"There's no way to know if that's true, Wendy," Nancy said. "I think there was some-
thing wrong with him—so wrong that nothing you could have done would have made any difference. He needs professional help."
Wendy was biting her lip. "Well, I still should have been more—more sensitive. These past few days have made me think about how obnoxious I've been. When I think of all the bratty things I did . . ." Her voice trailed off.
There was an awkward silence in the room. Nancy was sure everyone else was thinking the same thing she was. Wendy had gotten a lot nicer since this case had started. But if you told her that, it would be just like saying that she had been obnoxious before. How could they cheer her up without seeming rude?
Then Celia smiled. "Consider everything forgotten, Wendy," she said. "In fact, let's all just start over—and let's forget about high school this time around."
"That's the best idea I've heard all day," said Wendy.
"Well, I'm glad that case is over," Nancy said to Ned as they watched the last of her friends leave. "It's horrible to see someone you've grown up with turn into—into something like that. Poor Patrick."
"It is awful," Ned agreed. "But you did the right thing, Nan. Maybe now he'll be able to get the help he needs."
"I hope so," said Nancy.
"And now," Ned suggested, "maybe we can forget this case. We've only got two more days together before school starts for me."
"I know! I can't believe you have to go back so soon! Are you sure you don't mind spending our last evening together at Wendy's?" Wendy had asked Nancy and Ned to come out to dinner with her the night after next as a way of saying thanks. "Because I could always get out of it."
"No! It'll be fun," said Ned. "Now -that the case is over, we'll have a great time."
"We'll need a great time to tide us over." Nancy sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. "I mean, it'll be weeks before I see you again!"
"Well, we still have forty-eight hours," Ned said. He leaned forward to kiss her. "Let's make the most of them."
Nancy smiled. "That's one of the things I love about you, Ned," she said. "You always use your time wisely."
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