Dance Till You Die Page 8

  “I want to keep it as quiet as possible that Bess will be there,” Nancy replied. “It doesn’t hurt to take precautions.” They arrived at the spot where the car was parked.

  “What’s that?” George exclaimed, pointing at Nancy’s car.

  Nancy looked at where George was pointing, and gasped. Someone had smashed a large granite rock down onto the hood of the car, denting it badly.

  A piece of paper was fluttering underneath the rock. Nancy pulled out the paper and read it. “It’s a note,” she said, reading it out loud. “ ‘Stay away from the Razor’s Edge tonight—or you’ll be the next to die!’ ”

  Chapter

  Twelve

  WHO COULD HAVE left this note?” George wondered aloud. “They’re threatening to kill you, Nancy.”

  “The person who left this note is probably the same one who murdered Etienne,” Nancy replied. “And who helped kidnap Bess.” One thing the note proved to Nancy—Gaetan couldn’t be the guilty party.

  “I’m going to call B.D. about this note right away,” she said. “Let’s get this stupid rock off my car.

  Together, Nancy and George lifted the rock off the hood of the car and heaved it onto the sidewalk. Nancy surveyed the damage—the hood was dented and scratched, but the car was still driveable. “The fact that whoever left this note used a granite rock reminds me of our friend at the granite quarry, Tom Kragen,” Nancy said, remembering the suspicious rockslide and Tom’s veiled threat to her earlier in the day. “Maybe he’s warning me to stay off the case.”

  On the way home, Nancy and George stopped by the River Heights police station to show the note to B. D. Hawkins. The police detective was as puzzled by the note as Nancy was. “This certainly indicates that we have another active suspect on our hands—a potentially dangerous one,” he declared.

  Nancy described her suspicions regarding Tom Kragen, including her run-in with him earlier that day. She also described Lucas’s odd behavior the day before.

  B.D. rolled his eyes when Nancy described the doorman. “Are you talking about Lucas Diego, who works over at the Edge? Big guy, with a curly black beard?” Nancy nodded. “We’ve had dealings with him before.” B.D. spun around in his swivel desk-seat to face a computer monitor and keyboard. He punched in Lucas’s name. “See? This guy’s a really bad dude. He’s got a rap sheet a mile long.”

  Peering over the detective’s shoulder at the monitor, Nancy and George saw a list of arrests and convictions under Lucas’s name. “He once served a sentence for assault with a deadly weapon,” George whispered to Nancy.

  B.D. was reading from the police file. “It says here he used to be an ambulance driver, if you can believe it. But he got busted for pilfering medical supplies.”

  “Medical supplies,” Nancy echoed. Her eyes widened. “Like ether?”

  B.D. snapped his fingers. “Yes! Lucas might have a supply of that kind of stuff on hand.” He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a bulky file. “I want to show you something else,” B.D. said. He handed her a dog-eared leather day planner. “This was Etienne’s daily schedule book,” the detective explained. “We found it in the glove compartment of his car.”

  Nancy scanned the book, which was crammed with notations about Etienne’s daily activities. “Look at the section for today—October Thirty-first,” B.D. directed her.

  Nancy turned the pages until she reached October 31. The section was empty except for a cryptic notation: E 2h.

  “What do you make of that?” he asked.

  Nancy thought for a moment. “ ‘E’ is the in crowd’s nickname for the Edge,” she said. “And Etienne’s French, so ‘2h’ probably refers to two A.M.”

  “So he was planning to meet someone at the Edge at two A.M.,” George commented.

  Nancy stared at the notation in Etienne’s day planner. “I’m sure this meeting was something significant,” she said. “The club is closed before two A.M., so Etienne might have been up to something when he planned the appointment for that time. I’d like to wait at the club tonight after it closes to see if anyone turns up at two.”

  B.D. looked uncertain. “That’s definitely unorthodox,” he said, starting to object. Then he shrugged. “As long as you’re admitted to the club while it’s open, it can’t be called breaking and entering. Just keep your head down and don’t give yourself away if anything develops. I’ll order extra patrol cars to keep an eye on the place, as well.”

  “What about Gaetan,” Nancy said, handing back the day planner. “Are you changing your mind about him as a suspect in the murder and the kidnapping?”

  “We never had any evidence on him with regard to the abduction,” B.D. replied. “And so far all we have is circumstantial evidence in Etienne’s murder—the threat that Gaetan left on the answering machine, plus the fact that Etienne owed him money. We can’t hold him much longer without solid evidence.”

  Nancy thanked the detective. Then she stood up and glanced at her watch. “We’d better get home and change into our costumes, George,” she said. “This is one Halloween party I definitely don’t want to miss!”

  • • •

  By eight o’clock Nancy, George, and Bess were standing in line in front of the Razor’s Edge. Nancy shifted her weight from one foot to the other, trying to get used to the unfamiliar feel of roller skates. She’d packed an extra pair of shoes in case she got tired of skating. George was practicing rope tricks with her lasso.

  “Bess, your outfit is a smash,” Nancy said, taking note of several admiring glances from guys who were standing nearby. “Too bad you couldn’t wear it yourself.”

  “There’s always next year,” Bess said. “But, anyway, I don’t mind being a woman of mystery in this ninja outfit of yours.”

  It was time to go in. Lucas was not at his post, Nancy noted. Some other doorman was taking his place.

  Soon the Halloween bash was in full swing. It was fun to stand around, taking in everyone’s costumes. Nancy couldn’t decide which was her favorite—each costume seemed more appealing than the next. She waved to a couple that she knew who were wearing his-and-her Tarzan and Jane outfits.

  A new DJ had taken Etienne’s place, Nancy observed. He played a slightly different mix of music—less appealing than Etienne’s, but very danceable. A big crowd was already hitting the floor.

  Nancy spotted Tom Kragen. He and a male friend were dressed as samurai warriors. Nancy kept an eye on Tom as the evening progressed. He obviously recognized Bess despite her costume, because he kept glancing in her direction. He did not try to engage her in conversation, though.

  As she was heading to the ladies’ room at one point, Nancy felt a hand tap her shoulder. She turned and saw someone wearing a Cleopatra costume with a glittering gold half-mask. “Nancy?” a girl’s voice said hesitantly.

  Nancy recognized the voice. It was Charity Freeborn. In the regal Egyptian queen’s costume, Charity’s looks were utterly transformed. She was glamorous. “Hi, Charity,” Nancy said, greeting her.

  Charity checked around her hesitantly. “I need to talk with you. Let’s go where we won’t be overheard.” She led Nancy to a spot just outside Lonnie’s office door. “I wanted to know what you’d heard about Gaetan’s case,” she said anxiously.

  “The detective in charge said they may have to drop the charges unless they gather more evidence,” Nancy explained.

  Charity let out a huge sigh of relief. “Thank goodness,” she said. “I’ve been so worried.”

  “Charity, have you given any more thought to going home?” Nancy asked gently. “It would be good to have your family’s support at a time like this.”

  “I’ve talked to them on the phone,” Charity said softly. “I may go see them soon.”

  “Good,” Nancy replied. “I know they miss you.”

  “Thanks, Nancy. I’d better get going. I just stopped by to see who was making this scene tonight, but I’m glad I got a chance to talk with you.” She turned and melted back into the
crowd in the front lobby.

  Nancy continued on to the ladies’ room, where she changed her shoes. Glad to be on solid footing again, she decided to look for Lonnie, to talk to him about the case and about his doorman. Nancy stepped inside Lonnie’s office and did a quick check of the place. Lonnie wasn’t there. Nancy was about to leave when her eye fell on a bright pink notice that was lying partially hidden under a book on his desk. The paper said: OFFICIAL NOTICE—TERMS OF FORECLOSURE. It was from a local bank, informing Lonnie that he had thirty days to pay an outstanding debt, or the club would be seized.

  Nancy froze, astonished. How could this be? she wondered. Lonnie had lied about the club being in good financial health, when it was clear the opposite was true! Nancy resolved to confront him with her new discovery.

  Nancy asked the girl at the coat check where she might find Lonnie. The girl shrugged and pointed to the door that led to the dressing room and utility areas. Nancy went through the door and down the hallway, listening for the club owner.

  Pausing outside the water tank room, which was beside the dressing room she’d been in the day before, Nancy heard a loud, ominous hissing noise coming from inside. She opened the door to see a tangled web of pipes running out from an old, rusty tank. A low, metallic gurgling was emanating from one of the pipes. Nancy stood uncertainly for a moment, wondering whether she should call a maintenance person. At that moment the pipe burst its seam. The rupture released a deadly spray of boiling steam directly toward Nancy’s face!

  Chapter

  Thirteen

  NANCY DOVE to the ground to avoid being hit by the blast of scalding white steam that the pipe had spewed forth. She lay there a moment, shaking, while the boiling vapors shot directly over her head. The room was rumbling and clanging with the sound of machinery under stress.

  Lonnie Cavello rushed into the room. “What are you doing in here?” he sputtered. “This is not a safe area.”

  “You’re telling me,” Nancy said, climbing to her feet. The spray of steam had stopped, for the moment. “I was looking for you when I heard some kind of mechanical clatter in here. That pipe blew out some steam that almost scalded me to death.”

  Lonnie managed to compose himself, but he still seemed upset. “Are you all right?” he finally said. Nancy nodded.

  After grabbing a thick rag from a hook, Lonnie used it to twist shut a valve on the water tank. “This’ll shut off the flow to that broken pipe,” he explained. “Why were you looking for me?”

  “When we were discussing the finances of the Razor’s Edge a while back, you neglected to mention that the club is in foreclosure,” Nancy said, watching his reaction.

  Lonnie waved at her dismissively. “I didn’t consider that any of your business,” he answered stiffly. He wheeled around to face her. “Look, Nancy. I think your amateur investigation has gone far enough. The police have their suspect in Etienne’s murder, and probably Bess’s kidnapping as well. Why don’t you leave it alone?”

  Nancy was surprised by the vehemence in Lonnie’s tone. “Because we don’t know the whole story yet,” she said flatly.

  “Some things are better left unknown,” Lonnie said, giving the valve a final twist. “Let the police handle it. And now I’d appreciate it if you’d leave this area. As you can see, it’s not safe.”

  Nancy returned to the dance floor, her thoughts churning over her encounter with Lonnie. Not only had he lied to her, but he told her to drop the case! Nancy wondered if he might be covering for Lucas in some way—or perhaps he had something of his own to hide.

  A break in the music just then gave everyone a chance to mill around and talk.

  Nancy’s attention was directed to a commotion going on in one corner of the room, near the exit door where Bess had disappeared. Coming closer, she saw Bess and George engaged in a heated discussion with Tom Kragen and his friend. Bess had removed her mask, and her blue eyes were glittering with anger.

  “How dare you say that about me, Tom Kragen!” Nancy heard her say.

  Nancy pushed her way between Bess and George and the two guys. “What’s going on here?” she demanded.

  “A friend of mine told me that Tom is still spreading that story that he and I are going out,” Bess fumed. “And I want him to stop!”

  Tom seemed abashed. “I guess it was a little white lie,” he admitted.

  “That’s a cop-out, Tom, and you know it,” Bess retorted. “Lies aren’t so little when they affect somebody else.”

  Tom took a step back. “Sorry, Bess,” he mumbled. “I won’t do it again.” He and his friend turned and retreated toward the front exit.

  “What a jerk,” George said after Tom had left.

  “I’m going to follow him and see where he goes,” Nancy said, turning to head for the exit. “Keep an eye on things at the club for me until I get back.”

  As Nancy dashed out the front door of the club, she spotted Tom and his friend climbing into a shiny new four-wheel-drive truck, which was parked in a small lot across the street. She hurried to her own car, which was parked at the curb. Nancy pulled out just in time to see Tom turning left onto the main drag.

  Tom’s truck was several car lengths ahead of Nancy’s car as he maneuvered through traffic. At one intersection, he sped through a light just as it turned red. Nancy was blocked by the cars that were stopped ahead of her.

  Nancy muttered to herself. She considered continuing her pursuit of Tom, then decided against it. She was beginning to worry about having left Bess and George back at the club. She turned around and drove back to the Edge.

  It was almost midnight, and the Halloween party was beginning to wind down. Nancy found Bess and George near the DJ’s booth, talking to a couple of cute guys. She tapped Bess on the shoulder.

  “I really hate to drag you away, but we need to talk,” Nancy said. “Let’s go to the dressing room.”

  After making sure they weren’t being observed, Nancy led them through the lobby and down the tiled hallway to the dressing room. “What was Tom up to after he left?” Bess wanted to know.

  Nancy shrugged. “I lost him in traffic, unfortunately. But if he’s our man, I have a hunch he’ll be back tonight at two A.M. But right now, frankly, I’m more suspicious of Lucas and Lonnie.”

  “Lonnie? And Lucas the doorman?” George gasped. “What would be their angle on the kidnapping, and Etienne’s death?”

  “That’s what I’m hoping to find out tonight,” Nancy replied.

  “What should we do right now?” Bess asked.

  “We need to hide out in the club somewhere until it closes,” Nancy said. “Etienne had a notation in his day planner that he was going to meet someone here at two A.M. I want to see who keeps that appointment.”

  “What if no one shows?” George asked.

  “I’m betting that someone will,” Nancy replied.

  “This would be a good place to hide,” Bess said. “I don’t think anyone ever comes in here.”

  “Good idea,” Nancy said. The girls tucked themselves into various corners of the room, clicked off the light, and waited for two A.M. to roll around.

  • • •

  “I think I have to go to the bathroom,” Bess whispered plaintively. Pressing the light on her wristwatch, Nancy saw that it was one-twenty A.M.

  “Great timing, Bess,” George groaned.

  The three friends had been hiding in the dressing room for almost two hours. Nancy’s neck was beginning to get stiff and sore, and she longed to stretch her limbs. “Just a little while longer, Bess,” she whispered. “If no one shows up, we’ll get out.”

  The minutes felt as if they were stretching into hours. Nancy checked her watch again—it was two A.M. There wasn’t a hint of a sound or movement anywhere.

  A few more long, tense minutes passed. Just as Nancy began to think that her hunch was wrong, they heard the sharp clang of metal crunching metal. The sound was coming from the room next door.

  Running her hands along the connecting
wall, Nancy groped around for the latched access window she’d seen earlier. She slid back the latch and opened the window a tiny crack.

  Light flowed through the crack from the brightly lit room next door. Peering through the window, Nancy could see Lonnie Cavello and Lucas the doorman. The two men were fiddling with a valve on the water tank.

  “Are you sure this is going to work, Lonnie?” Lucas was asking the club owner.

  Lonnie shook his head impatiently. “Of course it’s going to work,” he said, holding a wrench on the valve. “I’ve managed to damage the water tank’s safety valve in a way that will look totally accidental. When enough pressure builds up in the tank later tonight, this place will blow like the Fourth of July.”

  “And then you’ll split the insurance money with me, right?” Lucas looked anxious.

  “Of course, of course.” Lonnie waved an impatient hand at the doorman. “With Etienne out of the picture, there’ll be plenty left to split.”

  Nancy sat back, her heart thumping like mad. She tried to digest what she’d just overheard. The conversation between the two men made it perfectly clear—Lonnie and Lucas were getting ready to blow up the Razor’s Edge for the insurance money!

  Chapter

  Fourteen

  GEORGE AND BESS huddled around Nancy’s shoulders, trying to figure out what was happening. “This sounds bad,” George whispered. “Can they possibly blow up the club like they say?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid so,” Nancy replied.

  “Oh, Nancy!” Bess’s blue eyes went round with fear. “What’ll we do?”

  Nancy was thinking fast. “While they’re busy working in the pump room, I think you two should get out of the club and contact the police. B.D. told me he’d keep extra patrol cars in the vicinity. I’ll stay here and try to figure out what to do about Lonnie and Lucas.”