Illusions of Evil Read Online Free Page B

We’re extremely careful. The roller coaster was in top-notch condition.”
    The reporter went on to explain how Rand Hagan had heroically saved George and Ned with the help of Nancy and Adriana but then reminded the viewers about Freda Clarke’s campaignagainst the park. “Are the rides at Riverfront safe for our kids?” he asked. “Only the state inspectors will be able to say for sure—but until then many believe that the park ought to be closed.”
    Adriana shook her head disgustedly and got up to switch off the television. “They made it sound as if Riverfront was old and dangerous,” she said, “but the park is safe. I know it is.”
    â€œYou should call my father first thing tomorrow morning,” Nancy advised her.
    â€œI definitely will,” Adriana agreed. “I want to know what he thinks about keeping Riverfront open until the state inspectors arrive.”
    â€œWhen do you think they’ll get here?” Nancy asked.
    Adriana sighed. “They’re notoriously slow, I’m afraid.”
    â€œIn the meantime do you mind if I do some investigating?” Nancy asked.
    The magician narrowed her eyes. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking—that the ride might have been sabotaged?”
    Nancy nodded gravely, then said, “I want to check it out in the morning.”
    â€œWonderful,” Adriana replied. “I’ll have Rand Hagan help you. He knows the Typhoon backward and forward. And I’ve called a staff meeting for tomorrow at one. Can you make it?”
    â€œSure,” Nancy said.
    â€œRand worked for my uncle. He relied completely on the man, and I do, too,” she explained. “Rand was one of the few people I kept on when I took over the place.”
    Just then Ned and George came through the swinging double doors of the emergency room. Ned’s head was wrapped in a gauze bandage, and George’s foot was encased in a plaster walking cast that came up to her ankle like a short boot.
    â€œI can’t believe it,” she said, her face bright red. “I broke my big toe! They usually don’t set them, but it was such a bad break they had to. This cast doesn’t come off for almost a month. No running, swimming, or basketball! What am I supposed to do with myself?”
    Nancy forced herself to keep a straight face, then said, “Don’t worry, George. I’ll keep you busy.”
    Her friend rolled her eyes.
    â€œI’m just glad you’re both able to walk out of here. How’s your head, Ned?” Nancy asked.
    â€œThe doctor said I have a very slight concussion, but I feel okay,” Ned replied.
    â€œCome on. I’ll take you guys home,” Nancy said.
    At that moment the swinging doors opened again, and a young woman in a lab coat emerged. She was holding a clipboard.
    â€œI’m glad I caught you,” the woman said. “I’mDr. McGill.” Then she turned to Adriana and gave her a firm handshake. “I heard you were out here and wanted to meet you. I’m a really big fan.”
    Adriana smiled. “Thank you so much for taking care of my friends. I’m sure they were in very good hands.”
    â€œI hope you don’t mind my asking,” Dr. McGill said, “but I know that the children here at the hospital would love it if you could perform for them sometime.”
    Adriana clapped her hands together. “I’d love to!” she cried. “The sooner, the better.”
    â€œWhy not on Wednesday morning?” Dr. McGill suggested.
    â€œPerfect,” said Adriana. “I’ll be here at ten.”
    Dr. McGill thanked Adriana, gave a few more words of advice to George and Ned, then went back into the emergency wing. Nancy, Ned, George, and Adriana headed for the exit.
    As they walked through the exit door, a petite woman came rushing up the front path toward them. She was wearing a red sweat suit and had a halo of