Rendezvous in Rome by Carolyn Keene Read Free Book Online Page A

Massimo didn’t ask her to come here, too.”
    Just then the crowd surged around them, and Massimo stepped out of it. “You both look fantastic!” he said loudly, fighting to be heard over the music. “Are you ready to dance for your necklace?” he asked Bess.
    â€œI’ll dance all night,” Bess replied, giving him a flirtatious look. From where she was standing Nancy had a clear view of Karine Azar. The girl was looking right at them.
    â€œBefore we do, let’s tell Claudia and Sandro that you are here,” Massimo said. He lightly touched Bess’s back as he guided the girls around the dance floor. “They have a table for us.”
    If Massimo knew Karine was there, he was ignoring her, Nancy decided as she watched the sparks fly again between him and Bess.
    Claudia and Sandro were whispering, heads together, when Massimo and the girls approached. “So what did you do today?” Claudia asked, pulling herself away from Sandro as Nancy and Bess settled themselves at the table.
    Nancy and Bess quickly told the others about their room being ransacked, and the three Italians chorused their alarm.
    â€œYou should move to my house,” Claudia said firmly when Nancy and Bess finished talking. “You cannot stay in that dangerous place.”
    â€œI’d rather have someplace to put our valuables, including this necklace,” Nancy said, patting herpurse discreetly. “Until I do, I’m not going to let this bag out of my sight.”
    â€œWell, Sandro’s safe was not a good place,” Claudia said, tossing her long black hair over her shoulder. “And my family does not have one. I want to help you, but there is no place I would trust. Unless you want to go back to the police?”
    â€œThings can disappear there as well,” Sandro warned. “Evidence sometimes gets misplaced at the police station, especially if it’s expensive.”
    Standing up, he offered, “Can I get anyone a soda?” After taking everyone’s order, he headed off for the bar, the multicolored lights playing over his light brown hair.
    â€œHave you figured out where the necklace came from yet?” Massimo asked Bess. “And what you did with the one I gave you?”
    â€œMassimo,” Claudia said, “that necklace must be from you! If it is not the one you gave Bess at the stand, then she accidentally switched it with one from the last package you sent to Preziosi.”
    Massimo looked at Claudia. “What package? I didn’t send any package over.”
    â€œYes you did. You gave it to Sandro the other day.” Claudia’s dark eyes flashed impatiently.
    â€œThe other day,” Massimo said slowly, raking his hand through his wavy black hair. “Oh, I know what you mean. The other week is more like it.”
    â€œStop fooling around!” Claudia demanded, her voice sharp. “When did you give it to him?”
    Massimo jumped to his feet, looking insulted. “Everything is so suspicious for you!” he saidangrily. “If you want to give me credit for giving Bess an expensive necklace, fine. She is certainly worth it! Come on, Bess, dance with me.”
    Nancy watched Bess and Massimo move onto the floor. She had to admit they made a handsome couple. If only she could be sure he had nothing to do with the jewelry thefts. But his evasions and denials certainly seemed suspicious.
    Sandro returned with the soft drinks a moment later, breaking into Nancy’s thoughts. Seeing that Bess and Massimo were on the dance floor, he invited Nancy to dance. She moved easily to the music, but she couldn’t keep her mind from dwelling on the missing jewelry. After the first song she signaled that she wanted to sit down.
    â€œSandro,” Claudia asked when he and Nancy had returned, “do you remember that package of necklaces you brought to the store for Massimo? When was that, two days ago now?”
    Sandro