The Black Widow Read online

  As she looked over her shoulder, she spotted an assistant cruise director nameplate. She raised her gaze and found that she was being studied by a pair of intense green eyes.

  Oh, Bess, wouldn’t you just fall over, Nancy thought. The guy was golden blond, golden tan, and, at about five feet eight inches, just Bess’s size. To top it off, he had a dazzling white grin.

  Just then the ship’s horn sounded a deafening blast, and they began to sail out of the harbor. Nancy breathed in the fresh sea air and smiled to herself. This was going to be a great vacation!

  • • •

  At seven-thirty, Nancy and her father headed down to the Amethyst Deck for dinner with the captain. As they paused at the door to a small dining room, a voice behind them murmured, “You must be Nancy Drew.”

  Nancy whirled around and found herself staring into green eyes. “How—”

  “Because I’m the ACD. It’s my job to spot VIPs,” the guy said with a grin. “Randy Wolfe, at your service. Will you let me show you and your father to the captain’s table?”

  In spite of herself, Nancy was charmed. She smiled her thanks, and the three of them crossed the dining room. Nancy gulped as she saw that the ash blond girl was seated at her table.

  The blonde, Nancy soon learned, was Lynn Ashley of Savannah, Georgia. She was seated at Randy’s left, and Nancy was at his right.

  Randy leaned over to Nancy. “The epitome of the spoiled Southern belle,” he whispered, with a slight nod in Lynn’s direction. “Her aunt was taking her on this tour, but she couldn’t make it at the last minute. So now it’s my job to keep her out of the clutches of fortune hunters! What a drag!”

  Nancy grinned. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll find a way to have some fun,” she replied.

  She looked around at the others. Nina da Silva was seated on Carson Drew’s left, still a little pale but stunning in a dark red dress that set off her beautiful emerald jewelry.

  A young man named Matt Jordan sat in the chair to Nancy’s right, his wife, Melissa, next to him. The Jordans were on their honeymoon. Matt appeared to be shy. His gentle brown eyes were filled with good humor, but he’d hardly uttered a word since they sat down.

  Melissa Jordan, friendly and outgoing, talked enough for both of them. Her dark eyes snapped vivaciously as she flirted a little with all the men at the table.

  “Oh, Randy,” Lynn Ashley gushed loudly just then, “it must be just the most exciting thing to be a cruise director! Why, I declare, you must have the pick of all the ladies at every dance!” She fluttered her eyelashes.

  Nancy cringed inside. What a phony! she thought. I bet she’s as predatory as she looks.

  “Oh, it’s not all a bed of roses,” he said coolly to Lynn. “Sometimes I have to be polite when I don’t really feel like it.” Lynn nearly choked on a lettuce leaf.

  Melissa Jordan broke in. “Oh, but it must be exciting to be based in exotic South America. I’ve read so much about Rio de Janeiro, I’m just dying to see it!” She lowered her voice and almost conspiratorially said, “They say that Rio’s the place where all the big-time crooks go to spend their money and live out their lives in luxury. Do you think it’s true?” she asked Captain Brant.

  Brant looked pointedly at Nancy. “Why don’t you ask our resident expert on crime?” he suggested, his eyes twinkling.

  Nancy winced. I wish he hadn’t brought that up, she thought. But Melissa Jordan seemed not to have heard. She went on speaking. “As a matter of fact, Matt was telling me about a big emerald theft in Rio—when was it, honey?”

  “About a year ago,” Matt said, blushing a little.

  “In fact, we heard it was never solved,” Melissa continued for him. “They traced one of the crooks to a luxury cruise liner, but after that the whole thing seemed to die down. Maybe the crook is still around! I guess you should be careful of your emeralds, Mrs. da Silva.”

  Nancy looked at Nina da Silva and found her gaze being returned. It was an intense look, as if Mrs. da Silva were trying to tell her something. What’s going on? Nancy thought. She practically kicked us out of her cabin today, but if I didn’t know better, I’d say she just sent me an SOS.

  Just then a lightly accented voice interrupted the conversation. “Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself and present my compliments to the captain’s special guests. I am Antonio Ribeiro, the hotel manager. It is my responsibility to ensure that your cruise is as comfortable and carefree as our hand-picked crew can make it,” Ribeiro continued. “My staff and I are always at your disposal.”

  Tall, dark, and definitely very smooth, Nancy said to herself. She saw Ribeiro’s eyes travel around the table. When they reached Nina da Silva, his smile suddenly vanished, and he gave the widow one of the nastiest stares Nancy had ever seen.

  Then she saw Nina’s own expression. And Nancy knew that if looks could kill, Ribeiro would drop dead then and there!

  Chapter

  Three

  NANCY GLANCED AROUND the table. No, it hadn’t been her imagination—the others had noticed the exchange, too.

  After what seemed like minutes of silence, Randy leaned into Nancy. “Is it my cologne?” he asked softly, looking at her with such anxiety that she had to laugh.

  That broke the tension, and soon everyone was talking again.

  Still, there was something weird going on. Something that connected Nina da Silva with the hotel manager, Nancy knew.

  But what was it?

  Nancy was sure of only one thing: their meeting appeared to be a nasty surprise for them both.

  “Hey, don’t frown like that. Unless you really do hate my cologne, that is,” said a voice in her ear. Startled, Nancy turned and found herself staring once more into the emerald green eyes of Randy Wolfe. His mouth curved in a lazy grin, and Nancy was struck by the tan that set off his even white teeth.

  She smiled back. “Sorry. I’m off in my own world. But you can’t fool me—you’re not even wearing cologne.”

  The long trip from River Heights was beginning to take its toll on Nancy, and the rest of the meal passed in a haze for her.

  Her father was having a great time talking with Captain Brant and Nina da Silva. Actually, Captain Brant wasn’t saying much—Carson and Nina were practically ignoring him as they spoke to each other. Finally, Carson looked over at Nancy.

  “You look as tired as I feel,” he remarked. “I think the best thing for both of us would be to get some sleep.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Nancy agreed. They stood up to say their good nights. Nancy noticed Carson lean down to murmur something to Nina, which made her throw back her head and laugh, her dark eyes shining.

  Dad really likes her, Nancy realized. I hope it’s not serious, because I’m pretty sure our attractive widow has something on her mind—and it’s not romance!

  • • •

  The next morning, after a dreamless sleep, Nancy was up at seven. She wanted to catch Nina da Silva alone and see if she could get the woman to tell her anything more about the spiders. She can’t seriously believe it was just a practical joke, can she? Nancy wondered.

  When Nancy knocked at the door of Cabin 0-23, it swung open. Nina da Silva was standing inside, her back to Nancy, examining a large drawing. From where Nancy stood, she could see that the drawing was a professional blueprint—it looked like the diagram of a ship much like the Emerald Queen.

  “Good morning!” Nancy said from the doorway.

  As Nina heard Nancy’s voice, she whirled around, and for a split second Nancy saw alarm on her face. Then it was gone, and Nina was smiling a welcome.

  “Good morning, Nancy,” she said. Quickly she rolled up the blueprint and thrust it into her dresser drawer. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Like a log,” Nancy replied. Then she added casually, “Were those architects’ plans you were looking at? Are you building something?”

  “Not exactly—they’re for an office complex my husband was financing when he died. I’ve had to take over a
lot of the business he left undone. But then I’m sure you’re not interested in such things.”

  I wonder if that’s a hint to lay off, Nancy thought. Then why did I get the distinct feeling she was trying to tell me something at dinner last night?

  One thing was certain—Nina had lied about the blueprint. The shape outlined on the paper was definitely that of a ship.

  “I really came by to check up on you, to see if anything else had happened since you got that nasty gift yesterday. You still have no idea who might have sent it?” Nancy asked, concerned.

  A frown crossed Nina’s face, and she shook her head. “No, I really can’t imagine who might play such a trick, but I do wish you wouldn’t concern yourself.” She fixed Nancy with a piercing gaze and spoke very slowly. “I assure you, it’s nothing to worry about.”

  That implication was perfectly clear—back off! Nancy gave up.

  “Well, I’m off to the pool. See you later.” Nancy smiled and closed the door behind her.

  “Nancy! Were you just visiting Nina?”

  Carson Drew had emerged from his cabin, and Nancy kissed her father good morning as they walked along. Nancy also talked to him about what was on her mind.

  “To be honest, Dad, I wasn’t just visiting. I wanted to ask Mrs. da Silva some more questions about that box of spiders and about that weird exchange at dinner last night. But she wouldn’t talk to me. And she lied to me about one thing—I know that for sure. I have a feeling there’s something really fishy going on here, and I think that whatever it is, she may be involved.”

  Carson Drew frowned. “Nancy, Nina da Silva is a fine woman. Don’t you see that she’s the victim here? If anything, she needs our support, not our suspicion!”

  Nancy sighed. This was not going to be easy. “Dad, all I’m saying is that she knows a lot that she doesn’t want to tell us. And I want to know what. If someone has it in for her, wouldn’t you think she’d want to tell someone? Wouldn’t she want help?”

  “She has a right to her privacy, Nancy!” Carson Drew was getting angry now. “I respect that right. And I’m surprised that you don’t seem to. Give it a rest!”

  Nancy stared at her father, hurt. He grimaced and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry. That sounded harsh. I guess I’m on edge.”

  After a short silence Nancy said, “Sorry, Dad. I’m going for a swim now. See you at lunch.”

  They parted tensely. As Nancy stepped up from the stairway onto the Pearl Deck, where the pool was, she felt a lump rise in her throat. Was she really out of line? Would her work always drive away the people she loved?

  The sun streamed out of a cloudless sky, and the sea breeze caressed Nancy’s cheeks as she strolled aft along the deck. She leaned over the railing and gazed at the frothing wake the ship tossed out to the side.

  In spite of herself, she began to feel cheerful again—it was impossible not to on such a gorgeous day. The only thing missing right then was Ned Nickerson by her side. Nancy closed her eyes. She could almost see and hear him.

  Immediately her eyes flew open again. She did hear a man’s voice, but it was definitely not Ned’s. Somebody was speaking in a harsh whisper—Nancy strained to make out the words, but the voice was coming from around the curve of the stern, or rear, railing.

  A woman’s voice broke in, angry but tinged with fear. “What do you want from me?”

  It was Nina da Silva! Nancy was positive of that. She edged quietly along the railing, moving closer to the two people.

  The man spoke again, louder this time. Nancy listened intently, her eyes narrowed in concentration. The harsh voice had a core of coldness to it that chilled her for a second, even in the warm sunlight.

  “Don’t play games with me, Nina, You know I want the map. I know all about your double-crossing husband—and I have proof—so you’d be well advised simply to hand the map over and keep your mouth shut!”

  “You’re a fool if you think you can frighten me. I’ve learned some things—”

  “Aaa-chooo!”

  Disaster! A brisk breeze had blown Nancy’s reddish blond hair forward across her face. The silky strands had tickled her nose, and before she knew it, she had sneezed.

  The woman’s voice stopped abruptly. There was a sound of rapid footsteps moving toward Nancy. What now? I can’t bluff this one out in front of Mrs. da Silva, she realized. I’ve got to disappear!

  A row of cabins faced the railing on this deck. Although she knew it would be locked, Nancy tried the first door she came to.

  To her surprise, it opened.

  Nancy peered inside. The shades were down, and the darkened cabin seemed to be empty. She ducked inside and shut the door carefully, wincing at the almost soundless click of the latch.

  Nancy stood perfectly still, straining to catch any noise that might tell her where her unknown pursuer was. She knew she wouldn’t like to be alone in a room with him.

  Footsteps came right up to the door—and then stopped. Nancy strode back a foot, ready to launch a kick at whoever was outside the door.

  Her right foot landed on something that gave a little. Someone swore quietly in the darkness and a strong hand was clamped across Nancy’s mouth. Her arms were pinned with another arm.

  Nancy definitely wasn’t alone.

  Chapter

  Four

  NANCY COULD DO nothing. If she put up a fight, she’d attract whoever was outside the cabin. And she knew that that would be a mistake.

  After the footsteps outside retreated down the deck, Nancy drove her elbow into the ribs of the person holding her. There was a muffled groan, and then she was released.

  Nancy reached over and flicked on the light switch. As brightness flooded the cabin, a male voice said, “Some greeting! I guess it would be dumb to hope you were following me.”

  It was Randy Wolfe! Nancy stared at him in astonishment. “What are you doing here?” she exclaimed.

  Randy dropped his gaze. He seemed a little embarrassed. “I, uh, came in here to get something for Lynn Ashley—it’s her cabin,” he said.

  “In the dark?” Nancy asked.

  “Actually, I was just leaving when you came charging in. Then when you backed into me, I lost my balance—that was why I grabbed you. Which was kind of fun, until you used that kung fu elbow on me.” He grinned at her and massaged his ribs. “Now you tell me—I was pretty surprised when the door opened and you dashed in. Something wrong?”

  “No. I—I was just looking for the linen room. I forgot my towel, and I thought there might be a storeroom on this deck, so I wouldn’t have to go all the way back to my cabin,” Nancy said, improvising. Boy, Drew, that’s one of your flimsier covers, she reproved herself.

  Randy didn’t question it, though. He seemed preoccupied. “Yeah, well, I’d better get back to the pool before Lynn throws one of her Southern belle tantrums,” he mumbled. He seemed embarrassed—Nancy wondered if it was because she had discovered him fetching and carrying for Lynn.

  She cast a curious eye around the room. “So this is Lynn’s cabin, huh?” she said. A tangle of jewelry lay as if carelessly tossed on a table by the door. Something about the jewelry caught Nancy’s eye, and she picked up a strand of seed pearls to peer more closely at it.

  Suddenly she chuckled. Each of the pearls was marred by a faint seam. They were fake! So the glamorous Lynn Ashley wasn’t as rich as she wanted everyone to think!

  “What’s so funny?” Randy demanded.

  “Nothing,” she answered, still smiling. “Come on—I just realized I have my towel right here in my bag. I’ll walk with you.”

  As they walked, Randy took Nancy’s arm just above the elbow. “Have you ever danced on deck in the moonlight?” he asked. A dimple deepened in his cheek as he smiled.

  Nancy laughed. “Is that one of your duties?” she parried. “Tough life!”

  They reached the pool. It was crowded already, but Lynn was nowhere in sight. Randy leaned against the diving board. “Have you?” he persis
ted.

  “No, I haven’t. But you wouldn’t neglect your duty, would you? I’m sure all your dances are already promised to Lynn,” Nancy reminded him, grinning.

  “I’ll make sure to save a couple of slow ones for you,” Randy said softly and reached out to smooth Nancy’s hair from her face. His fingers trailed lightly over her bare shoulder, making her skin tingle. Nancy thought it was about time to change the subject.

  “So—uh—how long have you been assigned to the Emerald Queen?” She moved away casually.

  “Oh, I’m new. This is only my second cruise on the Emerald,” Randy said. “I started out working on another South American ship with the Sea Queen line, but about a year ago the company transferred me to their European branch. They needed an all-American type who could also speak Portuguese. My family lived in Rio for a while when I was a kid, so I was perfect for the job.

  “I spent last year on the Portugal-to-Morocco route. But I like this side of the world better, so I asked to be transferred back.” He spread his hands. “And here I am, meeting you. I’m telling you, fate has decreed that we get together!”

  Nancy decided to ignore that one. “Do you like the people you work with?” she asked. Casually, she added, “That guy Ribeiro, the hotel manager—he seems a little unfriendly.”

  Randy frowned. “Antonio? I don’t know him very well. He keeps to himself. But he’s pleasant enough.”

  “I could have sworn he and Mrs. da Silva recognized each other at dinner last night,” Nancy went on. “Why do you think they didn’t say hello or anything?”

  Randy only shrugged, but his frown deepened. I bet he knows something, Nancy thought. And I want to know what it is!

  She plopped herself down in a poolside lounge chair and took off her cotton cover-up. Shading her eyes with her hand, she looked up at Randy and grinned.

  He drew up another lounge and sat down, looking thoughtfully at the water.

  “Don’t look so serious!” she chided. “I’m just naturally curious. I love to come up with stories about people. Now—Ribeiro. Do you think he has a shady past? I’d definitely be inclined to cast him as a villain, wouldn’t you?”