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ПРИЯТНОГОЧТЕНИЯ!
CarolynKeene
NancyDrewandtheClueCrew:VolumeTwenty-Three
BabysittingBandit
Copyright,2009,bySimon&Schuster,Inc
Whoa,baby!
WhenaneighborhiresNancy,Bess,andGeorgetotakecareofhereighteen-month-oldidenticaltwins,thegirlsarehappytohelp.Afterall,theClueCrewhasstoppedwould-bethieves,uncoveredscams,andrecoveredstolenobjects—howhardcanwatchingacoupleofbabiesbe?
Butbeingamother'shelperistrickierthantheythought,especiallywhenthetwins'toysstartdisappearing.CantheClueCrewlookafterthebabiesandfigureoutwho'stakingthetoys,oraretheyintoofarovertheirheadsthistime?
CHAPTERONE
DoubleTrouble
“What’sinyourbackpack,Bess?”NancyDrewaskedassheskippeddownthesidewalk.
“Yeah,itlookssuperfull,”GeorgeFaynesaid,skippingalongnexttoNancy.
“It’smybabysittingkit,”BessMarvinexplained.Shepausedtohoistthebulgingbackpackhigheronhershoulders,thenstartedskippingagain.“IhaveeverythingIneedtotakecareofthetwins:someofmyoldbabytoysthatIfoundintheattic.Andbooks.Andpaperandcrayons.AndTogo.”
“Togo?”Georgerepeated.
“Togoismystuffedtiger.WhenIwasababy,myparentswouldpretenditcouldtalktome,andIwoulddowhateveritsaid.Like…‘Bess,eatyourbroccoli,’and,‘Bess,don’tthrowyoursippycup.’”Sheadded,“Ithoughtwecoulduseitwiththetwinssothey’lllistentous.”
“Ormaybethetwinsaresmartandthey’llknowstuffedtigerscan’ttalk,”GeorgeteasedBess.
GeorgeandBesswerecousins,althoughtheyhadreallydifferentpersonalities.Theylookeddifferent,too;Georgehadshort,curlybrownhairandbrowneyes,andBesshadlong,blondhairandblueeyes.
NancyandherfriendswereontheirwaytotheJacobses’house,whichwasjustdownthestreetfromtheDrews’house.Mrs.Jacobshadhiredthethreegirlstobe“mother’shelpers”forhereighteen-month-oldtwins,LilyMeiandAnnaLin,whomsheandherhusbandhadadoptedfromChina.Amother’shelperwaslikeababysitter,exceptthattheparentorparentsstayedhomewhilethemother’shelperplayedwiththebaby—or,inthiscase,babies.
Mrs.JacobshadaskedNancy,George,andBesstowatchLilyMeiandAnnaLinonMondays,Wednesdays,andFridaysafterschoolforacoupleofhourssoshecouldmakephonecallsanddochores.Mr.JacobsworkedinanofficeindowntownRiverHeights,soheusuallydidn’tgethomeuntildinnertime.Thejobwouldlastforafewweeks,untilMrs.Jacobs’stwelve-year-olddaughterMargaret,wasfinishedwithabigscienceproject.Afterthat,Margaretwouldbeabletotakeoverwiththetwins.
TheysoonreachedtheJacobses’house.Theywentuptothefrontdoorandrangthebell.Amomentlater,Mrs.Jacobsanswered.Herlonghoney-coloredhairtumbledlooselyfromaclip,andherjeansandblacksweatshirtweresplatteredwithwhatlookedlikemashedbanana.Acellphonewaspressedbetweenherrightearandhershoulder.
“Ohhi,girls.You’rerightontime!”Mrs.Jacobssaid.
NancypeeredthroughthedoorattheJacobses’livingroom.Thetwinsweresittingonthefloor,goingthroughablackleatherpurse.Onetwinpulledoutaslimgraywalletanddumpedoutallthemoney,creditcards,andreceipts.Theothertwintossedatubeoflipstickacrosstheroom.Asilverpenfollowed,thenacheckbook,thenapackofgum.
“I’llhavetocallyouback,”Mrs.Jacobssaidintothephone.“Comein,comein,”shesaidtothegirls.
Nancy,George,andBessenteredthefronthall,thenfollowedMrs.Jacobsasshesteppedoveralowbabygateintothelivingroom.
“LilyMei!AnnaLin!Lookwho’shere!”Mrs.Jacobscalledoutbrightly.
Thetwinsstoppedwhattheyweredoingandglancedupwithcuriousexpressions.Theywereidentical,withthesamelarge,browneyes,small,pertnoses,andshiny,chin-lengthblackhairwithbangscutstraightacrosstheirforeheads.TheyworeidenticalT-shirtsanddenimoverallsembroideredwithflowers,exceptthatonetwinhadapurpleteeandtheothertwinworepink.
“Nancy,George,andBessaregoingtobeplayingwithyoutoday,”Mrs.Jacobssaidtothetwins.“Whydon’tyouhaveateapartywhileItalktothem,okay?”
Shebentdownquicklyandscoopedupthecontentsofherpurse.Justasquickly,shegotatoyteasetfromabookshelfandsetitonthefloorbetweenthetwins.
Thetwinsgotbusywiththeteaset.Mrs.Jacobskepthereyesonthemassheaddressedthegirls.“Soyoucanseethatthey’rekindofahandful,”shesaidapologetically.“Anyway…letmegoovereverythingwithyou.Juststopmeifyouhaveanyquestions.”
“Okay,”Nancysaid.GeorgeandBessnodded.
“Thetwinslovetobereadto.There’sabunchofbooksinabasketinthecorner,there,andalsoupintheirroom,”Mrs.Jacobsbegan.“Justwatchthattheydon’tripthepagesordrawonthem.Theyliketofingerpaint,buttheytrytoeatthepaints,soweusevanillapuddingwithfoodcoloringmixedinit.Ikeepthatinthefridge.Justmakesurethey’rewearingtheirpaintingsmocks,whichareintheircloset.Asfortoys…well,therearetoysalloverthehouse.Buttheydohavetheirfavorites.
“Likewhat?”Georgeaskedher.
Mrs.Jacobsgotafewmoretoysfromthebookshelf.Oneofthemwasasilver,moon-shapedrattle.Theotherwasalittlestuffedmousetoy.“TherattlebelongedtoMargaretwhenshewasababy,”shesaid,smilingsoftly.“It’sengravedwithhernameandbirthday.Thetwinsarereallytoooldforrattles,butforsomereason,theyjustlovethisone.Asforthemouse…hisnameisSqueakSqueak.
Theyfightoverhim,soyouhavetotellthemtosharenicely.Iftheywon’tshare,takehimaway.Oh,andifthey’rebeingkindofhyperandcrazy,there’saCDontopoftheCDplayerthatcalmsthemrightdown.It’scalled HappyBabySongs. ”
“Ibroughtsometoysandstufftoo,”Besssaid,settingherbackpackontheground.
“Oh,wonderful!Thetwinsliketo—oh,dear!SirBarkalot!No,SirBarkalot!”Mrs.Jacobscriedout.
Abig,shaggywhitedogleapedoverthebabygateandtorethroughthelivingroom.Heopenedhismouthandhungrilyscoopedupaplasticcookiefromthetwins’teaparty.Thebabiesbeganwailing.
“Baddog!”Mrs.JacobschidedSirBarkalot.Shereachedintohismouthandpulledoutthecookie,whichwasnowcoveredwithdoggie-drool.“Oh,dear!Youhavetowatchoutforhim,”shetoldNancy,George,andBess.“ Everything goesintohismouth.He’lltrytoeattoys,balls,shoes—evenCDs.”
“CDs?”Bessgasped.
“CDs.LilyMei,AnnaLin,it’sokay.Mommygotyourcookiebackfromthedoggie,”Mrs.Jacobsreassuredthetwins.Theysnuffledandstoppedcrying.
Mrs.JacobscontinuedgivingNancy,George,andBessinstructionsaboutthetwins.Shetoldthemaboutsnacks,diaperchanges—whichshewouldhandle—discipline,andsafety.Sheshowedthemhowtohookandunhookthebabygates.
“It’simportantthatyouneverletthetwinsoutofyoursight,”shefinished.“Theycangetintotroubleinabouttwosecondsflat.”
“JustlikeSirBarkalot,”Nancynoted.
“Exactly!Oh,andwehaveakitty-cat,too.PumpkinPie.”
“Meow!”thetwinssaidatthesametime.
Mrs.Jacobsbeamed.“That’sright—meow!Anyway,she’saroundheresomewhere.”
“Mom,arethereanybananamuffinsleft,ordidthelittlemonsterseatthemall?”
Nancyturnedaround.Agirlwithshort,honey-coloredhaircameintothelivingroom,followedbyablondgirlandaredheadedboy.
“Margaret!”Mrs.Jacobssnapped.“Pleasedonotrefertoyoursistersas‘littlemonsters.’Wetalkedaboutthat.”
“Whatever.Arethereanymuffinsleft?LacieandMattandmeare starving!”Margaretsaid.
“LacieandMattand I. Yes,westillhavemuffins.Andthere’ssomelemonadeinthefridge.”Mrs.Jacobsturnedtothethreegirls.“Nancy,George,Bess…thisismydaughterMargaret.TheseareherfriendsLacieandMatt.They’redoingascienceprojecttogether.”
Thesixkidsexchangedhellos.LilyMeiandAnnaLinranuptoMargaretandthrewtheirarmsaroundherlegs.“Mah-Mah!”theyexclaimedhappily.
Margaretpattedtheirheads.“Yeah,hi,”shesaid,soundingbored.SheglancedatLacieandMattandrolledhereyes.
“What?They’reso cute,”Laciesaid.
“Yeah,they’rewaycuterthan my sisters,”Mattpipedup.
“Soyou’restuckwiththelittlemonsters,huh?”MargaretsaidtoNancy,George,andBess.“Goodluckwiththat!”
Mrs.Jacobsputherhandsonherhips. “Margaret!”
“Sorry,Mom.’Kay,we’reouttahere.Muffins,people!”Margaretcalledouttoherfriends.Theyheadedforthekitchen,whichwasseparatedfromthelivingroombyanotherbabygate.
“I’msorryaboutthat,”Mrs.Jacobssaid,loweringhervoicetoawhisper.“Margaretishavingsome…adjustmentproblemswithLilyMeiandAnnLin.Shewasanonlychildfortwelveyears,andithasn’tbeeneasyforher.”Shegazeddownatthesilver,moon-shapedrattle,whichoneofthetwinswasnowholding.“She’sevenmadthatthetwinsplaywithherrattle.”
Georgenodded.“Ihavetwobrothers,SebastianandScott.It’shardtosharewiththemsometimes.”
“Yeah,mysisterMaggiecanbeapaintoo,”Bessagreed.
Mrs.Jacobssmiled.“Soyouunderstand.Anyway…ohmy,wherehasthetimegone?”sheexclaimed,glancingatherwatch.“Doyouhaveanyquestions?No?Thenwhydon’tIleaveyoutoplaywiththetwinswhileIstartdinner?”
“Sure,”Nancysaid.“Wecanhaveateapartywiththem.”
“Wonderful!I’llberightinthereifyouneedme,”Mrs.Jacobssaid,pointingtothekitchen.
Aftersheleft,Nancy,George,andBesssatdownonthefloornexttothetwins.“Hi!”Besssaid.“I’mBess!AndthisisNancy,andthisisGeorge.”
Thetwinsblinkedather.Oneofthemwanderedovertoapileofwoodenblocksandbeganstackingthem.TheotheronestoodbehindNancyandpeeredoverhershoulder.
“I’llpoursometea,”Nancysaid,pickinguptheteapotandtippingitoveroneofthecups.“Whatdoyouwantinyourtea,AnnaLin?Sugar?Honey?Lemon?Milk?Whataboutyou,LilyMei?”Sheputapretend-lumpofsugarinoneofthecups.
“Whichone’sLilyMeiandwhichone’sAnnaLin?”GeorgewhisperedtoNancy.“Theylookexactlyalike!”
Nancyfrowned.“I’mprettysuretheoneinpurpleisLilyMei.”
“No,Ithinktheonein pink isLilyMei,”Besswhispered.
“Yourteaisready!”NancycalledouttoLilyMei,orwhichevertwinwasplayingwithblocks.
Except…shewasn’tthere.Shewasn’tanywhereinthelivingroom.
Nancyfeltarushofpanic.Oh,no!She,George,andBesshadtakentheireyesoffLilyMeifortwoseconds—andshehaddisappeared!
CHAPTERTWO
Missing?
“Where’sLilyMei?”Nancycriedout,jumpingtoherfeet.
GeorgeandBessglancedaroundthelivingroom.“She’sgone!”Bessgasped.
“Shecouldn’thavegoneveryfar,”Georgesaidworriedly.
NancyrealizedthatGeorgewasright.Therewereonlytwowaysinoroutofthelivingroom—thekitcheninonedirectionandthehallwayintheother—andtheywerebothclosedoffbybabygates.
NancycouldseeMrs.Jacobsinthekitchen,washingdishes.Margaretandherfriendswerestandingatthecounter,pouringlemonadefromapitcher.NoneofthemseemedtoknowwhatwashappeningwithLilyMei.
WasLilyMeihidingsomewhereinthelivingroom?Nancywondered.
AnnaLinwassittingquietlyonthefloor,nibblingonapretend-cookie.Shedidn’tseemtonoticethathertwinsisterwasmissing.
“Bess,youwatchAnnaLin.GeorgeandIaregoingtolookforLilyMei,”Nancysaid,tryingtostaycalm.
“Lookwhere?”Bessaskedher.
“Shecouldbehidingbehindthecouch,or—”
Justthen,thedoorbellrang.NancywatchedasMrs.Jacobsturnedoffthekitchenfaucetandsteppedoverthebabygate,intothelivingroom.SirBarkalotwasrightbehindher,barking.
“Ithinkthat’smyfriend,Mrs.— where’sLilyMei? ”Mrs.Jacobsdemanded,stoppinginhertracks.
Nancygulped.SodidGeorgeandBess.
“She’s…thatis…,”Nancybegan.Shedidn’tknowhowtotellMrs.JacobsthattheyhadlostLilyMei.
“Peek-a-boo!”
LilyMeijumpedoutfrombehindtheloveseat.Sheburstintoafitofgiggles.AnnaLinstartedgigglingtoo. Sothat’swhereLilyMeiwas, Nancythought. Whew!
Mrs.Jacobs’sexpressionrelaxed.“Peek-a-bootoyou,too,sweetheart!”
AnnaLinhidherfaceinherhands,thenpeeredthroughherfingers.“Peep-a-goo!”shesquealed.
“That’s peek -a- boo,bunny.Iforgottomentionthatthisisoneoftheirfavoritegames,”Mrs.JacobssaidtoNancy,George,andBess.Thedoorbellrangagain.SirBarkalotbarked.“Oh,right!Excuseme,I’vegottogetthat.”
Mrs.Jacobssteppedoverthebabygateintothehallwayandopenedthefrontdoor.Nancysawawomanstandingtherealongwithalittleboy.Theboywasdressedinagreenpoloshirt,jeans—andaredcape.
BeforeMrs.Jacobshadachancetosayhello,theboyrushedintothehouseandjumpedoverthebabygate,hiscapeflappingwildlybehindhim.SirBarkalotboundedafterhim,barking.
“Lookout,it’sSuperSonicMan!”theboyyelled.Thetwinsclappedandshriekedindelight.
“Cal!Youcomebackhererightthissecond!”thewomancalledout.
“Pleasedon’tworryaboutit,Sarah,”Mrs.Jacobssaid.
Mrs.Jacobsintroducedhergueststothegirlsashernext-doorneighborMrs.Gregory,andherfive-year-oldson,Cal.“Hehasalotofenergy,”Mrs.Gregoryapologized.
“Hey,youbadthieves!Givebackthestolentreasure!”Caldemanded.Heswoopeddownandgrabbedthesilver,moon-shapedrattle,whichwaslyingonthefloornexttotheteaset.Hehelditupintheairandstartedrunningincirclesaroundthelivingroom.SirBarkalotfollowed,barking.
FirstLilyMei,thenAnnaLinbegancryingandgrabbingfortherattle.“Cal,givethatbacktothebabiesrightthissecond!”Mrs.Gregoryscoldedhim.ButCalcontinuedrunningincircles,alongwithSirBarkalot.
“It’sokay,it’sokay,”Mrs.Jacobssaid,kneelingdownnexttothetwins.“Here,whydon’tyouinviteSqueakSqueaktocometoyourteaparty?”
Wantingtobehelpful,NancyhurriedovertothebookshelfandgotSqueakSqueak.ShehandedthestuffedtoymousetoLilyMeiandAnnaLin.“Hereyougo!SqueakSqueak’sthirsty!Hewantssometea!”
Thetwinsignoredherandcontinuedcrying.“Maybeweshouldputonthathappy-babiesCD,”Besssuggested.
Margaret,Lacie,andMattcameintothelivingroom,carryingmuffinsandglassesoflemonade.“Mom,canweusethefamilycomputertodosomeresearchforourscienceproject?”Margaretsaid.
“SuperSonicMan’sgonnaputthebadguysinjail!”Calyelled.Thetwinscriedevenmoreloudly.SirBarkalotincreasedhisvolumetoo.
“Mom?Likenow?”Margaretpersisted.
“Margaret,can’tyouseeI’mkindofbusy?”Mrs.Jacobssnapped.
“Cal,givethebabiestheirrattleorwe’regoingtohavetohaveatime-out!”Mrs.Jacobsexclaimed.
“ Their rattle?”Margaretgrumbled.
“It’snota rattle,it’sa treasure,”Calcorrectedeveryone.
Thechaosandconfusionwentonforawhile,untilfinally,Mrs.Gregoryputonthe HappyBabySongs CD,andthetwinscalmeddownandstartedtwirlinginplace.Caldroppedthesilverrattleandstarteddancingtoo.Margaret,Lacie,andMattwentupstairstoMargaret’sroom.SirBarkalottrottedafterthem,sniffingatthemuffins.Mrs.Jacobspickeduptherattleandputitbackonthebookshelf,nexttoarowofencyclopedias.ThensheandMrs.Gregorysankwearilyontothecouchandbegantalkingaboutanupcomingneighborhoodmeeting.
Nancy,George,andBessdancedwiththetwinsandCaluntilaroundfourthirty,whenheandhismotherleft.“Oh,mygosh!Margaretwantedmetohelpherlogontothefamilycomputer,didn’tshe?”Mrs.Jacobssaidassheclosedthefrontdoorafterthem.Sherushedupstairs.
Nancyandherfriendsplayedwiththetwinsforalittlewhilelonger,firstmakingacastleoutoftheblocks,andthenreadingbooksuntilitwasalmosttimetogohome.Justbeforefive,NancyandGeorgestartedpickingupthetoyswhileBessfinishedreadingtothetwins.
NancyfrownedasshereturnedSqueakSqueaktothebookshelf.“Where’sthe
silverrattle?”sheaskedGeorge.“IthoughtIsawMrs.Gregoryputitheresomewhere.Didyoumoveit?”
“Wa-ttle!”AnnaLinrepeated.
“Wa-ttle!”GeorgesmiledatAnnaLin,thenturnedtoNancyandshookherhead.“Ididn’tmoveit.”
“Ididn’tmoveiteither,”Besspipedup.
Nancyscannedtheentirebookshelf.Therewerebooks,CDs,aCDplayer,andtoys.Butnosilverrattle.
Wherecoulditbe?
CHAPTERTHREE
AGreenClue
Didtherattledisappear?Nancywondered.Orwasitjusthidingsomewhereinthelivingroom,likeLilyMeiearlierwithherpeek-a-boogame?
“I’lllookforit,”Georgeoffered.“Maybeit’sunderthecouchorsomething.”
Nancynodded.“Okay.I’llgooverthebookshelfonemoretime.”
“…andthebeautifulprincesssaidtotheseafairies,‘HowmanywishesdoIhaveleft?’”Bessreadtothetwins.“No,AnnaLin,LilyMeigetstoturnthepagethistime,”shesaidfirmly.
Georgesearchedunderthecouch,theloveseat,andthecoffeetable.Nancysearchedthebookshelfagain,morecarefullythistime.ShetriedtoremembertheexactmomentwhenMrs.Jacobplacedtherattleontheshelf.Thingshadbeensocrazy,withCalrunningaroundthelivingroomwiththerattle…Mrs.Gregorytellinghimtostop…thetwinscrying…Mrs.Jacobstryingtocomfortthem…andthenMargaretandherfriendsshowingupwantingtousethefamilycomputer.ThenMrs.Gregoryhadplayedthe HappyBabySongs CD,andthetwinshadstarteddancing…andCalhaddroppedtherattleonthefloorandjoinedthem.
Nancyclosedhereyes,concentrating.Inhermind,shesawMrs.Jacobspluckingtherattlefromthefloorandputtingit…where?
Nexttotheencyclopedias,sherememberedsuddenly.
Nancyopenedhereyesandwentovertothelongrowofencyclopedias,whichwereonthethirdshelffromthetop.Ifhermemorywasright,Mrs.Jacobshadputtherattlenearthemiddleoftherow,withthe L, M,and N volumes.
Nancyhadtostandalittlebitonhertippytoestoreachtheencyclopedias.Shelookedupanddowntheshelf.
Buttherattlewasn’tthere.Nancysighedinfrustration.
Thenshedidadoubletake.Ontheshelfrightinfrontofthe L, M,and N volumeswasasmudgyfingerprint.
Asmudgy green fingerprint.Nancy’sthoughtsbeganracing.Couldsomeonehavetakentherattlefromthisspot?Andcouldthatsomeonehavehadyuckygreenfingers?
“‘Youhavetwowishesleft,’theseafairiessaidtotheprincess,”Besswasreadingtothetwins.“Didyouguysfind it yet?”shecalledouttoNancyandGeorge.NancynoticedthatBesswastryingnottosay“rattle”incaseitmightupsetthetwins.
“Nope,”Georgereplied.“Ifoundadoggiebone,acattoy,andababybinkie—Imean, pacifier. ”
“Ididn’tfind it,either.ButIdidfindaclue,”Nancysaid.
“Aclue?Whatkindofclue?”Georgeaskedher.
“Agreenfingerprint,”Nancyexplained.“It’stimetogohomenow,sowe’llhavetolookforther—Imean, it —againonWednesday.Andmaybewe’llfindmorecluesthen,too.”
OnWednesdayafterschool,Nancy,George,andBessfoundthetwinswaitingeagerlyforthematthedoor.
“Ithinktheyreallylikedyou!”Mrs.Jacobssaid,openingthedoortoletthegirlsinside.“Itoldthemafewminutesagothatyouwerecoming,andtheyweresoexcited.”
“That’sgreat!”Besssaid.“Hi,AnnaLin!Hi,LilyMei!”shesaid,waving.
Thetwinsgrinnedandwavedback.“KweekKweek!”AnnaLinsaid,holdingupthestuffedtoymouseforBess’sinspection.NancyknewitwasAnnaLinbecauseshehadasmallbrownbirthmarkonherneck,andLilyMeididn’t.NancyhadfiguredthisoutjustbeforeleavingtheJacobses’houseonMonday.
“That’sright,that’sSqueakSqueak,”Mrs.Jacobssaid.
“KweekKweek!”LilyMeicriedout,grabbingforthetoy.
“No,no,LilyMei.AnnaLinisplayingwithSqueakSqueaknow.Youhavetowaityourturn,”Mrs.Jacobstoldher.
“KweekKweek!”LilyMeiyelledangrily.
“Oh,dear.Okay,timeforanewactivity.Whydon’tyougirlstakethetwinsintothelivingroomandplaytrainswiththemforabit?”Mrs.Jacobssuggested.“Ibroughttheirtrainsetdownfromtheirroom.And,bytheway…didyouputthelittlesilverR-A-T-T-L-EsomewherewhenyouleftonMonday?”
“No,wewerelookingforittoo,”Nancyrepliedastheyallwalkedintothelivingroom.
“Wethinkit’smissing,”Georgepipedup.
“Butwecanfinditforyou,”Bessadded.“NancyandGeorgeandIhaveadetectiveclubcalledtheClueCrew,andwe’rereallygoodatfindingstuff.”
Mrs.Jacobssmiled.“Wow,you’redetectives,too?Yes,thatwouldbewonderfulifyoucouldfindit.AsImentionedbefore,it’soneofthetwins’favoritetoys.AndofcourseithassentimentalvalueformebecauseitwasMargaret’swhenshewaslittle.”
“Mrs.Jacobs,didyouhavesomethinggreenonyourhandsonMonday?”Nancyaskedher.“Youknow,likegreenpaintorgreenfoodcoloringoranythinglikethat?”
Mrs.Jacobsfrowned.“Greenpaintorgreencoloring?N-no,Idon’tthinkso.Whydoyouask?”
BeforeNancycouldanswer,thetwinsstartedfightingoverSqueakSqueakagain.“Okay,let’ssaybye-byetoSqueakSqueakandplaywithtrains!”Mrs.Jacobssaid,takingthetoymouseawayandputtingitonthebookshelf.
Thetwinsstartedtocomplain,untilBesssettleddownonthefloornexttothewoodentraintracksandguidedoneofthetrainsforward.“Chugga-chuggachoo-choo!”shesaidloudly.
“Choo-choo!”LilyMeirepeated.
“Choo-choo!”AnnaLinjoinedin.
ThetwinsploppeddownonthefloornexttoBessandreachedforthetrains.Georgesatdownwiththem.Soonthefourofthemwerehappilyplaying.
“Ihavetofinishupaloadoflaundryinthebasement,andthenI’llbeupstairsdoingsomecleaning,”Mrs.Jacobssaid.“Justgivemeashoutifyouneedme.”
“Okay,”Nancysaid.
WhileBess,George,andthetwinswereoccupiedwiththetrains,Nancydecidedtoseeifthesmudgygreenfingerprintwasstillthereinfrontofthe L, M,and N volumes.Itwas.
Shetoucheditlightlywithherownfinger.Itfeltdryandslightlybumpy. Hmm,shethought. Whatcoulditbe?
Justthen,thefrontdooropenedandMargaretwalkedin,followedbyLacieandMatt.
“Mah-Mah!”thetwinsexclaimed.Theyjumpedtotheirfeetandrantothebabygate.Theygrabbedthebarsofthegateandshookthemhard.
“Yeah,hi,”Margaretsaid,barelylookingatthem.
“Margaret,youshouldbenicertothem,”Laciescoldedher.“Hi,AnnaLin!Hi,LilyMei!Areyouplayingwithtrainstoday?”shesaid,steppingintothelivingroom.
“Choo-choo!”thetwinssaidinunison.
“Who’sthis?”MattwalkedovertothebookshelfandpickedupSqueakSqueak.“Whoa,it’samouse!Let’sfeeditsomecheese!”Hepretendedtoofferitahunkofcheese.Thetwinsclappedandgiggled.
“Canwepuh-leasegoupstairsandworkonourscienceprojectalready?”Margaretcomplained.
“Hey,where’smyM-Box?”Laciesaidsuddenly.“Itwasinmypocket,like,asecondago.”
“What’sanM-Box?”Georgeaskedher.
“It’satinylittleawesomemusicplayerwithtinylittleawesomeheadphones,”Lacieexplained.“Igotitformybirthday.IfIloseit,myparentsaregonnabe so mad!”
“Ihaven’tseenit,”Margaretsaid.
“Whataboutyou,Matt?”Lacieaskedhim.
Matthadhisbacktoeveryoneandwasstudyingsomethingonthebookshelf.“Ihaven’tseeniteither.ButIknowsomeonewhohas,”hecalledoverhisshoulder.
Laciepeeredathimsuspiciously.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Who?”
“Themouse!”MattwhirledaroundandheldupSqueakSqueak,whohadapairoftinylittleheadphonesattachedtohisears.
Thetwinsshriekedwithlaughter.
“YoustolemyM-Box!You’re so lame!”Laciecriedout.ShegrabbedtheheadphonesandM-BoxfromMatt.
“Sorry.Still,Ithinkthiswasmybestpracticaljokethisweek,”Mattbragged.“Ormaybe second best.”
“Whatwasthebestone,then?WhenyouputketchuponDylan’schocolatepuddingduringlunch?OrwhenyouslippedafakespiderinKeisha’sbackpack?”Margaretteasedhim.“Whatareyou,like,fiveyearsold?”
“WhatcanIsay?Ican’thelpmyself.”Mattchuckled.
“Okay,well,nomorepracticaljokestoday,okay?It’stimetogettowork,people!”Margaretheadedupstairs,andMattandLaciefollowed.
Assoonastheyweregone,NancyturnedtoGeorgeandBess.“Ijustgotanidea,”shesaidinalow,excitedvoice.“Whatif Matt stolethesilverr—Imean, it?”
CHAPTERFOUR
TheStrangeScienceProject
“Matt?”Georgerepeated,frowning.
“Whywouldhesteal it?”BessaskedNancy.“He’sinsixthgrade,right?Thoseareforbabies.”
“OrforCal,whoisn’tababybutwhowaspretendingthatitwasstolentreasure,”GeorgeremindedBess.Shesatdownonthefloorandstartedmakingatrainstationoutofblockswiththetwins.
“Ohyeah,right.”Bessnodded.
“Mattlikestoplaypracticaljokes,”Nancysaid.“HesaidthatstealingLacie’sM-Boxwashis second bestpracticaljokethisweek.Whatifstealing it washis best?”
GeorgeandBesslookedthoughtful.“Hmm,goodpoint,”Georgeagreed.
Nancyglancedupstairs.“Canyoutwowatchthetwinsforfiveminutes?I’mgoingtogouptoMargaret’sroomtoseeifIcanfindoutanything.”
“Butthey’re in there!”Besscriedout.
“I’lljustlistenatthedoor.I’llbesuperquiet,”Nancypromised.
“WhatifMrs.Jacobscomesbackandwantstoknowwhereyouare?”Georgeaskedher.
“Um…justtellherI’minthebathroomorsomething,”Nancysaid.
Nancyslippedoffhershoessoshewouldn’tmakeanynoise,incasethesecondfloordidn’thavecarpeting.Thenshesteppedoverthebabygateintothehallway.Therewasanotherbabygateatthebottomofthestairs.Sheunhookedit,re-hookedit,thenwalkedveryquietlyupthestairs.
Onceonthesecondfloor—therewasanotherbabygateatthe top ofthestairs—NancytriedtofigureoutwhichroomwasMargaret’s.Thefirstdoorinthehallwaywasopen.Throughthedoorwayshecouldseeabigbedcoveredwithagoldandwhitecomforterandanightstandpiledhighwithbooksandmagazines.Itlookedlikeagrown-up’sroom.
ThenextdoorNancycametowasalsoopen.Insideweretwowhitecribs,abunnymobilehangingfromtheceiling,andapaintedpinkchestspillingoverwithtoys.Thiswasdefinitelythetwins’room.
ThethirddoorNancycametowasclosed.Tapedtothedoorwasahand-drawnsignthatsaid“MARGARET’SROOM,”andbelowit,anotherhand-drawnsignthatsaid,“DONOTENTER!!!!!”ThiswasdefinitelyMargaret’sroom!
Nancypeeredupanddownthehallwaytomakesureshewasalone.Thenshepressedherearagainstthedoor.
Therewerevoicescomingfromtheotherside—Margaret’s,Lacie’s,andMatt’s—andalsoaloudpopsongplayingonaCDplayeroraradio.Becauseofthemusic,itwashardforNancytoheartheirconversation.Shecouldonlymakeoutafewwordshereandthere.
Theyseemedtobediscussingtheirscienceproject.Margaretwassayingsomethingabouttheeffectsof…what?Nancypressedherearmoretightlyagainstthedoor.Heat?That’swhatitsoundedlike:heat.Theeffectsofheaton…NancythoughtsheheardMargaretsaytheword“pain.”Theeffectsofheatonpain?Shethoughtaboutthisforamoment.Sheknewthatherfathersometimesputaheatingpadonhiselbowwhenplayedtoomuchtennis.Was that whattheyweretalkingabout?
ThenMargaretandherfriendschangedthesubject.Margaretsaidsomethingabout“stupid”and“twins.”Stupidtwins?WasMargaretcomplainingaboutthetwinsagain?Mattrespondedwithastatementabout…boys?No, toys. Washetalkingabouttoys?Nancyleanedforwardeagerly.MaybeMattwasabouttobragaboutstealingoneofthetwins’toysasapracticaljoke.
Thensomeonestartedblastingwhatsoundedlikeahairdryer,andNancycouldn’thearanythingatall.
“Nancy?”
Nancywhippedaround.Mrs.Jacobswascomingdownthehalltowardher,carryingalaundrybasketfulloffoldedclothes.
“Whatareyoudoinguphere?”Mrs.Jacobsaskedhercuriously.“That’sMargaret’sroom.WhyareyoustandingoutsideofMargaret’sroom?”
“Iwas,uh,lookingforthebathroom,”Nancysaid.Shescrunchedupherface,tryingtolooklikeshewaslost.
“Oh,well,that’sthenextdoordown.Whydidn’tyoujustusetheonedownstairs?”Mrs.Jacobssaidpleasantly.
“Ithoughtsomeonewasusingit.Thedoorwasclosed.I’llseeifthey’restillinthere,”Nancysaidquickly.“Thanks,Mrs.Jacobs!”
ShehurriedpastMrs.Jacobsanddownthestairs.Whenshereachedthefronthall,shesteppedoverthebabygateintothelivingroom.“Guesswhat?”shestartedtosaytoGeorgeandBess.Shewantedtotellthemabouttheconversation—orthesort-of-conversation—she’doverheardthroughMargaret’sdoor.
ButNancystopped.Somethingwaswrong.GeorgeandBesslookedupset,andthetwinswerewhimpering,theircheeksstreakedwithfreshtears.
“Whathappened?”Nancysaid.
“TheywantedSqueakSqueaktorideonthetrain—”Georgebegan.
“ButwhenIwenttogethim,hewasgone!”Bessfinished.“SqueakSqueakismissing!”
CHAPTERFIVE
AFurrySuspect
“SqueakSqueakismissing?”Nancysaid,surprised.“Sincewhen?”
“Kweek-Kweek!”AnnaLinsaid,sniffling.
“Sincejustnow,”Georgeexplained.“Hewasonthebookshelfbefore.”
Nancyglancedoveratthebookshelf.SherecalledMrs.JacobstakingSqueakSqueakfromthetwinsandplacingitthere,outoftheirreach.ShealsorecalledMattpretendingtofeedSqueakSqueakcheese,thenstealingLacie’sM-Boxandfittingthetinylittleheadphonesoverthemouse’sears—asa“prank.”
“MattwasplayingwithSqueakSqueak,”Nancyremindedherfriends.
“Ohyeah,that’sright.”Georgenodded.
“DidMattputSqueakSqueakbackonthebookshelf?”Nancyasked.
Georgefrowned.“Idon’tthinkso,”shesaidafteramoment.
“I thought hedid,”Besssaid.“ButI’mnottotallysure.”
“I’mnottotallysureeither,”Nancyadmitted.
Thetwinsstartedcryingagain.“I’llputontheirhappy-babiesCD,”Georgesaid,hurryingovertotheCDplayer.
“Goodidea.AndwecandancewithTogo!”Besssaidbrightly.“AnnaLin,LilyMei,doyouwanttomeetTogo?”
Thetwinsstoppedcryingandstaredwide-eyedatBess.
Besswentovertoherbackpack,whichshehadleftinthehallway.Shereturnedamomentlaterwiththescruffy-lookingstuffedtiger.
“Hi,AnnaLin!Hi,LilyMei!I’mTogo!”Besssaidinadeepvoice.
“Go-go!”thetwinssquealedhappily.
TheCDcameon.Thetwinsbegantwirling,andBesstwirledalongwiththem,holdingTogointheair. Besssavestheday! Nancythought,relieved.
WhileBessandTogodancedwiththetwins,NancyandGeorgesearchedthelivingroomforSqueakSqueak.Theysearchedeveryinchofthebookshelf.Theysearchedunderallthefurniture.Theysearchedundertoysandbooksandpillowsandblankies.Buttherewasnosignofhim.
Theyfinallygaveup.“ What isgoingon?”GeorgesaidtoNancyinawhispersothetwinswouldn’toverhear.“First,someonestealstherattle.ThenSqueakSqueak.”
“It’sdefinitelyamystery,”Nancyagreed.
“Anyluck?”Besscalledovertothem.ThetwinswerehangingontothehemofheruntuckedT-shirtandbouncingupanddowntoasongcalled“Let’sTicklePickles!”
“No.We’llfindhim,though,”Nancyreplied.
“Sowhathappenedupstairs?”Georgewhispered.
NancytoldGeorgeabouttheconversationshe’doverheardthroughMargaret’sbedroomdoor.“Itwaskindofhardtofigureoutwhattheyweretalkingabout,”shefinished.“ButMattwasdefinitelysayingsomethingabout‘toys.’”
“Toysasinthesilverrattle?”Georgemused.
“AndmaybeasinSqueakSqueak,too,”Nancyadded.
“Doyouthinkthesamepersontookbothofthem?”Georgesaid.
Nancyconsideredthis.“Maybe.Probably.Wewon’tknowuntilwefindmoreclues.”Sheadded,“Sofar,theonlycluewehaveisthegreenfingerprint.”
Justthen,Nancywasdistractedbyastrangenoise.Sheglancedaroundtheroom,wonderingwhatitmightbe.
Itonlytookamomentforhertofindthesourceofthenoise.Abig—no, huge —orangecatwascrouchednexttoasmallbluerugandbattingherpawsatsomething.
Nancypointedtothecat.“ThatmustbePumpkinPie.”
ThetwinsnoticedPumpkinPietoo.“Meow!”LilyMaesaidexcitedly.
“Meow,meow!”AnnaLinjoinedin.
NancywonderedwhatPumpkinPiewasplayingwith.Sheseemedtobepawingatalumpy,bumpyobjecthiddenundertherug.
Curious,Nancywentoverandliftedtherug.Georgefollowedalong.Underneathwasasmallcattoy,shapedlikeabird.
“Is this whatyou’relookingfor?”Nancyteasedthecat.PumpkinPiemeowedloudlyatNancyandpawedatthetoy.
“PumpkinPieremindsmeofmynext-doorneighbor’scat,Furball,”NancytoldGeorge.
“Furballlikestohidetoysunderrugsandthenfindthemagain.”
“Nancy,you’reagenius!”Georgesaidsuddenly.
Nancysmiled.“Iam?”
“WhatifPumpkinPietookSqueakSqueakandhidhimunderarugsomewhere?”Georgesuggested.“Andwhatifshedidthesamethingwiththerattle?Maybe she’s ourthief!”
CHAPTERSIX
HideandGoSeek
“YouthinkPumpkinPiemightbeourthief?”NancysaidtoGeorge.
“Maybe.Whatifshefoundtherattleandhiditunderarugsomewhere?AndwhatifshedidthesamethingwithSqueakSqueak?”Georgesaideagerly.
Bessandthetwinswereontheothersideofthelivingroom,holdinghandsanddancinginslowcirclestoasongcalled“WaveBye-Bye.”“Whatareyouguystalkingabout?”shecalledout.“Didyousolvethemystery,orwhat?”
“No,butwehaveanewsuspect,”Nancyreplied.
“Who?”Bessaskedher.
Georgepointedtothecat.“PumpkinPie!”
“Meow!”AnnaLinandLilyMeisaidinunison.
“Ourthiefisakitty?”Besssaid,giggling.
“ Might be,”Nancycorrectedher.“Ithinkweshouldfollowheraroundthehouseandseeifshe’llshowusmoreofherhidingplaces.Maybewe’llfindthe,um,twomissingitems.”
“That’sanawesomeplan,”Georgeagreed.“Bess,doyouwanttogowithNancy?Icandancewiththetwinsforawhile.”
“Sure!”Besssaid.
Whenthenextsongcameon,GeorgetookTogofromBessandstarteddancingwiththetwinswhileNancyandBesstrailedafterPumpkinPie.First,thebigorangecatledthemtothekitchen,whereshescarfeddownabowloftuna-flavoredkibbles.Thensheledthemtothediningroom,ontheothersideofthekitchen.There,shebeganbattingherpawatalumpy,bumpyobjectunderasmallgoldrug.
“Hey,maybethat’stherattle!”Nancysaidexcitedly.
“Ormaybethat’sSqueakSqueak!”Bessadded.
NancyandBessgotdownontheirhandsandkneesandliftedupthesmallgoldrug.Theybothsneezedascatfuranddusttickledtheirnoses.
“Canyou— achoo! —reachit?”Besssaid.
“Ithinkso.”Nancyextendedherhandandtouchedtheobject.Itfeltcoldandhard,likemetal.“Yay,it’stherattle!”sheannounced,pullingitout.“No,it’snottherattle.Sorry!It’sjustasoupspoon.”
PumpkinPiepawedatthespoon.“Okay,PumpkinPie.Takeustoyourothersuper-secrethidingplaces,”Nancytoldher.
Ittookawhile,buteventuallyPumpkinPietrottedthroughadoorwayanddownasetofstairs.“She’sgoingdowntothebasement,”BesssaidassheandNancyfollowedbehind.“Basementsaredarkandscary.They’rereallygoodhidingplaces!”
“Well,thisbasement’snotsodarkandscary,”Nancynotedwhentheyreachedthebottomofthestairs.Beforethemwasalargefamilyroomwithbrightyellowwalls,darkbrownfurniture,apooltable,andalargeplasma-screenTV.Thereweretoysscatteredacrossthethickbeigecarpeting.“ButmaybePumpkinPiehidtherattleandSqueakSqueakdownhere,anyway.”
“Maybe!”Bessagreed.
ButafterafewminutesoffollowingPumpkinPieandcheckingoutallthelumpy,bumpyobjectsshepawedat,NancyandBessturnedupempty-handed.Theonlyitemstheyfoundwereacoupleofcatnipballs,ahairscrunchie,apackofgum,andanemptysippycup.
“Nowwhat?”BessaskedNancy.“WefollowedPumpkinPiealloverthefirstfloorandthebasement.Shouldwefollowheralloverthesecondfloor,too?”
Nancyglancedatherwatch.“Wecan’t.It’salmosttimetogo.We’llhavetowaituntilFriday.”Shesmiledandadded:“Besides,Hannahistakingusalloutforpizzatonight!”
“Let’sgetapizzawithextrapepperoni!”Nancysuggested.
“Let’sgetapizzawithextraeverything!”Besspipedup.
“Extraeverythingsoundsgoodtome!”Georgeagreed.
“Yougirlsmustbeprettyhungry,”HannahGruenremarked,shuttinghermenu.
“Weare!We’vebeenworkingonareally, really hardcase,”Besstoldher.
Hannahgrinned.“Areally, really hardcase?Iwanttohearallaboutit.”
ThefourofthemweresittinginaboothatPizzaParadise,indowntownRiverHeights.NancyloveditwhenHannahbroughtthemthere.InNancy’shumbleopinion,PizzaParadisehadtheyummiestpizzainthewholeworld.
HannahwastheDrews’housekeeper.ButshedidalotmorethantakecareoftheDrews’house.ShehadbeentakingcareofNancysincehermotherdiedfiveyearsago.Shegavegreathugs,shebrushedNancy’shaireveryday,andshewasthequeenofhomemadelasagna.Nancythoughtofherasoneofthefamily.
Thewaitressbroughtapitcherofgingeraleandfourglasses,thentooktheirpizzaorder.Assoonasshewasgone,NancyandthegirlsfilledHannahinonthecase.
“Sosomeonestoleasilverbabyrattleandatoymouse,huh?”Hannahsaidwhentheyhadfinished.“That’sprettymean!”
“Someoneorsome thing,”Georgecorrectedher.“OneofoursuspectsisPumpkinPie.”
Hannahfrowned,confused.“Oneofyoursuspectsisapie?”
Nancygiggled.“No,Hannah!PumpkinPieisacat!Shelikestohidestuffunderrugs.”
“That’safunnynameforacat,”Hannahsaid,chuckling.“Sowhoareyourothersuspects,besidesthisPumpkinPie?”
“Well,there’sMargaret’sfriendMatt,”Besssaid,takingasipofhersoda.“Helikestoplaypracticaljokes.”
“ And hewasattheJacobses’houseonMondaywhentherattledisappeared,andonWednesdaywhenSqueakSqueakdisappeared,”Georgeadded.
NancylistenedasBessandGeorgetoldHannahaboutMatt.Asshelistened,somethingoccurredtoher.Therewasanothersuspecttheyshouldhaveaddedtothelist.Whyhadn’ttheyconsideredhimbefore?“WhataboutCal?”Nancysaidoutloud.
BessandGeorgebothturnedtoher.“What about Cal?”Bessasked.
“HewasthereonMondaywhentherattledisappeared.Hetookitfromthetwins,remember?”Nancypointedout.“Theonlyproblemis…hewasn’tthereonWednesdaywhenSqueakSqueakdisappeared.”
“Maybethereare two thieves,”Georgepointedout.
“OrmaybeCalflewinandoutoftheJacobses’houseonWednesdayusinghisSuperSonicManpowersandnobodysawhim,”Bessjoked.Everyonelaughed.
“Sodoyouhaveanycluesyet?”Hannahasked.
“Wefoundagreenfingerprintwheretherattlewassupposedtobe,”Nancyreplied.“It’souronlycluewehavesofar.Butwe’llfindmore!”
“Iknowyouwill,”Hannahsaid,smiling.“Afterall,you’retheClueCrew!”
“Arewelate?”BessaskedNancyandGeorgeastheyhalfwalked,halfrandownthesidewalktowardtheJacobses’house.
“No,butwe’realmostlate.We’dbetterhurry,”Nancyreplied.
ThethreegirlsincreasedtheirspeedastheJacobses’red-shutteredhousecameintoview.ItwasFriday,andtheywererunningbehindbecausetherehadbeenafiredrillatschool,whichhaddelayedtheafternoondismissal.
“Yay,we’renotlate.We’reoneminuteearly!”NancyannouncedwhentheygottotheJacobses’doorandrangthebell.
Amomentlater,Mrs.Jacobsopenedthedoor.Behindher,Nancycouldhearthetwinscrying.Mrs.Jacobslookedexhausted—andworried.
“AreAnnaLinandLilyMeiokay?”Nancyaskedimmediately.
“Oh,they’reupsetbecauseSqueakSqueakisstillmissing,”Mrs.Jacobsreplied,watchingthetwinsoverhershoulder.Nancyhadtoldheraboutthedisappearanceofthetoymousebeforeshe,George,andBesswenthomeonWednesday.“IthoughtIwouldcheerthemupbyplayingtheir HappyBabySongs CD.But—”Shehesitated.
“Butwhat?”Georgepromptedher.
“Butnow,theCDismissingtoo!”Mrs.Jacobstoldthem.
CHAPTERSEVEN
AnotherClue
Nancygasped.“TheCDismissingtoo?”
“Sincewhen?”Besspipedup.
“I’mnotsure,”Mrs.Jacobssaid.
“Whenwasthelasttimeyousawit?”Nancyaskedher.
Mrs.Jacobsthoughtforamoment.“Yesterday,Ithink,aroundfive,”shesaidfinally.
Shewavedthegirlsinsideandclosedthedoor.Thefourofthemjoinedthetwinsinthelivingroom.
BessreachedintoherbackpackandwhippedoutTogothetiger.“Hi,AnnaLin!Hi,LilyMei!Doyouwanttoplaywithblocks?”sheaskedinherdeepTogovoice.
ThetwinssnuffledandregardedTogo.Afteramoment,AnnaLinreachedforTogoandgavehimabig,sloppykiss.LilyMeigavehimakisstoo,thenploppeddownonthefloorandbeganstackingblocks.
Mrs.Jacobssmiledaffectionatelyatherdaughters.“SoasIwassaying,”shesaidinalowvoicetoNancy,George,andBess,“thelasttimeIsawtheCDwasaroundfiveyesterday.I’dbeenplayingitforthetwins.Iwasjustabouttoputitbackinitscasewhenthedoorbellrang.ItwasSarah—Mrs.Gregory—andherson,Cal.IrememberputtingtheCDontopoftheCDplayersoIcouldgetthedoor.Ikindofforgotaboutitafterthat.”
Nancyfrowned.Nowtherewerethreethingsmissing:thesilverrattle,SqueakSqueak,andthe HappyBabySongs CD.Whatwasgoingon?Wasthistheworkofonethief?Ortwo?Ormaybeeventhree?
NancywalkedovertotheCDplayer,whichwasonthebookshelfoneshelfdownfromtheencyclopedias.SherecognizedthecaselyingontopoftheCDplayer,withitspictureofseveralsmilingbabiesagainstatropicalrainforestbackground,andthetitle HappyBabySongs inbrightorangeandpurpleletters.
Nancypickedupthecaseandopenedit.Itwasempty—justlikeMrs.Jacobssaid.SherememberedthenthatherfathersometimesputCDsbackinthewrongcases.Justtobe100percentsure,shedidaquicksweepofalltheCDcasesonthebookshelf.Therewerethirtyofthem,total.Butnoneofthemcontainedthe HappyBabySongs CD.ShealsohittheEjectbuttonontheCDplayer,incasetheCDwasstillinthere.Itwasn’t.
AndthenNancysawsomethingshehadn’tnoticedbefore.OntopoftheCDplayer,whereshehadfoundthe HappyBabySongs case,wasasmudgyfingerprint.
Butthistime,itwasn’tgreen.Itwasyellow.
Nancyturnedaround.GeorgeandBesswerestillplayingblockswiththetwins.Mrs.Jacobswasstraighteningapileofmagazinesonthecoffeetable.
“Mrs.Jacobs?Didyouhavesomethingyellowonyourfingersyesterday?Oranytimethisweek?”Nancyaskedher.
Mrs.Jacobsfrowned.“Something yellow onmyfingers?No,notthatIcanthinkof.Let’ssee…yesterday,ImadesomecupcakesforabakesaleatMargaret’sschool.ButIusedwhitefrosting,notyellow.”
Nancythoughtaboutthis.“Were,um,MattandLaciehereyesterdayafterschool?”sheaskedafteramoment.
Mrs.Jacobsnodded.“Yes,toworkontheirscienceproject.They’vebeenhereeverydaythisweek.”
Justthen,thephonerang.“Excuseme,”Mrs.Jacobssaid,headingtowardthekitchen.
Nancystudiedtheyellowfingerprintforafewmoreminutes.Shetoucheditlightly.Itfeltsimilartothesmudgygreenfingerprint,dryandslightlybumpy.
Shestoodonhertippy-toesandpeeredattheshelfwiththerowofencyclopedias,atthespotinfrontofthe L, M,and N volumes.Thesmudgygreenfingerprintwasstillthere.
Iguessthethiefdidn’tcomebacktogetridoftheevidence, Nancythought. Ormaybehe—orshe—didn’tknowitwasthere.
NancyheardSirBarkalotbarking.Sheturnedaroundjustintimetoseehimleapingoverthebabygateandintothelivingroom.HestoppedinhistracksashiseyeszeroedinonTogo,whowasperchedinthefloorbetweenthetwins.Helookedasthoughhewashungryforasnack.
Astuffedtoytigersnack! Nancythought,alarmed.
“Bess!George!HideTogobeforethedogeatshim!”Nancyshouted.
BessgrabbedTogoquicklyandstuffedunderherT-shirt.“YoustayawayfromTogo,youbaddog!”shechidedSirBarkalot,whoranuptoherandstartedsniffingatherT-shirt.“You’resupposedtobeeatingdoggiefood,not…”
Bessdidn’tfinishhersentence.SheturnedtoGeorgeandNancywithatriumphantgrin.“IthinkIjustsolvedourmystery!”sheannounced.
CHAPTEREIGHT
AClueCrewSleepover
“Whatdoyoumeanyousolvedthemystery?”NancyaskedBess.
“Youfiguredoutwhothethiefis?”Georgepipedup.“Tellus!”
Bessgrinned.ShereachedoutandpattedSirBarkalot,whowasstillsniffingatherT-shirtinsearchofTogo.“It’sSirBarkalot!”sheexclaimed.“ He’s ourthief!”
“SirBarkalot?”NancyandGeorgesaidinunison.
Bessnodded.“Uh-huh.RememberwhatMrs.JacobstoldusonMonday?ThatSirBarkaloteatseverything,includingCDs?”
“Oh,yeah…,”Georgesaidslowly.“Soyouthink—”
“SirBarkalotatethe HappyBabySongs CD,”Bessfinished.“Hemayhaveeatentheyou-know-whatandtheotheryou-know-what,too,”sheadded,loweringhervoiceandcastingaworriedglanceatthetwins.ButthebabiesweretoobusypettingSirBarkalottopayattentiontowhatBessandherfriendsweretalkingabout.
NancyconsideredBess’sidea.“Mrs.JacobssaidSirBarkalot tries toeateverything.Shedidn’tsayheactually ate CDs,”sheremindedBess.
“Hmm,goodpoint,”Bessadmitted.“There’sonewaytofindoutforsure,though.”SheleanedforwardandblewapuffofairatSirBarkalot’ssnout.
Georgefrowned,lookingtotallyconfused.“WhyareyoublowingonSirBarkalot?”sheaskedBess.Nancywasconfusedtoo.
SirBarkalotletoutagreatbigyawn.Bessleanedforwardandpeekedquicklyintohisopenmouth.“I’mmakinghimyawn!IwantedtoseeiftherearetinylittleCDpiecesstuckinhisteeth!”
“Oh!”Nancysaid.Shehadneverheardoftryingtomakeadogyawnthisway.“Um…soarethere?”
Besssquinted,tryingtosee.SheshookherheadjustasSirBarkalotclampedhismouthshut.“No,”shesaid,soundingdisappointed.“Butthere’sanotherwaytofindoutifheatetheCD.”
“What?”Georgeaskedher.
BessinchedclosertoSirBarkalotandstartedmassaginghisstomach.“I’mgoingtoseeifIcanfeeltheCDinthere,”shesaid,kneadingherhandsintohistummy.
“Ew,”Nancygroaned.
“Doubleew,”Georgeagreed.
ButSirBarkalotdidn’twanttocooperatewiththedoggiemassage.HeyippedloudlyatBess,thentookoffrunningtowardthekitchen.
“Hey,ourthiefisgettingaway!”Georgejoked.“Catchhim!”
Bessmadeafaceather.“Ha-ha. I stillthinkweshouldaddhimtothesuspectlist.Afterall, you addedPumpkinPie,right?”
“Yeah,that’strue,”Georgeconceded.“Okay,sowe’lladdSirBarkalot.Iguessthere’snoreasonwecan’thave two petsassuspects!”
“Passthepopcorn!”Besssaid.Sheploppeddowncross-leggedontopofNancy’sbed.Herlavenderpajamaswerethesamecolorasthebedspread.
“Hannahputnachocheeseflavoringonit,”Nancysaid,passingthebowltoBess.“It’ssuperyummy!”Herpajamaswerewhitewithturquoiseandyellowpolkadots.
“Savesomeforme!”Georgesaid.ShewassittinginfrontofNancy’scomputer,typing.Insteadofregularpajamas,sheworeagreensoccerjerseyovergrayleggings.“I’mstartinganewfilewithoursuspectlistandclues.”
ItwasFridaynight,andthethreegirlswerehavingasleepoveratNancy’shouse.They’dalreadyhadabigdo-it-yourselftacodinnerwithHannahandNancy’sdad,CarsonDrew.Aftertwobigtacosapiece,Nancywassurprisedthatshe,George,andBessstillhadroomforpopcorn,hotapplecider,andHannah’shomemadebrownies.Buttheydid!
Nancy’sdog,ChocolateChip,wascurledupontheshaggylavenderrug,napping.Everyonceinawhilesheopenedhereyesandsniffedattheairtoseeiftheremightbeanypopcornkernelsorbrowniecrumbsthathadfallentothefloor.
Nancysethermugofapplecideronhernightstand,thengotupandstoodnexttoGeorgetoseewhatshewastyping.GeorgewastypingfromsomenotesaboutthecasethatNancyhadwrittendowninaspecialbluenotebook: