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Carolyn Keene

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories: Volume Eighty

The Case of the Disappearing Diamonds

Produced by Mega-Books of New York, Inc.

WHEN A FRIEND IS SET UP TO TAKE A FALL, NANCY MUST DEAL IN DIAMONDS AND DANGER

Famous mystery author Monica Crown is mixed up in a real-life case more puzzling and frightening than any she's ever devised. Her daughter Karen has been accused of stealing a fabulous set of six diamonds. When Mrs. Crown asks Nancy to help prove her daughter's innocence, the author's car takes a mysterious plunge into a canyon—and her body vanishes into thin air!

Nancy sets out to find the missing diamonds and the missing mystery writer, and finds plenty of trouble along the way. A sinister white automobile, a rampaging motorboat, and a sabotaged airplane lead to a fiery climax in the strange case of the disappearing diamonds.

Meeting Monica Crown

Nancy Drew heard the front door close with a bang. Then a voice called out, "I'm home!"

Nancy hurried out of the dining room, where she had been setting the table for dinner. She saw her father, Carson Drew, place his briefcase on the hall table.

Dinner's almost ready," Nancy told her father. Then she asked, "What was your Sunday meeting about?"

Mr. Drew shrugged out of his raincoat and hung it up in the hall closet. He gave his daughter a quick kiss and said, "Let's go into the den and I'll tell you all about it. Part of it concerned you."

"Me?" Nancy asked curiously, as she followed her father down the hall.

When they got to the den, Carson Drew sank into his favorite leather easy chair. Nancy perched herself on the arm of the leather sofa opposite him and looked expectantly at her father.

Mr. Drew said, "Have you ever heard of Monica Crown?"

Nancy smiled and said, "Who hasn't heard of Monica Crown? I mean, she's probably the most famous mystery writer in America. She's lived in River Heights for years, but almost no one ever sees her." Nancy's blue eyes opened wide. "You met with Monica Crown today?"

Carson Drew nodded. "She insisted on a Sunday appointment. Mrs. Crown is a very private person, and she didn't want anyone else to be in the office when we met." He paused for a moment, then said, "She asked about you."

Nancy stared at her father. "Monica Crown asked about me?" she said in disbelief.

Her father nodded. "She told me she's followed all of your cases in the newspaper. She's very impressed. She feels that you're a fine detective and she needs your help."

"Monica Crown must be in some sort of trouble if she needs a detective," Nancy replied thoughtfully. Then she asked her father, "What did she want to see you about?"

"Mrs. Crown is planning to transfer all of her personal papers and legal documents from a law office in New York to my firm, here in River Heights. As of today, I'm Monica Crown's lawyer."

"That's terrific!" Nancy said, pleased for her father. "She'll be a really important client." Nancy frowned. "I wonder why she needs my help."

"All she would tell me," Mr. Drew said, "is that it has something to do with her daughter, Karen."

"Oh, right," Nancy replied, nodding. "I remember reading that Karen Crown was arrested for robbery a few months ago."

"Mrs. Crown didn't discuss the facts of the case with me. All she would say is that she's convinced Karen is innocent—"

"And she wants me to prove it," Nancy finished, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Nancy's father nodded. "Correct. Mrs. Crown also wanted to know if you could make an appointment to see her at her home tomorrow afternoon." He handed his daughter a business card with Monica Crown's address and phone number on it.

Nancy looked at the card and said, "I'll make the appointment right after dinner, Dad." She grinned at her father. "This sounds like it could be a really interesting case."

Mr. Drew laughed. "That's what you say about all of your cases, Nancy." Carson Drew looked at his daughter affectionately. He sometimes wondered if any other father and daughter could possibly be as close as they were. Nancy's mother had died fifteen years before, when Nancy was three years old. Since then, Nancy had been raised with love and affection by her father and the Drews' housekeeper, Hannah Gruen.

Just then, the door to the den opened. Hannah Gruen stood in the doorway. "Okay, you two, I hope your conference is over because dinner's ready," she said.

"Great!" Mr. Drew said. "I'm ready for your fabulous peach cobbler, Hannah."

"Turkey and trimmings first, peach cobbler later," Hannah reminded him as they walked into the dining room.

During dinner, Nancy and Mr. Drew filled Hannah in on their conversation in the den. "I hope you can solve Monica Crown's problem as quickly as possible," Hannah said to Nancy. "I hate to think of anything keeping her away from her writing."

"Do you read Monica Crown's books, too, Hannah?" Carson Drew asked in surprise.

"She's my favorite mystery writer," Hannah replied. She added with a smile, "I don't spend all my time cooking."

Nancy laughed. "I promise to solve the Monica Crown case as fast as I can, Hannah."

The next day, after lunch, Nancy raced upstairs to change for her appointment with Monica Crown. For her meeting with the famous author, Nancy decided to wear a camel-colored pleated wool skirt and a white sweater. She brushed her long reddish blond hair until it shone. After quickly checking her appearance in the mirror, she was ready to go. She left the house with a feeling of anticipation.

Monica Crown's estate was located in the rolling hills three miles outside downtown River Heights. However, Nancy had no time to admire the huge home. As soon as she had switched off the engine of her blue sports car, the massive front door of the mansion opened. A woman in a black dress stood in the doorway.

As Nancy walked up the front steps, the woman said, "Good afternoon. I'm Mrs. Crown's housekeeper. Mrs. Crown is waiting for you in the library."

Nancy couldn't help but smile. The library seemed like just the right place to meet a famous writer. When they reached the library, Nancy wanted to look around the wood-paneled room at the walls covered with thousands of books, but she was unable to take her eyes away from Monica Crown. The author's presence dominated the room.

Mrs. Crown rose from a high-backed antique chair and walked briskly across the room. With a nod she dismissed the housekeeper. Then she extended her right hand to Nancy and said in a low, clear voice, "Thank you for coming."

Nancy shook Monica Crown's hand, taking in every detail about the appearance of the older woman. Monica Crown was a tall, elegant woman who looked to be in her mid-fifties. She had short blond hair and a rosy complexion. She wore a white silk blouse, a black velvet blazer, and matching pants.

"Please sit down," the author said, indicating a comfortable sofa by a window. She smiled at her guest. "From what I've read about you, Nancy, you are an excellent detective."

"Well, I have managed to solve a few cases," Nancy said modestly. "But I want you to know I'm a big fan of yours, Mrs. Crown. I've read every book you've ever written."

"Thank you, my dear." Mrs. Crown's smile faded as she got down to the business at hand. "I know you're curious about why I need your help. Perhaps you recall reading about my daughter, Karen?"

Nancy nodded.

"Then you know that she worked at Roget's, the expensive jewelry store on Main Street," Mrs. Crown continued. "Karen was accused of stealing six of Roget's most valuable diamonds from their French marquis collection. Together the six diamonds were worth well over a million dollars. Five of the stolen diamonds have never been located, but because one of them was discovered in Karen's possession, she was found guilty of the theft."

Mrs. Crown added in a grim voice, "My daughter is currently serving a three-year term in the State Women's Correctional Institution."

Nancy was aware of the grief in Mrs. Crown's eyes. "And you believe your daughter is innocent?" she asked gently.

Mrs. Crown replied firmly, "I know my daughter is innocent. She was framed for the theft. I received this anonymous note in the mail yesterday." She pulled a folded piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to Nancy.

Nancy carefully examined the blue stationery. The note had been handwritten in ink. It said:

Mrs. Crown,

I helped frame Karen for a crime that she did not commit. Forgive me.

The note was unsigned.

Nancy looked up and asked, "Mrs. Crown, do you mind if I keep this?"

Mrs. Crown nodded in agreement. "Another reason I need your help, Nancy, is because two days ago I received a threatening phone call. Then, yesterday morning, I received another one."

Nancy leaned forward. "What exactly did the caller say?"

Mrs. Crown nervously fingered the gold watch on her left wrist. "The caller warned me to stop my investigation, or I'd die." She gave a shudder. "The caller said the same thing both times."

"Have you been investigating the Roget robbery?" Nancy asked.

"Yes, I have," Monica Crown admitted. "The case is officially closed, according to the police, but I don't want Karen to spend the next three years in prison. I've spent a great deal of time poking and prying into a lot of people's personal business. The real criminal evidently knows this, and he—or she—is afraid I might expose him."

"Do you have any idea at all who the calls were from?" Nancy asked.

"No. The caller's voice was very cleverly disguised through the use of some electronic device."

Nancy said firmly, "Mrs. Crown, if I'm going to help you find out who's really responsible for the Roget robbery, I think the first thing I should do is talk to your daughter."

The older woman nodded. "I agree. Anyway, I'd like you to meet Karen. I'm sure that once you do, you'll see that she couldn't possibly be involved in any kind of crime." Mrs. Crown hesitated. "Nancy, I'd feel more comfortable if you'd stay here until this whole thing is settled. I hate to admit it, but these threats on my life have really frightened me."

"That's a good idea," Nancy agreed quickly. "I'll move in this afternoon."

"Thank you, Nancy, but tomorrow morning will be fine." Mrs. Crown forced a weary smile. "I'll go over my notes with you and fill you in on all of the details of the case then."

Mrs. Crown looked at her watch and stood up. "I'm afraid I have to leave for an appointment now," she said. "But I'll see you tomorrow morning at, say, nine o'clock?"

Nancy followed Monica Crown out of the library and down the wide hall leading to the entry way. "Mrs. Crown, who knows that you've been investigating the Roget robbery?" Nancy asked as they walked down the hall to the door.

The author replied, "Well, I've talked to everyone at Roget's. Actually, I told them that the notes I've been taking and the questions I've been asking are material for my new book. In fact, once this case is solved and the real criminal is found, I do intend to write a book based on the case." She added, "My secretary, Madeline Simmons, and my publishers in New York know about the book. But only Madeline knows I've been trying to find the real criminal."

"Someone else knows, too," Nancy pointed out. "Your mysterious caller." Then she asked, "What about your household staff?"

"I employ a very small staff," Mrs. Crown said. "Just Mrs. Adams, who is my housekeeper and cook, and a part-time gardener. I've confided in Mrs. Adams. She's been with me for years." The author frowned. "And then there's Tony."

"Tony?" Nancy asked.

"Tony is Mrs. Adams's twenty-year-old son," Mrs. Crown explained. "He's lived here with his mother since he was a small boy. Tony does all sorts of odd jobs around my estate." Mrs. Crown sighed. "To be honest, Tony doesn't really earn his keep, but I haven't the heart to fire him because I care a great deal about his mother, Irene."

At the front door, Monica Crown and Nancy shook hands again. Nancy looked at the ring on Mrs. Crown's right hand. "That gold ring you're wearing—I've never seen one like it before."

Mrs. Crown laughed. "It is unique. My late husband had it custom-made for me after my first book was published. The book was called The Case of the Crosseyed Dragon." She held the ring out for Nancy's inspection. "That's what this is—a cross-eyed dragon."

Nancy looked more closely at the ring. "I see. And the crossed eyes are emeralds. It's really beautiful."

"Yes, it is." Monica Crown sighed. "Lawrence, my husband, was a wonderful man. I miss him. And now, with Karen in prison..."

"Don't worry, Mrs. Crown," replied Nancy. "She won't be in prison much longer—not if I can help it!"

At eight o'clock that night, Nancy was relaxing at the Pizza Palace with her two best friends, Bess Marvin and George Fayne. Although Bess and George were first cousins, the girls were complete opposites. Blond, blue-eyed Bess was slightly plump and very pretty. Her main interests in life were boys, clothes, and food. Brown-haired, brown-eyed George was tall, attractive, and athletic. Despite their differences, the cousins were very close, not only to each other, but to Nancy as well.

Nancy had spent their first hour at the restaurant filling Bess and George in on her meeting with Mrs. Crown, and she had shown them the anonymous note. Over a third piece of cheese-and-pepperoni pizza, Bess declared dreamily, "Imagine, working for a famous celebrity like Monica Crown! I've read every book she's ever written."

"Well, I don't read as much as you two," George said, "but I definitely wouldn't miss a movie based on one of her books."

Bess rolled her eyes. "It's not the same thing at all," she informed her cousin. "Anyone can tell you that a book is always better than a movie. Right, Nancy?"

Nancy laughed good-naturedly. "You're not getting me into that old argument. I happen to like both."

It was well after eleven o'clock by the time they left the Pizza Palace. Nancy drove along with her fingers tapping against the steering wheel, keeping the beat to one of her favorite rock songs. Suddenly the radio went silent. After several seconds, the disk jockey came back on the air. "Sorry to interrupt Monday Night Top-Ten Countdown here on WRVH, but we've just received this special news bulletin. River Heights police have discovered the wreckage of a late-model green sports car at the bottom of Stone Canyon."

Unconsciously, Nancy, Bess, and George all strained to hear the disk jockey's next words. "The car is registered to famed mystery writer Monica Crown."

A Terrible Accident

"Mrs. Crown! I... I just can't believe it!" Nancy gasped.

Bess shuddered. "Those threats on her life must have been for real," she whispered.

"The accident happened in Stone Canyon," George said. "That's not too far from here."

Nancy nodded grimly. "Let's go," she said, turning the car in the direction of the hills just north of town. She stepped on the accelerator. The sound of sirens first alerted the girls that they were near the scene of the accident. As they rounded a sharp curve in the road, they saw half a dozen flashing lights ahead.

Nancy pulled the car over close to the embankment and switched off the engine. The three girls got out and walked to the site of the accident.

In the light of the full moon it was easy to follow the path the car had taken as it had left the road, shot up over the dirt embankment, and plunged into the dark, deep ravine two hundred feet below.

Several police officers and ambulance attendants had already scrambled over the side of the cliff and were searching the area around the wreckage.

Bess shook her head. ^<4No one could have lived through this."

Just then a paneled TV van drove up. A press car screeched to a halt behind the truck, and a young woman jumped out.

"Hey, look who's here," George said. "It's Allison Phillips, the On the Spot reporter for Channel Ten."

Nancy watched Allison Phillips run straight for the police officer in charge. A cameraman, following along a few feet behind Allison, balanced a video TV camera on his right shoulder. Nancy smiled a little as the aggressive young reporter pushed a microphone under the nose of the busy police officer.

Curious spectators were gathering to watch the grim scene below. At the fringe of the crowd, Nancy caught sight of Irene Adams. "Look"—she pointed—"that's Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Crown's housekeeper. I'm going to find out what she knows about this. I'll be right back."

Nancy made her way through a maze of police cars, an ambulance, and an assortment of other vehicles that were now parked by the cliff.

She watched Mrs. Adams walk slowly away from the crowd. The housekeeper leaned against the trunk of a large tree for support.

"Mrs. Adams?" Nancy called out.

Mrs. Adams's eyes were wide with fear. She stared vacantly as Nancy approached.

"Mrs. Adams," Nancy repeated. "I'm Nancy Drew. I met you at Mrs. Crown's home earlier today."

It took a few minutes for Nancy's words to register. Finally, Mrs. Adams nodded. "Oh, yes. ... I remember now. ..." The housekeeper's words trailed off and she broke into uncontrollable sobs. "This is so terrible... I've worked for Mrs. Crown for over twenty years. She's such a fine woman. I can't believe she's dead," Mrs. Adams said in a choking voice.

Nancy spoke gently to the older woman. "Don't give up hope, Mrs. Adams. They haven't found a body yet. Is it possible," Nancy asked, "that someone else was driving Mrs. Crown's car?"

"No," Mrs. Adams replied. "I saw Mrs. Crown leave in the car at around five o'clock this afternoon. She was alone."

Nancy nodded. "She told me she had an appointment." Then she added, "But she left the house nearly seven hours ago. I wonder where she was during all that time." Nancy spoke more to herself than to the housekeeper. "Did she tell you where she was going or who she was meeting?"

"No. She just told me not to wait up for her. She said she might be out quite late." Mrs. Adams wrapped her arms around herself in an effort to control her trembling body. "I only hope that Tony..." She choked on a sob.

"Your son?" Nancy asked quickly. "What about him?"

"I only hope that he wasn't involved with this accident."

Nancy wondered why Mrs. Adams would be worried about that, but she decided not to say anything. She didn't want to add to the woman's distress.

A young man wandered over to them. His dirty-blond hair was cut in an outrageous style, and he was wearing torn jeans and a black leather jacket. "They still haven't found the old lady's body," he announced in a casual voice.

He pushed his hands inside his jean pockets. "It's too bad about the car. Mrs. C. let me drive it to the gas station for a fill-up this morning. What a great ride!"

"Tony!" Mrs. Adams looked embarrassed. "Is that all you can think about—the car? Mrs. Crown might be dead!" Mrs. Adams walked away in disgust. Tony gave a careless shrug and sauntered off.

Nancy looked thoughtfully at Tony. Then she headed back across the road toward Bess and George. But before she could reach her friends, Allison Phillips rushed up to her, followed by a cameraman and another young man holding a portable klieg light. Nancy blinked in the glare of the light.

Nancy tried to walk away, but Allison Phillips grabbed her arm and turned her around so that they were both facing the camera. "Ladies and gentlemen," Allison said, "I'm standing here with Nancy Drew, River Heights's best-known detective. Nancy, what can you tell us about the horrible accident that has happened tonight? Are you going to investigate the case?" She shoved the microphone in Nancy's face.

"Look, Ms. Phillips, if you don't mind, I'd rather not be interviewed right now," Nancy replied flatly. She pulled her arm away from Allison Phillips's grasp and began to walk away.

"But my viewers want to know," Allison protested, as she hurried after Nancy. "Don't you think they have a right to know why you're here?"

Nancy ignored Allison's question. Instead she asked, "Did you get any information about the accident from the police?"

The reporter smiled and shook her head. "Any information I have, you can learn all about on the Channel Ten news report," Allison replied sweetly. She turned to the cameraman and said, "I wish we knew a little more about what Mrs. Crown has been up to lately. She's so reclusive, no one in River Heights has seen her since her daughter's trial months ago."

Nancy couldn't resist saying, "I saw her today."

"What!" the reporter exclaimed. "Where did you see her?"

"At her home," Nancy replied calmly.

Allison's eyebrows shot up. She looked at Nancy and smiled slyly. "So you are investigating something. What is it?" she asked.

Nancy shook her head. "I'm not telling you anything, Ms. Phillips." Nancy smiled to herself as she joined Bess and George.

Another half hour passed before the police officer in charge informed everyone that rescuers were having a difficult time searching through the dense foliage at the bottom of the ravine. No body had been found. Most of the officers were being sent home. Two search teams would continue working throughout the night. The policeman urged the crowd to leave.

Nancy was both relieved and puzzled that a body hadn't been found. She dropped Bess and George off at their respective homes and returned to her own home for the night.

At ten o'clock the next morning, Nancy entered her father's office. "Here are those papers you asked me to bring you," she said, placing a bulging manila envelope on Mr. Drew's desk.

"I listened to the radio on the way over," she added. "The police still haven't found a body near the site of the wreck." Nancy's eyes were filled with concern. "It's hard to believe that Mrs. Crown probably died in the accident last night."

Carson Drew was thoughtful. He brushed a hand over his dark hair, which was just beginning to show traces of gray. "I know how you feel. She seemed like a special lady."

"Alive or dead, I'm not going to let her down," Nancy declared. "I'm starting work on this case today. I thought I'd begin by having a look around Mrs. Crown's library. When I was there yesterday, I noticed that her desk was covered with papers. Maybe I can find a clue among some of her notes."

"My firm is as concerned about Monica Crown's disappearance as you are, Nancy. She's a very important client. If I can help in any way, let me know."

Nancy gave her father a grateful smile. "Thanks, Dad. I know I can always count on you."

Twenty minutes later, Nancy was ringing the doorbell of Mrs. Crown's house. A red-eyed Mrs. Adams showed Nancy into the library. Nancy headed straight for the desk and sat down in the big leather chair behind it.

Mrs. Adams said nervously, "Well, I have a few things to attend to upstairs. Will you be all right here alone?"

"I'll be fine, Mrs. Adams," Nancy said. "Thank you."

When the housekeeper had left, Nancy combed the top of the desk thoroughly, searching for clues. Most of the papers were bank and business correspondence. A large stack of fan letters stood on the right side of the desk. Next to the pile of letters was a photograph of a young woman. Karen Crown, Nancy guessed. Beside the photo was a calendar. Nancy flipped through the pages, but she didn't find anything revealing. The page with yesterday's date was completely blank. Next Nancy checked all the desk drawers. Inside the lower left drawer were several handwritten pages that looked to Nancy like an outline for some future mystery that Mrs. Crown was planning.

Nancy was about to read the outline when the grandfather clock in the library began to strike the hour. She glanced at her watch and saw that it was noon. Nancy carefully folded the pages and tucked them inside her shoulder bag.

She said a hurried goodbye to Mrs. Adams and dashed to her car. It was time to have a talk with Karen Crown.

The drive to the State Women's Correctional Institution took nearly two hours. The prison had only minimum security, but Nancy had to stop at the security desk and submit to a brief search before she was allowed to enter.

She waited for Karen Crown inside a bare room that contained a steel table and two folding chairs. There was no window. The only light came from a single one-hundred-watt bulb that glared from the ceiling. Even though she was wearing a leather jacket, Nancy felt the chill of the cement walls around her.

The green steel door opened. Karen Crown was led inside by a female guard. The guard announced bluntly, "You have fifteen minutes. I'll be just outside."

The door closed with a bang. Karen let out a sigh, and she sank weakly into one of the chairs. "You're Nancy Drew?" she asked in a shaky voice.

Nancy felt a rush of pity as she thought of the photograph she'd seen in Mrs. Crown's library. In that photograph Karen had worn a dazzling smile. With her silky blond hair and sparkling blue eyes, she had been a beautiful young woman.

Now, after a few months in prison, Karen Crown's hair had become limp, and she had dark circles under her eyes. She propped her elbows on the table and rested her head between her hands. She seemed exhausted and much older than her twenty-five years.

"Karen, I'm here because I want to help you," Nancy said.

A faint smile briefly crossed Karen's pale face. "I hope you can help me, Nancy. I spoke to my mother on the phone yesterday. She told me she had just asked you to help us."

"Have you spoken to your mother since then?" Nancy asked.

Karen shook her head.

Nancy hesitated. Karen certainly didn't need any more problems. She asked as gently as she could, "Have you heard about last night's accident?"

Karen's eyes filled with tears. "Yes, I was told this morning." She swallowed hard, fighting to control her quavering voice. "I can't believe that my mother's really dead. ..."

Nancy said quickly, "Until they find her body, there's always hope, Karen."

Karen nodded and wiped the tears away from her cheeks. "The last thing my mother said to me was that she was working hard to have my name cleared and that I'd be out of here soon."

Nancy leaned across the table toward Karen. "Let's start at the beginning," she said. "I'd like you to tell me about the robbery."

Karen shook her head. "There's not much to tell. It happened on a Friday night, about an hour after I had left Roget's. The next morning Roget's was closed to the public. The store was swarming with police officers. I must have been questioned by at least a dozen people that morning; it was a nightmare. They had no reason to suspect me, other than the fact that I had no alibi for my whereabouts the night before."

"Where were you the night of the robbery?" Nancy asked.

"I was supposed to meet Larry—Larry Holtz, my fiance," Karen explained, "in front of a theater in Petersville. We were planning to see a movie and then go out for a late dinner. I waited outside the theater for about forty-five minutes, but Larry never showed up. By that time it had started to rain, so I bought a ticket and went inside."

"Were there any witnesses, anyone who remembered seeing you outside the theater?'" Nancy wanted to know.

"No," Karen replied, "that was the problem. I had no way of proving where I was when Roget's diamonds were stolen."

"What happened to Larry?"

"His car had broken down. He was stranded eighteen miles from the closest town. I was back home before he was able to get in touch with me."

"Do you live with your mother?" asked Nancy.

"Yes, I live in a small apartment over the garage."

Nancy started jotting down notes. "Can you tell me about your fiance?"

Karen's expression softened, and she smiled for the first time. She said warmly, "Larry is just a year older than I am. He's a very successful gem dealer. The missing diamonds had been brought to Roget's by Larry. He wanted Tom Owens to cut them."

"Who is Tom Owens?" Nancy asked.

"Tom Owens is a well-known stonecutter. Cutting precious stones requires a great deal of skill. Although Tom lives in River Heights, he's worked for the Roget's chain all over the United States. He is"—Karen paused—"or was one of the industry's most skilled stonecutters."

Nancy looked up from her notepad. "What do you mean, 'was"? Doesn't he cut stones anymore?"

"No, he was recently forced to retire. He has some kind of problem with his hands and can't work any longer."

Nancy said, "Your mother told me the police were sure you were guilty when they searched your apartment and found one of the missing diamonds."

Karen's lips were set in a straight, tight line. "That diamond was planted in my bedroom dresser. I was set up to take the blame for the robbery."

"Let's go back to the time just before you left Roget's," Nancy suggested. "Did anybody there do or say anything that seemed suspicious?"

Karen thought for a minute. Then she shook her head. "No, everybody seemed pretty normal." She added, "The only weird thing that happened was that, later, Al Morris, the security guard, was drugged. I found out about it the next day. He was unconscious during the robbery."

"Drugged!" Nancy exclaimed. "But how?"

Karen shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. It couldn't have been the coffee. I made a fresh pot before I left Roget's at six o'clock. I even drank a cup just before I left for my date with Larry."

"Maybe the cup Al Morris drank was from another pot of coffee," Nancy suggested.

"No, that's impossible," replied Karen. "We had only one pot in the lounge."

"Anyone at Roget's could have substituted coffee pots with a little planning," Nancy pointed out. "Or someone could have slipped the drug into Al Morris's cup directly." Then she asked, "Is there some way I can get in touch with Larry? I'd like to talk to him, too."

"He'll be here tomorrow," Karen said softly. "He drives all the way up here once a week. I'll tell him to get in touch with you."

The green steel door opened. "Time's up, ladies," the guard announced.

"Nancy?"

Nancy paused and looked at Karen. The young woman was gazing at her with a hopeful expression. "Larry and I were supposed to be married over the Thanksgiving holiday. That's only a little over a month away. Do you think there's any way that can still happen?"

Nancy reached out and gave Karen's arm a reassuring squeeze. "I don't know, Karen, but I promise I'll do everything I can."

As Nancy headed out the door, Karen suddenly cried out, "Nancy, wait!"

"What is it?" Nancy said, turning around.

"I forgot to give you a copy of the first two chapters of Mother's new book. Maybe you can find some clues in it." She handed Nancy a manila folder.

"Have you read the chapters?" Nancy asked Karen.

The young woman shook her head. "Not yet. I just received it today."

Nancy took the folder and promised Karen she would read the chapters very carefully.

Twenty minutes later Nancy was speeding along the highway back toward River Heights. She glanced at the folder on the seat beside her. She was so anxious to read what Mrs. Crown had written that she pulled into the first roadside restaurant parking lot she could find.

Nancy hadn't eaten since breakfast, and she was starving. She found a comfortable booth in the small diner and ordered her meal.

While she waited for her food, she pulled the typewritten pages from the manila folder. Mrs. Crown's new mystery still didn't have a title. Nancy hadn't even completed the first paragraph when she was startled by a scream coming from the main entrance to the diner. She was suddenly aware of smoke and the crackling sound of a fire out of control!

The First Warning

The small restaurant was filled with panic as customers left their tables and raced to the rear exit.

A mother with three young children was headed toward the exit. The youngest child stumbled and fell. Nancy quickly scooped the little girl up in her arms.

A waitress used the plastic tray she was carrying to break the glass to the fire extinguisher. Within a matter of minutes the fire was under control, and the restaurant employees urged customers to return to their seats. Nancy handed the small, frightened child over to her mother and returned to her corner booth. Her jacket and purse were where she had left them, but the chapters to Mrs. Crown's book were missing!

By this time the diner was filled with firefighters. Nancy darted out the rear door and raced around to the parking lot in front of the diner. She spotted a white sedan speeding out of the lot and onto the highway. The driver of the car was obviously in a great hurry, but Nancy reasoned that might just be a coincidence. She sighed and went back into the restaurant. She gave the area around her booth a final inspection. After questioning several customers and her waitress, Nancy decided that the chapters had been stolen.

Later that evening Nancy was in the kitchen helping to get dinner ready. "It's so embarrassing," she said to Hannah. "I'm supposed to be a detective, and I let someone steal those pages right from under my nose."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Nancy," Hannah said sympathetically. "I'm sure the same thing could have happened to anyone."

Nancy sighed. She removed a tray of Hannah's piping hot rolls from the oven and placed them in a serving basket.

Just then Carson Drew stepped into the kitchen. He breathed in deeply. "Everything smells wonderful," he said, grinning at Hannah. To Nancy he said, "You look a little tired, honey. Is anything wrong?"

Nancy reached up and gave her father a light kiss on the cheek. "I'm glad you're home, Dad. I've got a lot to tell you."

During dinner Nancy filled her father in on all the details of the day. Her blue eyes darkened as she recalled her visit to Karen Crown at the prison. "It's really awful there, Dad. Karen seemed so depressed and lonely. I don't think she can stand being in prison much longer."

Nancy paused, her fork in midair, and said thoughtfully, "It must be horrible enough being locked up in a place like that if you're guilty, but if you're innocent..." She set her fork down. She said in a determined voice, "I'm going to get Karen out of there."

"I'm sure you will, Nancy," replied her father. "Just don't get impatient. It could take some time to settle this case. It sounds to me as if at least two people are involved in the Roget's robbery." Mr. Drew reached for a second portion of salmon. "Mrs. Crown told you that she received calls threatening her life. She also received a note telling her Karen was innocent. That sounds like two people to me. One afraid of getting caught, and the other feeling guilty about sending an innocent person to jail."

"If only I'd caught a glimpse of whoever stole those pages today."

"Yes, it's too bad about that," her father agreed.

"Well, anyway, I'm going to start concentrating on interviewing some of the people who work at Roget's."

Nancy and Carson Drew were just finishing dessert when the phone rang.

Hannah called from the kitchen. "Nancy, it's for you."

"Thanks, Hannah," Nancy called back. "I'll take it in the den." Nancy sat down behind her father's mahogany desk. Before picking up the phone, she automatically reached for a pen.

The voice on the other end of the phone seemed nervous and in somewhat of a hurry. "Hello, Miss Drew? My name is Paul Reese. I got your name from Karen Crown. She's my cousin. Monica Crown is my aunt. I'd like to talk to you about my aunt's disappearance."

"Of course," Nancy replied eagerly. "Do you know anything about Mrs. Crown's accident?"

Paul Reese hesitated before answering. "I can't talk right now, but I have some information that might be helpful. I'm a student at Emerson College. Can you meet me here at the Campus Coffee Shop?"

"Yes, I can," Nancy replied. "I'll be there at eleven o'clock tomorrow morning."

Nancy's boyfriend, Ned Nickerson, was a student at Emerson College. As soon as Paul Reese hung up, Nancy dialed Ned's fraternity house. She was told that Ned was out. Nancy left a message asking Ned if he'd be free to have lunch with her in the college cafeteria at noon the next day.

The drive to Emerson College was pleasant. Nancy enjoyed the scenic beauty of the country-side, bright with the red, orange, and gold colors of autumn.

When Nancy reached the college, she parked in the visitors' parking lot and walked across the campus toward the coffee shop. As she stepped inside the building, she checked her watch. Ten fifty-five exactly. Nancy always liked to be a few minutes early for appointments.

The coffee shop was fairly empty. Nancy sat at a table near the door, ordered a soda, and waited for Paul Reese.

At eleven-fifteen, a tall, thin young man with red hair stepped into the coffee shop. He glanced around the restaurant.

Nancy said, "Excuse me, but are you Paul Reese?"

Paul looked at Nancy in surprise. "Yeah, but... you can't be... I mean, are you Nancy Drew?"

"Yes," Nancy replied with a smile. She stood up and held out her hand.

Paul wordlessly shook her hand. Then he sat down on a chair next to Nancy, staring at her out of thick horned-rimmed glasses that magnified his pale green eyes. It didn't take Nancy long to decide that he was definitely rude.

"How old are you anyway?" he demanded angrily.

"I'm eighteen," Nancy replied.

"I don't believe it! Now I know Aunt Monica really lost all her marbles!"

"Is this your way of telling me that you think I'm too young to be a detective?" Nancy inquired politely.

"Let's face it," Paul said. "You can't have had much experience."

"Actually, I've solved a number of cases," Nancy replied matter-of-factly. "Ability has nothing to do with how old you are."

Unconvinced, Paul continued to scowl at Nancy. She reached in her purse for a pen and notebook. "You told me on the phone you had some information about your aunt."

"I know she was writing a book based on the Roget's robbery."

Nancy placed her pen on top of her notebook and said, "Yes, I know that."

Paul seemed surprised. "She told you about the book?"

"She didn't tell me its contents, only that she hoped that the book she was working on might expose the thief."

"So that's why she was snooping around Roget's," Paul said slowly. He added, "My father was very annoyed that she kept showing up there. He's the manager of Roget's."

"Frederick Reese is your father?" Nancy asked in surprise.

Paul nodded.

"I just talked to his secretary this morning," Nancy said. "I made an appointment to speak to him tomorrow." She paused. "It's funny that no one has mentioned that he's related to Mrs. Crown."

"What do you mean?" Paul stared down at Nancy. His expression was anything but friendly. "Who have you been talking to anyway?"

"So far I've only talked to your aunt and to Karen."

"Karen!" Paul gave a snort of contempt. "My jailbird cousin. She'd say anything to get out of prison."

Nancy ignored Paul's words and turned the conversation back to Frederick Reese. "Exactly how are your father and Mrs. Crown related?"

"They're brother and sister," Paul replied. Then he added in a threatening tone, "Don't try to pin anything on my father."

Nancy's eyes widened. "I have no reason to suspect your father of anything. But since he is the manager of Roget's, I thought it was only logical to talk to him."

"He doesn't know anything about Aunt Monica's accident," Paul said hotly. "Why don't you leave him alone?"

Nancy tossed the pen and notebook back inside her purse. She pulled the leather strap of the bag over her shoulder and walked to the door. Only Nancy's flashing eyes betrayed her anger. "Do you mind telling me why you wanted me to drive out here? It's obvious that you don't have anything helpful to tell me about your aunt or her disappearance."

"I can tell you that a lot of people stand to benefit from her death," Paul blurted out.

Nancy paused, her hand on the doorknob. "What do you mean?"

Paul's whole attitude changed. He looked away from Nancy and mumbled, "I mean that my aunt was a very rich woman."

Nancy raised her eyebrows. "Are you suggesting that one of her heirs might be responsible for her disappearance?"

Paul shrugged. "It's possible."

Nancy looked at Paul closely. She said slowly, "Does that make you a possible suspect? Or your father?"

Paul Reese banged his fist on the table. "I did not harm my aunt! And neither did my father! I just wish that you or the police or somebody would hurry up and find her body."

"What makes you so sure she's dead?"

"Come on," Paul sneered, "even a teenage detective must have brains enough to figure out that people don't survive a drop from a two-hundred-foot-high cliff!"

With these words, Paul got up and marched out of the coffee shop.

Nancy sat in the coffee shop for a few minutes thinking about her conversation with Paul Reese. Then she paid her bill and left to meet Ned.

The walk from the Campus Coffee Shop to the cafeteria only took a few minutes. Nancy was excited at the prospect of seeing Ned. She hoped that he had gotten her message.

"Nancy!"

Nancy whirled in the direction of Ned's voice. She saw the tall, athletic young man bound down the steps of the science building toward her. He gave her a hug and said, "It's great to see you."

"It's great to see you, too," Nancy said with a smile.

Ned linked Nancy's arm through his as they headed for the cafeteria. "What brings you to Emerson anyway?"

Nancy said teasingly, "What makes you think I didn't drive out here just to see my favorite guy?"

Ned laughed. "That would be nice, but something tells me that you're combining business with pleasure."

Over a leisurely lunch, Nancy told Ned all about the Crown case, up to her conversation with Paul Reese. After she had finished, Ned commented, "It sounds as if Paul wants his aunt to be proven dead."

"That was the feeling I got, too," Nancy said. "If there's no body, a will can be held up for years. Paul seems to be interested in his aunt's money."

As they left the cafeteria, Ned said, "I've got a two o'clock class. It's on the other side of the campus, so I've got to get moving. I'll see you on Saturday. Don't forget my parents are expecting us at the lake for the day."

Nancy smiled. "Are you kidding? I've been looking forward to it ever since you called last week to invite me."

As Nancy walked to her car, she heard the squeal of tires behind her. Turning, she watched a white sedan speed from the parking lot and down one of the usually quiet college streets. When she reached her sportscar, Nancy saw that the door on the driver's side was slightly open. She was positive that she'd locked it. With a puzzled frown, she pulled the door open.

Spread all over the driver's seat was a Polaroid snapshot ripped to shreds! When Nancy fit the pieces together, she saw that it was a picture of her taken with Ned when they had met outside the science building.

Then Nancy noticed a note that had fallen on the floor. Scribbled in black ink were the words: "If you want to stay in one piece, drop the Crown case!"

Followed!

Nancy glanced around quickly. There was no one in sight. "Whoever you are," she spoke under her breath, "if you're trying to scare me off... forget it!"

Less than ten minutes after leaving Emerson College, Nancy became aware of a car following her. She was sure it was the same white sedan that had peeled out of the college parking lot seconds before she had discovered the torn photograph. She recalled the white sedan she'd seen leaving the roadside diner shortly after she'd discovered that the pages of Mrs. Crown's book were missing. Someone was keeping very close tabs on her whereabouts!

Nancy stepped harder on the accelerator. The little sportscar surged forward. The car behind her immediately picked up speed. Nancy decided to slow down in the hope that she could draw the sedan close enough to see who was behind the wheel, but it remained a safe distance behind. Then she noticed that the windows of the sedan were tinted black.

"This is ridiculous," Nancy said aloud. No matter how close she got to the other car, it would be impossible to see inside. She decided to wait until she reached the next town before making a move to lose the unwelcome tail.

When she reached the town of Petersville, Nancy made a sudden turn off the main highway onto one of the smaller city streets. She whipped the car around a maze of city blocks. When she left Petersville she was headed back to River Heights on another route.

Nancy grinned triumphantly into the rearview mirror. The white sedan was nowhere in sight. The alternate route would take slightly longer, but at least she'd be traveling without "company."

The next morning Nancy dressed with care for her appointment at Roget's, the most exclusive jewelry store in town. Customers usually had to make an appointment just to look at some of the more precious stones in their collection.

As she headed downstairs, Hannah called out, "Nancy, you'd better take a coat. There's a real chill in the air today."

Nancy glanced out the window. The October weather was turning cooler with each passing day. The sky was gray and overcast. "Good idea, Hannah. Actually, it looks like it's going to pour any minute." Nancy took a lined trenchcoat from the hall closet and tossed it over her arm. Hannah came into the hall.

"I can't stop worrying about that torn photograph," she said in a concerned voice. "Someone would have to be crazy to tear up a picture and leave a note like that."

"I don't think so, Hannah," Nancy said, trying to be reassuring. "Someone just wanted to frighten me."

"Well, whoever it is certainly managed to frighten me." She reached out and patted Nancy's shoulder. "Please, dear, promise me you'll be careful."

Nancy smiled. "I will, Hannah. I promise."

Twenty minutes later, Nancy pulled into George's driveway. The front door opened, and George made a dash for the car. A light rain had started to fall. On the drive into town Nancy told her all about what had happened on her trip to Emerson. When Nancy had finished, George said, "I think the torn picture and the threatening note are easy to understand."

"Oh?" Nancy was curious to hear George's explanation.

"I figure that it was done by some heartbroken Emerson student who is secretly in love with Ned. When she got a look at you, she realized she'd never stand a chance with the man of her dreams... unless she could scare you off."

Nancy chuckled. Then in a serious voice she said, "That torn photograph didn't really scare me, but it does convince me that someone means business. And the sooner I find out who that someone is, the better!"

For the rest of their ride, Nancy and George's conversation was centered on the Crown case.

The entrance to Roget's was very distinctive. A red-striped awning hung high above the storefront, and there was a red-carpeted walk leading up to the door.

Nancy and George were greeted by a friendly guard at the door. He held the barred steel gates open for the girls. Nancy hesitated, then she said, "Excuse me, but I see by your name tag that you're Al Morris."

Al Morris was a heavyset, jolly-looking man in his early sixties. He grinned at Nancy and said, "Yes, I am. How can I help you young ladies?"

"My name is Nancy Drew. I'm here to ask some questions about the robbery that took place last May. I understand you were on duty that night."

The security guard's grin faded. He seemed immediately cautious. "Yes, I was on duty that night. May I ask, miss, does Mr. Reese know you're here to investigate the diamond robbery?"

"Yes, he does," Nancy replied. "When I made the appointment, I told his secretary what I wanted to talk to him about."

Al Morris seemed to relax a little. He shrugged. "Well, I can't be very helpful. I was unconscious during the whole thing. The police lab found traces of a sleeping powder in the coffee pot. I had had two or three cups right after I came on duty that night."

Nancy's eyes carefully studied Al Morris's face as she spoke her next words. "I spoke to Karen Crown. She says she made a pot of coffee before leaving at six o'clock that night. She even drank a cup from that pot. She swears it wasn't drugged when she left Roget's."

Al Morris's gray eyes shifted from Nancy to George. He said, "Look, I always liked Miss Crown. I could never believe she was the thief. Even after she was arrested, I figured she'd get off." Al shrugged. "I'm sorry, I don't know how the drugs got into that pot of coffee or who put them there. All I know is that I was definitely drugged."

Nancy thanked the guard, and she and George stepped into the shop. Walking between rows of enclosed glass cases, Nancy and George couldn't help but admire all the expensive jewelry surrounding them.

"Oh, wow," George whispered, stopping by one of the cases. "What I would give for that gorgeous emerald ring."

Nancy's eyes fell on the price tag, which had been accidentally turned over. "It's a real bargain, George," Nancy whispered back. "Only fourteen thousand dollars!"

The girls were led into Frederick Reese's office by his secretary. She introduced Nancy and George to Mr. Reese. Then she left the office, closing the door behind her.

Nancy and George sat down in the matching Victorian chairs that faced Frederick Reese's large antique desk. Frederick Reese, Nancy noted, was an older version of his son. He was slightly taller and heavier than Paul, but he had the same pale green eyes that stared out from behind thick horn-rimmed glasses.

Mr. Reese leaned forward. With an arrogant smile he said, "I really don't know what you think you can learn from me about the robbery. I've told the police everything I know. I testified at the trial. I've been interviewed by newspaper and TV reporters." Frederick Reese stopped smiling. His voice began to rise in anger. "Insurance investigators have been on my back. Frankly, I'm fed up with the whole business."

"Mr. Reese," Nancy purposely spoke in a low voice in an effort to calm the store manager, "do you believe Karen Crown is guilty?"

Frederick Reese looked at Nancy thoughtfully. Then he shook his head sadly. "My own sister's child. She's a lovely girl. I didn't want to believe that she had anything to do with it, but facts are facts. One of the stolen diamonds was found in her apartment."

Nancy's next question surprised George, who had been silently but intently studying Mr. Reese. "Assuming that Karen is guilty, do you believe she pulled off the diamond robbery by herself?"

"No." Frederick Reese's reply was immediate. "I've always thought that fiance of hers, Larry Holtz, was involved."

"Do you have any reason to suspect him?" Nancy inquired.

The store manager shrugged. "Just call it a hunch, but I did notice that right after the robbery, Holtz bought himself a very expensive new car."

Nancy jotted down this information in her notebook. "What can you tell me about Tom Owens?"

"He was one of the finest stonecutters in America. Before his hands started to go, he received calls from gem dealers around the world."

Nancy remembered that Karen had also mentioned Tom Owens's hands. "I don't understand. What happened to his hands?"

"Arthritis," Mr. Reese replied. There was a genuine note of sympathy in his voice. "Tom is still a fairly young man. To see a brilliant career come to an end for someone his age is a real tragedy."

"Then Mr. Owens no longer works here?"

"No, I was forced to ask him to resign. He retired from the business a few days after the robbery."

"I'd like to talk to Mr. Owens," Nancy said. "Can you give me his address?"

Mr. Reese nodded. He quickly jotted down the address and phone number on a piece of paper and handed the paper to Nancy.

"Now what?" George asked, as she and Nancy headed back to Nancy's car. "A visit to Tom Owens?"

"Right," Nancy replied. "It's time to get his side of the story."

On the way to Tom Owens's house, the October storm began in earnest. The rain seemed to come down in buckets. At one point Nancy was forced to creep along the highway at fifteen miles an hour.

Tom Owens lived in a rural section of River Heights. Each house was located at least half a mile from its closest neighbor. In the blinding rain, George was just able to make out the name on the mailbox next to the road. "This is it."

Nancy turned into a gravel driveway. At the end stood a red barnlike house, Nancy parked as close to the house as possible. Together, she and George made a dash through the rain to the shelter of the front porch.

Nancy used the brass knocker in the center of the door. On the second knock, the door opened.

Tom Owens didn't wait to ask his callers their names. Instead, he opened the door wide and invited them inside. The living room was cozy and warm. He motioned his guests over to the fireplace. After he had taken their coats, the girls reached out toward the warmth of the blazing fire.

Tom Owens was not much taller than George, who was five feet eight inches. With his slender but muscular build, dark hair, and black eyes, both girls were aware of his good looks.

He silently studied both girls before he said, "You must be Nancy Drew, and if I'm not mistaken," he said with a smile for George, "you're George Fayne."

"But... how..." George stammered.

"Let me guess," Nancy said, returning his smile. "Mr. Reese called to tell you that we wanted to talk to you."

"Very deductive reasoning," Tom Owens teased. "It's easy to see why you're such a successful detective."

Nancy laughed and sat down on the couch next to George. "I hope we're not interrupting, Mr. Owens. I suppose we should have called ahead ourselves. We just thought we'd take the chance you might be in."

"Call me Tom. And you're welcome to ask me any questions, although I don't think I can give you any helpful information—except to say that I'm certain the robbery was an inside job."

"What makes you so sure?" George asked.

"First of all, someone knew the combination to the alarm system. The alarm never went off. Second, only a Roget's employee could have had access to the coffee pot that drugged Al Morris. Finally, someone had to have inside knowledge about the exact time those particular diamonds were going to be at Roget's."

Tom Owens leaned against the fireplace mantel. "I've always believed that Karen Crown was framed. It's a real shame. If the thief was going to frame anybody, I don't know why he didn't frame Reese's son. He seems like the perfect person. He's always sponging money off people, his father included."

Nancy nodded thoughtfully. "He was very interested in finding out whether Mrs. Crown was alive or dead," she told Tom Owens.

"Have you met Paul?" Tom asked.

"Only once, briefly," Nancy replied. She added, "You aren't the only person to believe in Karen. Her mother recently received an anonymous note stating that Karen was innocent."

Tom Owens's dark eyes were curious. "Really? Did it say anything else?"

"No, unfortunately it didn't."

"The diamonds were worth nearly a million dollars," Tom informed the girls. "Almost anyone could use that kind of money—especially Frederick. He's had a lot of financial troubles lately."

"I'm surprised," George said. "Roget's seems to be prosperous."

"Oh, it is," Tom said. "But Frederick Reese has made some very unwise personal investments. He's lost a great deal of money on them."

"Mr. Reese seemed very fond of you," Nancy said. "He was very sorry that you had to retire at such an early age."

Tom replied bitterly, "Yes... well, he's not the only one." He held up his hands. They were just beginning to show signs of becoming abnormally curved and stiff. "I'm only thirty-eight years old. I should have been able to work for another thirty years."

"I'm very sorry, Tom," Nancy said gently.

Tom forced a smile. "That's okay. There are worse handicaps. I'm learning to live with it. Anyway, I've gone into business for myself. I'm a gemstone consultant. I advise stores on what kind of stones to buy. It keeps me busy."

After Nancy and George left Tom Owens they headed back to town where they met Bess for lunch at the Delight Bite Restaurant. They told Bess all about their meeting with Tom Owens.

"Is he really as good-looking as George says?" Bess asked Nancy.

"Forget it, Bess," Nancy said with a laugh. "Tom Owens is much too old for you."

Bess faked a sad sigh. "Too bad. So far Tom Owens sounds like the most interesting person connected with the Crown case."

George and Nancy exchanged looks. George said to Bess, "Just because he's the best-looking doesn't mean he's the most interesting."

Bess loved mysteries when they came safely wrapped up in books, but she wasn't crazy about Nancy's real-life mysteries or anything that hinted at being even remotely dangerous. However, she was naturally curious. "So, what's going on with this case anyway? I heard on the radio this morning that the police have stopped looking in Stone Canyon for Mrs. Crown's body. Do you think that means she survived the wreck? But how could she? And if she isn't dead, where is she?"

"I don't know," Nancy said, shrugging her shoulders helplessly. "I'm just as baffled as you are."

Just then, the waitress stopped by their table to see if the girls needed anything else. Bess didn't hesitate. "Yes, what do you have for dessert?"

Nancy and George looked at each o