08 The Magician's Secret by Carolyn Keene Read Free Book Online

occupied. “So they had a moment where their paths crossed, but that doesn’t prove they knew each other or that Lonestar was involved in the gemtheft,” I said, furrowing my brow. “Did Lonestar have the missing box or the jewels?”
    â€œNo,” Ned admitted.
    I’d seen Lonestar in handcuffs. “What are the charges against him?”
    â€œHe’s under investigation for the jewel theft. The police are focusing on the Lonestar and Smallwood connection.” Ned added, “That’s why Smallwood is being questioned again.”
    â€œUnder investigation,” I echoed Ned’s words. “Lonestar shouldn’t have been arrested, then. Escorted to court, yes, but no handcuffs.”
    â€œI’ve got this one.” I turned to see Officer Fernandez approach. “Lonestar was arrested for disorderly conduct.”
    I raised my eyebrows. That was unexpected.
    â€œWhen we showed up, we insisted on knowing how the courthouse disappeared. We figured that if we understood how the trick was done, we could determine how Lonestar managed to break into the evidence locker and steal the box. Instead of answeringour questions, Lonestar went crazy and started throwing things around the room.”
    â€œHe should have known better,” I said, wrinkling my brow.
    â€œHe doesn’t like to be questioned about the magic. We’re all clear on that now.” She continued, “The police chief believes that Smallwood was working with Lonestar. The theory is that Smallwood stole the gems and put them in the box. He was supposed to give the box to Lonestar. But when Smallwood was arrested and all his belongings were collected by the police, Lonestar panicked. He used his magic to snag the box, and thus, stole the gems for himself.” Officer Fernandez’s cell phone beeped. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to take this.” She moved away.
    â€œAll this is based on the fact that Drake Lonestar had a room in the hotel across the hall from John Smallwood?” I muttered to myself. The police seemed to be guessing—creating a story about events that they couldn’t prove. I knew it. Officer Fernandez knew it. And my dad knew it.
    I asked Ned if anyone had found anything suspicious at the hotel.
    â€œNo witnesses,” he told me. “No box. No gems. Nothing out of place. Even with the disorderly conduct charge, the police are going to have to let Lonestar go soon. They might not let him leave town for a while, but they can’t keep here very long.”
    â€œThis case is getting more and more complicated,” I told Ned. “Every time I think we’re onto something meaningful, it dissolves into nothing.” I bit my lip in frustration.
    â€œI’ll find out if Lonestar has said anything relevant to the police,” Ned told me.
    â€œMy guess is he didn’t,” I said.
    â€œMy guess is you’re right,” Ned replied.
    He left me standing on the courthouse steps, shaking my head and wondering what to do next.

    â€œNancy, come sit with me.” Hugo was resting on a bench just outside the courthouse, staring out toward the empty space where the magic show stage had beenthe day before. “We can wait to hear what’s going on together. It’ll be better than waiting alone.”
    Hugo was so devoted to Drake Lonestar, my admiration for him was growing. Their friendship reminded me of mine with Bess and George. I decided to stay with him until either Ned and my dad came out, Drake was released, or I saw Smallwood.
    Bess and George made their way over to us. There was nothing to do but sit there and see if Lonestar would be released.
    â€œLooks like you might not make your train Tuesday,” I told Hugo.
    â€œI know.” He sighed. “But I’m not canceling the next show until it’s absolutely certain that we can’t get there in time. The show isn’t for a week after we arrive, so