Bonfire Masquerade Read Online Free PDF Page B

criminal. And catching criminals is what I do.
    After Yvette’s scream, the party fell into chaos. Guests were shouting. Some grabbed their things and left in a hurry. Others tried to comfort Yvette. Dad ran into the office to confirm that Daniel was dead. When he came out and placed himself in front of the door, I saw from the look on his face that it was true. I wasted no time in calling 911.
    Dad kept everyone out of the office until the police came. They turned the house into a mini police station. Those guests who remained were rounded up andplaced in one room. No one was allowed to leave until the cops had their names, addresses, and a brief statement. Daniel’s office was taped off.
    â€œYou two all right?” I asked Bess and George, when we were finally able to get a moment alone.
    â€œYeah.” Bess shivered. “But who could have done something like that! In his own house? It’s terrible.”
    Across the main room, I saw my father talking to the police. I placed a finger to my lips, and quietly, we drifted over to listen in.
    â€œâ€¦ was strangled, it looks like. Sitting in his chair. As his lawyer, do you know anyone who might have wanted him dead?”
    â€œWell, he was in the middle of some sensitive business negotiations.”
    â€œMoney.” The cop sighed. “It’s always money or love. We’re going to need you to remain in the city until we have this figured out. I hope that won’t be a problem.”
    The way the cop said this made it clear that he didn’t care if it was a problem, Dad wouldn’t be leaving.
    â€œNo, that’s fine.”
    Dad must have caught sight of us hovering nearby, because he suddenly broke off. Bess, George, and I tried to scramble away, but we were too slow.
    â€œCan you give me a moment, Officer? I need to speak to my daughter.”
    The cop waved him away.
    â€œYou girls should get to bed. This is no place for you. And besides, I’m putting you on a plane back to River Heights in the morning.”
    No way! I thought. Things were just getting interesting, and we hadn’t even seen any of Mardi Gras. I thought fast. “The police officer said we can’t leave town until the investigation is over, since we’re staying in the house and all.”
    Dad looked frustrated for a moment, but then nodded. “All right, but I want you to leave this case to the cops.”
    â€œRelax, Dad. I promise I won’t do anything I wouldn’t do at home.”
    â€œThat’s exactly what I’m worried about.” He gave a rueful little laugh. Then he grew serious. “Be careful, girls. This isn’t River Heights, and the police here don’t know you.”
    Bess, George, and I all nodded. Then we went up to our room on the top floor. As soon as we closed the door, they high-fived me.
    â€œFast thinking, Nance,” said George. “I thought for sure your dad was going to make us leave.”
    â€œSo what are you thinking?” asked Bess.
    I sat down on one of the beds.
    â€œWell, I don’t know. I mean, this could be anything. Maybe someone broke in and tried to steal something, and Daniel surprised them.”
    George looked doubtful. “It sounds like there’s a ‘but’ coming.” She knew me well.
    â€œ But something tells me it’s about the warehouse. The one that burned down. And judging from what Dad was saying to the cops, it sounds like that’s what he thinks too. I want to find out more about the two people who wanted to buy it. Nicole and …”
    â€œAaron,” Bess said. Something about the way she said his name caught my attention.
    â€œBess?”
    â€œWhat? He seemed nice. We chatted for a while.” Bess paused and looked at the ground. “And … maybe we have a date tomorrow.”
    I laughed. Of course they did. “So you got to talk to him?”
    â€œA little.”
    â€œDo you think he could have