Cold as Ice Read Online Free PDF

the exhibit was empty.”
    Frazier nodded. “Neat, huh?”
    â€œBut the fire happened over a half hour ago. Why did it take so long for the guards to notice the theft?” Nancy asked.
    â€œThis guy must be a real pro,” Frazier cut in. “The cops said he left some costume jewelry in the display case, in place of the real stuff. I guess it took a while for anyone to notice.”
    The museum door opened just then, and Dean Jarvis, a bear of a man in a brown tweed suit and trench coat, came out. He paused on the steps and stared out pensively at the landscape. He wore a dissatisfied expression on his face. Then his gaze fell on Nancy and his eyes widened. He hesitated for only a moment before walking over to her and her friends.
    â€œHello, Dean Jarvis,” Nancy said, smiling. “It’s nice to see you again.”
    He nodded to everyone, then said, “Hello, Nancy. I’m glad to see you. You must be here for Winter Carnival.”
    â€œThat’s right.”
    â€œI hope you’re enjoying yourself. I suppose you’ve heard about what just happened.”
    â€œThe empress’s rubies? Yes. Do the police have any leads?”
    Dean Jarvis shrugged. “I’m not in their confidence, but I believe they have the matter in hand. I hope they make swift progress. The exhibition is insured, of course, but this sort of thing is not good for the image of the college.”
    â€œIf I can be of any help—” Nancy said tentatively.
    The dean shook his head. “Thanks, but I don’t want to put you in danger a second time. This is a job for the police, and I’m sure they’ll do it competently. If you’ll excuse me, I have to go.”
    Dean Jarvis had recently asked Nancy’s help in solving the theft of controlled substances from a top-secret government science experiment being done at Emerson. She appreciated his concern for her safety, but she also felt a stab of disappointment as he left. She was dying to get in on the case.
    Ned noticed her reaction. “Never mind, Nancy. You don’t have to solve a crime to have a good time.”
    She looked up at him and smiled. “Not if I’m with you, I don’t.” She snuggled up next to him and felt his arm wrap firmly around her shoulders.
    â€œAll the same,” Nancy added, “I’m going to keep my eyes open. There are some peculiar things about this robbery. Very peculiar. First the boat house fire, then the theft of the empress’s jewels.”
    â€œHey, there’s Rob,” George said. “He must be looking for us.” She walked to the edge of the bluff, called out, and waved. From down near the snow sculptures, Rob waved back and started toward the steps. Nancy noticed that he was wearing a tan parka instead of his crew jacket.
    â€œI couldn’t find my jacket at the boat house,” Rob said glumly when he reached them. “Someone must have taken it by accident. I had to go all the way back to the dorm for another jacket.”
    â€œThat other jacket had your name embroidered on it,” George pointed out. “Anyone who took it will figure out the mistake soon enough.”
    â€œThat’s true.” Rob’s face brightened. Then he noticed the two police cars. “Hey, now what’s happened?”
    Ned told him about the jewel theft.
    â€œYou’re kidding!” He looked at Bess and smiled. “I think you have some explaining to do,” he teased.
    â€œExplanations can wait until after lunch,” Jerry announced. “Come on. All this excitement has given me a real appetite.”
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    After lunch Nancy, Bess, and George returned to their room to get their ice skates, then rejoined the guys outside the dorm.
    Jerry immediately began to stalk a giggling Bess with a gloveful of snow and the clear intention of putting it down the back of her neck.
    George’s date was paying a lot of