High Risk Read Online Free

certainly taken the wind out of Biggs’s sails!
    Biggs caught Nancy’s eye and glared at her before hurrying off.
    When Biggs was out of earshot, Ned emerged from his office. “Hi,” he said to Nancy in a weak voice before turning to Joe Packard.
    â€œThanks a million, Mr. Packard,” he said. “I really appreciate your coming to my defense.”
    The department head set down his briefcase and leaned against a desk. “I’m glad to know you’re being vigilant,” he said, “although it does sound as if you may have gone overboard last night. But you’re entitled to at least one mistake when you’re starting out.”
    â€œIt wasn’t a mistake!” Ned said earnestly. “I mean, the way I handled it was wrong—I admit that. But I know I’m right about Foyle faking his claim. I reread the report today, and it just doesn’t ring true.”
    Packard was frowning. “Foyle—Foyle,” he said. He took a book of cardboard matches from his pocket, pulled off a single match and peeled the thin layers of gray cardboard into little curls. Catching Nancy staring at him, he grinned. “Habit,” he told her. “I guess it’s a holdover from the days when I smoked.
    â€œNow, the Foyle claim,” he resumed, raising his eyes to Ned. “You told me about that case,right? The man drove into a cement barrier, then claimed he had head injuries that would keep him from doing his job?”
    Ned nodded eagerly. “Right.”
    Packard shrugged. “Even if you’re correct in saying that this man you saw last night is the same guy who filed the claim with us—and I’m not saying you are right—there’s probably no way to prove the extent of his injuries. Head injuries are next to impossible to verify. The guy could be out of bed, even walking around, with a mild concussion or skull fracture.”
    â€œBut the medical report said he’d be out of commission for months,” Ned protested. “That’s why he got so much money, because he couldn’t work.”
    â€œOut of commission and not able to work are two different things, aren’t they?” Nancy put in.
    Packard gave her an approving look. “Yes, they are, in this case. The fellow could be in some sort of job that requires a lot of reading, for example. With any kind of injury that affected his eyes, he’d be disabled as far as his work went, even if he could—say, for instance, go out to dinner. Tell me, who was the doctor who signed the claim?”
    â€œHis name is Dr. Robert Meyers,” Ned replied.
    Packard snapped his fingers. “There, you see? Meyers is a fine doctor. In fact, he was my wife’s physician for years. Solid man. And he was willing to sign the claim. That’s why I told you to agree to a settlement, if you’ll remember. The man did have the accident, and the money he gotfrom us is less than he would have gotten if we had gone to court—so don’t worry about it.” He bowed in Nancy’s direction. “Take this lovely young lady out to dinner instead.”
    Nancy smiled. “Sounds good to me.”
    After a minute Ned shook his head. “Thanks for your concern, sir,” he said. “But I can’t just let it slide.”
    â€œWell, I must say I admire your persistence,” Packard said with a smile. “All right, son. Go ahead and pursue this investigation if you want. Just make sure you’re a little more discreet in the future.”
    Ned grinned. “I will, sir.”
    â€œFine. And now I’d better say good night to you both. I’m late for an appointment,” Packard said. He picked up his briefcase and strode out.
    â€œWhere should we eat?” Nancy asked when Packard was gone.
    Ned didn’t seem to hear her. Raking his fingers through his light brown hair, he muttered, “You heard what Wally Biggs said about me being