False Moves Read Online Free

There’s a back stairway over there.” Ned pointed behind them.
    â€œWhom do I see to get started on the case?” Nancy wanted to know.
    â€œJames Ellsworth, CBT’s managing director. He’s friendly with Belinda, and I’ve gotten to know him recently. I called him early this morning and said you might be coming in.”
    Nancy unbuttoned her jacket and pulled it off. So Ned had told the managing director about her before he’d even asked her to investigate the crime. He had been so sure she’d say yes.
    Nancy turned toward Belinda. “What’s Mr. Ellsworth like?” she asked. “I should have a little background on him before we meet.”
    Belinda shrugged as if the subject didn’t interest her much. “He’s a nice guy. We get along pretty well. Of course, some people in the company don’t like him. For instance, our artistic director, Colby Baxter. Those two have been feuding for years. Personally, I’m not all that fond of Colby. He’s the one who won’t let me dance until the diamond’s found.”
    â€œThat must be really hard on you,” Nancy answered, trying to sound sympathetic. “And how does James Ellsworth feel about Colby Baxter?”
    Belinda threw Nancy one of her all-too-sweet smiles. “You don’t need to hear all this from me. The people in this company love to gossip almost as much as they love to dance. Just ask a few of the corps dancers, and they’ll tell you the whole story.”
    Nancy’s expression tightened. Great! Belinda was about as talkative as a brick wall. How was she going to get clues to the mystery if the dancer didn’t open up to her?
    Ned glanced quickly at Nancy. “Come on,” he said, trying to smooth over the tense moment. “I’ll take you to meet Mr. Ellsworth.”
    â€œOkay,” Nancy said, feeling annoyed.
    Belinda stepped closer to Ned. “I’m going to getready for ballet class before rehearsal. Why don’t you come up later and watch?” She slipped her hands behind Ned’s neck and planted a kiss on his lips, then she let a finger run slowly down his shoulder. “See you in a bit.” She turned and ran lightly up the staircase.
    Nancy caught her breath. It hurt to see another girl kiss Ned. It hurt a lot.
    Ned glanced at Nancy, looking a little uncomfortable himself. Then he reached for her arm and guided her up the steps.
    â€œWhen I talked to Mr. Ellsworth this morning,” Ned commented, “he seemed happy to have you on the case. He figured, the more people working on it, the better. Especially after I told him what a great detective you are.”
    Nancy frowned. Go ahead, Ned, flatter me. It won’t make the hurt go away.
    â€œAnyway, Ellsworth is the money brain at CBT. He does all the fund-raising and he keeps the company in pointe shoes and costumes. It was his idea to create a ballet to use the Raja diamond. All done for publicity. He makes no decisions about the actual dancing.”
    â€œWho takes care of that?”
    â€œThat’s the artistic director, Colby Baxter,” Ned explained. “The dancers say both Baxter and Ellsworth are great at what they do, but they can’t stand each other. A couple of times they’ve practically punched each other out,” he finished.
    Nancy smiled. “Sounds like some pair! I’ll have to keep an eye on both of them.”
    â€œCould be explosive,” Ned said, smiling, too.
    He led Nancy into a large reception room. James Ellsworth’s personal secretary took their jackets and said they could leave them with her for the rest of the day. Then she buzzed the managing director to announce them. “He’s expecting you,” she said after a moment. “Go right in.”
    â€œOkay,” Ned told Nancy, “you’re on your own now. I want to check out that ballet class.”
    â€œSure,” Nancy managed to say. So