Free Very Deadly Yours by Carolyn Keene

what was going on. Then we were sorry we’d asked. Are you sure you’re okay?”
    â€œI don’t think I’ve blown up yet,” Nancy assured her, smiling. “But listen, Bess. This bomb scare may actually be a blessing in disguise. With everyone on the staff outside here, it’ll be easier to see if you recognize anyone. Let’s sort of stroll around.”
    Casually the three girls began walking through the different clusters of Record staffers.
    Now that people felt safer, the atmosphere had turned festive despite the light rain. People stood around in little groups, laughing and talking as though they were at a party. “This is like being let out of school early!” Nancy heard a woman say as she walked by. “You’re right,” another woman answered. “Now I wouldn’t mind seeing the place blow up.”
    The arrival of a bomb squad, two wailing police cars, and a fire engine only seemed to heighten the excitement. “Stand back, please. Stand back, please,” the police kept saying patiently as they tried to push their way through the crowds that were trying eagerly to see what was going on.
    When several dark-suited figures had disappeared into the building—with two German shepherds panting and straining at their leashes—an expectant silence fell over the crowd. In a few minutes a man with a megaphone came out to the front door.
    â€œThe building will be closed for the rest of the day,” he announced. “Mr. Whittaker has asked me to tell you that all nonessential personnel are free to go home. The printing of the paper will take place at our annex across the street.”
    There was a murmur from the crowd. “Hmmm. I wonder if I’m essential,” joked Lucy Price, who was standing near Nancy. “I don’t think I’ll wait around to find out.”
    Already the crowd was thinning out. Nancy turned to Bess. “Any luck?” she asked.
    â€œNot yet. I keep thinking I recognize people and then realize it’s because I saw them here yesterday. I might as well keep trying until everyone’s left, though.”
    The crowd had thinned out so fast that almost everyone was gone. “I’m sorry, Nan,” Bess said at last. “I just don’t see Mr. Wrong.”
    Nancy sighed. “That would have made things too easy, I guess. Thanks for trying, though.”
    â€œHow’s Ned doing?” George asked.
    â€œOh—” Nancy poured out her story once again. “I’m just so happy he’s regained consciousness. He looks pretty bad, and the doctor’s not sure whether he’ll be able to play sports this fall. But I’m sure the worst is behind him. I wish I felt as optimistic about the case.”
    â€œI’m sure you’ll get a break soon,” Bess saidcomfortingly. “I just wish I had never answered that dumb ad. If it hadn’t been for me, none of this would have happened.
    â€œOn the other hand,” Bess said more cheerfully, “if I hadn’t answered the ad, some sicko would still be out there scaring people—only he wouldn’t have Nancy Drew on his trail. Someday, when you’ve caught him, River Heights will thank me for having been so stupid.”
    Nancy had to laugh at that.
    â€œBess said you were going to look through the files in the morgue,” said George. “Did anything turn up?”
    â€œI’m not sure. Maybe. But—I almost forgot in all this excitement—I got the most incredible phone call just before we came down! Bess, I think I may have heard from the girl you were supposed to be.”
    â€œYou’d better be careful,” Bess said soberly when Nancy had described the strange message she’d received upstairs. “What if this girl did somehow cause the Glove’s death?”
    â€œThat’s what I hope I’ll find out,” said Nancy. “I’m going to meet her