”

WhilePiapushedEsmeclosertothecrowd,Nancygrabbedthelooseendoftheropeandquicklyfashionedalooptogiveherahandhold.Shemovedasfastasshecould,butherfingerswerejittery.

Nowisnotthetimefornerves,Drew.Justdoit!

“Shewants to tellyouallabouthervery firstnovel,”Piawenton,her tonemeanandspiteful.“Theoneshesupposedlywroteallbyherself.”

Nancyhad loweredherself to thecatwalk’s floorandwasabout to slipovertheedge.Below,shecaughtalastglimpseofSam’sencouraginggaze.ThensheshiftedhergazetoPia.Whatshesawmadeherstomachturninfear.

ThewomanwasstaringupatNancy.“Stoprightthere!”Piacried.“OrelseI’llshoot.”

ChapterFifteen

UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS TOO late for Nancy to change her mind. She wasalreadybalancedtofalloffthecatwalk,andthat’sexactlywhatshedid,closinghereyesandswingingoffit,prayingthatPiawouldn’tbeabletofocusonher.

“Nancy!”Bessshouted.“Lookout!”Samcried.Daring toopenher eyes,Nancy saw shewas flying right towardPia’s arm.

Shereadiedherselftokickout.Ifhertimingwasright,maybeshecouldjarthegunfromPia’shand.

“Esme!”Nancycried.“Duck!”AssheswungtowardPia,Nancylashedoutwithherleg.PiapulledEsmeto

thefloorwithher,andwhileNancywasloopingoutoverthestage,PiausedtheopportunitytodragEsmeofftowardanexit.

“Stopthem!”NancycalledtoSam.“They’regettingaway!”Samwas already inmotion.Nancy letherself drop from the ropeonto the

stage.ShejoinedSam,whohadtakenthreelongstridesacrossthestageandwashotonPia’strail.Theywereontheoppositesideofthestagefromwherethey’dcomein,andPiaseemedtoknowanotherescaperoutethroughadifferentsetofhallways.

“Where’sshegoingnow?”Samasked.Nancypanted.“Ihavenoidea.Butwe’reabouttofindout.”After trailing Pia down dark corridors,Nancy and Sam came to a bank of

elevators.Piawasalreadyinone,andthedoorsshutonherandaveryfrightenedEsme just asNancyandSamapproached.Fromthe lightsdisplayedabove theelevators,Nancysawthatthisbankwasanexpresstothehotel’spenthouse.

Nancypushedthecallbutton.“Readyforanotherride?”sheaskedasanotherelevatordescendedforthem.“Lookslikewe’reheadedfortheroofthistime.”

Just as the elevator doors were closing, a group of security guards arrived.“Reinforcements,”Samsaidtothem.“Seeyouatthetop!”

Whentheelevatorreachedthetopfloor,NancyspottedPiatearingdownthehallway.“We’vegothertrapped,”Samsaidthroughgrittedteeth.

Attheendofthehall,NancyandSamcametoastaircasethatledtotheroof.Fromthebottomofthestairwell,Samcalledup,“Pia,it’suseless.Wehaveyoutrapped.”

“I don’t think she’s going to listen to reason,”Nancy said.With that, shetookthestairs,twoatatime.

On the roof a cold blast of wintry air hitNancy. Against the backdrop ofRiverHeights’nighttimelights,NancysawPia,backedupagainstalowwallattheroof’sedge,withEsmepressedagainsther.

“Don’tcomeanycloser,”Piawarned.“OrelseI’lltakeusbothover.”“We won’t hurt you,”Nancy assured the woman. “Why don’t you tell us

whatyouwant?”FrombehindEsme,Pia’sfacewasapaleshadow,buthereyesflashedmadly

as she focused on Nancy and Sam. “I want her to admit that she lied,” Piaasserted.

“Aboutwhat?”Samasked.“Pleaseletmego,”Esmewailed.“Ineverliedaboutanything.”“That’snotthepoint,”Piasaidviciously.“Youliedaboutourbook.Youstole

themanuscriptofBlackWidow.Youtoldmeyoucouldn’tgetitpublished,butyou did. I waswatching, I saw exactlywhat you did. Youwaited, but after awhile,whenyouthoughtIwouldn’tremember,youwentaheadandpublisheditunderadifferent title.Thatwasmywork, too,andyoustole it fromme.Andthenyoutookallthecredit.Admitit.Admityouliedtome.”

“I never stole Black Widow,” Esme protested. “I don’t know what you’retalkingabout.”

“Pia.”Nancytookastepforward.“I’msurewecanworkthisout.ItsoundslikeyouandEsmehadamisunderstanding.”

“Don’tcomeanycloser,”Piawarned.SheheldtheguntoEsme’sside.“Ijustwanthertoadmitshelied,thenI’lllethergo.Iwantedtohearhersayitinfrontofallthosepeople,Iwantedheradoringfanstohearit.JustlikeIwantedthemtoknowthatTellingAllwasapackoflies,too.”

“WereyoutheonecallingBrendaCarlton?”Nancyasked.Pianodded. “Thatwasme, all right.And Iphoned inon the ‘EmilyWells

Show,’too.ForyearsI’vekeptthetruthaboutEsmetomyself,butthetimehascomeforallheradoringfanstoknow.Ifthatmeantruininghercareer,thensobeit.”

“Wewerepartners,”Esmewailed.“Howcouldyoudothistome?”“Ifyouhadcomecleanandadmittedthetruth,thenIwouldn’thavegoneto

suchlengths,”saidPia.“Iwouldn’thavehadtostealyourmanuscriptandscare

youwiththatpoisoningstunt.Didn’tyouseethatifyou’djustadmittedtoyourlies,itallwouldhavestopped?”

Somehow,Nancydidn’tbelievethatPiawouldhavestopped—notuntilshehad crushed Esme completely. “You’re the liar!” Esme cried, turning on herformer partner with a burst of strength and freeing herself from Pia’s grasp.“Black Widow wasn’t publishable. The next book that came out wasmy ownwork,andonlymywork.Youhadnothingtodowithit!”

“ThatbookstoleeverygoodideafromBlackWidow,andyouknowit!”PiaraisedherarmtostrikeEsme,whorushedtodefendherself.Nancyand

Sambothsawtheopeningatthesametime.Inaflash,theywereacrosstheroofandatPia’sside.

NancycameatPiawithherhandspoised.Samhadhisfistsraised.WhenPiasaw that they were both coming at her, she backed away from Esme, whodroppedtotheground.Piapreparedtodefendherself.

“Goodluck,”Samsaidthroughgrittedteeth.“You’llneedit.”Nancy lashed out with a kick to Pia’s knee. The woman crumpled to the

ground. Nancy approached, on guard against any fast moves. Pia lunged atNancy, thegunpoised,butNancywas ready.With a swift jab fromher righthand,NancychoppedPia’sarmatthewrist.Thewomanfellbackwithamoan.

Samgrabbed atPia’swrist,wrestling the gunout of her grasp. In thenextmoveSamwrappedPia’sarmsbehindherback.“Don’tmoveifyouknowwhat’sgoodforyou,”hecommanded.

SeeingthatPiawasdisarmed,NancygentlytookEsme’sarmandasked,“Areyouokay?Didshehurtyou?”

Esme’sgreeneyeswerefulloffearanddismay.“I’mfine,”shesaid.Shetookadeepbreath.“Youknowsomething?”shecontinuedwitha flutterysmile,“I’mglad.” She looked up at the clear night sky, and her breath came out innoticeablegasps.

“Youare?”Nancyasked.“Yes,”saidEsme.HereyestrailedtoPia,standingnowbySam’sside.“Finally

this ordealhas ended.Thanks to you two,my lifehasbeen returned tome—safely.”

•••

AnhourlaterEsme,Todd,Janine,Kim,Bess,Nancy,andSamwerestandingbytherefreshmenttableat thebackof theballroom.Esmehadcomebacktoheraudience and explained to everyone the incidentwith Pia. Samhad called hisbackup,who had come to take Pia away. Soon, Esmewould go down to thestationtopresschargesagainstPia.Now,Esmeshiveredatthememoryofwhatshehadbeenthrough.

“From themomentPia learned aboutmy autobiography,”Esme explained,“shebegantoreliveheranimositytowardme.”

“Especiallysinceitremindedherofhowfaryou’dcomeandwhereshewas,”Nancysaid.

Bess’s blue eyeswent fromNancy’s toSam’s toEsme’s inwonder. “I can’tbelievePia lether jealousyofEsme takeoverher life like that. Shemusthaverealizedshe’dgetcaughteventually.”

“Idon’tthinkshecared,”Samputin.GiancarlotookNancyasideforamoment.“Iwantyoutoknow,”hesaidin

his softly accented voice, “that after all this has quieted down, I plan to leaveEsme.”

Nancypretendedtobesurprised.“Butyouloveeachothersomuch.”Giancarloputhisfingertohismouth.“Thatishowitappears.Intruth,Kim

andI loveeachother.Thatnotewasmeant forher,andIhavebeentryingtofindawaytotellEsme.Now,IthinkIwillbeable.”

“Esmewillmissyouverymuch,”Nancysaid.SheandGiancarlolookedbacktothegroupandsawthatToddhadhisarmaroundEsme’sshoulders.

“Perhaps,” said Giancarlo. “Perhaps she has found that she, too, lovessomeoneelse.”

“Youmayberight,”saidNancy,returningtothegroup.EsmeputherhandonTodd’sarm.“I’dappreciateitifyou’dcomewithme

tothepolicestation,”shetoldhim.“Thiswon’tbeverypleasant,anditwouldfeelgoodtohaveanoldfriendthere.”

BessshotNancyameaningfullook.Somehow,itallmadesense.NancyhadseenfirsthandthatEsmestillhadasoftspotinherheartforTodd.Maybethefact that she and Sam had found out aboutGiancarlo hadmade Esme thinktwiceaboutherarrangementwithherItalianleadingman.Ormaybeitwastheclearevidence,soobvioustoallbynow,thatGiancarloreallydidlikeKimandwastryinghisbesttofindawaytotellEsme.

“Romanceismostdefinitelyintheair,”NancysaidtoBess.The strains of music came drifting over. On the floor, carefree couples

danced. Sam came to standbyNancy andBess andput his hand onNancy’sarm.“You’retellingme,”Besssaid,edgingaway.

“Thatwasgreatteamwork,”Samsaid,staringdeeplyintoNancy’seyes.“You’reright,”saidNancy,returninghisgaze.Suddenlyitwasasiftheywere

completely alone, even thoughEsmewas still there, alongwith Janine,Todd,Bess,Kim,andGiancarlo.AllNancycouldhearwasthemusiccomingfromtheend of the ballroom, and all she could see were Sam’s chocolate brown eyes,focusedonher.

“Sowhatdoyouthink?”Samasked.

“Aboutwhat?”Nancyreturned.“Aboutworkingtogetherinthefuture?”“I’mgoingtohavetoaskmyheart,”Nancyreplied.“Rightnow,it’stelling

menottodecide,justtoleteverythingtakecareofitself.”Samsmiledgently.“Iwashopingforsomethingmoredefinitive,butIguessI

can livewith that fornow.”He gaveNancy’s hand a squeeze.Nancy thoughtthismightbethestartofanotherkiss,butBesscameoverbeforeanythingcouldhappen.

“Boy,haveyoumissedsomefireworks,”sheannouncedbreathlessly.“JaninejustadmittedthatshewastheonetotipoffBrendatothespiderincident.”

“Shedid?”Nancyasked,surprised.Bess nodded. “She only admitted it because Kim kept insisting Janine was

Brenda’s anonymous source. You should have seen Janine explode! She claimsthat she didn’t call Brenda that first day, and shewasn’t the one towarn heraboutwhatwouldhappenatEsme’sreading.Butshedidrevealthenewsaboutthespider.IguessshethoughtitwouldkeepthePRtraingoing.Esmegotprettymad,butIdon’tthinkshe’sgoingtofireher.”

Nancylaughed.“Bess,whatwillyoudowhenyoudon’thaveaninsidetrackonallthisgossip?”

At firstBess lookedperplexed, thenher facebrightened.“Oh, I’llbeplentybusy,” she said. “I plan to write my own romance novel, remember? Aftereverythingthat’shappened,IfigureIhaveenoughmaterialforyearstocome!”

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Anyreferencestohistoricalevents,realpeople,orrealplacesareusedfictitiously.Othernames,characters,places,andeventsareproductsoftheauthor’simagination,andanyresemblancetoactualeventsorplacesorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

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Copyright©1995bySimon&Schuster,Inc.

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