False Moves Read Online Free Page B

both Colby and Katya.
    â€œShe’s a very special dancer,” Nancy commented.
    â€œShe’s not as special as she once was,” James said bluntly. “Personally, I think it’s time to get some new and younger dancers out front. People like to see new talent, which means we sell more tickets, which is what a company is really about—tickets and money.” He leaned toward Nancy, his eyes intent on her face.
    Nancy studied his expression. She knew Colby Baxter and the dancers who made up CBT wouldn’t agree with him. For them, dancing itself was the priority, not how much money each performance made.
    The managing director frowned. “But what does Colby care about CBT’s budget? Nothing! All he talks about is the artistry of dancing, and then he asks for another ten thousand dollars for new costumes. Let me tell you, Ms. Drew, this company would be in a complete mess without me.”
    Nancy had to smile. Actually, CBT’s biggest problem right then was the missing Raja diamond pin. Since it had been James Ellsworth’s idea to borrow it in the first place, some people might sayit was really his fault—even if he had had nothing to do with the robbery.
    Nancy couldn’t count him out as a suspect in the crime. He could have planned the whole theft and hired someone in the company to snatch it from Katya. Nancy had to look at all the possibilities.
    â€œWell, the main thing right now is to catch the jewel thief,” Nancy said. “And that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
    â€œGood,” James Ellsworth exclaimed. “You should look into Colby Baxter as a suspect.”
    â€œRight now, Mr. Ellsworth, everyone is a suspect,” Nancy said meaningfully. “Is there anyone you can think of from outside the company who might have planned the robbery or stolen the gem?” she wanted to know.
    The managing director pursed his lips. “Ana Lokhar was keeping a pretty careful eye on the jewel. She’s the Raja family’s representative here,” he explained. “She was responsible for all the arrangements for the diamond. She’s highly trusted by the family, but I think she’s shrewd enough to have pulled off something like this.”
    I have the feeling that you are, too, Nancy added silently. But all she said was, “I’ll check her out and Colby Baxter, too. Of course, I’ll investigate everyone else, too.”
    â€œFine.”
    â€œTell me, Mr. Ellsworth, how are the police conducting the investigation?” Nancy asked.
    â€œThey’re sure the diamond is still in the new concert hall. They searched everyone who was backstage last night, but no one had the gem, so they figure the thief hid it somewhere and will come back to retrieve it.”
    â€œThen they’re concentrating on the new hall rather than this building?”
    â€œRight.”
    â€œBut what if the police are wrong and the thief managed to get the diamond past them? My best chance is to look for clues right here,” said Nancy.
    â€œExcellent. The police can keep things under control at the new theater and you can be responsible for what happens here. You’ve got your run of the building, Ms. Drew. Anyplace you want to search is all right with me.” He glanced at his watch, and Nancy knew he was trying to tell her it was time to go. “Well, can I help you with anything else?”
    â€œNot at the moment,” Nancy said as she stood up to leave. “If I need to ask you any more questions, I’ll let you know.”
    â€œThanks again for investigating the case for us,” the managing director said. He pushed himself out of his chair. “We can use all the help we can get.” He laughed ruefully. “Come on, I’ll walk you down to the lobby.”
    Together, Nancy and the older man walked out of the office and down the wide, carpeted stairway. But as they reached the bottom step,