Island of Secrets Read Online Free Page A

pumping.”
    Nancy smiled. “Right. Now start off slowly. Just give it the tiniest bit of gas.”
    Hannah took a deep breath. “Okay, here I go!” She puttered at two miles an hour around the lot, making a wide circle that arced back toward Nancy. “This isn’t so hard!” she called. “It’s easier than a bike!”
    Nancy watched her make another wide turn. Suddenly the motor revved and Hannah shot back up the lot.
    â€œHit the brakes, Hannah!” Nancy shouted.
    Hannah slowed only to make the turn around the row of parked cars. The bike tilted as she leaned into the curve. Then she raced back toward Nancy and skidded to a halt in front of her.
    â€œI think I’ve got the hang of it,” Hannah said, grinning.
    â€œYou scared me to death!” Nancy said, her heart still pounding.
    â€œDon’t worry about me, dear. I watch the road races on television all the time.” Hannah patted Nancy’s shoulder.
    â€œUm, right, but control is important,” Nancy reminded her. “Once we get out in traffic . . .”
    â€œI’ll be fine,” Hannah said calmly. “Shall we hit the road?”
    Nancy watched in amazement as Hannah negotiated her way through the busy downtown streets. It seemed as if she’d been riding all her life. Shaking her head in disbelief, Nancy wondered what other surprises Hannah had in store for her during the vacation.
    At Hannah’s insistence, they rode across the island to the Captain’s Catch for lunch. Only a few tables were occupied in the dining room, but the deck overlooking Great Salt Pond was packed. Nancy and Hannah decided to wait for an outdoor table.
    As she stood near the reservation stand, Nancy glanced around the restaurant, noticing the heavy tables, comfortable chairs, and dark wood paneling hung with pictures of old sailing ships. Nancy spotted the New York congressman, Walt Winchester, alone at a corner table. Just then a man in a business suit carrying a battered briefcase entered the restaurant and strode over to Winchester.
    A few minutes later the hostess led Nancy andHannah to the deck. As they passed near Winchester, who was studying a typewritten sheet of paper, the man stood up, said goodbye, and began to walk away.
    Nancy noticed he’d left his briefcase on the floor. “Sir,” she called, but he didn’t turn back. Nancy spoke to the congressman. “Your friend forgot his briefcase.”
    Winchester’s face flashed annoyance, which vanished as soon as he recognized Nancy. “Why, Miss Drew, how nice to see you again.” He stood and gave Nancy a courtly nod of his head, then glanced at the briefcase. “He didn’t forget it. I’m afraid it’s full of important—but tedious—documents for me to study. I can’t escape from work, even when Congress is in recess.”
    Nancy smiled sympathetically. “May I introduce my friend, Hannah Gruen? Hannah, this is Congressman Walt Winchester.”
    â€œI’m pleased to meet you,” he said, grinning. “In fact, it’s a real privilege to meet such an attractive lady.”
    Hannah’s cheeks grew pink. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Congressman.”
    He glanced at his watch. “I’m afraid you’ll have to excuse me. Have to fly back to Albany for a conference with the governor. My pilot is waiting at the airport.”
    â€œYou have your own plane?” Hannah asked.
    â€œSure do,” he replied affably as he pulled some bills out of his wallet and tossed them on thetable. “Perhaps you might like to join me for a ride sometime, Ms. Gruen. We could hop over to Newport for lunch, or would you prefer Nantucket?”
    â€œWell, either would be lovely, I’m sure,” Hannah said graciously.
    â€œGood, I look forward to it.” With that, he picked up the briefcase and nodded to Nancy. “I must be off. Goodbye,