039 The Suspect Next Door Read Free

help. And here he was, leaving next week just as a new case was beginning.
    “It’s just some store thefts, Ned. Nothing heavy. I’m going to try to wind it up this week. In fact, so we could have more time together, I could use some help—”
    “Did I hear you say ‘help’? Sergeant Nickerson of the Yukon at your service, ma’am!” He paused to salute. “When do I start?”
    “I’ll let you know,” Nancy answered. “But it’s nice to know my Mountie is still available.”
    “Which store is it?” Ned asked as they headed for his car.
    “A store in the mall called Vanities,” she answered. “They’ve been robbed several times in the past month and a half. The police seem reluctant to get involved.”
    “Oh? Why’s that?”
    “Well, it looks like an inside job. No sign of a break-in—somebody knows all about the store’s security. Maybe the police figure it’s a scam of some kind. At any rate, so far they’ve left it up to the insurance company.”
    Ned reached around Nancy’s waist as they continued down the street.
    “Sounds pretty tame, actually,” Ned said, trying to look hopeful. “How are you going to proceed?”
    “Tomorrow morning I’ll go over all the store’s records and interview the employees. Nothing earth-shattering.” Nancy smiled up at him. “I can handle that by myself, but if I need you—”
    “I’m all yours.” Ned hugged her close to him.
    The street was dark now, and many of the shops were closed for the night. Ned’s car was parked at the near corner. Ned turned to Nancy and asked, “Want to go for pizza? Old movies make me hungry.”
    “You bet,” Nancy smiled. “Frank’s is open. Why don’t we walk? It’s only two blocks.”
    Turning the corner, they strolled down to the popular teen hangout. The sound of a current top-ten hit filtered out of the restaurant and into the street. Even though it was past ten-thirty, the place was still hopping. In fact, every seat was taken.
    “What do you say we just get a couple of slices to go and eat them on my porch?” Nancy suggested softly.
    “Fine with me,” he replied, kissing the side of her head. “Sounds kind of romantic, actually. Pizza on the Porch for Two.” With a wink at Nancy, he turned and placed their order.
    • • •
    Nancy and Ned set up their late-night picnic on a wicker table on Nancy’s front porch.
    “Pizza, a full moon, and you,” Ned said, and sighed. “I love it. Come here and sit down,” he said, patting the spot next to him on the love seat.
    “Last time we spent an evening on the porch, we were up talking till two in the morning,” she recalled.
    “Not just talking,” Ned reminded her, kissing her tenderly on her lips.
    “Mmmm,” Nancy breathed. “You Royal Mounted Police are all so romantic. And you also know how to make a girl hungry. Where’s the pizza? I’m starving.”
    “Hey, I was just getting started over here!” Ned said, holding out her slice and a napkin. “Do you mean to say pizza is more important to you than me?”
    “A girl’s got to eat,” Nancy said with a shrug and a laugh. “Besides, there’s nothing like food to make a person feel romantic.”
    “Is that so?” said Ned, arching his eyebrows. “Well, then.” Brushing his hands together, he reached for his slice. “Let me at it.” Ned folded his pizza wedge, winked at Nancy, and took a big bite.
    As they ate Nancy watched a beat-up old car stop in front of the house next door. Nancy recognized Nikki Masters and her boyfriend as they got out of the car. “Remember those twofrom the park?” Nancy whispered to Ned, throwing him a knowing look.
    Ned nodded. He and Nancy munched quietly, watching the young couple as they strolled up to the Masterses’ house and said their good-nights. The boy had his arm around Nikki, and he leaned his head very close to hers.
    “Love springs eternal,” Ned said in a soft whisper.
    Nancy was about to answer when, suddenly, Nikki wrenched free from her