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ПРИЯТНОГОЧТЕНИЯ!
CarolynKeene
NancyDrewandtheClueCrew:VolumeThirty
DanceOff
Copyright,2011,bySimon&Schuster,Inc
DancefeverhashitRiverHeights!
KidsCanDance,thefamousrealityTVshow,isholdingauditionsatRiverHeightsElementary.Nancyandherfriendsareeagertotryout,andmeetthefamoushost,BryceBrown.Butwhensomethinggoeswrongwitheverydancer'sequipment,music,orroutine,couldsomeonebetryingtoruintheRiverHeightstryouts?NancyDrewandtheClueCrewareonthecase!
CHAPTERONE
FansandCancans
“Whydowehavetowearthesegoofypinkcoats?”GeorgeFayneasked.Shefrownedatthevinylcoatdrapedoverherarm.“Whatdetectiveswalkaroundinthese?”
“Dancingdetectives!”NancyDrewreplied.
“Justlikeus!”BessMarvinaddedhappily.
TheClueCrewneverworepinktrenchcoatswhentheyworkedontheircases.Butthecoatsandgiantmagnifyingglassesweretheperfectcostumefortheirbigdancenumber.
“Whocaresiftheylookfunnyorsqueakwhenwemove?”Nancyaskedhertwobestfriends.“We’reabouttoauditionfor KidsCanDance! —oneofthehottestshowsonTV!”
“AndmeetBryceBrown!”Besssquealed.
NancysquealedalongwithBess.Fourteen-year-oldBryceBrownwasthesinging,dancingstarofthegirls’otherfavoriteshow, MiddleSchoolMeltdown. Hewasalsooneofthejudgesfortheauditions.
“Don’tforget,”Nancysaidexcitedly,“thewinningprizeisachancetodanceon MiddleSchoolMeltdown. ”
“Andaone-thousand-dollarcheck,”Bessadded.SheturnedtoGeorge.“Whatwouldyoudowiththeprizemoney?”
“Buyanewcoat,”Georgegroaned.
Bessheavedasigh.SheandGeorgewerecousinsbutdifferentineveryway.Besshadblondhair,blueeyes,andfashion-forwardclothes.Georgehaddarkhairandeyesandthecoolestcomputergadgetsandgizmos.Georgedidn’tmindbeingcalledacomputergeekaslongasshewasn’tcalledGeorgia—herrealname!
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgehurrieddownRiverStreettowardtheRiverHeightsSpotlightTheater.That’swheretheauditionswouldbeheldforthenextfewdays.
ItwasonlyThursday,andthegirlsweren’tauditioninguntilSunday.Buteveryonehadtobringtheircostumesandmusictothetheaterthatafternoon.
“Remember,ClueCrew,nomysteriesuntiltheauditionsareover,”Nancysaid.“Wehaveto—”
“Nancy!”Besscutinasshelookedbackoverhershoulder.“We’rebeingchasedbyagiantice-creamcone!”
“Huh?”Nancyturnedaroundandgasped.
Sureenough,agiantice-creamconewitharmsandlegswasracingtowardthemyelling,“Waitup!Waitup!”
Georgerolledhereyesandsaid,“That’snoticecream.That’sjustHenderson.”
Theconecamecloser.NancycouldseeHenderson“Drippy”Murphy’sfaceunderneaththeplasticswirlhead.
Henderson’sdaddrovetheMr.Drippyice-creamtruck.Butthatdidnotexplaintheice-creamcostume.
“Whereareyougoinglookinglikethat?”Nancyasked.
“Sameplaceyouare!”Hendersonanswered.“I’mtryingoutfor KidsCanDance! ”
Henderson’sshoestappedonthesidewalkashedancedforthegirls.Hethenliftedhisfoottoshowthesteeltaponthebottomofhisshoe.
“It’smydad’sidea,”Hendersonsighed.“Heneedstheprizemoneysohecanbuyapretzeltruckforthewinter.”
“Becauseit’stoocoldtosellicecream?”Nancyasked.
Hendersonnoddedandsaid,“Mydadneedsajobbadly.”
“Goodluck,then!”BesssaidbeforeGeorgejabbedherwithherelbow.“Imean,goodluck—butIhopewestillwin.”
Thebrownbricktheaterwiththemarqueewasonlyafewstepsaway.PracticingtheirdancenumbersoutsideweremanykidsNancyknewfromschool.SomeworetheircostumesovertheirstreetclothesjustlikeHendersondid.
Thefourth-gradeGleasontwinsdancedtheminuetdressedinold-fashionedclothesandtoweringwhitewigs.
Agroupoffifth-gradegirlsworecheerleaderuniformsastheyshookcolorfulpom-pomsandpracticedtheirsplits.AfewfeetawayKendraJackson,fromthegirls’third-gradeclass,kickedherlegunderalong,ruffledskirt.
“She’saFrenchcancandancer,”Besswhispered.
“Speakingofcans,checkthatout,”Georgesaid.
ThegirlsturnedtowatchAntonioElefanoandPeterPatinodancingstifflyinrobotcostumesmadefromjumbotincans.Hip-hopmusicblaredfromtheirsilverboombox.
“Betterquitnow,ClueCrew!”Antonioshouted.“BecausetheRip-It-UpRobotsaregoingtotaketheprize!”
“Youalreadytakethecake!”Georgeshoutedback.
NancypulledGeorgeawayfromtheboys.Sherefusedtoletthetwobiggestpestsatschoolspoilanawesomeday.
“Iwishmydadcouldwatchusaudition,”Nancysaid,flippingherreddishblondbangsaside.“Iwonderwhyparentsaren’tallowed.”
“Becausetheshowisafraidthey’dbetoopushy,”Georgeexplained.“Likesomestagemomsanddadscanbe.”
“Likeher,”Besswhispered.Shepointedatatall,blondwomanwearingawhitepantsuit.“That’sCookie,Bryce’smom-ager.”
“Mom-ager?”Nancyrepeated.
“Partmom,partmanager,”Bessexplained.
“Andfull-timescreamer,”Georgemuttered.
Cookiewasarguingloudlywithanotherwomanstandingnearthetheaterdoor.
“Brycehasjustlandedapartinahugemovie!”Cookiewasshouting.“HemustflytoHollywood—ASAP!”
“Hehasacontract,”theotherwomansaid.
“Mindy,you’retheproducerof KidsCanDance!, ”Cookiehuffed.“Releasehimfromhiscontractthisinstant!”
“Sorry,Cookie,”Mindysaid,shakingherhead.
Cookie’seyesnarrowedasshesaid,“Oh,you’llbesorry,allright!”
Whoa, Nancythought. IhopeBryceisalotnicerthanhismom.
MindyturnedawayfromCookietoopenthetheaterdoor.Shefirstmadethekidslineup,thenledthemintothetheater.Theyweredirectedbackstage,wheretheyhunguptheircostumes.GeorgestoodontiptoesassheputtheirdancemusicCDonashelfwiththeothers.
“Doyouthinksomebodywillstealourpinkcoats?”Bessaskedastheyleftthebackroom.
“Ifwe’relucky,”Georgejoked.
Thegirlsfoundthreeseatsnexttooneanotherandsatdown.Fromtheretheycouldseethejudges’tablesetinfrontofthestage.Butwherewerethejudges?
“Hi,kids!”MayorStrongcalledoutashewalkedoutonthestage.“Who’sreadytokickitup?”
Cheersfilledthetheater.Nancyshiveredwithexcitement.Thiswasit!
“Firstlet’smeetthejudges,”MayorStrongsaid,turningtowardthewings.“StraightfromHollywood,pleasewelcomechoreographertothestars—IvyHedges!”
AsmilingIvywavedassheranontothestage.Shewalkeddowntothejudges’table,stillwaving.
“Next—allthewayfromLondon,England,formerballetstarNigelPemberton!”MayorStrongannounced.
NigelhardlylookedatthekidsashejoinedIvyatthetable.Hewasn’tsmiling,either.
“Lastbutnotleast,”MayorStrongannounced,“youknowhimfrom MiddleSchoolMeltdown —BryceBrown!”
“Aaaaa!”
“Eeeee!”
“Omigosh!!!”
NancysqueezedBess’shandastheyshriekedtoo.Runningontothestagewasthestarhimself—BryceBrown!
“He’scuterinpersonthanheisonTV!”Besssquealed,practicallydigginghernailsintoGeorge’sarm.
“Ouch!”Georgecomplained.
Brycewaswearinga MiddleSchoolMeltdown jacketandfadedjeans.“Who’sreadytoburnthefloor?”heshouted.
AlouderscreamansweredBryce’squestion.ButnobodywasscreaminglouderthanIvy!“Ididn’tknowIvylikedBrycetoo,”Nancysaid.
“Idon’tthinkshe’sscreamingforBryce,”Georgesaid,staringstraightatthejudges’table.
“Thenwhyisshescreaming?”Bessasked.Georgegulpedandthensaid,“Becausethere’ssomethingbig,gray,andfurryunderthattable!”
CHAPTERTWO
StageFright
Nancy’sjawdroppedasBryceandNigelliftedthetable.Crouchedunderneathwasagiantsquirrel!
ButasthesquirrelstoodupNancysawitwasnotasquirrelatall.
“Youguys!”Nancyexclaimed.“It’sPhoebeFrankelfromthesecondgrade.”
MindyseemedtorecognizePhoebetoo.
“Didn’tyousignuptoauditionyesterday?”MindyaskedPhoebe.“Anddidn’twesayyouhadtobeeighttotenyearsoldtoaudition?”
“Yes,”Phoebesaid,noddingherfurryhead.“ButI’mgoingtobeeightyearsoldinafewmonths.”Theaudiencesnickered.
“And,”Phoebewenton,“mygrandfatherownsthistheater,soIthoughtitwouldbeokay.”
BeforeMindycouldstopher,Phoebejumpeduponthestage.Herbushytailbobbedassheswayedbackandforth.
“Icallmydanceasalutetofall!”Phoebesaidasshetwirledaroundthestage.“Squirrelscollectnutsinthefall,youknow.”
“Cansomebodycollectthatnutandgetheroutofhere?”Nigelbarked.
Agray-hairedmanangrilymarcheduptoNigelandsaid,“Watchhowyoutalktomygranddaughter,buddy!”
“ThatmustbeLouFrankel,”Georgewhispered.“HeownstheSpotlightTheater.”
“Oh,”Nancywhisperedback.Georgeneverwentanywherewithoutresearchingitonthecomputerfirst.
“Gentlemen,gentlemen!”MayorStrongsaid,pushinghiswaybetweenLouandNigel.“IfPhoebecan’tdance,perhapsshecanhavealittlejobinstead.”
“Whatkindofjob?”Phoebeasked,jumpingupanddown.“CanIbeBryce’spersonalassistant?CanI?CanI?”
NancysawBryceshakehisheadatMindy,eversoslightly.
“Ihaveanidea,”Mindyblurted.“Whydoesn’tPhoebehelpthedancersastheygetreadytoaudition?”
“Youmeantheotherkids?”Phoebecried.“Goforit,cupcake,”LoutoldPhoebe.“Onedaythistheaterwillbeyours.Mightaswelllearnsomething!”
Phoebe’ssquirreltaildroopedsadly.Nancycouldseehowbadlyshewantedtoauditionfor KidsCanDance!
“Whatever,”Phoebesaid,andsighed.
“Good!”Mindysaidwithagrin.“Whydon’tyougobackstageandhelpthefirstkidsabouttoaudition?”
“Yeah,squirrelly!”Antonioyelledfromtheaudience.“Getthemsomelemonade.”
“Andholdtheacorns!”Peterguffawed.Phoebeignoredtheboysasshesulkedonherwaybackstage.
“Well,now,”MayorStrongsaidcheerily.“Iguessthere’snobusinesslikeshowbusiness.”
Afterthejudgesweresettledattheirtable,Mindyintroducedthefirstact.“Pleasegiveashout-outforfifth-graderCarlaMendoza!”
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgeclappedasCarlastruttedonstageinacolorfulSpanishflamencocostume.Herhandsclackedapairofcastanets.Butwhenshekickedupherheels,theydidn’tgetveryfar—thickwadsofgreenchewinggumwerestucktothesolesofhershoes!
“Yuck!”Besscried.
Carlalookedhorrifiedashershoesbeganstickingtothestage.Shefinallystoppeddancing,tearsinhereyes.
“It’sokay,Carla,”Ivysaidsweetly.“Everyonestepsingumatleastonceintheirlife.”
“ButIdidn’tseeanygumonthefloor!”Carlacried.“Someonemusthavestuckthemonmyshoes.”
“Alikelyexcuse,”Nigelsaid,andsighedloudly.“Weshouldchangethenameofthisshowto KidsCanDance Except inRiverHeights! ”
Nancygulped.ShehopedNigelwouldn’tbeasmeanwhentheyauditionedonSunday.
Therestoftheauditionswentsmoothly.ButNancycouldn’tstopthinkingaboutCarla’ssticky,ickyshoes.Didsomeonestickgumonhershoeslikeshesaid?
“Moreauditionstomorrow,”MayorStrongannouncedwhentheauditionswereover.“Seeyouafterschool!”
Thekidsfiledoutofthetheater.NancysmiledwhenshesawHannahGruenwaitingoutside.
HannahhadbeentheDrews’housekeepersinceNancywasonlythreeyearsold.Shecouldn’treplaceNancy’smother,whodied.Butwithherhugs,cookies,andreminderstowearsweatersandbrushherteeth,shecameprettyclose.
“Thanksforpickingusup,Hannah,”Nancysaid.
“Noproblem,”Hannahsaid.“Butdon’tyougirlswanttogetanautographfromyourfavebeforeyougohome?”
NancylookedtoseewhereHannahwaspointing.CookiewasoutsidethetheaterhandingoutpicturesofBryce.
“Totally!”Nancygaspedexcitedly.Sheandherfriendsrantogetautographedpictures.
ButwhenBesslookedatherpicture,sheshookherheadandsaid,“Thisisn’tBryce’shandwriting.AndIknoweverythingaboutBryceBrown.”
NancybelievedBess.HerfriendreadeverymagazinewithanarticleonBryce.Sheevenvisitedhiswebsiteeveryday.
“IfBrycedidn’tsignit,whodid?”Nancyasked.
ThegirlsturnedtoCookie.Onekidwascomplainingthatherpicturehadnoautograph.Cookiegrabbedthepicture,pulledoutapen,andsignedBryce’snameherself!
“That’swho!”Georgemuttered.
Nancyfrowned,thenwhispered,“ForaCookieshe’snotverysweet.”
BesidesSaturdayandSunday,FridaywasNancy’sfavoriteday.ButthisFridaywasextraspecial.RightafterschoolMrs.FaynepickedthegirlsupanddrovethemtotheSpotlightTheaterfortheseconddayofauditions.
AsNancy,Bess,andGeorgefiledintothetheatertowatchtheotherstryout,theysawPhoebe.Herhairwasstickingoutinalldirections,andherarmswerefilledwithplasticwaterbottles!
“Helpmefindmyballetshoes!”DeirdreShannonshoutedfromthebackstagedoor.“Idon’tseethemanywhere.”
“Whattookyousolongwiththatwater?”Antoniodemanded.“MymouthissodryI’mspittingcottonballs!”
“Okay!”Phoebeshoutedback.Shegavethegirlsaquickglance.“Ihatethisjob,andIhate KidsCanDance! ”
“Iguessyoucan’tblameher,”BesswhisperedasPhoeberanbackstage.
Thegirlswerehappytofindthreeseatsnexttooneanotherinthefirstrowthistime.
“We’rerightbehindthejudges’table!”Besssqueaked.
“Intwodayswe’llbeuponthatstageauditioningtoo,”Nancysaiddreamily.
“That’swhywehavetopracticealldaytomorrow,”Besssaidfirmly.“Sowedon’tmakefoolsofourselveslikethatpoorflamencodancer.”
“We’realreadymakingfoolsofourselves,”Georgemumbled.“Inthosepinkcoats.”
“Shh!Herecomethejudges,”Nancypointedout.
Ivy,Nigel,andBrycetooktheirseatsbehindthejudges’table.
“We’resoclosetoBryce.”Bessswooned.“Icanseehowbrownhiseyesare!”
“Icanseehowhishaircurlsjustabitattheends!”Nancysighed.
“Icanseeazitonhischeek,”Georgemurmured.
Afterwelcomingtheaudience,MayorStrongintroducedthefirstact.
“PleasewelcomeDeirdreShannon,”MayorStrongsaid,“dancingthepartofthedyingswanfrom SwanLake. ”
Aboyintheaudienceyawnedloudly.Soonthetheaterwasfilledwiththesoundofsoftclassicalmusic.Deirdreflittedoutfromthewingsonhertiptoes,gracefullyflappingherarmsupanddown.Buttheminuteshebegantodance…
Tap,tap,tap,tap,tap…
“Omigosh,”Besswhispered.“Itsoundslikeshehastapsonherballetshoes.”
Deirdre’sfaceturnedtomatoredwhensherealizedwhatwashappening.
“Stopthemusicthisinstant,”Nigelcommanded.“Thatwasnotaswan—itwasaturkey.”
“Butit’snotmyfault!”Deirdrecried.“Someonegluedtapsonmyballetslippers!”
“Suretheydid,dear,”Ivysaidgently.
DeirdrewasstillprotestingasMindywhiskedheroffstage.
“Allrightythen,”MayorStrongtoldtheaudience.“Let’sgiveitupforournextdancers—thefifth-gradeCheerBrigade!”
Peppymusicblaredassixcheerleadersranontothestage,smilingbrightly.AstheydancedNancynoticedcloudsofwhitedustbillowingfromtheirpom-poms!Onebyonethegirlsstoppeddancingtoscratchtheirnecks,theirarms,andeventheirlegs!
“Sorry!”atallcheerleaderwithredhairsaid.Shehelduponepom-pom.“It’slikesomeoneputitchingpowderinourpom-poms.”
Nancy’seyeswidened.Itchingpowder?
“AndI’mitchingtogetontothenextact,”Nigelhuffed.“What’swrongwithRiverHeights,anyway?”
Thecheerleaderswerestillitchingandscratchingastheyhurriedoffintothewings.
“Iapologizetothejudges,”MayorStrongdeclared.“Idon’tknowwhyourdancersaremessingup!”
Nancydidthemath:Onefallenflamencodancer,onetapped-outballerina,andsixchafingcheerleadersequaledsomethingfishy.
“ThedancersofRiverHeightsaren’tmessingup,”Nancywhisperedtoherfriends.“Someoneismessingupthedancers.”
CHAPTERTHREE
GagOrder
“Youmeansomeoneisdoingthisonpurpose?”Bessasked,herblueeyesflashing.
“Ormaybeit’sjustafluke,”Georgesaid.“I’llbetnothinghappenstothenextact.”
“I hope nothinghappens,”Nancyadded.
ThenextactwastheGleasontwins,dressedineighteenth-centurycostumeanddancingtheminuet.TheaudiencelaughedaswhatlookedlikerubbercockroachesspilledoutofGina’sandGilbert’stallwhitewigs!
“AsourgloriousQueenVictoriaoncesaid,”Nigeldeclared,“‘Iam notamused. ’”
“N-n-neitheramI,Mr.Pemberton,”MayorStrongstammered.“ThatIcanassureyou.”
“Nowdoyoubelieveme?”Nancywhispered.
BessandGeorgebothnodded.
“Kids!”Mindyannounced.“Ifyoucan’tstopclowningaround,we’llhavetocanceltheRiverHeightsauditions.”
“No!”thekidsintheaudiencecried.
“Yes!”avoicecheered.“Yes!Yes!Yes!”
NancyturnedtoseeCookie.Shewasstandingatthesideofthetheatergrinningsmugly.
“We’vegottofindoutwho’sdoingthis,”Nancysaid.“TosaveRiverHeightsfromlookingbad.”
“Andusfromlookingbad,”Besspointedout.“We’reauditioningintwodays,remember?”
“Ithoughtweweren’tgoingtobedetectivesthisweek,”Georgesaid.“Onlydancers.”
“There won’t beanydancingifwedon’tsolvethiscase,”Nancysaid.Sheandherfriendsstoodupandslippedoutofthetheater.
“Let’sgotoourheadquarters,”Nancysaid,buttoningupherbulkysweater.“Andgettowork.”
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgeallhadtofollowthesamerule:Theycouldwalkuptofiveblockstogetheraslongasitwasstilllightoutsideandtheyweretogether.
Aftercrunchingthroughfiveblocksoffallenleaves,thegirlsreachedtheDrewhouse.Onceinside,theywentstraightupstairstoNancy’sroom.
“Getawayfromthecomputer,Bess,”Georgecomplained.“That’smyjob!”
“It’sNancy’scomputer!”Bessinsisted.“AndshesaidIcouldcheckoutBryce’swebsitefirst.”
“Quickly,”Nancyreminded.
“Wow!”Besssaidwithhereyesgluedtothescreen.“There’sawholepageaboutBryce’svisittoRiverHeights.HeandCookiearestayingattheGlitz-MortonHotel!”
“Enoughinformation,”Georgesaid.ShewavedBessawayfromthecomputerandsatdown.Afteropeninganewfilefortheircase,theClueCrewgottowork.
“Wheredoyouthinktherubbercockroachesandtheitchingpowdercamefrom?”Bessasked.
“YuksJokeShop,whereelse?”Nancysaid.“I’llbetthegumdidtoo.Ineversawgumasstickyasthat!”
“ThosetapsonDeirdre’sballetslippershadtocomefromtapshoes,”Georgesaidasshetyped.
“Butwhowouldwanttomessupthedanceauditions?”Besswonderedoutloud.
“Probablysomeonewhowasmadatthedancersortheshow,”Georgedecided.
Theword“mad”madeNancythinkofPhoebe.
“PhoebeFrankelwasmadthatshedidn’tgettoaudition,”Nancypointedout.“Shewasmadatthekidsforbossingheraroundtoo.”
“Phoebewasbackstagewiththedancers,”Bessadded.“Andhergrandfatherownsthetheater,soshe’dhaveplentyofchancestosneakbackthereevenaftereverybodyleft.”
“Don’tforgettoputAntonioandPeteronoursuspectlist,”Besssaid.
“Whatreasonwouldtheboyshaveforruiningtheauditions?”Nancyasked.
“They’repests,”Bessreplied.“Whatbetterreasonisthat?”
Nancyploppeddownontheedgeofherbed.Sheknewtherewasanothersuspect,butashardasshetriedshecouldn’tthinkofhisorhername.
“Cookiebreak!”Hannahsaid,carryingaplateofoatmealcookiesintotheroom.AsshelefttheroomNancy’seyeslitup.
“Cookie!”Nancyexclaimed,jumpingfromthebed.“Bryce’smom-agerwasarguingwithMindyaboutgettingBryceoutoftheshow!”
“CookiealsosaidMindywouldbesorry,”Besssaid.“Whateverthatmeant.”
“We’vegottofindCookieandaskhersomequestions,”Nancysaid,narrowinghereyes.
Bessgrabbedanoatmealcookie.Beforetakingabite,shesaid,“HowarewegoingtoquestionCookieBrown?”
NancygulpedassherememberedCookieyellingatMindy.“Carefully,”shereplied.“Very,verycarefully!”
“OneoftherubbercockroachesfellintoNigel’slap,Daddy!”Nancysaidlaterthatevening.“Itwasn’tfunny,butitwaskindoffunny.DoyouknowwhatImean?”
Mr.Drewnodded.HeandNancyhadjustfinisheddinner.TheywerenowinthedendecidingwhattowatchonTV.
“IwishIcouldhavebeenthere,”Mr.Drewsaid.“Butyouknowwhattheysaid—”
“Noparentsallowed,”Nancyfinished.“Unlessyou’resomebody’smom-ager.”
Nancy’spuppy,ChocolateChip,paddedintotheden.ShenuzzledhernoseinNancy’spalm.
Mr.DrewpickeduptheremoteandclickedontheTV.AcommercialwasonforajuicecalledFruityFizzy.Nancygrinnedwhenshesawwhowassingingthejingle.
“Bryce!”Nancysquealed.
Chipbarked,startledbyNancy’svoice.
“Rockme,FruityFizzy!”Brycesangashedanced.“Tastessogooditmakesmedizzy!”
“He’s…so…cool.”NancyswoonedattheTV.
“IthoughtIwasyourfavoriteguy,Nancy,”Mr.Drewsaid,pretendingtolookhurt.
Nancysmiledatherdad.Hewasn’tjustthebestlawyerinRiverHeights—hewasthebestdadintheworld!
“You’llalwaysbemyfavorite,Daddy,”Nancyinsisted.“Besides,BryceandIhaveabsolutelynothingincommon.”
“Really?”Mr.Drewasked.“Howcome?”
“FruityFizzymakesmynosetickle,”Nancygiggled.
Nancyandherdaddecidedtowatchashowaboutpolarbears.ButasmuchasNancylovedpolarbears,shecouldn’tpayattentiontotheTV.
Ican’twaittogototheauditionstomorrowtoworkonournewcase, NancythoughtassherelaxedonthesofanexttoChip. Ofcourse—seeingBryceagainwillbeprettycooltoo.
“YouwanttogotoYuks?”Georgeaskedthenextmorning.“Whatabouttheauditions?”
NancywatchedagoldleafdroponhershoulderasshewalkedwithBessandGeorge.ItwasSaturdaymorning,andthegirlshadpermissiontowalktogethertoRiverStreet.
“There’splentyoftimebeforetheauditionsstart,”Nancysaid.“Iwanttoasksomequestions—likewhoboughttherubberbugsanditchingpowder.”
“IstillthinkAntonioandPetermesseduptheauditions,”Besssaid.“Rememberwhentheysnuckthatwhoopeecushiononoursubstituteteacher’schair?Wheredoyouthinktheyboughtthat?”
YuksJokeShopwasjustdowntheblock.Nancycouldseethedoorswingopen.Aboywassteppingout.ButitwasnotAntonioorPeter.
“It’sHenderson,”Nancysaid.
Hendersonhadabiggrinonhisface—likeheknewsomethingnobodyelsedid.Hedidn’tseemtoseethegirlsasheturnedandwalkedtheotherway.
“Waitaminute,”Georgesaidslowly.“Didn’tHendersonsayhisdadneededtheprizemoneyforapretzeltruck?”
“Anddidn’tHendersonhavetapsonhisshoes?”Nancyadded.“Anddidn’thejustcomeoutofYuks?”
“Yes…yes…andyes!”Besssaid,answeringeachquestion.
“ThenIthinkwehaveonemoresuspect,”Nancysaidveryslowly.“Henderson‘Drippy’Murphy.”
CHAPTERFOUR
FaveRave
Hendersonhadturnedthecornerandwasoutofsight.
“Let’sgoinsideYuks,”Nancysuggested.“WecanaskifHendersonboughtanythinginthelastthreedays.”
“And what hebought!”Bessadded.
Thegirlsfiledintothejokestore.Nancy’smouthdroppedopenwhenshesawMr.Deckerbehindthecounter.Theownerhadanarrowstraightthroughhishead!“It’snotreal—it’sanothergag,”Georgewhispered.
Thegirls’eyesdartedaroundthestore.Masksdangledfromtheceiling—funnyandcreepy.Therewereracksofcostumesandpilesofboxesmarked:FAKEEYEBALLS,GARLICGUM,HANDBUZZERS,PLASTICFANGS—andmore.
“EarlyHalloweenshopping?”Mr.Deckerasked.
“Notyet,”Nancysaid.“WejustwanttoknowifHendersonMurphyboughtanythinginthisstore.”
Mr.Deckerpointedtoasignbehindthecounter.Itread:ALLSALESCONFIDENTIAL.
“Seethat?”Mr.Deckerasked.“Thatmeansthatallsalesherearecompletelytopsecret.”
“Topsecret?”Georgesaid,wrinklinghernose.
“That’sright,”Mr.Deckersaid.“Ifyoubuywitchywartsorasquirtingtoiletseat—yoursecretissafewithme.”
“Butacrimewascommitted,”Nancyprotested.
“Ahhh!Stopit,girls,”Mr.Deckersaid,pointingtothearrow.“Can’tyouseeyou’regivingmeaheadache?”
NancylookedpastMr.Deckerataglossyphototapedtothewall.ItwasanautographedpictureofBryce.
“WasBryceBrownheretoo?”Nancyasked.
“Confidential!”Mr.Deckershouted.
Thegirlsturnedandranoutofthestore.
“Abighelphewas!”Georgesnorted.
“HowdoyouthinkthatpictureofBrycegotthere?”Nancywonderedoutloud.
“CookiegivesoutBryce’sautographs,”Besssaid.
Cookie?AslowsmilespreadacrossNancy’sface.
“SoCookiewasshoppingatYuksJokeShop,”Nancysaid.“Iguessnot everything inthatstoreistopsecret.”
Nancy’sthoughtswereinterruptedbyabunchofscreams.Sheturnedtoseeacrowdofgirlsstandinginfrontofahoteldowntheblock:theGlitz-Morton.
“That’sthehotelBryceisstayingin,”Besssaid.
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgewalkedovertothefanciesthotelinRiverHeights.AcrowdwaswavingBryce’spictureintheairandshoutingBryce’sname.
“Iwanttogetinsidethathotel,”Nancywhispered.
“Sodoallthoseothergirls,”Georgepointedout.
“Idon’twanttofindBryce,”Nancysaid.“IwanttofindCookiesowecanaskhersomequestions.”
“Goodluck.”Besspointedtoapolicemanstandingbeforethebarricade.“PoliceChiefMcGinnisismakingsurenobodygetsin.”
“You’reright,”Nancysighed.
Thegirlswatchedasadoormanbeganunloadingaguest’scar.Hehookedseverallongblackgarmentbagsonthebarofarollingluggagerack.
“Ifwecan’tcheckin,”Georgewhispered,“whydon’twe sneak in?”
Thedoormanturnedhisbacktothecart.Quickly,Georgehoppedontotheluggagerack,slippingbetweentwogarmentbags.Herhandjuttedouttowaveherfriendsaboard.
NancyandBessfollowed,slippingbetweenthehangingbags.Nancyheldherbreathassheheardthedoormansay,“I’llwheelyourluggageintothelobbywhilethevaletparksyourcar.”
Thecartbegantoroll.Nancy’steethrattledasitjumpedoveracrackinthesidewalk.Whenthecartcametoastop,thegirlsslowlypeekedout.Theywereinahugeroomdecoratedwithvelvetsofasandtoweringgreenplants.Amarblefloorglistenedlikeanice-skatingrink.
“It’sthehotellobby,”Nancyhissed.
Thegirlswaitedtillthecoastwasclear.Whilethedoormanpressedtheelevatorbutton,theyjumpedofftheluggagecart.Theycrouchedandhidbehindoneofthepottedplants.
“Wow!”Besswhispered.“Thishotelislikeapalace—”
“Brycewillgetoutofthosesillyauditions!”awoman’sgruffvoicecutin.“Trustme!”
Thegirlsexchangedsurprisedlooks.Thefamiliarvoicewascomingfrombehindtheplant.
Quietly,Nancy,Bess,andGeorgespreadtheleavesapart.Sittinginavelvetchair,withherbacktotheplant,wasCookie.Shepressedasilvercellphonetoherearasshespokeloudly.“Ifyouwanttodeliverthatmoviescripttoourhotelsuite,it’snumberthree-one-eight.”
Cookieclickedoffherphone.Shethenacceptedacupofcoffeethatahotelworkerbroughttoher.
Thegirlslettheleavesspringback.
“ForgetaboutaskingCookiequestions,”Georgewhispered.“Let’sgouptoroomthree-one-eightandlookforclues.”
“Herroomwillbelockedforsure,”Nancywhispered.“Howwillwegetinside?”
“We’llfigureitout,”Georgewhispered.
Thegirlsrodetheelevatoruptothethirdfloor.Theyrandownthecarpetedhalluntiltheyfoundroom318.
Acartfilledwithtowelsandcleaningsuppliesstoodinfrontofthedoor.Thehousekeeperwasworkingontheroom.Andthedoorwasopen!
“Areweluckyorwhat?”Georgesmiled.
Thegirlsbackedagainstthewalljustasthehousekeepersteppedout.Asshecollectedfreshtowelstheyslippedthroughthedoorwayandinsidetheroom.
“Thehousekeeperiscomingback,”Nancyhissed.
Thegirlscrouchedbehindabig,cushychair.Onebyonetheypeekedoutovertheback.Sureenough,thehousekeeperwasintheroom.Butafterhangingtowelsinthebathroom,sheleftandslammedthedoorshut.
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgedartedoutfrombehindthechair.Bessopenedadoortofindanotherroom.
“ThismustbeBryce’sroom,”Besspointedout.
“Howdoyouknow?”Nancyasked.
“It’smessy—likeallboys’rooms,”Besssaid.
“Hey!”Georgecomplained.“Myroomismessy,butI’mnotaboy.”
Nancypeekedinsidetheroom.OntopofBryce’sdresserwerehalfadozenbottlesofFruityFizzyjuice.
“Hereallydoesdrinkthatstuff,”Nancysaid.
“Youguys!”GeorgecalledfromCookie’sroom.“LookwhatIfoundinsideCookie’strashcan.”
Shewasholdingupaplasticbag—abagfromYuksJokeShop!
“Bingo!”Nancydeclared.Buthersmileturnedintoafrownwhentheyheardaclick.
“Thelock!”Georgelookedpanicked.
“Someone’scoming!”Bessgroaned.
Thegirlscrouchedbehindthebedjustasthedooropened.Inaflashthegirlscrawledunderneaththebed.Assoonastheydid,though,Bessscreamed.
“There’ssomebodyunderhere!”Besscried.
CHAPTERFIVE
GloomService
Itwasdarkanddustyunderthebed.Butafterblinkingonceortwice,NancycouldseetheirclassmateShelbyMetcalf!
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Nancywhispered.
“IsnuckintowaitforBryce,”Shelbywhisperedback.“Justlikeyoudid.”
“We’renotwaitingforBryce,”Georgewhispered,slidingunderthebedtowardShelby.“We’re—Owwwww!”
Georgeyelpedasshebangedherheadontheundersideofthebed.Allfourgirlsfrozeuntil…
“Hey!Who’sthere?”Cookie’svoicedemanded.
“Busted,”Shelbysighed.
Cookieplantedherhandsonherhipsasthegirlscrawledoutfromunderthebed.“Youfansjustcan’tkeepaway,canyou?”shedemanded.
“We’renotfans!”Nancysaid.“Imean,weare—butthat’snotwhywe’rehere.”
“We’redetectives,”Georgesaid.ShepointedherthumbatShelby.“Exceptforthisone.”
“I’mjustafan,”Shelbysaidwithasmile.“WillBrycebeheresoon?Canhesignmysneakers?Pleeeease?”
NancysteppedinfrontofShelbyandsaid,“Wewanttofindoutwho’sruiningthe KidsCanDance! auditions.”
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”CookiestaredhardatNancy.
GeorgeliftedtheplasticYuksbagfromthetrashcan.“Perhapsthiswillhelpringabell?”sheasked.
“That’snotmine!”Cookieinsisted.“WhywouldIshopatajokestore?”
“ThenwhatdidyoumeanwhenyousaidBrycewon’tbejudgingthe KidsCanDance! auditions?”Bessasked.
Cookie’seyebrowsflewup.
“Wereyoulisteninginonmyphoneconversation?”Cookiedemanded.Shehelduphercellphone.“Givemeyourtelephonenumbers.I’mcallingyourparentsrightnow!”
Thegirlsgaveoneanotherworriedlooks.ThenBessturnedtoCookieandsaidsweetly,“Wewerejustleaving.”Thegirlsshotoutoftheroom.AstheyrantowardtheelevatorNancyheardCookie’sdoorslam.
“Allthattrouble,andwedidn’tevenfindBryce!”Shelbywailedastheyfiledintotheelevator.
“ButwedidfindthatYuksbaginCookie’sroom,”NancywhisperedtoBessandGeorge.“Andthat’sagreatclue!”
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgesaidgood-byetoShelby.TheyleftthehotelandmadetheirwayupRiverStreet.
“Howaboutsomepizza?”Georgeasked.“Allthatsneaking,hiding,andyellingmademehungry.”
“Let’sgothetheaterinstead,”Nancysaid.
“Theauditionsaren’tforanotherhour,”Besspointedout.
“Exactly!”Nancysaid.“Ifthetroublemakerstrikes,heorshewillprobablystrikebeforetheauditions.”
ButasthegirlsheadedtowardtheSpotlightTheatersomeonebeganwalkingtowardthem.ItwasHendersoncarryingabigplasticbagwithbothhands.
“AnotherbagfromYuks,”Nancynoted.
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgeracedtowardHenderson.Hestaredatthegirlsasheshiftedthebaginhishands.
“What’sup?”Hendersonasked.
“What’sinthebag?”Nancyasked.
“Itlooksprettyheavy,”Bessadded.
“WhatifIdon’twanttoshowyouwhat’sinthebag?”Hendersonaskedcoolly.
“Whatifwedon’tcare?”Georgesaid,grabbingonesideofthebagandpulling.Hendersongruntedandheldontotheotherside.
NancyandBesswatchedthetug-of-war.GeorgeandHendersondugtheirheelsintothegroundastheypulled.
“YouwereshoppingatYukssoyoucouldruintheauditions!”GeorgeshoutedatHenderson.
“You’recrazy!”Hendersonshoutedout.Hisknuckleswerewhiteasheheldontohissideofthebag.
“Nancy!Bess!”Georgeshoutedoverhershoulder.“Whyareyoujuststandingthere?Grabon!”
“Threeagainstonewouldn’tbefair,”Besssaid.
ButasGeorgebeganlosinghergriponthebag,Nancyranover.ShegrabbedGeorge’swaistandbegantopull.
“Notme!”Georgeshouted.“Grabthebag!”
Theplasticbagrippedinhalf.NancyandGeorgeflewback,knockingintoBess.
“Ooof!”Bessgruntedasallthreefriendstumbledtothegroundinaheap.
“Nowlookwhatyoudid!”Hendersonsaid.“He’llnevertakeitbackifit’sdirty!”
“Takewhatback?”Nancyaskedastheystoodup.ShesawHendersonpointingtohisice-creamconecostume.Itwaslyingonthesidewalknexttoapairofblackshoes.
“IaskedMr.Deckerifhe’dtakebackmycostumeandshoes,andhesaidyes,”Hendersonwailed.“Iwasonmywaytodoitwhenyouguysbargedin!”
“Whyareyoubringingitback?”Georgeasked.“Aren’tyouauditioningfor KidsCanDance! too?”
“Notanymore!”Hendersondeclared.“Iquit!”
“Quittheauditions?”Nancyasked.“Butyourdadneededtheprizemoneyforthatpretzeltruck.”
“No,hedoesn’t,”Hendersonsaid.
“Yes,hedoes!”Nancy,Bess,andGeorgesaidtogether.
JustthenNancyheardthesoundofjinglingbells.ItsoundedliketheMr.Drippytruckgettingcloserandcloser.ButasthetruckturnedontoRiverStreet,Nancydidn’tseetheusualspinningice-creamconeontheroof.Insteadshesawagiantspinningpretzel!
“Girls,”Hendersonsaid,puffingouthischest,“sayhellotoMr.Twisty!”
CHAPTERSIX
OiledandFoiled
Thetruckstopped,andMr.Murphyleanedoutthewindow.“I’vegotthirty-twopretzelflavors—getthemwhilethey’rehot!”heshouted.
“Youdidn’twintheprizemoneyyet,Henderson,”Georgesaid.“Howdidyourdadgetthepretzeltruck?”
“HewontheRiverHeightslotteryonThursday,”Hendersonsaidproudly.“Whoneedstheprizemoneynow?”
“That’swhyyouquitthedancecontest?”Nancyasked.
“Youbet!”Hendersonsaid.“I’mreturningmydorkycostumetodayifMr.Deckertakesitback.”
WhileHendersongathereduphiscostume,thegirlscomparednotes.
“Hisstorydoesaddup,”Nancysaid.“Whywouldhebeinthedancecontestifhedoesn’tneedthemoneyanymore?”
GeorgegrabbedbothshoesbeforeHendersoncouldpickthemup.
“Thetapsarestillon,”Georgesaid,turningthemover.“SoHendersoncouldn’thavestuckthemonDeirdre’sballetshoes.”
Nancyagreed.Hendersonhadn’truinedthedanceauditions.Andshehopedtheyhadn’truinedhiscostume.
“Sorry,Henderson,”Nancyapologized.“Butwehavetofindoutwho’sruiningthe KidsCanDance! auditions.”
“Well,nothingcanruinthisgreatday,”Hendersondeclaredwithawidegrin.“Mydancingdaysare over. ”
HendersongavehisdadawavebeforewalkingofftowardYuks.
“Steprightup,girls!”Mr.Murphyshouted.“Mr.Twisty’saretheonlypretzelsworththeirsalt.”
Nancystaredatthelistofpretzelflavorsonthesideofthetruck.Hereallydidhavethirty-twoflavors.Butthenshesawsomethingelse—pastedonthesideofthetruckwasthewinninglotteryticket.ThedateonitwasThursday,justlikeHendersonsaid.
Thegirlsboughtonepretzeleach.
“I’venevertastedapistachiopretzelbefore,”Georgesaid.“NexttimeI’mtryingtherockyroad.”
WhenNancy,Bess,andGeorgereachedthetheater,Loustoodinfrontofthedoor.Heshookhisheadwhentheyaskedtogoinside.
“Mindyandthejudgesarehavingtheirpreproductionmeeting,”Louexplained.“Noonecanbotherthem.”
“ButIleftsomethinginthepocketofmypinktrenchcoat,”Besssaid.
“What?”Louasked.
“Um…mygum?”Besssaid.
“Gum’snotimportant,”Lousaid.
“ Her gumis!”Georgepipedin.“It’saspecialvitamingumshehastochew.”
Nancybitherliptokeepfromgiggling,butitworked.Lousteppedawayfromthedoorandsaid,“Goahead.Andmakeitsnappy.”
Thegirlsrushedthroughthedoorintothetheater.NancycouldseeMindy,Nigel,andIvysittingandtalkingintheback.ButwherewasBryce?
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgeslippedbackstagewherethedancers’costumesandpropswerekept.Therewasnobodyelseintheroom.
Nancyglancedupattheshelves.OnehadstacksofmusicCDsincludingtheirown,labeledSECRETAGENTGIRLS.
“LookatwhatIfound,”Besscalled.Sheheldupapairofballetshoes.“Theywereinthegarbage.”
“Deirdre’sballetslippers,”Nancysaid,runningovertoBess.“Sheprobablythrewthemawayaftertheywereruinedwiththosetaps.”
NancytookaballetslipperfromBess.Sheflippeditover.
“Abottlecap,”Nancysaid,wrinklinghernosebecauseshehadexpectedtofindsteeltaps.
Bessturnedtheotherslipperoverandsaid,“Thisshoehasabottlecapgluedontoo.”
Nancyreadthebottlecapoutloud.“FruityFizzy…that’sthestuffthatBrycedrinks.”
“Howdoyouknow?”aboy’svoiceasked.
Thegirlswhirledaround.“Bryce!”theysaidatthesametime.
Hestoodinfrontofthemwearinghis MiddleSchoolMeltdown jacket.“How’reyoudoing?”heasked.
“F-f-fine!”Bessstammered.
“Wh-wh-wh-whatareyoudoinghere?”Nancyasked.
“Lookingforasnack,”Brycesaid.“Butthere’snothingbackhere.”
“Um—there’sapretzeltruckoutside,”Besssqueaked.“D-d-doyoulikepretzels?”
GeorgerolledhereyesatNancyandBessasiftosay, Stopaskingdumbquestions.
“Doyoudanceatyourrealschoollikeyoudanceon MiddleSchoolMeltdown?”GeorgeaskedBryce.
“IwishIcouldgotoarealschool,”Brycesighed.“Ihaveatutorinstead.Mymom.”
“Yourmom?”Nancyasked,surprised.
“Nowonderyouwanttogotoarealschool,”Georgemumbledunderherbreath.
“Gottarun,”Brycesaid.Hegavealittlewaveandlefttheroom.AfterafewsecondsNancyandBessbeganjumpingupanddown.
“Hespoketous!BryceBrownspoketous!”Nancycried.
“WillyouforgetaboutBryce?”Georgegroaned.“WehavetolookforcluesbeforeLoucomessearchingforus.”Shesteppedforwardandthenshouted,“Whooooaaaaa!”
NancyturnedtoseeGeorgeslippingoverasmallpuddleonthefloor.
“Areyouokay?”Nancyasked.
“Yeah,”Georgesaid,standingup.“Ijuststeppedonsomethingslippery.”
“Here’sprobablywhy,”Nancysaid.Shepickedupanuncappedtravel-sizebottleofbabyoilfromahighshelfnotfarfromthepuddle.
“What’sthatstuffdoingbackstage?”Georgeasked.
Nancydidn’tthinkthebottleofoilwasabigdeal.Butjustassheputitback,sheheardarustlingnoise.
TurningtowardthenoiseshesawGinaGleason’shugehoopskirt.Itwashangingfromahookonthewall.
Nancy’seyestraveleddownuntilshesawapairofgrubbysneakersstickingoutfromunderneath.
“Someone’sunderthatskirt,”Nancywhispered.
TheClueCrewinchedovertothehoopskirt.Nancyreacheddownandliftedtheruffledhem.
“Phoebe!”Nancyexclaimed.
Theirsuspectlookedscaredasshejumpedtoherfeet.
“Don’ttellanyoneIwashidinghere,”Phoebebeggedthegirls.“Pleeeeease!”
CHAPTERSEVEN
Phoebe’sHeebie-Jeebies
“Weknowwhyyou’rehiding,Phoebe,”Georgesaid.“Soyoucouldruinthedancers’costumesandprops.”
“Noway!”Phoebeexclaimed.
NancylookeddownatPhoebe.She’dnevernoticedhowshortshewasuntilnow.
“Thenwhywereyouhiding?”Nancyasked.
“Sothedancerscouldn’tbossmearound!”Phoebecried.“Youwouldn’tbelievewhattheymakemedo.”
“Likewhat?”Bessasked.
“Onedancerwaswearinggloves,soshemademeholdatissuewhilesheblewhernose!”Phoebeexclaimed.
“Ew,”Besssaid.“SorryIasked.”
NancyhadoneotherquestiontoaskPhoebe.“Wereyouhidingbackhereallalone?”
“AtfirstIwas,”Phoebereplied,“untilsomeonecamebackhere.Icouldn’tseewhoitwas,butIheardwhistlinglikethis.…”
Phoebepuckeredherlipsandwhistledatune.
“I’veneverhearditbefore,”Nancyadmitted.
“Meneither,”Georgesaid.“Butithasagoodbeat.”
Thedoorswungopenandabunchofkidsstormedintotheroom.
“Hey,Phoebe,”afifth-gradegirlcalled.“We’reauditioningtoday,soyou’dbetterbeonyourtoes.”
“Herewegoagain,”Phoebegroaned.
“Yo,Phoebe,”Antoniochuckled.“Holdthisforus,willyou?”
AntonioshovedarubbertarantulaintoPhoebe’spalm.Phoebeshriekedassheflungittotheside.
“Idon’tthinkPhoeberuinedtheauditions,”Nancywhispered.“She’dhavetobealottallertoreachthereallyhighshelves.”
PhoebewasalreadyhandingoutwaterbottleswhenMindycamebackstage.
“Thoseofyounotauditioningtodaypleasetakeyourseatsinthetheater,”Mindyannounced.
“Thatmeansus,”Georgesaid,startingtoleave.
“Wait,”Nancytoldherfriends.“Let’stakeourthingssonothinghappenstothem.”
Thegirlspulledtheircoatsoffthehangers,grabbedtheirmagnifyingglassesandmusicCDfromtheshelves,andcarriedthemintothetheater.
TheywereabouttositdownwhenNancysawCookie.
Shewassittinginthebackofthetheaterputtingonlipstick.
“There’soneofoursuspects,”Nancypointedout.
“Watchout,Cookie,”Georgemuttered.“TheClueCrewwillmakeyoucrumble.”
Bryce,Nigel,andIvytooktheirplacesatthejudges’table.AfterawelcomefromMindytheauditionsbegan.
FrenchcancanmusicfilledthetheaterasKendrahurriedonstage,dressedinherfrillyblouseandskirt.
“Whyisshewalkingsofunny?”Nancywhispered.
“You’dwalkfunnytoointhosetightpointyboots,”Georgewhisperedback.
Nancydidn’tthinkitwastheboots.Kendralookedmoreworriedthaninpain.
IvywasclappingherhandstothemusicasKendrawavedherskirtbackandforth.
Kendraliftedherrightlegandgaveabigkick.Hershoewentflyingoffherfoot.Itwhizzedthroughtheairuntilhitting— whack —Nigel’sforehead!
“Cheeseandcrackers!”Nigelcried.
“Itwasanaccident,really!”Kendrablurted.“Myshoeswereslipperyinside.Idon’tknowhowithappened.”
“DidKendrajustsay‘slippery’?”Nancywhispered.“Slipperyasin…oil?”
CHAPTEREIGHT
Hip-HopFlop
“Thebottleofbabyoilwefoundbackstage,”Bessgaspedassheremembered.“MaybesomeonepouredoilintoKendra’sshoeswhennoonewasaround.”
NigelwasstillrubbinghisheadasKendraranoffstage.
“Nowmyheadhurtsontheinside and theoutside,”Nigelgroaned.“What’swrongwiththistown,anyway?”
CookiemarcheddowntheaislestraighttoMindy.“Mindy,IdemandyoucanceltheauditionsinRiverHeightsbeforemorepoorjudgesgethurt!”shedeclared.
“Mo-om,”Bryceprotested.
“Nicetry,Cookie,”Mindysaid.“Buttheauditionsarestillon—nomatterhowbadthesekidsdance.”
Nancycouldn’tbelieveherears!Howrude!
“MayorStrong?”Ivycalledwithasweetsmile.“Let’sbringoutthenextact,shallwe?”
“Andgetitoverwith!”Nigelsnapped.
MayorStrongclearedhisthroatbeforesaying,“Yes…yes,ofcourse.ThenextactwillbeAntonioElefanoandPeterPatino—theRip-It-UpRobots!”
Antonio’sandPeter’sjumbotincansclatteredastheyranonstage.Petercarriedaboombox,whichheplacedonthefloor.AntoniopoppedinaCDbeforepressingabutton.
“TheRip-It-UpRobotsaregoingtorockthehouse!”Petershoutedouttotheaudience.
“That’sright—we’rebad!”Antonioshoutedtoo.
“They’rebad,allright,”Bessmuttered.
Theboysstoodcenterstage,readytopopandlock.Musicblaredfromtheboombox.Itwasn’tahip-hopbeat,butaslowclassicalwaltz!
“YougrabbedthewrongCD,dweeb!”Antoniocried.
“Ournameswereonit!”Peterprotested.“Whatarewegoingtodonow?”
Antoniobeganwaltzingtothemusicwithanimaginarypartner.Peterdidthesameastheaudiencehowledwithlaughter.Whenthemusicstopped,theboysstoppedwaltzingtofacethejudges.
“Well,”Ivysaid.“Thatwasn’twhatIexpected.”
“WhyamInotsurprised?”Nigelhuffed.
“Ithoughtitwaskindoffunny,”Brycechuckled.
“What’ssofunnyaboutsomeoneswitchingourmusic?”Antonioaskedwithascowl.
“Anotherexcuse,”Nigelscoffed.“Canwe switch tothenextact,please,Mindy?”
Petergrabbedtheboombox.Bothboysmutteredundertheirbreathsastheywalkedoffstage.
“Ifsomeoneruinedtheboys’audition,”Bessmurmured,“AntonioandPeterprobablydidn’truintheothers.”
“Thenwho’sdoingthis?”Georgewondered.
NancylookedaroundthetheaterforCookie.Butthemom-agerwasnowheretobeseen.
“Let’sgooutside,”Nancywhispered.
Carryingtheirgear,thegirlsslippedoutofthetheaterbeforethenextact.ThefirstthingNancysawwasalongblacklimoparkedatthecurb.Asignunderneaththewindshieldread:COOKIEBROWN.
“Cookie’scar!”Besspointedout.
ThedriverwasleaningagainstthecareatingaMr.Twistypretzel.
“Mmm,cherryvanilla!”thedriversaidtohimself.Whenhesawthegirlsrunningover,hefrowned.“Bryceisnotinthiscar,sodon’teventhinkofrippingoutthecarseatstryingtofindhim.”
“We’renotlookingforBryce,”Nancysaid.“We’relookingforhismom.Didyouseeher?”
“Areyoukidding?”thedriverguffawed.“Idroveherheretwentyminutesago.”
“ Exactly twentyminutesago?”Nancyasked.
Thedriverputthepretzelonthehoodofthecar.Hepulledoutalittleredbookandflippeditopen.
“See?”thedriverasked.“Iwritedowneacharrivaltimesomypassengerscan’tcomplaintheywerelate.”
Nancystudiedthepage.Cookie’snameandthetimewerewrittenneatly.Shelookedatherwatchanddidthemath.Cookiedidarrivetwentyminutesago.Exactly.
“NowcanIgobacktomypretzel?”thedriverasked.
Thegirlsthankedthedriver,thensteppedawayfromthecar.
“WhywasitsoimportantwhattimeCookiegothere,Nancy?”Bessasked.
“Becausetwentyminuteswasn’tenoughtimeforCookietogobackstageandmaketrouble,”Nancyexplained.“Especiallywiththeothersbackstagegettingready.”
“Cookiewasinthehotelbeforethat,”Georgepointedout.“Wesawherthereourselves.”
NancythoughtaboutCookieasasuspectasthegirlswalkedawayfromthetheater.Thetimelinemaynothaveaddedup,butotherthingsdid.
“There’sstilltheYuksbagwefoundinCookie’sroom,”Nancysaid.“AndweheardhersaythatBrycewoulddothemovieinsteadofthe KidsCanDance! auditions.”
“SoCookieisstillasuspect,”Georgeagreed.
Sinceallthreegirlshadfamilyplansthatevening,Nancysuggestedtheyworkonthecasefirstthinginthemorning.
“Areyouforgettingwhattomorrowis?”Bessasked.
“Sunday,”Georgesaidwithashrug.
“It’sthedaywe’reauditioning,”Bessremindedthem.“Wehavetopracticetomorrowmorningwhetherthecaseissolvedornot.”
NancyknewBesswasright.Theyhadspentsomuchtimeonthecasethey’dforgottentopractice!
“Okay,”Nancysaidwithasmile.“We’llpracticefirstthingtomorrowmorning.”
ThethreefriendswaitedforHannahtopickthemup.Nancystillwantedtoworkonthecasethenextday.Butshealsowantedtomakeitthroughthe KidsCanDance! auditions.
“Whatkindofpizzashouldweorder,Daddy?”NancyaskedSaturdayevening.“Pepperoni,mushroom,orveggie?”
“Whateveryouwant,Nancy!”Mr.Drewsaidashedrovethecar.“Thisisyourgood-luckdinnerfortheauditiontomorrow.”
“We’llneedalltheluckwecanget,”Nancysighed.
“Why?”Mr.Drewasked,turningthesteeringwheel.“Youarepracticingtomorrow,aren’tyou?”
“I’dratherworkonourcase,Daddy,”Nancyadmitted.“Whatifthetroublemakerstrikestomorrow?Whatifheorshepoursmushyoatmealinthepocketsofourpinkcoats?”
“Noworries,”Mr.Drewchuckled.“Sometimescluespopupwhenyou’renotevenlooking.”
“Well,they’dbetterpopupfast,Daddy,”Nancysaidassheturnedontheradio.Itwassettoherfavoritestation,RIV-FM.
Insteadofasong,sheheardtheDJ’sspeedyvoicesay,“ThewaitisovertohearBryceBrown’snewsongfromhisnewCD.It’sthefirsttimewe’replayingit,andthefirsttimeyou’rehearingit!”
“Cool!”Nancysaidwithasmile.
Bryce’ssingingvoicefilledthecar.Nancywassureshehadheardthetunebefore.Buthowcouldsheifthiswasthefirsttimetheradiowasplayingit?
Suddenlyitclicked!
Iknow! Nancythoughtexcitedly. ThisisthesongPhoebeheardsomeonewhistlingbackstage!
WasitBrycewhistlinghisnewsong?
He’stallenoughtoreachtheshelves, Nancythought,hereyeswidening. Andhe’sinthetheatereveryday!
“Omigosh!”Nancygaspedquietly.“CouldthepersonmakingallthetroublebeBryceBrown?”
CHAPTERNINE
JacketRacket
“Didyoujustsaysomething,Nancy?”Mr.Drewaskedashedrovethecar.“IthoughtIheardyousaysomethingaboutBryce.”
Nancyturnedtoherdad.Shedidn’twanthimtoknowwhatshewasthinking.
“Itwasnothing,Daddy,”Nancyblurtedwithasmile.“IwasjustsingingalongtoBryce’snewsong.”
Mr.DrewparkedthecarrightinfrontofPizzaParadise.Butapepperoniandextra-cheesepizzawasthefurthestthingfromNancy’smind.
Brycecouldn’thavedonesomethingsomean.He’stoocool, Nancythoughtassheunbuckledherseatbelt. WhatwasIthinking?
“Wrong,wrong,wrong!”Besssaidasshepressedthepausebuttonontheboombox.“We’resupposedtospinallthewayaroundatthewords‘secretagentgirls.’”
“Ithoughtthatwasthepartwhenwewaveourmagnifyingglasses,”Georgesaid.
“Ithoughtthatwasthepartwhenwehopthreetimes,”Nancysaid.
ItwasearlySundaymorning,butthegirlshadalreadybeenpracticingforforty-fiveminutesinGeorge’sroom.Theirbigauditionwasjustafewhoursaway.
“Andwhydowehavetowearthepinkcoats?”Georgeasked.“It’sonlyarehearsal.”
“A dress rehearsal,”Bessdeclared.
NancyandGeorgetooktheirplacesasBessrestartedthemusic.
“Where’smymagnifyingglass?”Bessasked.ShepointedtoGeorge’sbed,stillunmade.“IputitrighttherebeforeIturnedoffthemusic.”
AloudflushingnoisesuddenlycamefromGeorge’sbathroom.
“Who’sinthere?”Georgecalled.
Allthreegirlspeekedintothebathroom.“Ew,”Nancysaid.
George’sbabybrotherwastryingtoflushBess’smagnifyingglassdownthetoilet.
“Scott!”Bessshouted.“Whatareyoudoing?”
Two-year-oldScottpointedtothemagnifyingglassinthetoilet.“Itfloatslikemytoyboat!”hesaidhappily.
Georgeshruggedandsaid,“He’sbeingtoilettrained.”
“Well,it’snotworking,”Besscried.
“Mommy!!!”Scottcried.Wailing,heranoutofthebathroomandGeorge’sbedroom.
“Justdryitoff,Bess,”Georgesaid.ShewasabouttoreachintothetoiletwhenBessgrabbedherarm.
“Ew,George!NowaywillIusethaticky,germyspyglass,”Besssaid.“Iwantabrand-new clean one.”
Nancycouldn’tblameBess.Soonthewaytotheaudition,thegirlsstoppedatYuksJokeShop.
“It’syourluckyday,girls,”Mr.Deckersaid,thistimewearingfakeglasseswithspringyeyeballs.“I’vegotonemoregiantmagnifyingglassinthebackroom.”
Bryce’spicturestillhungonthewallbehindthecounter.WhileMr.Deckerwenttothebackroom,thegirlsslippedbehindthecounterforabetterlook.
“WhatdidCookiewriteonthisone?”Nancyasked.
Bess’seyeswidenedasshestudiedthewritingonthepicture.“Cookiedidn’twritethisone,”shesaid.
“Whatdoyoumean?”Nancyasked.
“ThehandwritingonthatpictureisreallyBryce’s,”Bessinsisted.
“SoBrycewasinYuksJokeShop?”Georgeasked.
NancyrememberedherthoughtsaboutBrycelastnight.ItwastimetosharethemwiththeClueCrew.
“Youguys!”Nancyblurted.“ThesongPhoebeheardsomeonewhistlingwasBryce’snewsong—onethatnobodyhadheardbefore.AndBryceistallenoughtoreachthoseshelves,andthebottlecapsonDeirdre’sballetslipperswereFruityFizzy—thejuiceBrycedrinks.”
“Waitaminute,waitaminute,”Georgesaid.“AreyousayingthepersonwhoruinedtheauditionsisBryce?”
“YuksisonlyafewblocksawayfromtheGlitz-MortonHotel,”Nancypointedout.
“HowwouldBrycesneakallthatstuffintothetheater?”Bessasked.“Therubberroaches,theitchingpowder—”
“Pockets!”Georgecutin.“That’swhyheworethat MiddleSchoolMeltdown jackettotheauditionseveryday.”
“Andwhiletheotherjudgeswerehavingtheirmeetings,”Nancywenton,“Brycesnuckbackstagetomaketrouble.”
BessstaredatBryce’spicturesadly.“NotBryce!”shewailed.“He’stoocutetoruintheauditions—”
“Ifwedon’tstopBryce,he’llruinouraudition,”Nancycutin.“Comeon,let’sgo!”
ThegirlsracedforthedoorjustasMr.Deckercameoutfromthebackroom.
“Whataboutthemagnifyingglass?”Mr.Deckershoutedastheyboltedfromthestore.
WhenNancy,Bess,andGeorgereachedthetheater,theywerenotalone.Crowdedoutsidewerekids—mostlygirls.
“What’sgoingon?”Nancyasked.
Thegirlspushedthroughthecrowd.StandinginfrontofthetheaterwereMayorStrong,Mindy,Cookie,andBryce.
Cookiepulleda MiddleSchoolMeltdown jacketfromacardboardboxandshouted,“Comeon,kids!WhoeverknowsthemostaboutBrycewinsajacketsignedbyme—Imean,Bryce!”
Brycestoodnearhismom,hishandsdugintothepocketsofhisownjacket.
“LookathowstuffedBryce’spocketsare,”Nancysaidabovetheadoringscreams.“Ifonlywecouldgetourhandsonhisjacket.”
Brycesteppedforwardandsmiled.“Okay,firsttriviaquestion!”hecalledout.“Whenismybirthday?”
Handsshotup,includingBess’s.ButtheirfriendMarcyRubinyelledfromthecrowd,“It’sSeptembereighth!”
“Correct!”Brycesaid,pointingtoMarcy.
“Awwwwww,”thecrowdgroanedasMarcyrantogetherjacket.ShewaveditintheairbeforeCookiegaveheralittlepushtomoveon.
“Don’tworry,youguys,thefunhasjustbegun!”Brycecalledout.“Nextquestion—what’smymiddlename?”
“Williaaaaaaaam!!!”BessscreamedsoloudthatNancyandGeorgehadtocovertheirears.
“Thelittleladyacedthetest!”Brycesaid,smilingatBess.“Comeupandgetyourjacket!”
NancysmiledasBesspushedherwayovertoBryce.
“Here,”Cookiesaid,holdingoutajacket.
“Nuh-uh!”Besssaid,shakingherhead.ShepointedtoBryce.“Iwant that jacket!”
NancyandGeorgetradedexcitedlooks.Besshadthecorrectanswer—andaplan!
“But…thisismyjacket,”Brycesaid,digginghishandsdeeperintohispockets.
“That’swhyIwantit!”Besssaidwithagrin.
“Giveittoher,Bryce,”Cookiesaid.“It’llbegreatforpublicity.”
“Andwehaveanewsreporterhere,”MayorStrongsaid.Hesnappedhisfingersataphotographer,whoquicklysnappedashot.
“I’drathernotgivehermyjacket,”Brycesaid,shakinghishead.“It’sgotajelly-donutstainonit—”
“AstainBryceBrownmade!”Bessshrieked.“Evenbetter!”
“Yougotit,honey,”Cookiesaid.ShemarchedovertoBryceandstartedtotugthejacketoffhisshoulders.
“Mo-om!”Brycewhined.
Cookiegruntedasshestruggledwiththejacket.ShegaveonelasttugandstuffbeganspillingoutofBryce’spocketsontotheground.
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgestaredatthesidewalkandgasped.Thereweresquirtingcarnations,aplasticsnake,abaroftrickgreensoap,andmuch,muchmore.
“Wheredidthatcomefrom?”Cookieasked.
“Allthatstuff,”Nancydeclared,“isfromYuks!”
“Yuks?”Cookiecried.
“It’sjokestuff,”Nancyexplained.“ThatbagfromYukswasn’tyours.ItwasBryce’s.”
Bryceheavedabigsighandsaid,“Ohboy.”
CHAPTERTEN
Let’sDance!
“WethinkBryceruinedthe KidsCanDance! auditions,”Georgesaid.
“Thatisridiculous!”Cookiescoffed.
“Girls,”themayorsaidwithanervouslaugh,“whydon’tyoualltakeajacketandrunalong?”
“Wejustwantthetruth,”Besssaid.
“Bryce?”Mindyasked.“Didyousabotagetheauditions?”
Brycehesitated.“Kindof.”
Everyonegasped,includingCookie.Mindysteppedforwardandsaid,“Why,Bryce?”
“Ididn’twanttogofromtowntotownthenextfewweeksjudgingthe KidsCanDance! auditions!”Brycesaid.
“Iknewit!”Cookielaughed.“BrycewantstodotheblockbustermovieinHollywoodinstead,right,sweetie?”
“Noway,Mom!”Brycesaid,shakinghishead.“Iwanttogobacktoschoolthisfallwithmyfriends.LikeIusedtobeforeIbecameastar.”
That’swhenNancyrememberedwhathe’dtoldthembackstage.
“Bryceistellingthetruth,Mayor,”Nancysaid.“Hereallydoeswanttogobacktoschool.”
“Forsure,”Besssaidwithasmile.“Hewantsarealteacher,notatutorlike—”
GeorgeinterruptedBesswithanelbowjab.ButCookie’seyebrowshadalreadyflownup.
“Atutorlikeme?”Cookiedemanded.“What’swrongwithmytutoring,Bryce?WhotaughtyouhowtouseaBlackBerry?”
“It’snotthesame,Mom,”Bryceinsisted.“Iwanttolearnmathandsocialstudies,andgotogymclass.Ievenwanttotakepopquizzes.”
“Popquizzes?”Georgesaid,wrinklinghernose.“Wow.Hereally does wanttogotoschool.”
“Butwhatabout MiddleSchoolMeltdown?”Cookieasked,shakingherson’sarm.“You’rethestaroftheshow.”
“ Meltdown filmsduringsummervacationsothekidsintheshow can gotoschool,”Bryceexplained.“AlltheotherstufflikerecordingsessionsandinterviewsIcando after school.”
“Soundslikeaplan!”MayorStrongboomed.“Whatdoyousay,Cookie?”
NancyheldherbreathastheywaitedforCookie’sanswer.Finallythemom-agershruggedandsaid,“Itwon’thurttosayyes.”
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgecheeredalongwithBryce’sfans.ButnoonelookedhappierthanBrycehimself.“Thanks,Mom!”Bryceexclaimed.
“It’sokaywithme,too,”Mindysaidwithanod.“Brycecanbreakhiscontractifhe’dlike.”
“I’llfinishtheauditionshereinRiverHeightsfirst,”Brycepromised.“It’sonlyfair.”
“Fair?”agirl’svoiceshouted.ThevoicecamefromKendra,pushingherwaythroughthecrowd.“Bryceruinedourauditions!”Kendrashouted.“What’ssofairaboutthat?”
“Howwouldheliketoitchlikeadogwithfleas?”afifth-gradecheerleadershouted.
“Orlooklikeajerkinfrontofallyourfriends?”Peteryelled.
Bryce’sfaceburnedred.“I’msorry,guys,”hesighed.“AnythingIcandotomakeitup…”
AnideapoppedintoNancy’shead.“Thereis,Bryce,”Nancypipedup.“Iknowawayyoucanmakeitupandgotoschoolatthesametime.”
“How?”Bryceasked.
“Youcansingatschoolassemblytomorrowmorning,”Nancysaid.
Excitedwhispersfilledtheair.
“Thatwouldbeawesome,”Brycesaid,turningtohismother.“Isthatokaywithyou,Mom?”
“Itwouldbegreatpublicity!”Cookiereplied.Herfacesoftenedassheadded,“Orjustfun.”
“Yes!”Nancycheeredunderherbreath.
MayorStrongputhisarmaroundBryce’sshouldersandsaid,“I’msureyou’llgetaverywarmwelcome!”Thegirlstradedhighfives.
NancyturnedtoMindyandsaid,“Bringontheauditions!”Louflungthetheaterdooropen,andthekidsfiledin.Thegirlswerealreadyintheircostumes,sotheyauditionedfirst.
Astheirsong,“SecretAgentGirls,”played,thegirlsdancedforthejudges.Bessdidn’tmindnothavingamagnifyingglass.Itgaveherachancetosnapherfingerstothebeat.
Aftereveryoneauditioned,thejudgesmadetheirfinaldecisions.
“Andthewinnersare,”Bryceannounced,“thefifth-gradecheerleaders.”
“Wecouldtellwhatgooddancerstheyreallywere,”Ivysaid.“Evenwiththeitchingpowder.”
“Andgooddancersdon’tcomeeasyinRiverHeights,”Nigeladded,winkingattheaudienceasiftosay,“Kidding!”
Nancy,Bess,andGeorgeweresadtheydidn’twinbuthappyaboutmanyotherthings.TheClueCrewhadsolvedanothercaseandhelpedBrycegethiswish.They’devengottentoseehowtalentedtheirfriendsandschoolmateswere.
“Whoknewourfriendscouldburnthefloorlikethat?”GeorgeaskedastheClueCrewlefttheSpotlightTheater.
“Iguesskids can dance!”Besssaid.
“Yeah!”Nancyagreedwithasmile.“Andtheydefinitelycansolvemysteries.”
TAP,TAP,HOORAY!
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Youwillneed:
Oldpairofshoesthatfitsnuglyonyourfeet.(Noflip-flopsorbunnyslippers!)
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Turnshoesupsidedown,solesup.
Usingputtyorglue,stickabottlecapnearthetoeandheelpartsofyourshoes.
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