Free Thanksgiving Thief by Carolyn Keene Page B

Hannah,” Nancy said hurriedly. “When a mystery calls, the Clue Crew has to drop everything.”
    â€œWell, I’ll agree with the dropping part,” said Hannah. “It looks like that’s what you did with all your clothes on the way to your closet.”
    â€œSpeaking of clothes, we’d better change first,”George suggested. “People will think the Clue Crew has become the Native American Princess Clue Crew.”
    â€œThat’s for sure,” said Bess.
    Nancy, Bess, and George said good-bye to Mary, then rushed to Nancy’s room to change out of their costumes.
    Within minutes, they were biking down the sidewalk toward River Heights Elementary School. The school was only four blocks from Nancy’s house, so the girls were allowed to travel there alone, as long as they stayed together.
    When they arrived, they left their bikes in the bike rack, locked them up, and headed for the gymnasium. All the doors were open because people were coming and going as they decorated for the upcoming festivities. The large kitchen was off to the left, between the gym and the cafeteria. That was where Nancy knew they’d find Mr. Madison.
    â€œI see Katherine and her father,” Bess said. “Katherine!” she shouted. “The Clue Crew is here to help!”
    Katherine looked up and waved.
    When the girls got closer, Nancy said, “We’re sorry about what happened. Hannah is really upset too.”
    â€œShe’s not the only one,” said Katherine. “Everyone Dad called felt the same way.”
    Mr. Madison nodded. “I think half the people in River Heights make their pumpkin pies from my puree.”
    â€œWho would do something like this?” Nancy asked.

    â€œWe think we know,” Katherine said.
    Nancy, Bess, and George looked at one another.
    â€œYou do?” said Nancy.
    â€œYes. Peter Patino,” Katherine answered.
    â€œOh no!” George said. “He’s one of the nicest boys in our class.”
    â€œThis is terrible,” said Bess.
    â€œWhat makes you think Peter is guilty?” Nancy asked.
    â€œMy dad had to fire Peter’s uncle James because he kept missing work at the pumpkin farm,” Katherine said. “Peter was really upset about it,” she added.
    â€œStill, I just can’t believe Peter would commit such a crime,” Bess said.
    â€œThe Clue Crew doesn’t convict suspects until we have the evidence,” Nancy reminded her. She looked at Mr. Madison. “Do you mind if we look around?” she asked.
    â€œBe my guest,” Mr. Madison said.
    As Nancy, Bess, and George walked aroundthe kitchen, Nancy said, “We need to make sure we don’t destroy any evidence, so watch where you step.”
    â€œWhat are we looking for?” asked George.
    â€œFootprints in the puree—probably sneakers , if Peter did do it,” Nancy replied.
    For the next several minutes they walked all around the kitchen, searching every inch of the floor in Mr. Madison’s assigned area.
    Finally, Nancy said, “Well, whoever did this must have stepped where he or she wouldn’t leave any prints.”
    â€œHey, look at this!” exclaimed Bess. She pointed to several blobs of pumpkin puree on the floor. “It looks like someone tried to make a finger painting. See these strange scratches?”

    â€œIt was probably just some little kid whosemother or father was down here helping to cook or decorate,” Nancy said. “I don’t think it’s a clue.”
    â€œWhat do we do now?” George wondered.
    â€œWe go talk to—,” Nancy started to say.
    â€œI found one!” Bess suddenly shouted.
    Nancy and George stopped. Bess was standing at a side entrance that led to an alley.
    â€œYou found a footprint?” asked Nancy.
    â€œNo, I found a brown-and-gray feather !” Bess exclaimed. “Now I have one for my headband.”
    Nancy and