Free Sabotage At Willow Woods by Carolyn Keene Page B

lightbulb. “That gives me an amazing idea!” She stood, throwing her arms out to either side. “What if we throw a joint fund-raiser for the campaign and for the football team? We could split the profits fifty-fifty and have some football players come make speeches in support of Carrie. You know they would, Car. This could totally save your campaign!”
    I had to admit, it sounded like a great idea. But when I looked over at Carrie, she still looked hesitant.
    “I . . . it’s a good idea, Julia,” she said, looking down at the table and sighing before she turned back to us and went on. “But how am I going to pay for it? I’m going to have to borrow money. And then what if it doesn’t work? Not only is my campaign over, but I’m in debt.”
    Julia moved in closer. “Come on, Carrie. It’s a gamble, I know. . . .”
    “But it’s a good gamble,” Bess put in. She moved closer, nodding her head. “Trust us, Carrie—this is a safe bet. It’s a really good idea. If all goes as planned, it could not only save your campaign but get you elected—and isn’t that the most important goal?”
    Carrie still didn’t look convinced. But I could see from her thoughtful expression that she was beginning to consider it. “I guess I could ask my dad for a loan. Short-term, to be paid back as soon as the fund-raiser is over,” she murmured, then shook her head and pushed her pizza away. She looked at George. “Cuz, what do you think? You have a good head on your shoulders, and I feel like I’m not in my right mind right now. Is this a good idea, or is it just going to make things worse?”
    George looked from Julia’s and Bess’s expectant faces to Carrie’s thoughtful one. Then she smiled.
    “It is a good idea,” she said. “Athletes love you, and why shouldn’t they? I really think it could save your campaign, Carrie.”
    Carrie broke into a wide, bright smile. I couldn’t help but smile too.
    “It’s official, then?” Julia asked, pulling her smartphone out of her pocket. “I can start making calls?”
    Carrie nodded and stood. “And I should call my dad now. But yes, ladies: It’s on !”
    We all whooped and cheered, and Julia got right on her computer, searching out the best venue and athletes to contact and caterer to serve.
    After the excitement died down, I returned to my job sticking mailing labels on flyers and putting them in a bin to mail. The thrill of a few moments earlier had passed, replaced by a restless, itchy concern. Carrie was borrowing money to throw this fund-raiser, and the last fund-raiser hadn’t exactly gone according to plan. We still hadn’t caught whoever was behind all the harassment.
    I sure hope this works, I thought.

CHAPTER NINE

Unexpected Guests
    “WELL, WELL, WELL.” MY BOYFRIEND, ned, stood on our stoop, holding a red rose corsage and with a big smile on his face. He looked so handsome in his gray flannel suit with a tie to match my red shift dress. I grinned at him, leaning in to accept the corsage and a kiss on the cheek. “You do clean up well,” he added, smiling even bigger.
    “You prefer this to my usual polo shirt and khakis?” I asked, spinning in a quick circle. I did feel pretty that night; Hannah had helped me arrange my wild red hair into a complicated French-braid updo. And I waswearing a ruby pendant my dad had loaned me, which had belonged to my mom.
    “I don’t prefer either,” Ned said, holding out his arm. “It’s just nice to see you. I’ve been so crazed studying for midterms this week, I’ve barely had a chance to turn on Skype.”
    I couldn’t say I hadn’t noticed. Ned was a student at River Heights University, and I was used to him disappearing into little study hazes whenever midterms or finals were coming around. He was always so sweet and attentive when we were together, though—seriously, the sweetest guy ever—I didn’t mind.
    “It’s nice to see you, too,” I said now, touching his cheek.
    “Ahem.” My