Nancy Clue Mysteries 3 - A Ghost in the Closet

by Mabel Maney

  "Good thing!" Frank whistled in relief. Shantung silk was almost impossible to get clean-lipstick especially stained it so!

  "Now take a deep breath and start from the beginning," he urged. He had never seen his friend in such distress! When Frank had opened the door in the middle of the night to his pajama-clad chum, Nancy had gasped out an astonishing story about having murdered her father, traveled to faraway San Francisco and brought home "the nicest nurse you'll ever want to meet" before flinging off her trenchcoat, collapsing in a heap on the davenport and falling into a fretful sleep. Now it was early morning and the boys were sitting in the sunny, modern Hardly kitchen, wearing lightweight plaid cotton robes thrown over striped pajamas and consuming fresh biscuits and warm beverages while trying to make sense of the dramatic events that had befallen Nancy while they were abroad.

  "It all started one day last month when I shot Father to death in the kitchen," Nancy began.

  Joe gasped in alarm and dropped his buttered biscuit, which tumbled under the table. He dove to get it, bumping his head in the process. He grimaced and rubbed the sore spot. "You shot your father?" he yelped. "Golly!"

  Frank gave his younger brother a glare which cautioned him against further exciting their already perturbed chum.

  Nancy told them of the horrific circumstances that had compelled her to take up arms against her father, sparing no details. "When I was a child-he forced me to do things-in my bedroom-late at night," she explained in a whisper.

  "And when I finally told Hannah of his terrible misdeeds, she threatened to hand Father over to the proper authorities. That's when he attacked her! So I ran to the den, picked up his rifle, raced back to the kitchen and shot him."

  "Oh," Joe gulped. He reached for a fresh hankie. "That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard. You and Hannah were trying to protect each other!"

  Nancy nodded and wiped a tear from her eye. "It was at Hannah's insistence that I threw some outfits in a bag and fled to San Francisco, leaving her behind to confess to the murder. I tried to start a new life-oh, I met some new chums and fell in love and we saved a convent of kidnapped nuns from the clutches of an evil priest-" She took a big breath, and continued, "-but try as I might, I couldn't forget about Hannah languishing in her jail cell, so my friends and I came back here and I confessed to the killing. Lucky for me, when I revealed in court the heretofore unknown diabolical aspects of Father's personality, I was exonerated of all charges in his death."

  "Phew!" Joe gasped in relief.

  "But not before we accidentally ran over Police Chief Chumley, who turned out not to be my friend at all! Why, he not only stole my letters proving Father's true nature, he tried to frame Hannah with false evidence!"

  "Golly!" Joe cried.

  "What a horrible shock it must be when someone you admire and trust turns out to a be totally different person," Frank cried.

  "People aren't always what you think," Nancy sighed. "I have to admit, it's been a rather frightful month. But now everything's back to normal. Hannah's out of jail, I've inherited the Clue estate and have had a chance to start selecting my fall wardrobe before the season begins. But there's still one thing-" she struggled to continue as tears welled up in her eyes.

  "I've lost my one and only true love," she sobbed, "which has never happened to me before!"

  Joe sniffed loudly. Could things get any worse for their plucky pal?

  "You mean that nice nurse you mentioned last night, don't you?" Frank said softly.

  "Yes," Nancy sobbed. "Nurse Cherry Aimless, the sweetest, kindest, prettiest girl in uniform I've ever met. And she was all mine, until I made a series of stupid blunders that broke her heart.

  "But I was under an awful strain, what with the murder trial and being in jail and all that," she added quickly. "If I could have just one more chance with her, I know I could prove I can be the best girlfriend ever-" she broke into heartfelt sobs. With trembling hands, she reached inside her pocketbook and took out a packet of thin, yellowed envelopes. She drew a letter from one of them and recited:

  "My deceased mother, Rebecca Clue, sent these lines to her lover Helen right before Mother's tragic death in a fiery, car crash twentytwo years ago," she tearfully explained. "When I found these letters I knew that this was the kind of love I wanted to have with Cherry. But just like Mother, I've lost my chance for happiness."

  Joe blew his nose in his hankie. Stories of tragic love, whether in real life or in the movies, always made him weep!

  "Go to her and tell her all this," Frank urged wisely. "If she's a nurse, she must possess a sensible nature. Surely she'll forgive you, and in time, see that you've mended your ways." Frank was a practical fellow whose sound suggestions had averted many a catastrophe.

  "I can't seem to get her alone long enough to tell her," Nancy sniffed. "The other day at the Dog Show when I was tracking some kidnapped poodles I could tell she was watching me in admiration, like the old days-"

  "Well, then-" Frank started.

  "There's more," Nancy cried abruptly. "I was such a fickle girlfriend, I practically pushed Cherry into the arms of a handsome police detective from San Francisco who's been staying at my house. They went on a dress-up date last night, and when I left the house at three, they were sitting on the back porch taking in the stars!"

  "You must ask this girl to leave immediately," Frank urged.

  "I can't," Nancy cried. "She helped secure my release from prison. Besides, I don't blame her for falling for Cherry-any girl in her right mind would! She's so, oh, I don't know. She's just so Cherry!"

  Frank and Joe exchanged sad looks. Had Nancy finally fallen truly in love only to find herself jilted?

  "Oh my," Frank fluttered, "dear me." He and his brother were clearly out of their realm of expertise. Girls' love lives always seemed so very complicated, especially to two freshfaced lads whose devotion to their family-not to mention their exciting careers as famous detectives known far and wide for their keen sleuthing abilities-left them little time for romance!

  Joe fetched Nancy another cup of cocoa and an apple turnover, fresh from the oven.

  "I'm in quite a jam! What ever am I going to do?" Nancy exclaimed, after first taking a bite of the flaky fruit pastry. An interval of tense silence followed as the boys pondered their chum's predicament.

  "I saw a movie once with a love triangle between Rock Hudson, Doris Day and this other fellow, and the way they solved it-"

  "Joe-" Frank groaned, warning that this was no time for movie memories. This was real life and they had a real-life problem to solve!

  "Well, do you have a better suggestion?" Joe asked, pursing his lips.

  Frank's tanned, clean-cut face bore a thoughtful expression. In times of trouble, he always turned to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fennel P. Hardly, for their sage advice, but they would be out until late that evening, and by the sound of it, Nancy needed to make her move soon! Suddenly Frank uttered a low exclamation. "I've got it," he cried. "We'll call Uncle Nelly! He knows practically all there is to know about love stuff," he reassured Nancy.

  Joe gave a whoop of delight. "Better yet, let's just go see him!" He was eager to show his favorite uncle all the keen fashions they had picked up in Paris, especially his new snug slim-legged slacks.

  "You mean your uncle, Nelson P. Hardly, the worldrenowned antiques dealer currently residing in New York City?" Nancy queried. "Why, I can't possibly travel to New York dressed like this!" she cried as she looked ruefully at her rumpled lounging outfit. Nancy pushed her tangled titian hair out of her face and wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'll simply have to run home and slip into a suitable travel costumeperhaps my new City Black rayon crepe frock," she mused. "It's awfully sophisticated but not too fussy; just the ticket for a humid afternoon in the city."

  "Although I agree that your new frock sounds divine for a hot city day, especially if paired with those cute black and tan broadcloth silky sheen pumps of yours, there's no need," Frank enthused, "as Uncle Nelly and
his chum Willy are spending the summer at our family cottage on nearby Lake Merrimen."

  "Besides," Joe spoke up. "We could go through Mother's closet and find a simple summer frock suitable for a trip to the lake. Mother's a tad taller, but seeing as this is an emergency, I don't think anyone will hold an unfashionable skirt length against you."

  "Where are your parents?" Nancy wondered.

  "On our return, we found this note," Frank told her.

  Welcome home, boys! Mrs. Hardly and I have gone fishing. I've got a feeling we'll be bringing home quite a catch! There's a tuna-noodle casserole in the fridge. Will return late Monday.

  Love, Father

  When Nancy wrinkled her pretty nose, Frank chuckled. "Don't worry," he said. "That's just Father's way of telling us he's off on a new case."

  "I hope he's working on a mystery that will require our help," Joe cried with all the boyish eagerness of an excitable lad. He was always ready to tackle something new!

  Fennel P. Hardly, one of the best detectives the world has ever known, was frequently called away at the drop of a hat to chase a cunning criminal or track a vital clue. Mrs. Hardly, a soft-spoken woman whose serene temperament was the perfect counterpart to her husband's more spirited nature, often accompanied Mr. Hardly on these adventures. The devoted couple was inseparable, and despite their long union, often acted like newlyweds.

  "Calm down, Joe," Frank teased. "We've already got The Case of the Ruined Romance to solve! "

  Ten minutes later, the three chums, freshly bathed, combed and attired in sporty summer clothes, were headed toward the city of Lake Merrimen, twenty miles west of Feyport. Little did the three chums realize the queer adventure that lay ahead!

  * * *

  CHAPTER 13

  * * *

  A Knotty Affair

  "Turn left at Old Main Road, then drive seven miles until you see an old green cabana; turn there and go down the dirt road about a halfmile," Joe had directed Nancy in case she lost sight of their jalopy. Nancy, an expert driver, easily kept up with Joe's speed, and soon both cars were at the turnoff for Lake Merrimen.

  "Boy, is Uncle going to be pleased to see us," Joe grinned as they got closer to the charming cottage.

  "And these turnovers, too," Frank inhaled deeply. In his lap was a basket of warm apple pastries. "The food in Europe was delicious," he admitted, "but there's nothing like these famous Hardly apple turnovers to satisfy a hearty fellow's appetite!"

  Soon they were in front of the small but sweet cottage that had been in the Hardly family for generations, but had fallen into disrepair as the lads grew older and became involved in interests of their own. Uncle Nelly, the artistic one in the family, had spent the summer redecorating the once-shabby getaway. The now-attractive home housed a good portion of his collection of fine furnishings.

  "It has all the charm of an old English cottage," Nancy exclaimed as she parked the car under a gnarled dogwood tree and hopped out. The wide, low-slung house, set on a hill directly overlooking lovely Lake Merrimen, had been painted a brilliant white, and the ample wood-slated porch that ringed the domicile bore a fresh coat of forest green paint. White wicker chairs sporting comfy-looking chintz pillows were scattered about the porch. A small calico cat lay sleeping on a pillow, and cheerful chickadees chirped overhead.

  "Uncle Nelly," Joe sang out. "Rise and shine. Your two favorite nephews are here!"

  "Hush, Joe," a cautious Frank warned. "They might be sleeping. See-the chintz curtains are still drawn."

  "Bosh," swore Joe. "On a beautiful summer morning like this?" He bounded onto the porch, eager to see his uncle after six weeks abroad. He peeked through the picture window past a part in the curtain and spied his uncle lying flat on his back on a blue velvet-covered Queen Anne daybed. "That must be new," Joe mused, not recalling having seen the attractive antique in his uncle's New York showroom. Joe was just about to tap on the window when suddenly he had a shocking realization. Uncle Nelly wasn't lounging on the daybed-he was tied to it with a silk cord that left him unable to move an inch! Furthermore, a red kerchief used as a gag prevented him from calling out for help!

  Joe threw up his hands in alarm. "Frank! Uncle Nelly's been robbed!"

  Frank leapt to the window and peered inside. After witnessing the shocking scene for himself, he manfully burst through the door and raced inside to free Uncle Nelly, who was fully conscious and terribly excited. Frank yanked the kerchief from his uncle's mouth.

  "Boys, what are you doing here? And Nancy, too?" Uncle Nelly blurted out as Frank untied his bonds. Uncle Nelly quickly snatched his crimson silk lounging robe from the foot of the daybed and slipped it over his white silk summer pajamas. On his feet were slippers of the softest leather. "Your visit is most unexpected," Uncle Nelly cried. His face was peculiarly flushed. "You so rarely drop in unannounced!"

  "Lucky for you we did!" Joe retorted, looking his favorite uncle up and down for injuries. Their handsome, youthful uncle seemed none the worse for wear.

  "What happened?" Nancy cried out.

  "Uncle, were you robbed?" Frank added excitedly. Then he dropped his voice. Perhaps the hoodlum who had tied up Uncle Nelly was still here! He raced to the staircase with a determined look in his eyes, "If anyone's up there," he shouted sternly, "come out now!" He clenched his fists, ready to give the man a good thrashing!

  Uncle Nelly chuckled and rubbed his wrists. "There's nothing to get excited about, kids," he declared. "My chum and I were just playing a game." He went to the stairs. "Dear, we've got company," he called in a sheepish, sing-song voice.

  A few moments later, a handsome, virile-looking man wear ing a casual slacks outfit and a resigned grin came downstairs. It was Uncle Nelly's favorite chum Willy! "So you want to thrash me, do you?" the man chuckled as he playfully gave Frank a punch to the chest. Frank grinned and gave Uncle Nelly's chum a hearty handshake.

  Joe felt a surge of relief flood his body as he spied the muscular fellow, clad in snug black trousers and a striped tee-shirt stretched to the breaking over round, swelling muscles.

  "We weren't expecting you today," Willy admitted as he threw an arm around the younger Hardly lad and gave him a manly squeeze. "But it sure is good to see you boys! And this must be the famous Nancy Clue," he said as he let go of Joe and gave Nancy a sturdy handshake.

  "It's wonderful to see you, too! " Joe blurted out as he suddenly plopped down on the love seat, grabbed a petit point pillow and pulled it onto his lap. A look of intense concentration crossed Joe's face. "You've done wonders with this place while we were gone," he exclaimed, staring with keen interest at a still-life of fruit hanging on the opposite wall.

  "It's like something out of a fairy tale," Nancy agreed.

  "It's been the gayest summer ever," Uncle Nelly told them. "So many people have dropped by to look at our goodies, especially since someone started the rumor that this place is haunted!"

  "Haunted!" Joe and Frank hooted with laughter. How could anyone think their family hideaway was haunted?

  "It's been the best thing for business yet! We've been overrun with moneyed matrons eager to get a look at a haunted house, and once inside they always buy," Willy crowed.

  Joe had to smile as he remembered other wild rumors that had spread through the little vacation spot. "Remember the story old Miss Witherspoon used to tell about the secret underground caverns of bygone days?" he chuckled.

  "Poor Miss Witherspoon," Frank shook his head. The colorful town oldster had spent her last days at nearby River Depths Sanitarium after her wild tales of an underground city began scaring away tourists.

  "Anyone for a famous Hardly apple turnover?" Nancy asked gaily as she handed Uncle Nelly the wicker basket of fresh pastries Frank had dropped. Despite her own troubles she had no wish to put a damper on this touching reunion.

  "Let's have breakfast," Willy announced, shepherding the gang into his pleasant kitchen. Nancy relaxed for the first time in days as she watched Willy bustle about the cozy ro
om, painted in soothing peach tones and decorated with starched white tieback flounced curtains. Above the sink was a saucy shelf edged with ruffled gingham and holding a collection of dainty porcelain egg cups. She sipped her coffee as Willy tied an apron over his slacks outfit, took a bowl of farm fresh eggs from the Frigidaire and expertly cracked a dozen into a cast-iron skillet, next to a pan cradling a sizzling slab of bacon.

  A few minutes later he plopped a plate of just-right eggs, yummy-smelling bacon and crunchy toast in front of her. "You'll feel better once you've had a bite to eat," he smiled. Nancy blinked back tears. He had seen right through her brave charade!

  "Now what brings you three here so early?" Uncle Nelly wondered as he unfolded a linen napkin in his lap and took a sip of coffee.

  "I've got a problem," Nancy admitted.

  Uncle Nelly nodded. "I could see that right away. Get my sewing kit, Will," he cried. "I'll have that frock of yours fitted in no time," he promised Nancy.

  Nancy cringed.

  "It's not that, Uncle," Joe blurted out. "Nancy's lost the love of her life and is desperate to get her back!"

  "You poor sweet child," Uncle Nelly murmured. "Tell me what's wrong."

  Frank and Joe exchanged happy grins. Uncle Nelly would know exactly what to do to mend Nancy's shattered romance!

  Willy got her a fresh cup of coffee and urged her to tell all. Nancy repeated her sad story, ending disconsolately, "It's no use! I'll never get her back. Never!"

  "Don't say that," Uncle Nelly begged. "Surely there's a way to win back this nurse."

  "I'm afraid not," Nancy said sadly. "I've probably already lost her to Jackie. And we were so perfect together," she sighed. "Why, with all the scrapes I get into, a nurse at home would be mighty handy. Plus, we have the same taste in frocks, and-" She blushed hotly, "-there's the way she makes me feel all warm and curvy inside."