Mystery on the Menu by Carolyn Keene

Author:Carolyn Keene
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aladdin

8

A Bloody Message

Nancy stepped back from the door, her mind racing. Could Baird be the one behind all the incidents? Was he trying to sabotage the institute for some reason?

She remembered meeting Baird in the living room, just before dinner on Monday night. When George had asked him if he worked for Sophie, he’d corrected her, saying that he worked with Sophie. Was he unhappy with his second-in-command status at the institute? Was he trying to run Sophie out of the place so he’d be able to fill her shoes?

Anxious to hear more, Nancy pressed her ear against the door again. Baird was talking about something else: an upcoming snowstorm.

Nancy knocked. After a long pause, Baird said, “Come in.”

Nancy entered the room and saw Baird sitting on the edge of Sophie’s desk, looking flushed. He had hung up the phone.

“Ms. Drew,” he said coolly. “What can I do for you? Sophie’s not here right now.”

“I can see that,” Nancy replied. “I’m sorry—maybe I’m disturbing you. I thought I heard you on the phone.”

Nancy thought she noted a glimmer in his pale blue eyes. Was it fear? Hurriedly, he replied, “Yes, but I’m finished now. I was just taking a call for Sophie.” His eyes shifted, glancing at a clock on the wall. “If you’ll excuse me, it’s time for my afternoon walk. Sophie should be back shortly.”

With that, he stood up and strolled past Nancy and out the door.

Nancy stood there for a second, thinking. Then she had an idea and raced upstairs. Five minutes later she was tramping over the snow-covered front lawn, dressed in her parka and ski mittens, following Baird.

“Mr. Goldensen!” she cried out. Baird, who was wearing a long gray overcoat and black leather gloves, whirled around. “I thought I’d tag along with you,” she explained. “I’ve been wanting to see more of these wonderful grounds.”

“Indeed,” Baird said curtly. Nancy could tell that he was looking for a polite way to get rid of her. “It’s awfully cold out here today,” he said finally.

Nancy smiled. “Actually, I like the cold.”

“Yes, well . . .” Baird dug his hands into the pockets of his coat and began walking briskly.

They soon reached the woods at the edge of the lawn. Several trails led off into the trees. Baird chose the westernmost one.

“It goes down to the river,” he mumbled to Nancy in explanation. “I enjoy the river in winter, but some people are frightened by it. One can freeze to death in its icy waters in just minutes, you know.”

Nancy stared at him. Why was he telling her this?

She decided to change the subject. “So—speaking of being frightened, isn’t it scary what’s been going on here this week?”

“Sheer carelessness,” Baird said, huffing. “If Sophie were more careful about the students she accepts—”

“So you think it’s one of the students?” Nancy cut in. “But who?”

“I have no idea,” Baird said. “I’m merely stating that Sophie should screen students better. These special-event weeks attract all sorts of riffraff, in my opinion.

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