005 Hit and Run Holiday Read Online Free Page B

Dirk went on, “they didn’t talk about you that much. They just said that you’re a detective, and you don’t give up without a fight.”
    “I guess I don’t,” Nancy said. “And I sure won’t give up on this case, not when one of myfriends is lying in a hospital.” She turned to Bess and George. “Kim’s mother is flying down later today. I think we ought to be at the hospital when she gets there, don’t you?”
    “Absolutely,” George said, and Bess nodded and sighed. “Poor Kim,” she exclaimed. “I just can’t believe it!”
    “Listen,” Dirk said to Nancy, “if there’s anything I can do, I wish you’d let me know.” He put a hand on Nancy’s shoulder and flashed his dimple at her. “I know my way around Fort Lauderdale pretty well. Besides,” he added, “I’m sort of a mystery nut. I’d really like to help you.”
    “Well, thanks.” Nancy was aware that Dirk still had his hand on her shoulder, and she tried to shrug it off, but it stayed put.
    “Listen,” said Dirk, “that midnight cruise is probably out for you tonight, Nancy. I know you’ve got to be with your friend. But maybe you and I could get together tomorrow sometime and talk about this. I’d really like to help.”
    “I . . . I’m not sure,” Nancy said, suddenly uncomfortable. “I don’t know what I’ll be doing tomorrow.”
    “I understand,” Dirk replied with another charming, sympathetic smile. “But I’d really like to talk to you about all this.”
    “Well, I’ll have to see.” Nancy frowned.
    Dirk seemed to have forgotten about Bess. It wasn’t exactly cool, she thought, to dump somebody so fast.
    Bess obviously didn’t think it was too cool, either. Her eyes were flashing as she looked angrily at Dirk. Fortunately, George caught the look and decided that Bess better leave before she exploded. “Come on,” she said, “let’s get back to the hotel and change so we can go to the hospital.”
    “All right,” Bess agreed.
    “Hey, I’m free all morning tomorrow,” Dirk said softly to Nancy. “Why don’t I give you a call?”
    Nancy felt more and more uncomfortable. She was just about to give Dirk a real brush-off, when he pulled her around to face him.
    “I do know my way around Lauderdale,” he said seriously, and Nancy noticed his sexy smile was gone. “If we can get together—privately—I think I might be able to give you a few tips about this mystery. You want to help your friend, don’t you?”
    “Of course I do!” Nancy said. “But right now, you’re the one who’s being mysterious. If you know something, why don’t you just tell me?”
    Dirk shook his head. “I would, believe me, but it’s just not the right time or place. Besides, first I have to know everything youknow.” Glancing past Nancy, Dirk seemed to see someone he recognized. He raised his arm in a greeting, then brought his hand down so that it was resting on the back of Nancy’s neck. It was like a caress, Nancy thought, but there was nothing romantic about the look in his eyes. “Tomorrow, right?” he asked intently.
    Nancy wasn’t sure if Dirk was making a pass at her or if he really did know something about Kim. But she had to find out. “Okay,” she finally agreed. “Tomorrow.”
    “Good.” Dirk’s smile returned, and giving Nancy’s neck a gentle squeeze, he sauntered off to meet whomever it was he’d waved to.
    Nancy watched him for a second, then turned to catch up with George and Bess. George was almost at the street, but Bess hadn’t moved. She’d obviously been watching the whole thing, because she gave Nancy a confused look. Then she strode across the beach, completely ignoring the dozens of boys who tried to get her attention.
    Nancy sighed and slipped off her sandals. She jogged across the warm sand toward Bess, trying to decide how to tell her that she didn’t like—or trust—Dirk Bowman one bit.
    Nancy was only a few yards from Bess when she suddenly stopped short, completely