Nancy swallowed hard to keep the tears back. “I have to find him, Bess! I have to straighten things out!”
Bess jumped up and gave her friend a quick hug. “Good luck,” she said.
Nancy managed a shaky smile. Then she hurried on down the beach, searching.
She finally found Ned about a quarter-mile from where she’d left Bess. He was sitting on the sand, gazing out at the curling breakers.
“Ned,” Nancy said softly.
At the sound of her voice a muscle worked in Ned’s square jaw, but he didn’t look at her. “I don’t want to talk to you right now,” he said.
“Please let me explain.” Nancy felt tears filling her eyes. He sounded so hurt!
“What is there to explain? It seems pretty clear to me,” Ned replied stonily. “The only thing I don’t understand is why you invited me out here in the first place.”
“Because I wanted to be with you. I love you, Ned!” Nancy knelt swiftly and touched his cheek. “What I told you last night is true. Nothing’s happened between Sasha and me. True, we have spent a lot of time together, and I have to admit I’m attracted to him. I should have told you this before, but I just didn’t know how to say it. I’m sorry—I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Ned looked at her for the first time. “What is it about him?” he asked in a raw voice. “What makes Sasha so great?”
Nancy shook her head ruefully. “I don’t know if he’s so great. Maybe it’s just that he’s different. I wish I could explain, but I really don’t understand it myself. I’m confused, Ned.”
“Confused? You’re confused? That makes two of us,” he said with a bitter laugh.
Nancy took a deep breath, then asked the question that had been burning in her heart. She dreaded what his answer might be, but still she had to know.
“So what happens now?” she said. “Do you want to break up with me?”
Ned was silent for a long moment. Then he shook his head. “I can’t help being in love with you,” he said simply. “No matter what. So I guess I’ll just have to convince you that I’m the right guy for you.”
“What?” Nancy didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “What do you mean?”
Ned shrugged, a strange, determined gleam in his eye. “What we have is special, Nancy. It’s more than ‘different.’ And I’m not going to lose you to some summer flirtation, just because you can’t see that as clearly as I can.”
He stood up. “Come on, let’s go back to Bess. She’s probably wondering where we are.”
Nancy gazed at his profile as they walked along the damp sand. She didn’t quite understand what had just happened. Was Ned going to forgive and forget, just like that? She tentatively reached out and took his hand.
He didn’t squeeze it warmly, the way he usually did, but he didn’t reject it, either. It was going to take time, Nancy realized. But if she kept trying, maybe she could win his trust again.
Tommy, Jeff, and Emily had joined Bess on her beach blanket. “Hey, I’m working the afternoon shift. Do you two want to come water-skiing?” Tommy called as Nancy and Ned walked up.
“Definitely,” Ned agreed.
Bess looked anxiously at Nancy. “Is everything okay?” she mouthed. Nancy shrugged. She couldn’t tell—maybe it was, with Ned. But there was still Sasha to deal with.
“Nancy, the police called. They found the Swallow’s dinghy this morning,” Emily said. “It washed ashore near Smithson’s shed. No fingerprints, of course. They’re still complaining that they have no solid leads.”
Nancy frowned, her mind back on the case. “Did you tell them about the footprint?” she asked.
“First thing when I got home yesterday,” Emily told her. “They checked it out and called back, saying it could have been made anytime, and that even if it is the kidnapper’s print, millions of men have size-ten deck shoes. At least they found out what size it was,” she added. “Maybe that’ll help us.”
Tommy stood up, brushing sand from the seat of his multicolored trunks. “Let’s head over to the bay,” he suggested. “My shift starts soon.”
Nancy helped Bess fold up the blanket and they went out to the street, where Tommy and Jeffs jeep was parked. As they walked, Nancy dropped slightly behind the group. She beckoned to Emily and Tommy.
“What’s up?” Tommy asked, falling into step beside Nancy. Emily walked on her other side.
“I need your advice,” Nancy told him. “You probably know more about Seth Cooper than I do.” She described how Seth had lied about where he was on Friday night. “I know he didn’t go to the movies,” she finished. “The question is, what was he doing? Is he our kidnapper?”
Tommy looked troubled. “Now that you mention it, I wonder if he could be. I stopped by his boat, Twice Shy, early Saturday morning—around seven. I wanted to tell him the regatta had been postponed, but he wasn’t there. I was surprised, but I didn’t really think about it.”
Nancy lifted her eyebrows. So Seth was unaccounted for during the entire period of time when the kidnapper must have been grabbing Emily and stowing her in Smithson’s shed. “He’s looking likelier,” she said.
“But why, Nancy?” Emily broke in. “He has no motive. I just can’t believe winning a race could mean that much to someone.”
“Maybe there’s some other reason we don’t know about yet,” Nancy theorized. “Or maybe he’s a little crazy. All I know is, he had both ability and opportunity. I’ve got to check him out.”
They reached the jeep, and all six of them piled in. Jeff squeezed behind the wheel, and they were off.
“Hey—isn’t that Sasha?” Tommy exclaimed as they passed a walking figure. “What’s he doing in this neighborhood? He must have gone by your house looking for you, Nancy. Pull over, Jeff. Hey, Sasha, want to come water-skiing?”
Mortified, Nancy put out her hand to stop him, but it was too late. Sasha jogged over to the jeep. He looked cheerful and unconcerned, as if nothing had happened between him and Nancy just a short while ago.
“Is there room?” he asked.
“Sure,” Ned put in heartily. Nancy stared at him in shock as he opened the door. “Hi, I’m Ned Nickerson. Squeeze in—we can fit one more.”
Nancy was flabbergasted. Even the unflappable Sasha looked momentarily taken aback, but then he shrugged and climbed in. “I suppose these shorts will do as trunks” was all he said.
What’s going on? Nancy wondered as the jeep started moving again. She gave Ned a hard look, but he just smiled blandly at her.
Soon they arrived at the ski-rental shop where Tommy worked. He worked there every summer, and his boss let him use the boats and equipment for free every now and then.
“Who wants to go first?” Tommy asked. “Ned, you’re the stranger in town—why don’t you?”
“Thanks. I will,” Ned replied. “I see you’ve got two towropes. I can share the skis, if anyone else knows how to single-ski. Sasha, want to try your luck with me?”
Nancy and Bess exchanged horrified glances. What was Ned up to?
“Why not?” Sasha agreed. He smiled slowly at Ned. “Maybe I can show you a few new tricks.”
“But Sasha’s just a beginner!” Bess whispered to Nancy. “What does he think he’s doing?”
“Hey, it sounds like fun. Can I try after Sasha?” Emily put in. Her eyes were sparkling with eagerness.
Nancy stepped forward quickly. “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” she said. “It sounds dangerous.”
“Oh, don’t be a stick-in-the-mud,” Emily teased. “What could happen?”
“I guess it’s fine, as long as you both know what you’re doing,” Tommy said.
So Nancy was overruled, and Ned and Sasha went out together. Bess and Nancy elected to stay ashore with Emily and Jeff.
“I can’t believe Ned is doing this. And I can’t believe Sasha is going along with it!” Nancy exclaimed to Bess when they were alone. Emily and Jeff were sitting by themselves, talking quietly. Nancy
looked out at the skiers. They were crossing each other’s wakes, skipping over the waves and making sharp, dangerous turns.
Bess sat down on the sun-warmed dock. “Ned is being awfully competitive, isn’t he?” she said. “I never knew he was like that.”
“He’s not, usually,” Nancy replied. “I think he’s trying to prove something. But this is stupid.”
Both Ned and Sasha were excellent athletes in different ways. Sasha’s skiing was smooth and graceful, with a fluid style that made it look effortless. Ned moved with raw power, cutting through the waves as though they didn’t exist.
Then, as the girls watched, Tommy swung into a sharp curve. Sasha seemed to be trying to keep his balance. One hand flew up in the air. Then he toppled over, still holding the towrope.
“He’s down,” Bess said. “Why doesn’t he let go of the rope?”
Nancy leapt up, her heart hammering. “He can’t!” she cried. “His hand must be caught! Oh, doesn’t Tommy see what’s happening?”
But the boat kept going at top speed. And behind it, Sasha was being dragged through the waves headfirst. If he didn’t break free, he’d drown!
Chapter
Twelve
FRANTIC, NANCY WAVED HER ARMS over her head to signal Tommy. “Stop the boat!” she screamed.
Bess clutched Nancy’s arm. “Look!” she cried. “Ned saw what happened. He’s going to save him.”
Nancy felt her breath catch in her throat. Ned was cutting right across the wake of the powerboat, his ski slicing through the water. In an instant he was at Sasha’s side. The boat still surged through the water at full speed as Ned reached down and grabbed the taut tow-rope.
“Oh, I can’t watch,” Bess said, turning away. “They’re both going to be killed!”
But she was wrong. Ned must have managed to untangle Sasha’s rope, because suddenly the line went slack. Then Ned let go of his own towrope and sank down into the water. Nancy could see that he was holding Sasha’s head above the waves with one hand and treading water with the other.
Tommy had apparently realized something was wrong. The powerboat slowed, then cut back to the two bobbing heads in a tight arc. Tommy cut the engine and leaned over the side to haul Ned and Sasha into the boat. They were safe!
Nancy sagged against Bess, limp with relief. “It’s okay,” she told her friend. “They’re all right.”
Tommy brought the boat back to the dock immediately. He looked pale and shaken as he climbed out of the pilot’s seat. Bess ran to his side and hugged him. “I should have seen what was happening,” he kept saying. “I should have seen.”
Ned and Jeff helped Sasha onto the dock. Then Ned turned to Tommy. “It’s not your fault,” he said. “The whole thing happened in less than a minute. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“Ned,” Sasha began, then stopped short as a fit of coughing overtook him. He leaned against a post. When it was over he tried again.
“You saved my life,” he said hoarsely. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t save your life,” Ned said, sounding almost angry. “Even if I hadn’t seen you fall, Tommy would’ve figured it out any second.”
Sasha gazed at him for a moment. “Nevertheless, I thank you,” he said at last.
Ned scowled. “For what it’s worth, you’re welcome.” He turned away and reached for a towel.
Everyone was silent and subdued on the ride home. They dropped Sasha off at his house first, and Emily and Jeff helped him inside. Then they drove to Eloise Drew’s house.
“I’m having dinner with the Grays,” Bess said, looking apologetically at Nancy. “Are you going to be okay without me?” she whispered.
“I’ll be fine. Have fun,” Nancy told her, squeezing her arm. “See you later.”
As soon as they got inside, Ned headed for the stairs. “I’m going to take a shower,” he called over his shoulder. “And then I might take a nap. I’m beat.”
“Ned, are you all right?” Nancy asked.
He didn’t stop. “I’m fine,” he said curtly. “Just tired. See you in a bit.”
Nancy sat down on the cream-colored sofa and gazed thoughtfully at the empty fireplace. One thing was obvious: whatever was happening with her and Ned and Sasha wasn’t over yet.
• • •
George came in at about six, looking radiant. “Gary took the afternoon off, and we walked on the beach and talked,” she said. “Oh, Nancy, he’s so wonderful! I’ve never met anyone like him.”
Nancy smiled at her friend’s happiness.
“Hey, where is everyone?” George asked.
“I’m here,” came a new voice, and Eloise Drew swept in with an armful of packages. “But only for a second. Seth and I have a reservation at Le Jardin in Southampton. I bought a new dress, and I’ve got to change.” She gave a girlish giggle.
Nancy and George looked at each other as Eloise hurried up the stairs. “A new dress?” George echoed. “This sounds serious.”
“It also sounds like my chance to search Seth’s boat,” Nancy said, thinking aloud.
George made a face. “And that sounds risky. For more than one reason.”
“I have to do it. He’s a suspect,” Nancy said. “I just hope Aunt Eloise doesn’t find out.”
Ned came downstairs rubbing his eyes. He looked a bit more cheerful, Nancy was glad to see.
“Good morning, Mr. Nickerson,” George said with a laugh. “Did you sleep well?”
Ned grinned. “Like a baby.”
Nancy told him her plan to search Seth’s boat. “Do you want to come along?” she asked diffidently. She wasn’t sure he would.
“I’m there,” he answered immediately, much to her relief. “I can keep an eye out in case he comes back early.”
“Great! Now all we have to do is wait until dark,” Nancy said.
Time flew by while they cooked and ate dinner. They finished cleaning up just before nine, and Nancy and Ned went up to change into dark clothing. George had decided to stay at home.
“I feel stupid in all this black,” Ned complained as they walked to the car. “It’s summer, and we’re at the beach! Everyone who sees us is going to think we’re burglars.”
“We are, in a way,” Nancy reminded him. “And anyway, the whole idea of dressing like this is so people won’t see us.”
“Yeah, I guess so,” Ned agreed.
A thick fog was creeping in from the bay, Nancy noted with satisfaction. The weather would give them good cover.
They parked near the marina and then crept through the parking lot. Ms. Hanks was still in her office. Nancy could see her through the window, sitting at her desk.
There were two or three people puttering around at their boats. Nancy and Ned waited in the shadows next to the equipment storage shed until they had all gone. Then they hurried down the dock to Seth’s boat, the Twice Shy.
“I’m going in. Wait by that post over there, okay?” Nancy told Ned in a low voice. “Do you think you’ll recognize Seth if you see him?”
Ned nodded. “If I see him, I’ll whistle,” he promised.
“Good.” Nancy would have kissed him, but she still felt unsure of how he would react. So instead she just smiled at him. Then she climbed into the cockpit of the Twice Shy.
It was a slightly bigger boat than the Swallow, but with the same clean lines and long, sharp prow. Seth had obviously bought it with the intention of racing it. Nancy looked around admiringly. He certainly kept it spotlessly clean.
The fog was getting thicker by the minute. As Nancy reached for the hatch to the cabin, a horn hooted a mournful five-second blast.
The hatch was locked, but Nancy had brought a stiff piece of wire with her. In a jiffy she picked the lock and stepped inside the cabin.
A fair amount of light came in from a lamp mounted on a post right outside the Twice Shy’s slip. Nancy could see that the cabin was as neat as the cockpit. Seth’s bunk was made up army-style, his shoes lined up in rows by the foot.
Pulling out the napkin with the muddy print, Nancy knelt by a pair of deck shoes. She picked one up and held it to the print.
It matched exactly!
Nancy’s heart sank. Seth seemed nice enough, but he was looking guiltier and guiltier. How would her aunt take it if he turned out to be the kidnapper?
She pushed the worry aside and tucked the shoe inside her dark blue windbreaker. It was material evidence. She had what she’d come for.
While I’m here, I might as well look for more clues, she thought. Outside, the foghorn hooted again. Nancy scanned the cabin.
A small built-in desk by the galley looked promising. It had two drawers, one with a lock.
The unlocked drawer proved to hold nothing but some stationery and a few stray pens. Nancy closed it and turned to the other.
It took but a moment’s work to pick the lock, and the minute she opened the drawer, Nancy’s eyes widened.
On top of a stack of papers lay a framed photo. Nancy pulled out her penlight and clicked it on so that she could see the details clearly.
The photo looked recent. It showed a smiling, tanned Seth Cooper aboard the Twice Shy. He had his arm around a beautiful red-haired woman. And the wedding ring on his finger showed up clearly against her silk-clad shoulder.
Seth Cooper was a married man!
“That rat!” Nancy fumed. She slammed the photo down on the desktop. “I’ll bet a million dollars he never told Aunt Eloise about his wife!”
Poor Eloise. She was dating a two-timer who was quite possibly a kidnapper as well.
Nancy looked back in the drawer. There was a pile of typewritten pages that looked as if they had been shoved in there in haste. It was the only untidy thing Nancy had seen on the boat so far.
The foghorn let out another long blast. Pulling the sheaf of pages out, Nancy squinted at the tiny type. It looked like a legal document of some kind. Hmm, she thought. This could be worthwhile.
A cool breeze tickled the back of her neck. Suddenly alert, Nancy froze.
Even so, the deep, booming voice caught her by surprise. “Nancy Drew! What are you doing snooping around my cabin?”
Deep Secrets Page 7