The Mystery of the Masked Rider Read Online Free

have time to take classes. And the prize money isn’t enough to cover Nightingale’s expenses. She’s actually costing me money. Besides, I love Phil, and I’d like to go to college with him. Campus life sounds fun.”
    â€œBut you love Nightingale, too,” Bess said with a sad smile.
    â€œYeah.” Colleen looked gloomily down at the cookie in her hand.
    For a few moments the three girls munched on cookies in silence. Nancy couldn’t help but wonder if Colleen’s information was tied in somehow with the poisoned hay. Could it have been Phil’s way of discouraging Colleen from going to the show? Nancy sat back in her chair, her brow furrowed.
    â€œUh, oh,” Bess groaned. “I recognize that expression, Detective Drew.”
    â€œWell, it is strange,” Nancy said. “Why would anyone want to hurt Nightingale?”
    â€œMaybe no one does want to hurt her,” Colleen said. “I’ve been under such pressure lately, I could just be imagining things,” she added, running her fingers through her hair.
    Nancy went over and gave her friend a quick hug. “I don’t think the bouncing bet was in anyone’s imagination.”
    â€œNot mine, anyway,” Bess joked. “I tend to imagine things like winning a million dollars.”
    The three girls laughed, and for a moment thetension was broken. Colleen began picking up dishes and rinsing them off. Nancy cleared her plate and glass and handed them to her friend.
    â€œYou know, Colleen, I’d like to help if . . .”
    â€œGee, Nancy I sure would appreciate it if . . .” both girls started to say at the same time.
    Bess brought over her dishes and handed them to Colleen. “I guess you two are trying to say the same thing,” she explained. “And yes, it’s a good idea for Nancy to take on the case.”
    â€œThough I’ve never had a horse as a client before,” Nancy said with a grin. She turned to Colleen. “But seriously, if there is something strange going on, I’ll try and track it down.”
    Colleen sighed. “That really would take a load off my shoulders. Maybe you can come out Monday to the barn and snoop around. Nightingale should be okay by then.” She stuck the last plate in the dishwasher. “Right now I’d better check on my patient. Dr. Hall will be back soon.”
    â€œWe should be going, too,” Nancy said.
    Five minutes later the girls said their goodbyes at the driveway. Nancy watched Colleen go into the barn, then slid into the passenger seat of Bess’s red Camaro.
    â€œShe sure does spend a lot of time with that horse,” Bess commented as they drove down the long, winding drive. “I can see why Phil gets mad.”
    â€œThough it did seem as if he went a little overboard,” Nancy said with a thoughtful frown.“I mean, I have to wonder what he meant by ‘you’ve got to give up Nightingale or else .’ ”
    â€œThat’s easy. He meant, ‘or else we’re breaking up.’ ”
    Nancy folded her arms and rested her head back against the car seat. “Maybe.”
    Bess shot her a curious look. “You’re not thinking Phil had something to do with Nightingale getting sick, are you?”
    â€œIt might make his life easier if the horse was out of the picture.”
    â€œNo way.” Bess shook her head emphatically. “I can’t picture a guy being jealous enough to do in a horse.”
    â€œYou’re probably right.” Nancy sighed. “I’m just glad we promised to come back Monday and do a little more investigating.”
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    On Monday morning Bess and Nancy stood outside Nightingale’s stall as Colleen finished putting on the mare’s bridle. Nightingale’s ears were pricked in eager anticipation.
    â€œBoy, Nightingale sure looks different than when we left her on