Sinister Paradise by Carolyn Keene Read Free Book Online Page B

slightest idea where that enemy would strike next.
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    The Windward Fidelity Bank was a sleek, clean-lined monolith that dominated the business district. After Nancy had parked the car, the three of them dashed across the boulevard and strolled into the airy lobby of the bank.
    The tellers’ windows were packed with customers, so Nancy tried the loan section. A good-looking young man with chestnut hair was leaning over a calculator at the main desk.
    Nancy cleared her throat. “Excuse me.”
    He looked up and smiled. “Hi! What can I do for you?”
    â€œI’m Nancy Drew.” She gestured at her friends. “Bess Marvin—Ned Nickerson. We’d like to see Mr. Rafferty, please.”
    â€œOh, of course! You’re with George. She’s upstairs with the Old Man right now.” Rounding the desk, he extended a welcoming hand. “I’m Jack Showalter, junior accountant.”
    â€œHave you worked here long?” asked Nancy.
    â€œSince June. I just graduated from business school.” Jack picked up his telephone. “Let me call the Old Man for you.”
    Jack buzzed Mr. Rafferty’s secretary and told her that Nancy had arrived. Then, looking puzzled, he hung up.
    â€œWhat is it?” Nancy asked.
    â€œOdd. She said he’d be down in person,” Jack replied. “Mr. Rafferty never does that!”
    Bess pointed at the elevator. The green lightdescended the row of numbers. “Here he comes.”
    The elevator doors slid open. Nancy found herself staring at an irate middle-aged man in a navy blue pin-striped suit. Ross Rafferty was a slim, vain-looking man, with pudgy jowls and thick auburn hair combed into an unlikely pompadour.
    Then Nancy noticed the men in the elevator with him. Big, competent-looking bank guards. They had their guns out.
    â€œThat’s them!” Ross Rafferty pointed at Nancy. “Place those kids under arrest!”

Chapter

Nine
    U NDER ARREST ?” ECHOED Bess.
    The bank guards surrounded them.
    â€œBring the other one,” Ross Rafferty ordered.
    A tough-looking guard ushered George out of the elevator. Her eyes blazed furiously as she looked at the banker. “Mr. Rafferty, your hospitality leaves something to be desired.”
    Facing him, Nancy said, “Mr. Rafferty, my friends and I were hired to find your stepdaughter.”
    â€œI know who you are.” Mr. Rafferty flexed his shoulders arrogantly. “You private eyes are all alike. This is nothing but a cheap shakedown.”
    Nancy blinked in disbelief.
    â€œI know how you people operate,” Rafferty continued. “You’ve conned poor Alice into thinking you can help. You’ll feed her little bits of information—just enough to keep her anxious. Then you’ll milk this—this situation—for years!”
    Anger colored Nancy’s face. “That is untrue—and unfair, Mr. Rafferty!”
    â€œSave your breath!” Rafferty looked highly pleased with himself. “I’ve got you all now, and I’m going to turn you over to the police!”
    Nancy managed to stay calm. “Mr. Rafferty, I intend to find Lisa—with or without your cooperation. Frankly, I’d rather work with you than have to tell Mrs. Faulkner you wouldn’t cooperate.” She pointed at Jack Showalter’s phone. “So why don’t you give her a call and tell her what you think?”
    She could see that she had called his bluff. As the leading shareholder in Windward Bancorp, Alice had the power to fire him instantly. Which meant Rafferty didn’t dare defy her!
    â€œWe’ll see about that!” he said huffily.
    Nancy watched as he picked up the telephone and dialed the Faulkner estate. “Hello, Alice? Ross Rafferty here. I’ve captured that girl who was conning you. With your permission, I’ll turn this Nancy Drew over to the—”
    Ross Rafferty wilted like a