Designs in Crime by Carolyn Keene Read Free Book Online Page A

today, it’s three times as bad the day of a show. You need to get on that list.”
    â€œI’ll think of something,” Nancy vowed. “In the meantime, I’d like to spend the rest of the day here, checking out your security system, your help, your routine.”
    â€œFeel free,” Beau offered.
    â€œI think I need to know a little more about your key employees,” Nancy said, hedging a little.
    â€œLet me guess,” Beau said. “You want to know why I put up with Mrs. Chong’s attitude.”
    Bess rolled her eyes. “The woman’s about as subtle as a bulldozer—and she scares me.”
    Beau smiled. “Ah, but there’s a heart of gold inside that bulldozer. Mrs. Chong hasn’t had it easy. She fled China years ago and came here with just the clothes on her back and her incredible sewing ability.”
    â€œAnd what about Angel?” Nancy asked.
    â€œHis family moved to New York from Puerto Rico when he was a kid,” Beau explained. “We met when I gave a speech at a design institute where he was a student. He’s bright and talented.”
    â€œDoes he ever design for you?” Bess asked.
    â€œHe’s always sketching,” Beau said, “but none of his designs have worked for me yet. I know he’ll break through one of these days.
    â€œAnything on Joanna’s gown?” Beau asked. “I know it’s early.”
    â€œNot yet,” Nancy told him. “We spent the evening with her family and fiancé last night, but I still don’t have any clues about her gown.”
    â€œWhat a mess,” Beau said. “We’re working against the clock, trying to finish designs for nextweek’s show. Meanwhile, Mrs. Chong is tied up, altering the substitute gown that Joanna is less than thrilled with.” Frustrated, he raked his fingers through his long hair. “This studio has seen better times.”
    â€œFor now you need to focus on getting your collection ready for next week,” Nancy said. “I’ll do my best to find your leak— and Joanna’s gown.”
    â€œIn the meantime I’ll be putting you to work,” Beau said, turning to Bess. “Angel and I have picked out some gowns we’d like to alter for the Petite Elite line. If you try them on, one of my assistants will pin the hems and mark the other alterations.”
    â€œLet’s go!” Bess said, jumping to her feet.
    While Beau and Bess went off to work on Petite Elites, Nancy got to work on the case.
    Nancy thought through what she knew, which wasn’t much. She did know that Budget Fashions was producing the knockoffs of Beau’s designs. She decided that maybe she could find the thief through his or her connection to Budget.
    Pulling a phone book down from Beau’s bookcase, she found a listing for Budget and called the number. The woman who answered told her the showroom was open only to retail buyers.
    Another obstacle, Nancy thought as she hung up the phone. If Jill were in town, she could use Mitchell’s clout to get Nancy in, but Jill was inTokyo. Somehow Nancy had to find a way to do some investigating at Budget Fashions.
    She called Jill’s assistant at Mitchell’s and explained the problem. The woman said she’d mention it to Jill when she called in. Nancy thanked her, then hung up.
    In the meantime she could work the case from this end. Beau was sure that someone on his staff had to be the thief. Still, Nancy had to wonder how hard it would be for someone else—such as Mimi Piazza or Michael Rockwell—to break into the studio.
    She started by checking the main entrance on the first floor. Unlike Mimi’s building, no guard was stationed in the lobby.
    Nancy pulled open one of the glass doors at the main entrance and inspected the lock. “A cinch!” she said, testing the way the bolt fit against the striker plate. A burglar could slip a thin piece of