If Looks Could Kill Read Free Page A

the last word, Martika marched back up the steps at a rapid pace. Derek remained with the press and Christina as the train of carts approached to take them back up the hill.
    Nancy didn’t want to wait. Signaling for Bess and George to follow, she took off after Martika, catching her about halfway up the steps.
    â€œMartika!” she said. The gorgeous model turned. “I’m Nancy Drew,” Nancy said, extending her hand. “And these are my friends, Bess and George,” she added when Bess and George caught up.
    â€œNancy!” Martika said, suddenly seeming to relax. She shook hands with all three girls and gave them a dazzling smile. “I’m sorry you had to witness what just happened. I can’t believe that woman had the nerve to show up here! She’s trying to ruin my opening.”
    â€œI thought it was very nice of you to invite her to stay,” Nancy offered.
    â€œWhat else could I do?” Martika asked, sighing. “The press was watching. It wouldn’t have looked very good if I’d refused. What I really wanted to do, though, was strangle her.”
    Martika gave a sad little laugh. “Just kidding, of course. But, you know, it isn’t easy going into a business like this. It wouldn’t take much to wreck everything I’ve set up. And I want everything to be perfect. Preston Winchell, my financial backer, is here, and I just know Christina would love to steal him and his support from me.”
    â€œI think she has a lot of nerve to just show up like she did,” Bess volunteered.
    â€œAnd how convenient that her boat had engine trouble right here at Rainbow Cay,” George added.
    â€œIt does look calculated,” Nancy agreed. “Martika, could Christina’s arrival have anything to do with the problems you wanted to tell me about?”
    Martika peered up and down the stairs, then said, “Since you mentioned it, let’s talk. I know the perfect place.”
    She turned off the stairway and led them down a path lined with blooming bougainvillea. It twisted below the tennis courts and ended in a lovely secluded garden enclosed by a brick wall. Two frangipani trees bordered the entrance, and inside there were stone benches set amid perfectly tended beds of flowers and herbs. The air was piquant with their aroma.
    â€œIt’s so peaceful here,” Nancy said, breathing in the smell of a combination of sage, basil, clove, and mint.
    â€œThis is where we’re suggesting people come to meditate. We’ll try to attend to the soul as well as the body at Cloud Nine,” Martika explained.
    They sat down on the benches surrounding a small fountain. “You were going to explain why you sent for me,” Nancy prompted.
    â€œI’ve been receiving threats,” Martika said, focusing only on Nancy. “Notes warning me not to open the resort. Of course I ignored them—nothing’s going to stop me from making Cloud Nine a success. Still, I want to find out who sent them and what the person is planning.”
    â€œWhat about the police?” Nancy asked.
    â€œOut of the question,” Martika said. “Can you picture this place crawling with the St. Thomas police? The reporters and photographers would have a field day, and my grand opening would be a disaster.”
    Nancy understood. “Has anyone else seen the notes?” she asked.
    â€œNo one,” Martika said softly.
    â€œNot even your brother?” George asked.
    â€œDerek?” Martika looked as though the idea of showing the notes to him was absurd. “Derek’s my brother, and I love him. But he can’t keep a secret.”
    â€œCould he have written the notes?” Nancy asked.
    Martika appeared to be taken aback by thequestion. “Oh, no,” she said uncertainly. “At least, I don’t think so. I can’t imagine he’d do that to me after all I’ve done for him. Besides, why would he want me