Moving Target Read Online Free

there.”
    Jennifer’s gaze dropped to the table. “Yes, I left a little early,” she said quickly. “I had a terrible migraine headache.”
    â€œDo you work every night?” Nancy asked, ignoring the kick to the ankle that George gave her under the table.
    Jennifer seemed to be relieved to have the subject changed. “No, just four nights a week. I have some night classes this semester.”
    â€œErik told us that you’re a transfer student. Do you like Emerson?”
    â€œI love it,” Jennifer said. “I transferred here from a community college in upstate New York because Emerson has one of the best early childhood education programs in the country. That’smy major.” She laughed. “It’s a natural for me. I’m the oldest of six kids.” She reached into a pocket of her backpack, which was on the floor next to her chair, and pulled out a wallet. She opened it and showed them a photograph. “Here—these are my brothers and sisters. My mom took this the day I left for Emerson.”
    Nancy looked at the informal shot and smiled. “They look like a lot of fun.”
    â€œThey’re pretty lively,” said Jennifer.
    â€œBoy, from a community college to a private school,” George said. “You’re talking big bucks on tuition.”
    Jennifer nodded. “It’s pretty steep. That’s why I’m working. I have a partial scholarship. My family could never afford it without that. This is my first experience away from home, but everybody’s really friendly.”
    Ned and CJ were waiting in the lounge when the girls finished breakfast, and Nancy hurried over and gave Ned a hug while CJ went to talk to George and Jennifer.
    â€œAnything more from Lieutenant Easterling?” he asked. “Are we cleared for flight?”
    â€œWe’re cleared,” she assured him. “I called him late last night and gave him our itinerary.”
    â€œWho’s the blond talking to George?” he asked.
    â€œThat’s Jennifer Bover,” Nancy replied. “You know, the strangest thing happened last night after I got back here.” She quickly told him abouther conversation with Jennifer. “And then at breakfast, when I told her that we’d gone to Ed’s Diner last night, she said she’d left early because of a migraine headache.”
    Ned’s reaction was similar to George’s. “I thought you promised me you weren’t going to work on this trip,” he teased. “But anything with a hint of a mystery hooks you. Come on, Drew. Relax! We have three stressless days ahead.”
    â€œGot it,” she said, smiling at him. But whatever else she was going to say was cut off as Erik bounded in, carrying several boxes. He exuded self-confidence that bordered on arrogance. It was apparent that he considered himself the leader of the group.
    â€œAre we ready?” he asked in a loud voice. He held up the boxes. “I just picked up our lunches from the cafeteria.”
    George, who was anxious to get on the road, got up from the couch where she had been sitting with Jennifer and CJ.
    â€œGlad to see you can stand on that leg this morning,” he said, “or was that story about a bad knee just a handy excuse to be used in case of failure?”
    â€œStuff it, Erik!” George snapped.
    â€œYour hair looks great,” he said to Jennifer, ignoring George. Jennifer acknowledged the compliment with a smile, and Erik turned his attention to Nancy.
    â€œAnd why didn’t you tell us last night,” hecontinued, “that you are the Nancy Drew, private investigator? You were mentioned on every radio newscast I heard while I was out doing laps this morning. You’re quite the heroine!”
    Kendra, the last one to arrive, briefly interrupted his monologue as she dragged her gear into the lounge.
    Grateful for the diversion, Nancy smiled at her and raised her