Free 095 An Instinct for Trouble by Carolyn Keene Page A

caller’s instructions to pay attention to Ned.
    “This is fun!” Bess exclaimed breathlessly when the first number ended.
    Nancy smiled, but her eyes were now search-
    ing for Ned. There he was, she thought, near the stage. He was looking around, too. For her? Taking a deep breath, Nancy crossed the room.
    “Hi, Ned,” she said.
    He didn’t say a word, only took her hand and led her off to the far side of the fireplace.
    They turned to face each other. Nancy could hear the music start for the next dance, but the only thing that mattered now was Ned.
    He was staring down at the floor. She was about to say something when he spoke up. “I really lost it this afternoon,” he said, his brown eyes shining. “I’m sorry. Nan. You know I didn’t mean those things I said.”
    “Of course I do,” Nancy responded. “I said things I didn’t mean, too, and I’m sorry. I really do understand the way you feel about Professor Trainey. It’s just that-“
    “It’s just that you’re too good a detective not to follow up on all the evidence you find, no matter where it leads,” he finished. “And I wouldn’t want you any different.”
    Nancy put her arms around his neck. “Oh, Ned-I’m so glad you understand.” She pulled his head down to hers, and their lips met in a kiss that lasted a long time.
    When they parted, Ned held her close and ran his fingers through her hair. “Why don’t we get our coats and go for a drive?” he said breathlessly. “It’s a beautiful night.”
    “I’d love it,” Nancy replied.
    They were walking past the alcove that held the house phones when Ned squeezed her elbow. He put his finger to his lips and pulled her back out of sight.
    “Gerry? It’s me.” Nancy recognized Profes-
    sor Trainey’s voice. She strained to make out the words.
    “Yes, I know,” she heard the professor say into the phone. “It can’t be helped. Late tomorrow night? Yes, the camp should be quiet. No junior detectives to get in our way.”

Chapter Eleven
    Nancy heard Trainey hang up and then watched him walk away.
    Ned was slumped against the wall, his eyes filled with misery. He stared at her. “You were right about the professor all along.”
    The bitterness in his voice surprised Nancy.
    Her heart ached for him. “I’m sorry, Ned,”
    she said, slipping her arms around him. “I kept hoping it wasn’t him, but-“
    “‘Junior detectives,’” Ned spat out. “And I kept telling you how much he respected and cared about his students. He thinks we’re a joke!”
    “He must be pretty desperate,” Nancy pointed out. “I don’t think he would have gotten involved if it weren’t for his money problems. And let’s face it-if he is involved, our investigation must really be getting in his way.”
    Ned’s eyes widened. “If? Of course he’s involved. You heard what he said. He’s plan-
    ning something for tomorrow night. And he was talking to Turkower!”
    Nancy remained impassive. “I’ve got to admit, that surprises me,” she began slowly.
    “After what Gerald did today to save me, I was starting to think he was okay.”
    Ned was obviously confused, and Nancy realized that she hadn’t told him about her dip into the river. She took a deep breath and told the whole story. “Gerald pulled me out,” she concluded.
    “I just can’t believe that someone I admired so much could be involved in something so awful.” Ned shook his head. “Trainey is such a hypocrite.”
    Nancy stepped back. “Look, Ned. I don’t have any real proof against the professor, just what Brad said, so let’s not jump to conclusions. What I really need to do is catch the poachers in the act, and it sounds like I might be able to do that tomorrow night.”
    Ned brightened a little. “Are you still up for that drive?” he asked. “I know I am. I’m sick of thinking about this mess.”
    “I’ll run upstairs for my jacket,” Nancy replied.
    When she came back down dressed for the outdoors she waved