Trail of Lies by Carolyn Keene Page B

looked at her as if she were slightly demented. “He went out after we trained the dogs today.”
    Nancy walked over and stood directly in front of Steve. There was no time for their personal disagreements. Too much hinged on taking swift action.
    â€œListen, Steve, and listen carefully. We don’t have very much time. Did you take the dogs out for a run first thing this morning?”
    Steve slapped a piece of cheese onto his sandwich. “No. Craig did. He does that every morning.”
    â€œThen you’ve got to help me,” Nancy said.
    â€œIs this another one of your great melodramas?” Steve asked skeptically. He picked up his plate and headed for the den.
    â€œI’m serious!” Nancy insisted, following him.
    Steve looked at her. “I hate to tell you this, but you’re the last person on earth I want to help. You’ve caused a whole lot of trouble around here.” He plopped down on the couch.
    Nancy reached down and grabbed Steve’s shoulder. “Forget how you feel about me,” shesaid fiercely. “Think about George. She’s in trouble.”
    There was a flicker of concern in Steve’s eyes. “What about George?” he demanded.
    â€œShe wasn’t at Lindsay’s house as Craig had said,” Nancy explained. She took the small ivory bear from her parka pocket and held it in front of the young man. “I found this hidden in the barn.” Quickly she explained how she had seen the torn scarf, the signs of struggle—and her suspicions about Craig Miller.
    â€œJohn told me George went out to the kennels early this morning looking for you. I think she accidentally caught Craig red-handed when he was hiding the carvings. So he kidnapped her. Steve, she’s in terrible danger. Craig could do anything!”
    Steve stood, a look of disbelief on his face. He took a menacing step toward Nancy. “I don’t believe you!” he cried. “Craig’s my friend. He’s not a kidnapper.”
    Nancy stood her ground, speaking calmly but forcefully. “Steve, there’s no time to waste. I know you don’t like me, but we’ve got to work together. It’s the only way we can save George.”
    Perhaps it was the urgency in her voice. Or perhaps Steve knew that Nancy cared for George as much as he did. Doubt flickered through his eyes. He took a deep breath.
    â€œWhat is it you want me to do?” he asked, finally.
    â€œWe need to get to Craig’s grandfather’s cabin. I’m sure he took George there this morning when he took the dogs out. We’ve got to get there before he hurts her.”
    Steve sighed. “Well, we can take the dogs,” he suggested, going out to the foyer. “But you’re wrong about Craig. You’ll see.”
    â€œSteve,” Nancy said, “the dogs are gone.”
    â€œWhat?” Steve’s face went slack with shock. Then he grabbed his parka and put on his boots. As soon as he was ready, he and Nancy ran to the barn. They slid the wooden door open, and Nancy watched Steve’s eyes widen as he took in the rows of empty straw beds.
    â€œCraig took them!” There was a note of surprise and horror in Steve’s voice. Until this moment, Nancy could tell, he hadn’t really believed her. Now he knew she was right.
    Steve wasted no words. “There are no roads to the cabin,” he said. “Can you ski or snowshoe?”
    Nancy shook her head. “Too slow. Let’s go to Lindsay’s. We’ll use her team.”
    â€œOkay.” Steve nodded.
    The snow was falling thicker now. Nancy handed Steve the keys to the car. “You’re better than I am at driving in this weather.”
    The roads were already treacherously icy, and the drive was a slow one. Finally they sawthe welcoming lights of Lindsay’s house. Nancy jumped out and raced up the stairs, pressing the doorbell and knocking on the door at the same