The Secret of the Soldier's Gold by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online

right!”
    When Isabel reached the group, Inspector Oliveira introduced her to everyone.
    â€œOh, Isabel, you are absolutely lovely,” AuntGertrude said. “You look like a movie star.”
    Isabel smiled. “Well, actually, I have been an extra in a couple of Portuguese movies. Nothing really big, but it was fun. I’m hoping that one day, well . . . let’s just say a trip to Hollywood is a dream of mine!”
    â€œWow!” Frank and Joe said in unison, causing everyone to laugh.
    â€œIsabel, even though Frank and Joe are well-known for solving mysteries, I think they’d have more fun with you than with us old folks,” Inspector Oliveira said. “Why don’t you take over from here? Okay, guys?”
    â€œThat sounds good to me,” Joe said.
    â€œDitto,” Frank agreed.
    As the three teens headed back to the house together Frank turned to Isabel. “Your father sometimes talks like an American. Where did he learn his English?”
    â€œTexas,” Isabel replied.
    â€œTexas?” Frank said. “You’re kidding.”
    Isabel smiled. “No, I’m serious. He got his master’s degree in forensic science at Texas Tech University in Lubbock about five years ago. I spent a year at one of the high schools there.”
    When they reached the front porch, Frank noticed two entrances. Isabel opened the door on the left. “Welcome to my house, gentlemen!” she said.
    â€œWow. This is a great place!” Frank said, looking around.
    â€œI wouldn’t mind having a pad like this myself back in Bayport,” Joe echoed.
    â€œHave a seat and I’ll get us some Sumol, ” Isabel said. “It’s a good thing to drink in Portugal. It’s really fizzy and comes in all kinds of fruit flavors.”
    â€œSounds good,” Frank and Joe said.
    Within a couple of minutes, Isabel returned with a tray and three drinks. She handed one each to Frank and Joe, took the third one, and then sat down in a plush chair opposite the boys.
    â€œAfter Mother died three years ago, Father redid the entire house,” Isabel explained. “He said he wanted to give me privacy.” She smiled. “While that was true, I also think he was hoping that if I felt I had my own apartment, I’d want to stay here—at least for a few years, until he got used to being without my mother.”
    â€œIt must have worked,” Frank said.
    Isabel nodded. “I wouldn’t have left anyway because my father has always respected my privacy. After Mother died, though, I just wanted to stay near him to make sure he was all right.”
    â€œHe seems all right to me,” Joe said.
    â€œFor the most part he is because he keeps very busy—but I still worry about him sometimes,” Isabel said. “He was really looking forward to your visit. He has such respect for your father.”
    â€œI think the feeling is mutual, Isabel,” Frank said.
    â€œYour parents seem to feel the same way aboutyou guys, too,” Isabel said. “I’d say we’re among the lucky few in this world.”
    Frank and Joe nodded.
    â€œWell, tell me about Frank and Joe Hardy, boy detectives,” Isabel said. “Naturally, having a policeman for a father, all of my life I’ve been around issues that require police involvement. Sometimes I even think about giving up on trying to become a movie star and instead going for a degree in criminal justice. I love adventure!”
    Frank and Joe took turns telling Isabel about some of the mysteries they had solved, not only in Bayport but all over the world.
    â€œIn fact,” Joe said, “we’re working on solving a mystery here in Lisbon.”
    Isabel’s eyes widened. “Really? What is it?”
    Joe glanced at his brother to see if Frank agreed with his decision to share Frau Rilke’s secret with Isabel. He got an almost imperceptible nod. Joe was sure that