Choosing Sides Read Online Free Page A

Choosing Sides
Book: Choosing Sides Read Online Free
Author: Carolyn Keene
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that up.” Brenda sniffed. “You’re jealous because for once I beat you touncovering a big crime. Besides, I have the original photograph right here to prove you’re wrong.”
    Brenda shuffled through the papers on her desk and handed Nancy a manila envelope. Nancy slid out an eight-by-ten black and white photograph.
    â€œBrenda, this doesn’t prove anything,” she argued. “Did you meet the person who gave you this photo and told you about the fencing ring?”
    â€œWhat do you think? Of course I met him!” Brenda replied indignantly. She glanced warily at Nancy and Bess. “Don’t even bother trying to find out who it is. You should both know that as a journalist I’m protected by the First Amendment. I’ll never reveal my sources.”
    Nancy tried not to let her frustration show. “But, Brenda, the story is a lie. The person who gave you this information was breaking the law.”
    â€œWhich means you’re protecting a criminal, not the truth,” Bess added forcefully.
    Brenda still didn’t look convinced. “How do you two know that Caroline Hill wore that bracelet constantly?” she shot back. “For all you know, she’s lying!”
    Nancy could see that Brenda wasn’t going to be helpful. She was just about to slide the photograph back into its envelope when she noticed something on the reverse side. It looked as if something had been written down, then erased.
    Squinting at the slight indentations, Nancytried to make out the words. The first word was “Contact.” And beneath it two telephone numbers were listed. Nancy quickly memorized the numbers, then replaced the photograph in the envelope and handed it back to Brenda.
    â€œWell, I guess I misjudged you,” Nancy said, getting up. She wanted to leave before she forgot those numbers! “Come on, Bess, let’s go.”
    Bess looked startled, but she stood and followed Nancy from the newsroom. “Why did you let her get away with that?” she whispered as soon as they were out of Brenda’s earshot.
    Nancy was muttering the numbers to herself. Just outside the newsroom, she stopped abruptly to write them down in the small notebook she carried in her shoulder bag. “I didn’t, Bess, not exactly. I still think we should tell Mr. Carlton about the doctored photo. Even if you and I can’t get Brenda to print a retraction, her own father can.”
    She pointed to the numbers she’d just written down. “But first, I have to call these phone numbers. Brenda wrote them on the back of the photo, and I’m pretty sure they’re the numbers for the person who gave her the photo and the story.”
    In the lobby they found a pay phone. After digging in her bag for change, Nancy dialed the first number. There was no answer.
    â€œTry the other number,” Bess encouraged. She bit her lip expectantly as Nancy fished her quarterfrom the change slot, fed it in again, and dialed.
    The phone rang several times. Nancy was about to hang up, when someone answered.
    â€œHello,” a cheerful man’s voice answered. “Patrick Gleason’s campaign headquarters. How may I help you?”

Chapter

Four
    N ANCY OPENED HER MOUTH, but no words came out. She slammed the phone down, stunned.
    â€œNancy, what is it?” Bess asked.
    â€œThat second number is for Patrick Gleason’s headquarters!” Nancy said.
    Bess’s eyes widened. “Do you think Gleason is the one who’s trying to frame Caroline?” she asked. “Patrick Gleason may not be the best choice for mayor, but I never heard my dad say anything about him being sleazy enough to do something like this.”
    â€œFrom what Ned says, he’s a really honest guy,” Nancy agreed. “But if he’s desperate enough to win the election . . .” Her voice trailed off. Then she said, “Or maybe someone who’s working on
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