“Actually, I think Dean Jarvis arranged it, to thank us for catching the person who stole the empress of Austria’s jewels from the museum.”
Nancy shivered, remembering how her trip to Emerson’s winter carnival had turned into a dangerous chase to catch the thief. Much as she loved a mystery, though, spending time with Ned and Bess was her number-one priority this trip.
Opening one of the pamphlets the girl at the front desk had given her, Nancy said, “There are a million things to do.” She skimmed over the list of events. “Today’s Thursday. Let’s see, there’s a pep rally and victory party tonight. Outdoor fair and float parade on Saturday . . .”
While she was reading, someone knocked at the door.
“I’ll get it,” Bess volunteered, and opened the door.
“And,” Nancy continued, still studying her flyer, “there’s the formal dance on Saturday night—”
“Which I’d love to escort you to,” said a husky voice from the doorway.
The familiar voice made Nancy tingle from head to toe. She turned to see Ned Nickerson, her longtime boyfriend. His six-foot-two-inch frame filled the doorway. An adorable grin lit his handsome face, and his dark eyes sparkled.
“Ned!” Nancy ran into his arms, and he swung her around in a breathless hug. “I thought you couldn’t meet us until later,” she said, smiling up at him.
“Lab finished early today. Hi, Bess,” he said, going over to give her a kiss on the cheek. “I hope you guys are psyched for a great time.”
“You bet,” Nancy told him. “It’ll be good to spend time with you, especially at homecoming.” Between Ned’s studies and her cases, it was impossible for them to see each other as often as they’d like.
“We’re ready to go,” Bess piped in. “We can always unpack later.”
“Great. You wouldn’t mind spending the next few hours rescuing a few desperate Emerson students, would you?” asked Ned. “Some of the parade participants could use a hand finishing their floats.”
“You mean we’ll get a peek at the floats for Saturday’s parade?” Bess asked. When Ned nodded, she grabbed her jacket and headed for the door. “You knew I couldn’t refuse a chance for a sneak preview. Help is on the way!” she called out into the hall.
Nancy and Ned laughed and followed Bess. They were standing in front of an elevator when the doors slid open and two suitcases toppled out. A young woman stepped out after the luggage, tugging on a tiny cart with a file cabinet on it. There was a hesitant look on her face as she asked, “Is this the fifth floor?”
“Sure is. Here, let me help you with that,” Ned offered, bending to grab the largest of her suitcases.
“Thanks,” the woman said with a grateful smile. While Bess held the door open, Nancy helped her with the file cabinet.
“That’s a lot for one person to carry,” said Ned. “Are you switching rooms?”
The woman shook her head. “I’m not a student,” she explained. “I just flew in from Chicago for homecoming. I’m staying with my sister, Tamara Carlson. She’s in room five-twelve.”
“Then we’ll be neighbors,” Bess announced as she and Nancy pushed the cart down the hall. “We’re in five-fourteen.”
“Are you an alumna of Emerson?” Ned asked.
“Well, I did attend Emerson for two years—two of the worst years of my life, I might add,” the woman answered, frowning.
Ned flashed Nancy a look that said he was sorry he had brought up the subject.
“Emerson is not near and dear to my heart,” the woman added dryly. “I’m here only to show support for my sister. Tamara’s been nominated for homecoming queen, and winning is very important to her.”
The group came to a halt in front of room 512. “I know Tamara,” said Ned, smiling. “I’m on the homecoming committee, so I’ve met all the nominees. Tamara’s a cheerleader and a member of student council,” he explained to Nancy and Bess. “I think she’s got a good shot at being elected homecoming queen.”
The woman smiled, and her harsh expression softened to one of pride. “It’s sweet of you to say that. I didn’t mean to be so snippy. Returning to Emerson is bringing back a lot of memories. By the way, I’m Susannah Carlson,” she added, extending her hand.