Sisters in Crime by Carolyn Keene Page A

think we’ve got the how and why of this case. We just need the who.”
    â€œNancy—” Susan began, looking worried. But before she could finish, the door to the kitchen swung open, and Peter stood there with a smile.
    â€œYou did sneak in here!” he exclaimed toNancy. “Lori told me I could find you in the kitchen.” Fiddling with the red rose he held in his hands, Peter said, “The band took a break.”
    â€œI heard,” Nancy said.
    â€œWant to see the stars with me?” Peter asked. “I’m told there’s a deck on the roof here.”
    â€œThere is a deck,” Nancy said. “But I thought you were supposed to look at stars last night.”
    Peter laughed, stepping close to Nancy, and said in a hushed voice, “How could you leave me alone with her?”
    â€œFran?”
    â€œShe had some not so great things to say about you,” Peter said. “She’s jealous.”
    Nancy shook her head. “I don’t understand Fran Kelly,” she said.
    Peter put a hand on Nancy’s elbow and, looking over at Susan, smiled and said, “Excuse us, please. I want to show your cousin the universe.”
    As they headed to the rooftop deck, Nancy was relieved to see other people on their way up there. In the twilight she looked out over San Diego. “No stars yet,” she said to Peter.
    â€œFine with me,” Peter said, standing close to Nancy and looking at her rather than the sky. Across the deck, another couple were embracing.
    For a moment Nancy looked at Peter and thought how good a hug would feel. But it wasn’t Peter she wanted to hold her and she knew it.
    â€œYou’re so lovely,” Peter said and gently laid his hand on hers. “Lori was right.”
    Looking down at the hand that rested on her own, Nancy felt her heart stop. She would recognize it anywhere, even in the darkness. A large ring with a ruby red stone, and the Greek letters, Sigma Kappa.

Chapter

Fifteen
    H ER PULSE RACING , Nancy pulled her hand out from under Peter’s. This guy is dangerous, she thought, glancing at the shaky white wooden railing. Strong and dangerous, and he tried to hurt me once before.
    â€œHow about I get us some punch, and we’ll meet in my room?” Nancy asked, knowing she’d need help to take on Peter. Help from both Susan and Ira.
    â€œI’d love it.” Peter smiled.
    â€œIt’s on the second floor, right across from the shower room. It says ‘Susan Victor’ on the door.”
    â€œGreat,” Peter said. “I’ll be there, waiting.”
    I’ll bet, Nancy thought. She raced down the stairs to find Susan. After looking around for a moment, Nancy found Susan and Ira on the crowded dance floor. Acting as though she was there to party, Nancy approached her friends and began to dance with them.
    â€œMeet me in five minutes,” Nancy mouthed quietly, trying to be understood but not overheard. “Upstairs in your room.” Above the sound of the music, Susan asked, “What’s up?”
    â€œI’ve got someone up there, and I might need protection,” Nancy explained. “Five minutes,” she repeated. “But don’t come in right away. Just be there if I need you—please,” Nancy said as she headed for the punch bowl.
    Lori greeted her there, with a smile. “You and Peter are hitting it off, I see,” she said happily.
    â€œHe is cute, I have to admit,” Nancy said as she poured two cups of the sweet punch. “How did you know we’d like each other?”
    â€œI just knew it,” Lori said, and Nancy excused herself.
    Upstairs, Peter stood with both hands in his pockets looking at the underwater photographs that had been taken by Rina. Swinging around as he heard Nancy approach, he accepted one of the glasses from her.
    â€œHow come the most interesting girl in the sorority is only here for a week?” he