Daretoread:НэнсиДрюиБратьяХарди
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ПРИЯТНОГОЧТЕНИЯ!
CarolynKeene
NancyDrewClueBook:VolumeEleven
TheTortoiseandtheScare
Copyright,2019,bySimon&Schuster,Inc.
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgehavebeenlookingforwardtotheirschooltriptotheWildlifeRefugeforweeks.They’vebeenstudyingallthedifferentanimalsthey’llseethere—pygmyhedgehogs,scarletmacaws,andballpythons.Nancyismostexcitedtoseethesixty-year-oldtortoise—thathard-shelledcreatureisolderthanherdad.Butwhenherclassreachestheenclosuretheyfindoutthetortoiseisontheloose!
Nancyandherfriendsareonthecase.Cantheysavethedaybeforetheclasstripisover?Orwillthissneakyreptileoutsmartthemall?
NancyDrewstoodinfrontofherscienceclasswithanindexcardinherhand.Herbestfriends,GeorgeFayneandBessMarvin,weresittinginthebackrow.Shestareddownatthecard,wantingtogiveeveryoneacluethatwasgood,butnottoogood.Shedidn’twantthemtoguesstheanswerrightaway.
“I’mtiny...,”shesaid.“AndIhavespinesandshortlegs.”
“Hmmm...,”Mrs.Pak,theirteacher,murmured.Sheglancedaroundtheclassroom.“Whatcouldshebe?Doesanyonehaveanyideas?”
JamalJones’shandshotupintheair.HealwaysgotstraightAsandhadguessedthelasttwocorrectanswers.Nancyheldherbreath,wonderingifhe’dgetitright.
“Areyouaporcupine?”heasked.
“You’resoclose!”Nancygaveanotherclue,andshewassurehe’dgetitrightthistime.“IcanrollupintoaballifI’mscared...”
“Oh!You’reahedgehog!”Jamalcried.
“Verygood!”Mrs.Paksaid,takingthecardfromNancy.IthadHEDGEHOGwrittenonitinblockletters.“Thisclassisgoingtobesopreparedforourfieldtriptomorrow.I’msurealltheguidesattheRiverHeightsWildlifeCenterwillbeimpressed.”
Nancytookherseatnexttoherfriends.Bess’slongblondhairwaspulledbackinaponytailassheleanedoverherbook. TheWorld’sMostExoticAnimals wasopentothepageaboutservals.Thespottedcatlookedlikeacheetahwithbunnyears.“Theirearsaresocute,”Besssaid,pointingtothepictures.“They’resomuchbiggerthantheirheads!Ihopewegettoseeonetomorrow.”
“Iwanttoseeaballpython,”Georgesaid.
“Thoseareterrifying!”Besswhispered.
GeorgeandBesswerecousins,buttheycouldn’thavebeenmoredifferent.Georgehadshortbrownhairandbrowneyes,wasathletic,andwasnoteasilyscared.Bessalwaysfearedtheworstwouldhappen,andNancyhadonlyeverseenherplaysportsingymclass.TogetherthethreeofthemmadeuptheClueCrew.TheyworkedtogethersolvingmysteriesaroundRiverHeights.They’devenrecoveredatelescopethathadbeenstolenfromalocalmuseum.
HarryandLiamMcCormickwenttothefrontoftheclass.Theywereidenticaltwins,withorangehairandfreckles,andtheylikeddoingpresentationstogetherwheneverMrs.Pakwouldletthem.They’djustmovedtoRiverHeightsinSeptember,andwereobsessedwithAntonioElefano,thebiggestpranksterinNancy’sgrade.Thetwinswereconstantlydoingthingstotrytoimpresshim.Justtheweekbeforethey’dclimbedthirtyfeetupatreetryingtogethisattention.
“Ummm...we’rered,”Liamsaid,staringathiscard.“ImeanI’mred.”
“Andwehavegiantwings!”Harryadded.
Nancythoughttheymightbeparrots...maybesunconures,butthatseemedtooobvious.They’dbeenstudyingsomanyexoticanimalsthatshesometimesgotthemmixedup.Wasitpossibletheywerescarletmacaws?
“Idon’tthinkwearered...,”Harrysaidquietlytohisbrother.“Aren’tweblue?”
Mrs.Pakleanedovertheirshoulderstogetabetterviewoftheircards.“Ithinkyou’reredandblue.Andmaybeafewothercolorstoo.”
“We’reverycolorful,”Liamagreed.
Georgeraisedherhand.“You’reascarletmacaw.”
“That’sright!She’sright,”Liamsaid.Heseemedexcitedthatsomeonehadguessedthecorrectanswer,eventhoughtheywereabitconfusedaboutwhichbirdthemacawwas.
Mrs.Pakmovedontothenextlesson,pullingupavideoofathree-toedslothonthescreeninfrontoftheclass.Thefurrycreaturewasswimming.Astherestoftheclasswatcheditpaddlethroughthewater,Nancyleanedovertoherfriends.
“Tomorrowisgoingtobeaperfectday,”shesaid.“There’ssupposedtobethiscoolcourtyardatthewildlifecenterwithacrazyplaygroundandahedgemaze.Andthere’sagiftshopwhereyoucanbuystuffedanimalsorthesepenswithfloatingparrotsinthem.”
“Someonesaidtheyactuallyputthepythonaroundyourneck,”Georgewhispered.“Youcanholdthem!”
“George!”NancyandBesspracticallyscreamed.Thentheybrokeintolaughter,thinkingofGeorgewithagiantsnakehangingoverhershoulders.SometimesthethingsthattotallycreepedthemoutwerethesamethingsGeorgeloved.
“Idon’tthinkwe’vebeensomewherethisfunsince...,”Besstrailedoff,hereyeswide.
“Maybeever,”Georgeadded.
Nancysmiled,knowingitwastrue.TheRiverHeightsWildlifeCenterwasgoingtobetheirbiggestadventureyet.
“YoumustbeMrs.Pak,andI’mguessingtheseareyourexceptionalsciencestudents!”Awomanwithcurlyblackhairboundeddownthefrontstepsofthewildlifecenter.Shewaswearingkhakifromheadtotoe—khakishorts,akhakishirt,andevenkhaki-coloredsocks.HernametagreadBELINDA.
“Theyare,”Mrs.Paksaidcheerfully.“We’vebeensoexcitedtovisit.”
“Well,comeonin.”Thewomanwavedeachoftheminsideonebyone.“I’mBelinda,andI’mthefounderoftheRiverHeightsWildlifeCenter.I’llbetakingcareofyoutoday.Beforewegetstarted,Iwantedtotellyoualittlebitabouttheplace,andyoucanmeetthewonderfulstaffthatmakesmagichappenaroundhere.”
NancyfollowedBessandGeorgeinsidethecenter,whichwasasingle-storybuildingwithabeautifulcourtyardgardeninthemiddleofit.Therewerealreadytwootherschoolgroupsthere.Thehugeplaygroundwascrowdedwithkidsandagroupofmomswithstrollers.Nancycouldhearanimalnoisesechoingdownthecorridor.TothesideoftheplaygroundwasthehedgemazethatNancyhadreadaboutonline.Twomeninkhakiuniformswerestandingbythecaféandpicnictables.
“Come,sitdown!”Belindasaid,wavingfortheclasstofindspotsatthepicnictables.“IwanttotellyoualittlebitaboutwhatbroughtmeheretotheRiverHeightsWildlifeCenter.”
NancyandherfriendssatonthebenchclosesttoBelinda.SheseemedlikeshewasmuchyoungerthanNancy’sparents.Shehadfunnypinsalloverthefrontofhershirt.OnesaidTOUCANPLAYTHATGAMEandhadacartoondrawingofatoucan.AnothersaidTOADALLYandhadanannoyed-lookingtoadonit.
“I’msohappyyouallcouldcomevisittoday,becausehelpinganimalshasbecomemylife’spassion,”Belindasaid.“IstartedrescuingabandonedandinjuredanimalswhenIwasjustateenager.Iworkedinabirdsanctuaryaftercollege,andthenIcameheretocreatetheRiverHeightsWildlifeCenter.”
“Areallofyouranimalsinjured?”LilyAlmond,agirlwithlongblackpigtails,asked.Shewasthebiggestanimalloverinclass.Nancyhadbeentoherhouseonceforaschoolprojectandmethertwohamsters,onebunny,threedogs,andhertwenty-poundcat,Otis.
“Mostofthemwerewhentheycameinhere,”Belindaanswered.“Allofthemneededourhelp.Sometimespeoplebuyanimalsandtheydon’tknowwhattodowiththem.Likeourflyingsquirrel,Bean.Someoneboughthimonlineanddidn’tlikehowmuchtimeandeffortittooktotakecareofhim.Orourwolf,Moonrise.Peopleactuallythoughthewasadog,sotheybroughthimhome,andhewastrouble...bigtrouble.Hetoreaparttwocouchesandateaholeintheirdoor.”
“Welearnedalotaboutwolves,”Jamalsaidexcitedly.
“Yes,Mrs.Paktoldmeallaboutthelessonsyou’vebeendoinglately.”Belindalookedgenuinelyinterested.“Doyouknowthedifferencebetweenawolfandadog?”
“Wolveshavefurontheirbellies,andamber-coloredeyes,”Jamalsaid.
“Andtheirearsstickstraightup!”Lilychimedin.
“That’sright,”Belindasaid.“We’lltalkmoreabovewolvesandsnakesandbirds,butfirstIwanttointroduceyoualltothewonderfulstaffhere.Becauseweusesomuchofourdonationstorescueandtakecareofourwildlife,manypeoplewhoworkherearevolunteers.Bobhasbeenvolunteeringthelongest,forfiveyearsnow.”
Amanwithfrizzywhitehairsteppedforward.Helookedlikehecouldhavebeensomeone’sgrandpa.“AfterIretiredIthoughtitmightbeafunthingtodo.AndIwasright!Iworkwithallthewildlifehere,butIreallylovethecapuchinmonkeys.Thekinkajou,too.”
“Thekinkajou...?”BesswhisperedtoNancy.Herbrowsfurrowed.
Nancyrememberedthemfromoneoftheirtextbooks,eventhoughtheydidn’tspendalotoftimetalkingaboutthem.“It’slikeatinyraccoon,butit’shoney-coloredinsteadofgray.Anditlivesintrees.”
TheothermansteppedforwardafterBelindawasdonetalkingaboutBob.Hehadlongblondhairthatcamedowntohisshoulders.Heworeringsonthreeofhisfingers,andhadagoatee.
“AndthisisOcean,”Belindasaid,introducinghim.“Andyes—beforeyouask,thatishisrealname.”
“Shetellsthetruth!”Oceanlaughed.“Myparentswerehippies.IgrewuponafarminCaliforniaandI’vealwayslovedwildlife,especiallyreptiles.IhaveaCaliforniakingsnakenamedStevenandatortoisenamedBette.They’retwoofmybestfriends.”
“ACaliforniaking,”Georgesaidtonooneinparticular.“Verycool.”
“You’llmeetLisainthegiftshop,andMilesiscominginlater,”Belindasaid.“Nowlet’sstartourtour,shallwe?Therearesomanywonderfulcreatureshereandsolittletime.”
“Doyouhavepets?”BessaskedBelinda.
“Ihavetwochinchillasathome,”Belindasaidassheledthegroupbackintothebuilding.“I’dlovetohavemorepets,butItakecareofsomanyanimalshere,itfeelslikeIalreadydo.Now,whereshouldwestart...?”Shelookeddowntherighthallway,thendowntheleft.“AreyoureadytomeetRainbow?”
Theclasscheeredinresponse.Belindaledthemtoahugeenclosurewithsandandshrubsinit,andfreshproducescatteredeverywhere.Ashortwoodfencesurroundedtheperimeter.
“Itlookslikeacabbageexploded,”NancywhisperedtoBess.“What’sinthere?”“Okayeverybody,findaspacealongtheoutsideofthefencetolookforRainbow.Shemightbehardtospotatfirst,butlookclosely,”Belindadirected.Shewaited,watchingtheclass’sfaces.
Everyonelinedupalongthefenceandpeeredintotheenclosure.
“Iseeher,”Lilysaid.Thenafewmorekidsagreed.
Nancynarrowedhereyesandfinallysawalargetortoisebehindashrub.Shewasallthewayinthebackofthehabitat.Hershellwasbrownanddarkgreen,sosheblendedinwiththesandandleavesaroundher.
“Rainbowwillalwayshaveaveryspecialplaceinmyheart,”Belindasaid,staringatthetortoise.“Shewasmyveryfirstrescuehereatthewildlifecenter.Anolderwomanhadherasapet,butwhenshemovedshejustleftRainbowinheryardwitharottingpileofvegetables.Thenewownersfoundherand,well,theycalledme.”
Nancystareddownatthetortoise.Shefeltreallysadfortheanimal.Shehadtoadmit,itwasawfulthatsomeonehadjustleftRainbowthereallalone.Whatwouldhavehappenedifnoonefoundher?
“OnthedayIwentandgother,”Belindawenton,“therewasthemostspectacularrainbowinthesky.”
“Andthat’showshegothername,”Mrs.Paksaid.Shesmiled,eventhoughthatpartwasalittleobvious.ItwasclearMrs.PaklovedeachoneofBelinda’sstories.
“Deserttortoisescanbebetweenahalfpoundandelevenpounds,andourRainbowisrightsmackinthemiddle,”Belindasaid.“Sheweighsjustsixpounds.Butwhatshelacksinsizeshemakesupforinpersonality!”
Belindatalkedabouthowthetortoisewasthelongest-livinganimalintheworld.Deserttortoisescouldlivebetweenfiftyandeightyyears,butotherspeciescouldliveuptoonehundredandfiftyyears.Therewasevenonetortoisewho’dlivedtotwohundredandfiftyyearsold.HisnamewasAdwaitaandhespentmostofhislifeinazooinIndia.
ThenBelindadescribedthetortoiseshellandhowitisreallytwoconnectedparts.EveryoneinNancy’sclasslovedthat,becausethentheygottotellhereverythingthey’dlearnedabouttortoisesoverthepastfewweeks.LilyandBesswereshoutingoutanswerstodifferentquestions.Besstoldthewholeclasshowdeserttortoisesregulatetheirbodytemperaturebystayinginburrowsandunderrockswhenit’sreallyhotoutside.
“Whatdoyouthinkwe’llseenext?”Georgewhispered,whentheyfinallyleftRainbow’senclosureandturnedthecornerdownthegreathall.Anotherschoolgroupwasinthetheaterwatchingashortfilmaboutservals,andNancycouldtellBesswasalittlejealous.
“Iheardtheyhaveanalligatorhere,”Georgetoldthem.
“Noway...”Besssuddenlylookedalittlescared.
Thenexthabitattheywenttowasn’topenlikeRainbow’s.Instead,itwasanenclosurewithwiremeshcoveringallsides.Ithadsandandsomebigrocksintheback.Inthecornertherewasasmallcavethatlookedlikeitwasmadeoutofplastic.
“ThisiswhereMolives,”Belindasaid.“Mo...whereareyou?Comeout,comeout!”Shepulledatreatfromherpocketandsteppedinside,closingthegatebehindher.Withinafewsecondsatinyredfoxcameoutfromtherocksandsnatchedthetreatfromherhand.Thenitranaway.
“Didyouseehim?Hewasadorable!”Mrs.Paklaughed.NancyhadnoticedhowmuchofananimalloverMrs.Pakwas.Shewasalwaysinsuchagoodmoodwhenshewasteachingthemtheirwildlifeunit.Sheseemedtoespeciallylovemonkeysandsloths.
Belindatoldthemallaboutthetinykitfoxandhowitlivedinthedesert.Ithidfromitspredatorsinbushesandshrubs,andaterodentsforfood.Whentheyweredone,theywenttothenexthabitatandsawtwoferrets.Nancythoughttheylookedalittlelikerats,butGeorgeseemedtoreallylikethem.
“They’rekindoffunny,”Georgewhispered.
“NowIhaveaspecialsurpriseforyou,”Belindasaid,turningacornertoanotherhabitat.Itwasopenandhadagianttreeinthemiddle,withbranchesthattouchedtheceiling.Shedisappearedintoabackroomandcameoutwithafurrybabyclingingtoherarm.“IwantyoutomeetPeanut!”
“Isthatasloth?”Bessasked.“Ababysloth?”
Nancyhadn’tseenMrs.PaksohappysincetheirclasshadwonfirstplaceintheRiverHeightsScienceOlympics.Bothherhandswerecoveringhermouth.
“Comeonin,”Belindasaid,wavingtheclassinside.“Thisisoneofourinteractivehabitats.WhowouldliketoholdPeanutfirst?Justbeverygentlewithher,shescareseasily.”
Jamal’shandshotintotheair.Belindalaidthetinyslothdownacrosshischest,andheheldontoPeanutwithbothhands.
Nancyandherfriendscrowdedaroundthefurrysloth.Itseyeswerehalfclosed,likeitmightfallasleepatanymoment.Ithadalongsnout,andeachofitspawshadthreelongclawsonthem.
“Peanutwasbornhereinourwildlifecenter,”Belindasaid.“Hermom,Luna,cameinwhenshewasjustabouttogivebirth.Weliketothinkofherasthebabyofourquirkyfamily,becausewehavesofewofthosearoundhere.Mostofouranimalsaremucholder.”
“Doesn’talgaegrowonsloth’sfur?”Jamalasked,rememberingthefactfromoneofMrs.Pak’slessons.Henevertookhiseyesoffthetinycreatureinhisarms.
“Itdoes!Whatagreatbitofknowledge,”Belindasaid.“MostslothsarefromCostaRica,andalgaecangrowontheirfurbecauseofthehumiditythere.Theyhangupsidedownintrees,andbecauseofthatgreenalgae,theylookmorelikeabundleofleavesthanananimal.It’stheperfectcamouflage.”
NancyturnedaroundtosaysomethingtoBess,andthat’swhenshenoticedtheotherwildlifevolunteerstandinginthehall.ItwasBob,theoldermanwithwhitehair.HelookedlikehewastryingtogetBelinda’sattention,butnowshewasmovingtheslothintoLily’sarms.ShestartedtalkingtoLilyabouthowslothsweregreatswimmers.
Afterafewminutes,BelindafinallynoticedhimandhandedPeanuttoMrs.Pak.“WouldyoumindwatchingthelittleguyswhileI’mgone?”
Mrs.Paklaughed.“Mind?I’dbedelighted!”ShetookPeanutintoherarms.
BelindawalkedoutsidethehabitattomeetBob,andthetwoofthemwalkeddownthehall.Nancysteppedawayfromthegroupbutshestillcouldn’thearwhattheyweresaying.
“Helooksreallyworried,”Besswhispered.“Whatdoyouthinkit’sabout?”
Nancywatchedthemfromtheedgeoftheslothhabitat.Bobkeptwringinghishandstogether.TherestoftheclasswaschattingaboutslothsandCostaRica,butafterafewminutestheyseemedtorealizesomethingwaswrongtoo.AfewofthekidssteppedoutofthehabitattoseewhereBelindawent.
“What’swrong?”Mrs.Pakasked,whenBelindafinallycameback.Belindawasrubbingherforeheadwithherfingers,likeshehadabadheadache.Peanut,thebabysloth,wasstillcurledaroundMrs.Pak’shand.
“It’sRainbow,”Belindasaid,hervoiceuneven.“She’smissing!
BelindaputPeanutbackandusheredtheclassoutoftheslothexhibit.
“Okay,guys,quickdetour,”shesaid.“We’regoingbacktoRainbow’senclosuretoseeifwecanfindwhere’sshehiding.”Belindasmiledandputthemallatease.Rainbowwasn’tlost,theyjusthadtofindher!
EveryonelinedupsinglefileandfollowedBelindaandBobbacktothetortoiseexhibitintheReptileHall. Tortoisesaresoslow,Nancythought, sothere’snowayRainbowcouldhaveescaped.
“Okay,guys.Everyonelineuparoundtheenclosurejustlikelasttime,”Belindatoldthem.“Lookaroundandseeifyoucanfindheragain!”
“Shewasrightthere!”Bobsaid,oncetheyhadallfoundaplacearoundthefence.Hepointedtoaspotontheground.“ShewaseatingacarrotwhenIlastsawher.Thatcouldn’thavebeenmorethantwentyorthirtyminutesago.”BobwasalotlesscalmthanBelinda.
“Shemustbearoundheresomewhere,”Belindasaid.“I’llgointotheenclosuretolookbehindsomeoftherocksandthings.Afterall,shecouldn’thavegottenfar....”
“Maybesheescaped.”Mark,oneofNancy’sclassmates,smirked.Heseemedtoliketheideaofanescapeartistturtle.
“Couldshehaveclimbedoverthefencethough?”Mrs.Pakwasstudyingthetwo-foot-highwoodenbeamsthatsurroundedthehabitat.“Itseemsunlikely.”
“No,Idon’tthinkshewould.”Belindawalkedintothehabitatandcheckedunderashortshrubinthefrontcorner.“Thiswasoneofherfavoritehidingspots.”
“I’msosorry,Belinda....”Bobshookhishead.“Ireallyam.IwasinchargeoftheReptileHalltoday,andIcan’tbelievethishappenedonmywatch.”
“It’sokay,Bob.Shecouldstillbeinheresomewhere,”Bessassuredhim.“Wejusthavetokeeplooking.”
Nancycouldtellhewastakingthisprettypersonally.Hiseyeslookedwatery,likehewasfightingbacktears.
ThenNancyheardthesoundsofsneakerssqueakingontilescomingfromdownthehallwayandlookeduptoseeawomanrunningtowardthem.
Thewomanhadababystrappedtoherchestandshekeptstoppingtolookunderbenchesandindifferentenclosures.“Abby!Abby,whereareyou?Thisisn’tfunnyanymore,”shecalledout.“IfyoucomeoutI’llgiveyouacandybar!”
ShestoppedoutsideofRainbow’senclosure.“I’vebeenlookingalloverforyou,”shesaid.Shewaswavingtoalittlegirlwhowascomingoutfrombehindahugerockinthebackcorner.“You’renotsupposedtobewanderingaroundbyyourself!Andwhatareyoudoinginthere,ofallplaces?”
TheyoungmotherstompedintothehabitatandgrabbedAbbybythehand.Shedidn’tseemtonoticeBelindauntilshewasonherwayout.“I’msosorry,”themomsaid.“Shehasahabitofgettingintotrouble.”
“Ijustwantedtoseetheturtle!”Abbywhined.
NancyglancedsidewaysatBessandGeorge.Shejustwantedtoseetheturtle?AbbywastalkingaboutRainbow.Shehadrunawayfromhermotherrightaroundthetimethetortoisewentmissing.Wasthislittlegirltheirfirstrealsuspect?
“Didyouendupseeingtheturtle?”Nancyasked.“Theonethatwasrighthere,whereyouwerehiding?”
Abbysuddenlyseemednervous.Shegrabbedhermother’shandandslippedbehindherlegs.
“We’reonlyaskingbecauseourtortoise,Rainbow,justwentmissing,”Belindaexplainedtotheyoungmother.Thewomanwastallwithdarkbangsthatkeptfallinginhereyes.“Ifyourdaughtersawanything...ormaybesheletheroutoftheenclosureorhidhersomewhere—”
“Areyousayingthatmydaughter,myAbby,stoleyourturtle?”ThewomanlookedatMrs.Pak’sclasslikeshewantedthemtotakeherside.“Youhavegottobekiddingme!She’ssixyearsold!”
“ButshewasherewhenRainbowdisappeared,wasn’tshe?Rainbow’snotverybig.Anyonecouldpickherup,”Bobchimedin.Henarrowedhiseyesatthelittlegirl.“Ifyoutookthetortoise,youhavetotellusrightnow.Thisisveryserious.We’llhavetocallsecurity.”
Thelittlegirlstaredupatthem,herbrowneyeswide.Thenherchinstartedtotremble.Sheletouttheloudest,mostsorrowfulcry,andburiedhersobbingfaceinhermother’sside.
Belindatriedtocomfortthecryingchild,butitwasn’tmuchuse.Hersobsechoedthroughthecorridor.NancyandherfriendsmadetheirwaytoMrs.Pak,whowasstandingawkwardlywiththerestoftheclass,unsurewhattodo.
“Mrs.Pak...Iknowwecouldhelpiftheyletus,”Nancysaidasshesteppedasidewithherteacher.“Abby’sjustscaredbecauseofthewayBobspoketoher.ButshewasthereatthesametimeRainbowwentmissing.Shecould’veseensomething.”
Mrs.Pakseemedtoliketheidea.“Youthreeareprettygreatatsolvingmysteries.Istillcan’tbelieveyoufoundmymissingrubyringinSeptember.Thatwasincredible.”
Nancyjustshrugged,likeitwasnobigdeal.TheringhadfallenintotheheatinggrateunderneathMrs.Pak’sdesk.Theyinvestigatedthepossibilitysomeonehadtakenit,butitwasn’tlongbeforetheyrealizedthatwasn’tthecase.
“Excuseme,Belinda...,”Mrs.Paksaid,takingNancy,Bess,andGeorgetothefrontofthegroup.“IwantyoutomeetNancyDrew,BessMarvin,andGeorgeFayne.ThesethreegirlshavesolvedhalfthemysteriesinRiverHeights.They’vegotquiteatalentforit.”
AbbystoppedcryingwhenNancyandherfriendscameover.SheseemedjustasinterestedinwhatMrs.PakwassayingasBelindawas.Belindafurrowedherbrows,alittleconfused.
“Iknowwe’reyoung,butwe’vegotalotofexperiencewiththiskindofthing.Stolenpurses,unexplainedpranks,missingdogs—younameit,”Nancyjumpedin.Shewasusedtopeopleunderestimatingthematfirst,butsheneverletthatstopher.
“Well...,”Belindatiltedherheadtotheside,consideringit.“Ifyouthink—”
“Butthey’rejustkids!”Bobsaid.“Nooffensegirls,butthisisreallyserious.Rainbowcouldbeinrealdanger.”
“Weknow,”Georgesaid.Nancycouldtellshewasannoyed.“We’dlovetotalktoAbbyandhermomforaminute,justtoseeiftheynoticedanythingstrange.”
“It’sworthashot,”Belindashrugged.“Whydon’tyoudoalittleinvestigatingwhileIfinishthetourwithyourclass.Ifyoufindoutanything,IpromiseyoucancomebacktoRiverHeightsWildlifeCenteranytimeyoulike,andI’llshowyouanythingyoumighthavemissed.Andevenifyoudon’tfindoutanything,theofferstillstands.”
“I’mgoingtodosomeofmyowninvestigatingtoo,”Bobjumpedin.Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischestandfrowned.Nancyhadchangedhermindabouthim.Hedidn’tlooklikesomeone’sgrandpa—helookedlikesomeone’smeangrandpa.
Belindaglancedatherwatch.“Youcanhaveuntiltheendoftheday,andthenIthinkIneedtocallthepoliceandreportherstolen.Ihopeyoucanfindourgirl,”shesaid.“AndfortherestofMrs.Pak’sclass—let’sheadbacktowardtheslothexhibit.”
BelindagaveNancyahalfsmileonherwayout,andMrs.Pakmouthedthewords“goodluck!”SoonNancyandtheClueCrewwerestandingalonewithAbbyandhermom.
“I’mNancy,”Nancysaid,stickingoutherhand.“AndthisisBessandGeorge.”
“I’mCandace,”Abby’smomsaid.SheseemedtocalmdownnowthatAbbyhadstoppedcrying.“Doyoumindifwesitdownatoneofthosepicnictablesinthecourtyard?Icanonlydothisforsolong....”
Shepointedtothebabywhowasstrappedtoherchest.Thebabyhadsomehowsleptthroughtheentirescene,abigcottonhatcoveringitseyes.
“Noproblem,”Nancysaid,leadingthemoutsidetoatablefarawayfromtherestoftheclass.Assoonastheysatdown,anotherwomanwithastrollercameover.
“Candace—what’sgoingon?Whathappened?”thewomanasked.Herlongblondhairwastiedupinabun,andshekeptlookingfromNancytoCandace,thenfromCandacetoNancy.
“Oh,comesitdownBeth,please.ThesegirlsjustwanttoaskAbbysomequestionsaboutaturtlethatwentmissing...longstory.”CandacekeptshakingherheadasBethsatdownbesideher.
“Didyouseethetortoisewhenyouwerewanderingaroundlookingatanimals?”Nancyasked,lookingatAbby.Thegirljustshookherhead.“Areyousure?”
“Thisisalittleridiculous,”Candacesnapped.“Abbydidn’thaveanythingtodowiththis.Shemaywanderoffsometimes,butshedoesn’tstealthings!”
Candace’sfriendBethnoddedinagreement.“Oranimals,”sheadded.
“Ididn’tseetheturtle!”Abbyfinallysaid,buthercheekswerepink.Nancycouldtellshewashidingsomething...butwhat?ShethoughtitwouldbebetternowthatBobwasn’ttheretoscareher,butAbbystillseemednervous.
“Wejusthadtoasktobesure,”Besschimedin.
“What’sthatinyourpocket?”Georgesaid,pointingtoaweirdoutlineonthefrontofAbby’sshorts.Nancyhadnoticedit,butshehadn’tthoughttoask.
Abby’schinstartedtotrembleagain.“Whatisit?”Candaceasked,reachingforit,andpulleditout.IttookNancyamomenttorealizeitwasapieceofchocolatewrappedincolorfulpaper.“Isthisfromthegiftshop?Didyoutakethisfromthegiftshop?”Candaceasked.
Abbystartedcryingalloveragain.Shestuckherfaceinhermom’sside.“I’msorry,Ishouldn’thave,Mommy.”
Candacesighed.“Soshetookacandyfromthegiftshop.We’llgiveitback.Now,doesthatclearthingsup?”ShewaslookingatNancy,George,andBesslikethiswasallsomehowtheirfault.“Ijustdon’tgetwhyyou’retalkingtouswhenthatweirdboywaswalkingaroundalone.Hewasdefinitelyuptosomething—whydon’tyougofindhim?”
Nancyglancedsidewaysatherfriends.Aboy?Whatboy?
“Oh,Isawthatkidtoo,”Bethadded.“Hepassedourgroupatleasttwotimes.Hewasjustwalkingaroundbyhimself.Kindofsuspicious.Hadonastripedshirt.”
“Wait...”Candaceshookherhead.“IthoughthewaswearingawhiteT-shirt,ormaybeitwasgray.Didn’thehaveonwhitehigh-topsneakers?”
“You’retalkingaboutthekid,hehadabuttonnoseandfreckles?”Bethasked.
“Yeah,that’shim,”Candaceagreed.“HewasdefinitelywearingawhiteT-shirt.Hehadbigblueeyes.”
“Yes.Bigblueeyes...andastripedshirt.”Bethshotherfriendalookasiftosay you’vegotthisallwrong.
Nancypulledhercluebookfromherknapsackandstartedwritingdowneverythingthewomenhadsaid.Itwasn’tunusualforwitnessestodisagreeonwhatasuspectlookedlike.Shewrotethattheboyhadblueeyesandabuttonnose.“Freckles,”sheadded,rememberingwhatelsethey’dagreedon.
“Whatcolorhairdidhehave?”Bessasked.
“Ithinklight,”Bethsaid.
“Yeah,light,”Candaceagreed.
“Canyourememberanythingelseabouthim?”Georgeasked.“Howoldwashe?Ateenager?”
JustthenthebabywhowasstrappedtoCandace’schestwokeup.Itsquirmedalittleinitscarrier,thenletoutaloudwail.Candacestoodandstartedbouncingitupanddown,butitjustcriedlouder.Everyoneinthecourtyardturnedtolook.
“Wehavetogo,”shesaid,grabbingAbby’shand.Bethfollowedherout,sayingsomethingabouthavingdiapersinhercar.“Goodluck!”shecalledoverhershoulder,thentheyweregone.
Nancyandherfriendstookoffacrossthecourtyardandfoundaquietbenchwheretheycouldtalk.“They’redefinitelydescribingthesameboy,”Nancysaid,lookingathernotesinthecluebook.“Iwishwecould’vefoundoutabitmore,though.Imean...aboycouldbefiveorfifteentothem.Andtheycouldn’tevenagreeonwhathewaswearing.Imust’veseenhalfadozenboyswearingstripestoday,andevenmorewearingwhiteT-shirts.”
“Isitpossiblehechangedclothesatsomepoint?”Bessasked.
“Ifhe’stheonewhotookRainbow,it’spossible,”Georgesaid.
Nancysighed,feelingmorestumpedthanshehadinawhile.Shecoulddefinitelyseeateenageboywantingatortoiseasapet.Butevenwhendescriptionsofsuspectsweredifferent,theyusuallyweren’tthisdifferent.Somethingstrangewasgoingon....
“Ifhedidchangehisclothestohidehisidentity,”shefinallysaid,“we’redealingwithoneofoursneakiestsuspectsyet.”
Overhere!”Besscalledout.“Lookatthis.”Shewasleaningoverafootprintinthesand.FromwhatNancycouldtell,itseemedlikeitwasfromasneaker.
They’dreturnedtoRainbow’shabitattoseeifthey’dmissedanyclueswhentheywerefirstthere.Nancyhadlookedundereveryshrubandbranchbuthadn’tfoundathing.
“It’saprint...andit’snotours,”Besssaid.“Andit’snotBelinda’sorBob’s,either.Didyounotice?Theybothwearboots.Withthicksolessotheycanwalkrightthroughmudandsandandtwigs.”
“AndAbbyandhermomwereonlyonthatside,”Georgeadded,pointingtotheotherendoftheenclosure.Candacehadonlytakenafewstepsinthesand.“Itisn’ttheirs,either.”
“Sowhywouldapersonwearingsneakersbeinhere,iftheworkersallwearboots?”Nancyasked,thoughsheknewtheanswer.WhoevercameinmayhavebeentheonetostealRainbow.
Georgecameupbehindthemandstaredatthefootprinttoo.Oneoftheotherschoolgroupswalkedpast,andNancycouldn’thelpbutscanthegroup,lookingforboysinstripedshirts.“It’sdefinitelyanadult’sfootprintthough.SowhataboutthekidCandaceandBethdescribed?”
“Theremightbeaconnectionbetweenthem,”Besstried.“Ormaybethekidistherealwitness,thewaywethoughtAbbymightbe.”
Nancytookanotherlaparoundthehabitat,checkingtheperimeter.Belindawasright,thereweren’tanyholesinit.Itwould’vebeenalmostimpossibleforRainbowtohavegottenoutonherown.
Nancywanderedintothebackroom,whereBelindastoredalotofthesuppliesforthedifferentanimals.Therewasasmallfridgeandsomecabinetsandfoodbins.Insidethefridgewasabasketofstrawberries,afewheadsoflettuce,andtwosmallbottleswithRainbow’snameonthem.Nancypickedupthebottlesandstudiedthem.
“Allofherfoodisstillhere,andsoisRainbow’smedicine,”shesaid,readingthelabelononeofthebottles.“Itsayssheneedstotakeittwiceaday.Butwhoeverhasherdidn’tbringitwiththem.”
“Thatrulesoutalotofpeoplewhoworkhere,”Besssaid.“Theywould’veknownsheneededthemedicine,andtheywould’vethoughttotakeitwiththem.”
Nancyflippedthecluebookbackopen.“WhywouldsomeonewantRainbow?”Shewrote“POSSIBLEMOTIVES,”andunderlinedit.
“Tokeepherasapet,”Besssaid.“Orworstcase...tosellher.”
Nancywrotebothdown.ThethoughtofsomeonesellingRainbowmadeherreallysad.BelindalovedRainbowsomuch.Shewouldbedevastatedifsomeonesoldherofftoanyonewiththemoneytobuyher.
“Hey...where’dGeorgego?”Bessasked,lookingaround.Nancytuckedawaythecluebook.
TheyfinallyspottedGeorgeontheothersideoftheReptileHall.Theywentovertoher,butshehardlyseemedtonoticethem.Shewasstaringatthechameleonexhibit.Behindtheglassweretwochameleonssittingbysomeleaves.Theywalkedontoabranchandtheybothturnedalightshadeofbrown.
“Chameleons?”Nancyasked.“Whyareyoulookingattheseguys?”
Nancythoughtchameleonshadcutefaces,butshedidn’tseehowtheyhadanythingtodowiththemysterytheyweretryingtosolve.
“Theylookexactlythesame...liketwins.”Georgeturnedtothem,herbrowneyesbright.“Igotit!IknowtheboyCandacewastalkingabout!”
“It’sHarryandLiam!”Georgesaid.“Don’tyousee?Whoelsewouldlookexactlythesame,butbewearingdifferentclothes?”
Nancyflippedthroughthecluebookandnodded.“Twins...you’reright.Theybothhaveblueeyes,freckles,andbuttonnoses.Lighthair,too!”
“Anddoesn’tLiamhavewhitehigh-topsneakers?”Bessadded.
“Ithinkso...,”Nancysaid.“Weshouldgofindthem.Ibettheclassisstillinthecourtyard!”
Thegirlsrandownthecorridorandturnedintothecourtyardgarden.AbouthalftheclasswasstillsittingatthepicnictableswithMrs.Pak,eatingtheirbaglunches.Mrs.Paklookedexcitedtoseethem.
“Didyoufindanything?”sheasked.
“Kindof...DoyouknowwhereHarryandLiamare?”Bessreplied.“Weneedtotalktothem.”
“Ithinkthey’replayingtagoverthere,”Lilypointedtotheplaygroundbythehedgemaze,thentookanotherbiteofhersandwich.TherewasasignbytheslidethatsaidENCHANTEDPLAYGROUNDingiantletters.Thewholeplacewasdesignedtolooklikeitwasinsideanovergrowngarden.Hugeplastictulipsandrosestoweredovertheswings.
Nancyandherfriendsthankedthemandtookofftowardtheplayground.Thetwinswereonthemonkeybars.Theybothswungacross,rungbyrung,untilNancycalledouttothem.“Liam,Harry—canwetalktoyou?”
HarryjumpedoffthemonkeybarsandLiamfollowed,landinginthegravelbelow.Harrywasinagreen-and-whitestripedshirtandLiamwaswearingawhiteT-shirtandwhitehigh-topsneakers.TheybothseemedalittleshockedtoseeNancy,Bess,andGeorge.
“Hey,guys!”Besswavedasthegirlsgotcloser.“Wejusthaveacoupleofquestionstoaskyou.”Buttheyhadn’ttakenmorethanafewstepswhenHarryandLiamsprintedaway.Theyturnedintothehedgemaze,disappearinginside.
“Well,that’ssuspicious,”Besssaid.
“They’reuptosomething!”Georgesaid,chasingafterthem.
NancyandBessfollowed,butranintoaforkinthepath.
“Whichwaydidtheygo?”Bessasked.
“Noidea,”Nancyadmitted.“Let’ssplitup.Thenoneofusissuretofindthem.”
BessgaveNancyadeterminednodandrushedofftotheleft.Nancyheadedfortherightfork.
Nancywentdeeperintothemaze,wherethetallgreenbusheswereonallsidesofhersoshecouldn’tseeanythingbeyondthem.Nancyturnedright,thenrightagain,thenleft,buteverythinglookedthesame.Shewastotallylost!
Luckily,shecouldrelyonherothersenses.Andsoonenoughshecouldhearlaughterinthedistance.Coulditbethetwins?DidBessfindGeorge?
“Bess!!George??”Nancycalledout.SomewhereinthedistanceshethoughtsheheardGeorgesaysomething,butshecouldn’tfigureoutwhat.Shewastoofaraway.
Nancykeptrunningthroughthemaze,untileventuallyshehitadeadend.Justwhenshethoughtshe’dneverfindherwayout,shesawaflashofgreenandwhitesprintbyher.Sheranafterthetwins,windingthroughthehedgeuntilshefinallycorneredtheminanotheroneofthemaze’sdeadends.Harrylookedaround,realizingtheywerecompletelytrapped.
“Itwasallhisidea!”hesaid,pointingathisbrother.“Ididn’tevenwanttodoit!”
Withinseconds,GeorgeandBessappearedbehindNancy.Theymust’veheardHarryyellingandfoundher.
“Iknewit,”Georgesaid,stilltryingtocatchherbreath.“NowjusttelluswhereRainbowisandeverythingwillbeokay.Belindajustwantsherback.”
Liam’sscrunchedhisnose.“Rainbow?”heasked.“Youmeantheturtle?”
“Thetortoise,”Besscorrectedhim.“Wewantherback.Now.”
Harrystartedlaughing.“Wedidn’tstealher!Wethoughtyoufoundthemealworms.”
OnceHarrystartedlaughinghecouldn’tstop.Hewasdoubledover,andthatmadeLiamstartlaughingtoo.Ittookthemawhilebeforetheycouldevenspeak.“Wejust...,”Liamtriedtosay.“Weweregoingtoplaythisreallybigprank.Wegotsomemealwormsfromthehedgehogenclosureandweputtheminafewofthegirls’backpacks.”
“IwantedtoseethelookonLily’sfacewhenshepulledoutahandfulofbugs!”Harrylaughed.
“That’snotfunny,”Georgesaid.“It’sjustgross.AreyoutryingtoimpressAntonioagain?He’sbeendoingstufflikethatforyears.That’sdefinitelynotgoingtoimpresshim.”
HarryandLiamdidn’tseemtolikethat.Theysuddenlylookedmuchmoreseriousthanbefore.“Butthey’remealworms....”Liamtrailedoff.“They’relittleandweird.Itisfunny.”
Nancydidn’tcareaboutthemealwormsinherbag,orLiamandHarry’ssillyprank.Butshedidcareaboutwhenthey’dbeenplayingit.
“Whenexactlywereyouwanderingaroundthewildlifecenterlookingformealworms?Youmust’vesnuckawayfromthegroup.Butwhen?”Nancyasked.
Liamshrugged.“Idon’tknow.Prettymuchrightafterwesawthefox.”
“WecamebackwhenBelindabroughtthatbabyslothout,”Harryadded.“Thatwassupercool.Everyonewasoohingandahhhingoveralltheanimals.Nooneseemedtonoticeweweregone.”
Nancyraisedhereyebrowsatherfriends.CandaceandBethhadbeenright,thetwinswerewanderingaroundthewildlifecenteratthesameexacttimeRainbowwentmissing.Ofcoursetheythoughtthey’dhadsomethingtodowithit.
ButNancyknewbetter.Theyweren’tsuspects....HarryandLiamwerewitnesses.
NancyandherfriendsfollowedHarryandLiamthroughthehedgemaze.Theboyshadalreadygonethroughittwicebefore,sotheywerealittlebetteratfiguringoutwheretheexitswere.Itwasn’tlongbeforetheyallmadetheirwaybacktotheplayground.
“Justthink,”Besssaid.“Didyouseeanythingoddwhenyouwerewalkingaroundthecenter?Doesanythingstandouttoyou?”
Harryscratchedhishead.“Idon’tthinkso....”
“Yeah.”Liamshrugged.“Idon’tknow.”
“Itmightbethesmallestdetail,”Georgeadded.
“Oh,therewasthisguywithaduffelbag,”Harryfinallysaid.Hesatdownonthebottomoftheslide,ignoringthetoddleratthetopwaitingforherturn.“Doyouremember,Liam?”
“Idon’tthinkIsawhim.”Liamshookhishead.
NancypulledoutthecluebooktowritedowneverythingHarrysaid.
“Ionlynoticedhimbecausehewasgoingoutthissidedoor,like,notthenormalexit,”Harrycontinued.“AndIrememberthebagbecauseitseemedlikeitwasmoving.Icouldn’treallysayanythingbecauseweweretryingtosneakbacktothegroup.”
“Amovingbag?”Besssmiled.“Thatdoessoundsuspicious.”
Nancycouldn’thelpbutsmiletoo.Thisfeltlikethebestleadthey’dhadsofar.ItwasverypossibleRainbowwasinthatbag,andtheguyHarrywasdescribingwastheirprimesuspect.
“Telluseverythingyoucanremember,”Nancysaid.
“Ididn’tseehisface,andIdon’treallyrememberwhathewaswearing,”Harrywenton.“Hisbackwasfacingme.Butthatbagwasdefinitelymoving!”
“Whatdidthebaglooklike?”Bessasked.“Doyourememberwhatcoloritwas?”
“Oh!Ithadthatonit!”Harrypointedsomewherebehindthem.TheyturnedandsawthelogofortheRiverHeightsWildlifeCenterrightabovethebackexit.Ithadapictureofaslothwithacirclearoundit,thenthewordsRIVERHEIGHTSWILDLIFECENTERaroundtheoutsideofthecircle.
“Thelogoforthecenter?”Georgeasked.
“Yeah,itwasagreenbagandithadthatsignonit,”Harrysaid.“That’sallIreallyremember.”
“Thanksforyourhelp,Harry,”Nancysaid.“Andbeforetheendoftheday,youtwoshouldreallyfishthosemealwormsoutofourbags,orI’mgoingtohavetotellMrs.Pakwhowasresponsibleforthat.”
Liamcrossedhisarmsoverhischest,likehewasnotpleased.Nancycouldn’treallyworryabouthim,orHarry,becausetheyhadtofindtheguywiththeduffelbag.Andshehadaprettygoodideawheretheyshouldstartlooking....
•••
Thegiftshopwaspackedwithsouvenirs.Therewasawholewallofstuffedanimals.Arowofkoalabearshungfromafaketreebranchandstuffedwolveswerelurkingaroundthesmallstore.Besspickedupasnowglobethathadanarticfoxinside.Sheswirleditaroundtokickupthewhiteflakes.
“Thereitis,”Georgesaid,pointingtoaspinningrackinthecornerofthestore.Forest-greenduffelbagshungoffit.TheyallhadthesameRiverHeightsWildlifeCenterlogo.
“Doyouthinkhe’dbuytheduffelbagfromthestore,justtouseittocarryRainbowout?”Nancyasked.Itdidn’tquiteadduptoher,butitwasapossibility.
“Maybeheboughtitearlier,”Besssaid.“Maybeweeksbefore.”
Nancypickeduponeofthebagsandbroughtittotheregister.Awomanwithalongbrownbraidwasworking.HernametagsaidLISA.“Hi,Lisa,”Nancysaid.“We’rehelpingBelindaouttodayandtryingtofindRainbow,themissingtortoise.”
“Oh!Bobwasjustinheretellingmeallaboutit.”Lisa’sgreeneyeswentwide.“He’sreallyupset.”
“Iknow,”Nancywenton.“That’swhywewerewonderingifyoucouldhelpus.Doyouhavearecordofallthetimesthestoresoldthisduffelbaginthelastmonth?WethinkwhoevertookRainbowmight’veusedthistocarryherout.”
“That’sterrible,”Lisasaid.“ButI’mafraidwedon’tkeeprecordslikethat.Notforawholemonth.Icantellyounooneboughtthatbagtoday,becauseI’vebeenworkingsincenineo’clock,whenthecenteropened.”
“Deadend,”Besswhispered.Sheleanedonthecounter,herchininherhands.
“IwishIcouldhelpmore,”Lisasaid.“Idon’tremembersellingthatbagtoanyonerecently.They’renotreallyflyingofftheshelves,butwedogivethemtoallthevolunteerswhentheystart.”
“Doesthatmeanyou’retheonewhostoleRainbow?”Georgejoked.
“Don’tlookatme!”Lisalaughed,holdingbothherhandsupintheair.“Iwashereallmorning.Youcancheckthestoresecuritycamera.AndIdon’tthinkBobhasitinhimeither.Oceanhashisowntortoiseathome,sohe’souttoo.Ireallydon’tthinkthiswasaninsidejob.”
Nancynoddedatthephrase“insidejob.”She’dhearditbeforetodescribewhensomeoneworkingataplacecommittedacrime.Itseemedlikeaveryadultthingtosay.
“Doyouhavealistofvolunteerswecouldlookat?”Nancyasked.“Maybewecouldrulesomepeopleout....”
Lisaleanedunderthecounterandpulledoutaclipboardwithsomepapersonit.SheflippedthroughthemandshowedNancythelastpage.Therewereaboutthirtyvolunteerswhocametothecenterthroughouteachmonth.Itwouldbeimpossibletoinvestigateeachonebyfouro’clock.
AsNancyandBessreadthroughthelistofnames,someoneranintothestorebehindthem.NancyturnedtoseeBobholdingacrumpledpieceofpaper.Belindawastrailingbehindhim,aworriedlookonherface.
“You’renotgoingtobelievewhatIfound!”hesaid,wavingthepaperintheair.“It’saransomnote!”
Heputitonthecounter,smoothingdowntheedges.Belinda,Lisa,Nancy,andherfriendsallcircledaroundit,tryingtogetabetterlook.AssoonasNancyreadit,sherealizedBobwasexaggerating.Itwasn’taransomnotebecauseitdidn’tdemandanymoneyoranythinginexchangeforthetortoise.ButitwasanotefromwhoevertookRainbow,whichmadeNancythinktheywereontherighttrack.
“‘DonotworryaboutRainbow,’”Bessread.“‘ShewillhaveagoodlifeandI’lltakegoodcareofher.’”
Belindaflippedthenoteover,makingsureitdidn’tsayanythingelse.“That’sit?”shesaid,annoyed.“That’ssupposedtomakemefeelbetter?Whoisthisperson?”
Nancyreadthenoteoveragain,lookingforclues.“Well,whoeverwrotethisobviouslycaresalotabouther,”shesaid.Thatmeansitwasn’tastranger,orsomeonewhodidn’tunderstandanimals.Shewasstartingtothinkmaybeitwassomeonefromthevolunteerlist.
“Theyalsocarealotaboutwhatpeopleherethink,”Bessadded.“Theywouldn’thavesentyouallanoteiftheyweren’tworriedthatyouwereworried.Astrangerwould’vejustrunawayandneverthoughtaboutitagain.”
“Andit’soneperson,”Georgeadded,pointingtothewording.“It’snottwopeople,oragroupworkingtogether.Theysaid,‘I’lltakegoodcareofher.’”
“Doesthathandwritingseemfamiliartoyou?”NancyaskedBobandBelinda.
Belindajustshrugged.“Maybe,butIdon’tknow....Butitdoeskindoflookfamiliar.”
NancythoughtaboutRainbow’shabitat.Thefridgeinthebackhadallherfoodandhermedicine.Shesmiled,anideaforming....
“Okay,soifthepersonwhotookhercaresalotabouther,”Nancysaid,“they’renotgoingtoleavehermedicinebehind.Weneedtogoquick—theymightbetherealready!”
“Wait!Whereareyougoing?”Bobcalledoutasthegirlsranoutofthestore.Heseemedworriedthattheyweregoingtosolvethemysterybeforehedid.“Gowherequick?”
NancyturnedandwavedtoBelindaastheyleft.“We’reclose!Don’tworry,Ihaveagoodfeelingaboutthis!”
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgeracedthroughthewildlifecenter,towardRainbow’shabitat.Astheyturnedthecorner,Nancywashalfexpectingtoseesomeoneemergingfromtheenclosure,butitwasstillempty.Shewentrighttothebackroom,circlingthesmallrefrigerator,butnoonewasthere.
Nancyopenedtherefrigerator.“Themedicineisstillhere.”Everythingwasexactlyasthey’dleftit.Eventhebasketofstrawberrieshadn’tbeentouched.“IfitiswhoIthinkitis,they’llbehereanymoment.”
“Youhaveastrongfeelingaboutsomeone?”Bessasked.“Metoo.”
“Iwonderifwe’reright,”Georgesaid.
“Weshouldhide.Doarealstakeout,”Nancysaid.ShelovedhavingstakeoutswithBessandGeorge.Itwaswhenyouwaitedforasuspecttoreturntothesceneofacrime,oraparticularplace.NancywassurethatwhoevercamebackforRainbow’smedicinewouldbethesamepersonwhotookher.
Nancyglancedaroundtheroom,searchingforsomewheretohide.Thereweremostlystoragebinsandcabinetsforsupplies.Nancyopenedthebiggestcabinetandfoundbinsofgravelandfakebranchesthatwereusedinthedifferentreptileexhibits.Shecroucheddownonthebottomshelf,leavingonedooropenacracksoshecouldstillpeerout.BessduckedbehindagiantbinofcarrottopsandGeorgehidbehindthedoor,sothatwhenitopenedshe’dbecompletelyhidden.Georgeswitchedoffthelightssoitwashardertoseethem.
Theystayedperfectlystill.Theywaited...andwaitedsomemore.Nancywasbentoverandherbackstartedhurting.Shedidn’tknowhowmuchlongershecouldstaysquishedintothebottomofthecabinet.
Shewasstartingtorethinkherhidingspotwhenthedooropened,lightinguptheroom.Atallfigureinabaseballcapandsunglassestiptoedtotherefrigeratorandopenedit,theirfaceglowinginthelight.Theywerewearingabaggysweatshirtovertheirclothestodisguisetheiridentity.Theyreacheddownandgrabbedthebottleofmedicinefromthetopshelfandtuckeditintheirpocket.Thentheyturnedtoleave.
Georgesprangoutfrombehindthedoorandswitchedonthelight.BessroseupfromherspotbehindthestoragebinandNancyopenedthecabinet,steppingintotheroom.
“Stoprightthere!”Nancysaidinherscariestyou-better-listen-to-mevoice.“WeknowyouhaveRainbow!”
ClueCrew—andYOU!
JoinNancy,Bess,andGeorgeinsolvingthismystery.Orturnthepagetofindoutwhodunit!
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgeruledoutAbbyandthetwins.WeknowthesuspectcaresaboutanimalsandthepeoplewhoworkattheWildlifeCenter.WhoelsecouldhavetakenRainbow?Listyoursuspectsonapieceofpaper.
TheClueCrewinterviewedalotofpeopleonthiscase.TheytalkedtoAbby’smom,thetwins,andLisa.Whoelsecouldtheyhaveinterviewed?Writedownyourthoughtsonapieceofpaper.
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgestudiedRainbow’senclosureforclues,andtheyfoundafootprintthatcouldleadthemtothetortoisetaker.Theyalsonoticedthemedicinehadn’tbeentaken.Whatelsedoyouthinktheycouldhavelookedfor?Makealistofyourideasonapieceofpaper.
Oceanfrozewiththebottleofmedicineinhishand.Afterherealizedhewascaught,hepulledoffhisbaseballcapandsunglassesandputtheminthefrontpocketofhishoodie.
Nancystareddownathissneakers.Hedidn’twearbootslikeBelindaorBob,butanoldpairoftennisshoes.Nancyglancedsidewaysatherfriends,seeingiftheyhadnoticedtoo.Bess’seyeswerewide.Ocean’sshoeswerethetypeofsneakersthathadmadethefootprintinRainbow’shabitat.Italllinedup.
“Icanexplain,Iswear,”Oceansaid,hischeeksbrightpink.
“Youshould,then,”Georgereplied.“EveryonewassoworriedaboutRainbow.Belindathoughtshe’dneverseeheragain.”
Oceanputhisfaceinhishands.Hetookafewdeepbreaths,asifhewastryingtocalmhimselfdown.IfNancyhadn’tknownhowmuchconfusionandpaniche’dcaused,shewould’vefeltmoresorryforhim.
“I’mnotabadguy,really,”Oceantried.Hesatdownonthefloor,leaninghisbackagainstthewall.“I’vebeenvolunteeringatthewildlifecenterforthreemonthsnow.AndjusttwoweeksafterIstartedtherewasthathugerainstorm.RemembertheonethatknockeddownthetreeonMainStreet?”
Nancynodded.IthadbeenabigstoryinRiverHeights.Therewasthunderandlightingandrainthatcameatyousideways.Theirneighbor’scarhadtogetfixedafteragiantbranchfellonit.
“WhatdoesarainstormhavetodowithRainbow?”Nancyasked.
“Well,thatnightoftherainstorm,thewildlifecentergotaleakintheroof,rightaboveRainbow’shabitat,”Oceancontinued.“Therewasthishugegrosspuddlerightinthemiddleofherhome,andtheyneededtofixtheroofandcleaneverythingup.SoRainbowhadnowheretogo.Weweregoingtokeepherinthebackroom,butweknewshe’dbemiserablethere.She’susedtocrawlingaroundandhavingfreereignovertheplace.”
“Butyouhaveatortoisehabitatathome...,”Besssaid,puttingittogether.“Foryourtortoise,Bette.”
“Exactly!”Oceansaid.Heseemedtobrightenupatthat,asifBessunderstoodhimcompletely.“SoIwastryingtobenice,andIsaidRainbowcouldstaywithBetteforafewdayswhiletheroofwasgettingfixed.AndBelindawassorelieved,becausesheknowshowgreatIamwithBette.It’soneofthereasonsIwantedtovolunteeratthecenter—Ireallyloveanimals.”
“Ifyouloveanimalssomuch,whywouldtakeoneawayfromherhome?”Georgeasked.Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.NancycouldtellshewasstillnotlikingOcean’sstory.
“Well,that’sjustit,”Oceanreplied,brushinghislongblondhairoutofhiseyes.“WhenItookRainbowbacktomyhouse,shelovedbeingwithBette,andBettelovedbeingwithher.I’dneverseeneitherofthemsohappy.AndIknowwhatyou’rethinking:Howcanyoutellifatortoiseishappy?WellIcan.Andthat’swhenIrealized—Rainbowwashome.WithBette.Withus.”
“DidyoutellBelindaaboutit?”Nancyasked.“ShejustwantsRainbowtobehappy.Sheloveshersomuch,I’msureshewouldunderstand.”
“That’sthething,”Oceansaid,holdingupafinger.“Ididtellher.Assoonasthosethreedayswereup,IbroughtRainbowbacktothecenterandItoldBelindaeverything.HowRainbowwaseatingmore,andhowshewasmoreactive,andhowherandBettelikedtohangoutinthesamecorneroftheenclosure.Theyweresoexcitedjusttohaveafriend.ButBelindadidn’twanttohearit.She’ssoattachedtoRainbowbecauseRainbowwasthefirstanimalsherescuedforthecenter.It’spartofherwholestory.Iknewtherewasnowayshe’deverlethergo.”
“ButdidyouaskherifRainbowcouldcomeandlivewithyou?”Georgeasked.
“Idid!Isaid,‘Youknow,RainbowcouldalwayscomelivewithBetteifshe’dbehappierhere,’”Oceansaid.“Ireallytried.Theworstpartis,Bettehasbeendepressedeversince.It’sheartbreakingtowatch.Shejustmopesaround,andnowIcanseehowsadRainbowistoo.Ididn’tthinkI’dbehurtinganyone,notreally...andIknowIdidn’tgoaboutittherightway...butIjustwantedtohelp....”
Nancyletoutadeepbreath.ShewasstartingtounderstandwhereOceanwascomingfrom.Nomatterhowwrongitwastostealatortoisefromthecenter,hedidn’tthinkhewasactuallystealingRainbow.Hethoughthewassavingher.
“Iknowit’shard,butyou’regoingtohavetotellBelindaeverythingthathappened,andwhy,”Nancystarted.“Andofcourse,Rainbowhastocomebackheretoliveatthecenter.Whereisshenow?”
“Ibroughtherhomeonmybreak,”Oceansaid.“She’swithBette.They’retogether.”
“Well,you’llhavetobringherbackassoonaspossible,”Nancywenton.ShewenttothedoorandgaveOceanherhand,helpinghimtostandup.BessandGeorgewalkedoutoftheroom,andtheytrailedbehindthemintotheReptileHall.“Comeon.Ifyouleavenowyoucanbebackbeforeweheadhome....”
•••
IttookOceanhalfanhourtogetbacktotheRiverHeightsWildlifeCenterwithRainbow.Heplacedhergentlybackintoherhabitatandwatchedasshecrawledtowardapileofstrawberries.ForamomentNancywasworriedhemightcry.
BesscamedownthehallwithBelindaandBob.Bob’seyebrowswereknittedtogether,andhischeekswerebrightred,likehemightstartyellingatanysecond.“Whereisshe?”heasked,hisvoicebooming.
“She’shere,she’sokay,”Georgesaid,pointingintothehabitat.
“Well,Ishouldhopeshe’sokay!”Bobcried.
Belindastareddownatthetortoise,thenleveledhereyesatOcean.Shelookedsoserious,itwassuchachangefromhowshe’dgreetedthemthatmorning.“Please,explainthistome.Ireallywanttounderstand.”
“I’msosorryBelinda...,”Oceansaid,andthistimehiseyesreallydidfillwithtears.Hewentthroughthewholestory,tellingherthatheknewhedidn’tgoaboutthingstherightway,buthereallywasjustthinkingofBetteandRainbow.Healsowentintoalong,weirdtangentaboutanimals,andhowhebelievedtheywereuniquesouls.
“Ijustdidn’tknowwhattodo,”Oceansaid.“Itwaslikeyoudidn’tevenhearwhatIwassaying.YouwerenevergoingtoletRainbowleavethecenter,”Oceancontinued.
“Ofcourseshewasn’t!”Bobsnapped.“ThisisRainbow’shome.Thisiswhereshebelongs.”
Belindatiltedherheadtotheside,consideringeverythingthatOceanhadsaid.Afteralongwhileshefinallyspoke.“It’snotanexcuse,Ocean,”shesaid.“Whatyoudidwaswrong,evenifyourintentionsweregood.ButyouwererightwhenyousaidIcouldn’thearthatsuggestion.IloveRainbowlikeshe’smyownpet,andit’shardformetothinkabouthernotbeinghereeverydaywhenIwalkinthedoor.”
“I’mgladshe’sback,”shecontinued.“Iam.AndI’llthinkaboutyoursuggestion.MaybeBettecancomevisitRainbowhereatthecentereveryweekend.Thatmightwork.Andwecouldseehowitgoes.Maybethereareotheroptionswecanexplore,keepingBetteandRainbow’shappinessinmind.”
Ocean’sfacebrightened.Hesmiled,relieved.“Thatwouldbegreat.She’dlovethat.”
“ButI’mafraidyou’llhavetostopvolunteeringatthecenter,”Belindawenton.“You’vebrokenmytrust,andthat’snosmallthing.We’dlovetohaveyouasavisitorwheneveryoulike.Justsaytheword.”
Oceandabbedathiseyesandnodded.“Iunderstand.”
Nancy’sstomachtwistedinaknot.Sheknewitwastherightdecision,anditwaswhatBelindahadtodo,butitwasstillalittlesadthatOceanwouldn’tbeabletocomebacktowork.Shewishednoneofthishadhappenedinthefirstplace.
“Asforyougirls,”Belindasaid,glancingatherwatch,“it’salmosttimeforyoutoheadbacktoschool.Youshouldallmeetmeinthegiftshopforaspecialsurprise.
Belindaturnedandwentbackdownthehall,Bobfollowingrightbehindher.Hemutteredsomethingthatsoundedlike“Unbelievable!”ItwasonlythenthatNancyhadthecouragetosaywhatshewasthinkingoutloud.
“Iftherehadn’tbeenthatleak,”shesaid,“BetteandRainbowwouldn’thavemet.Noneofthiswouldhaveeverhappened,andyouwouldstillbeabletoworkhere.”
“No,”Oceansaid.“Iwouldn’thavewantedthat.I’mgladtheymetbecausenowtheycanbehappytogether.EvenifthatmeansBettespendsmoretimeherethanshedoesathome.Iwouldn’ttradethatforanything.”
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgesaidtheirgoodbyestoOcean,thoughGeorgestilldidn’tfeelthatbadforhim.Hewasresponsibleforhisownactions,andhe’dchosentodowhathedid.Theywalkeddownthelonghalltowardthegiftshop,whereMrs.Pakwaswaitingwiththeirfriends.
“Nancy!”Lilycalledout.“BelindaisgivingusallaspecialtreatbecauseyoufoundRainbow!”
Lilyheldupagiantlollipopwithswirlinggreensandbluesinit.ItwascoveredinaplasticwrapperthathadtheRiverHeightsWildlifeCenterlogoonit.Nancyglancedaround,realizingallofherclassmateswereholdingone.
“Andtheseareforyou,”Belindasaid,handingNancy,Bess,andGeorgeone.“It’sasmalltokentosaythankyou.ButIwantyoutoknow,anytimeyoucomehereyou’llbegiventheVIPtreatment.JustaskformeandI’llgiveyouaprivatetour.Youmissedsomuchoftodaybecauseyouweresolvingthismysteryforus.Iwantyoutoenjoyyourselvesthenexttimeyou’rehere.”
Mrs.PakpattedNancyontheback,prouderthanever.“Youdidwell,girls.”Shelaughed.“Nowcomeon,wehavetogetonthebus.”
AllofNancy’sclassmatescameoverandcongratulatedthem,givingthemhighfivesandafewcheers.HarryandLiamsaidtheytookallthemealwormsoutofthegirls’backpacks,andtoldNancytheythoughtwhatshedidwas“reallycool.”ItseemedliketheywerestartingtobemoreimpressedwiththeClueCrewthantheywerewithAntonioElefano.
AsNancyandherfriendstrailedbehindthegroup,theyheardafamiliarvoicecalloutbehindthem.“Nancy!Waitoneminute!”
TheyturnedtoseeBobwithahugesmileonhisface.Hesteppedtowardthemandgavethematinybow,liketheywereroyalty.“Ijustwantedtosaythankyou,”hesaid.“Andyouwereright.Inevershouldhavedoubtedyou.”
“No,youshouldn’thave,”Nancylaughed.“Andyou’rewelcome.”
Thentheyleftforthebus,wavingathimbeforetheyslippedoutthedoor.
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