Poison Pen by Carolyn Keene Read Free Book Online

story!
    Rick leaned forward again. “I recognized Brenda from her picture in the paper. I was sort of following her when she stopped to talk to you, Nancy. Then the next thing I knew, she was practically killed by that beam, and Brenda was saying someone did it on purpose because of her column.” He gave a little laugh. “Let me tell you, that really shook me up.”
    Turning in the front seat to look at Rick Nancy commented, “Well, you and Brenda seemed to hit it off tonight. Did she show you the letter?”
    â€œNot yet,” Rick admitted. “She has good reasons not to—she said it would be a violation of the writer’s privacy, and it would compromise freedom of the press. But I’m still trying.”
    Nancy had to admit that Rick and Brenda had thought of all the angles. But it was suspicious that he hadn’t actually mentioned names. “Rick, if you don’t mind my asking,”Nancy said, “don’t you think you should go to the police with this information? What’s your aunt’s name, anyway?”
    â€œOh, you wouldn’t know her,” he said in a rush. Rick seemed immensely relieved when Ned broke into the conversation.
    â€œExcuse me, Rick,” said Ned. “Where should I drop you off?”
    â€œThe corner of Grange and Spruce,” Rick said.
    â€œIt’s no problem for us to take you right to your aunt’s house,” Ned protested.
    Rick seemed a bit flustered. “No—no, really, it’s not necessary. Grange and Spruce is just fine. Really.”
    â€œOkay,” Ned agreed, shrugging. “Whatever.”
    A moment later, following Rick’s directions, Ned pulled over at the intersection of Grange and Spruce, and Rick climbed out of the back seat. After thanking Nancy and Ned, he walked off into the darkness.
    â€œHmm,” Nancy mumbled as she gazed around. “Recognize this neighborhood, Ned?”
    He peered through the windshield to where the headlights illuminated a big stone house. “Looks pretty ritzy.”
    â€œIt is,” Nancy informed him. “And it just so happens Brenda Carlton’s house is only about a block away.”
    Ned whistled. “Hey. Are you saying Rick is on his way to see Brenda right now?”
    â€œI wouldn’t be surprised,” Nancy said. She crossed her arms and frowned out into the night. “You know what? I think Brenda is using this guy Rick as part of some kind of campaign to convince the world—or me, at least—that the letter in this morning’s column was serious.”
    â€œYou mean he’s lying about his aunt?”
    â€œI think so,” Nancy said uncertainly. Shrugging, she added, “Rick seems to have a crush on Brenda. She could be using that to get him to feed us this whole story. It’s—”
    Nancy was interrupted by a shout, followed by the echoing sound of rapid footsteps on pavement. Peering out her window, she saw a muscular man of medium height dash through the beams of the headlights. Close on his heels was a taller figure.
    â€œIt’s Rick!” Nancy exclaimed, recognizing the second figure.
    The shorter man was faster than Rick. He raced forward and snapped his head back briefly to check out his pursuer.
    Nancy gasped when she saw his face. It was the man she’d seen the day of the car accident —the guy with the mismatched eyes!

Chapter

Seven
    I N A MOMENT he was gone, swallowed up in the darkness of the tree-lined street. Rick continued to tear after him.
    â€œNed, I’ve seen that guy before!” Nancy cried, jumping out of the car. “He was in the mall parking lot the day Brenda had her accident.”
    Ned climbed out of the car, too, and came around to stand by Nancy. “So what does that mean?” he asked, looking baffled.
    Just then Rick reappeared and crossed the street toward Ned’s car. He was frowning, and his face was shiny with sweat. “I