The Mystery at Lilac Inn - Carolyn Keene [10]
“Having trouble, miss?” he asked. “Lieutenant Brice, Benton State Police Barracks,” he said pleasantly.
Nancy introduced herself, then explained. He asked if she had noted the truck’s license plates. “No,” she replied, but described the truck and the chrome eagle ornament on its hood.
Lieutenant Brice said that if he found the truck, he would see that the driver was brought to court,
“I have a tow chain in my car. I’ll try to pull you out. Keep the engine in gear.”
Five minutes later the convertible was out of the ditch. Nancy thanked the trooper for his help, then drove off.
It was almost six o’clock when Nancy pulled into the Lilac Inn parking lot. She went at once to the patio, where the Willoughbys, Maud, Helen, and John were gathered.
“I’m glad you could return in time for supper, Nancy,” said Mrs. Willoughby.
The others plied the girl detective with questions about the Drews’ burglar. Nancy gave an account of her day’s experiences, concluding with the reckless truck driver.
“Why, how terrible!” Emily exclaimed.
“The nerve of someone impersonating you!” Helen bristled.
Nancy smiled wryly. “I’d certainly like to know what the girl’s purpose is.”
Abruptly, Maud changed the subject. To Emily she said, “I dropped into the Empire Employment Agency this morning. A waitress walked in to apply, so I told her to report here tomorrow for an interview. Her name is Jean Holmes.”
“But I asked—” Emily broke off when Nancy gave her a warning look.
Maud evidently did not notice this, and added sweetly, “I knew another waitress was needed here. I just wanted to make myself useful.”
“I see. Thank you,” Emily said coolly.
Later, after Maud had excused herself to dress for supper, Emily burst out, “Maud makes me so angry! Why doesn’t she tend to her own job!”
“Don’t pick on her, dear!” Mrs. Willoughby retorted. “She’s had a hard enough time lately.” Rising, Emily’s aunt said she wanted to confer with Mr. Daly and went off.
The four young people were left alone. Nancy asked Emily how Maud had been chosen as social director for Lilac Inn.
“Aunt Hazel asked us to,” Emily replied. In a whisper she added, “I wish Maud would concentrate more on our recreational program. Nancy, why did you give me the high-sign?”
Nancy told of having seen Maud enter the agency, and of being informed by the manager later that no one had inquired about a waitress.
Emily sighed. “I’ll be so glad when Dick gets back. Especially if any more strange things happen around here.”
“Emily, you’ve nothing to worry about,” John declared. “Everything will be fine.”
The young man stood up, saying he had a supper engagement in town. “Sorry I’ll miss the festivities, Emily. I’ll see your glittering gems later.”
Emily, her face brightening, explained to Nancy that her aunt had planned a festive meal that evening. “To celebrate my receiving the diamonds.”
“That’ll be fun,” Nancy said. “Helen, let’s go now and change our clothes.”
The two girls took the suitcases from Nancy’s convertible. As they unpacked in the cottage and dressed, Helen discussed Nancy’s impersonator.
“It’s positively creepy, Nancy,” she said worriedly. “Your double doesn’t sound like an ordinary thief.”
The girls quickly finished dressing. Nancy had put on a pink sheath dress and pumps. Helen wore an aqua organdy. They went to the patio where Emily joined them a minute later. She said that Jean Holmes, the waitress, had arrived unexpectedly for her interview. The girl had explained that she had heard of a second position, and wanted to make a decision immediately.
“Jean seems quite satisfactory,” Emily stated. “She’ll move in here tomorrow and start work.”
Maud Potter joined the girls. “I’m so glad you approve my choice, Emily,” she said ingratiatingly. “Now, let’s have supper and see your diamonds.”
Emily led the group to a small private dining room which opened off the larger room and overlooked a garden. They said good evening to Mr. Daly who stood just outside the connecting door.
Mrs. Willoughby was waiting for them near an open window and greeted Emily