Fatal Ransom Read Online Free PDF Page B

away. You’reupsetting one of our best customers,” he said coldly.
    â€œBut I—” Nancy began.
    â€œGo play detective somewhere else,” said Monica.
    â€œPlease, miss. Before I call security,” said the salesman.
    Nancy left without a word. She couldn’t trust herself to speak.
    But at least the salesman had reminded her of where she had been heading originally. She walked back to the security office and approached the door slowly. This time, though, the door was closed, and there were no sounds coming from the other side.
    Nancy knocked lightly, and a heavyset man in a gray uniform opened the door.
    â€œExcuse me, could you tell me where I can find Mr. Mathers?” Nancy asked.
    â€œThat’s me,” the man said. “Can I help you?”
    Nancy smiled. “I’m Susan Bigelow,” she said. “From WBBB.” She hoped Lester Mathers wasn’t too familiar with the local TV newscasters. “We’re doing a story about the new mall, and I thought you might be able to give me some information. Maybe a unique slant I could use to open this series. What kind of place is it to work at?”
    She couldn’t tell by his expression whether he was buying her story, but she was determined to stay with it.
    â€œWell,” he said, rubbing his forehead, “I have to say I can’t imagine why anyone would want to watch a story on TV about this mall. What’s there to say about it that isn’t depressing? It’s falling down around everyone’s ears!”
    â€œFalling down? What do you mean?” Nancy asked.
    â€œI didn’t mean it literally, of course. It’s just that with all these kids hanging around here and everything—”
    â€œThe kids cause a problem?”
    â€œWell, it’s not anything you could put your finger on, exactly. It’s just that there are so many of them, and they all look so weird. They fight a lot, and when they aren’t fighting they just stand around and stare at people. Why’d they have to pick this mall? It’s driving business away!”
    â€œDo you know any of the kids personally? Do you ever talk to any of them?” asked Nancy. Maybe he’d end up helping her after all.
    Lester Mathers laughed shortly. “They don’t exactly drop in for tea, if that’s what you mean. The only ones I know are the ones who cause trouble. Why, just a few days ago I—”
    He broke off and stared strangely at Nancy.“What kind of story did you say you were doing?”
    â€œJust some sort of human interest thing,” Nancy said evasively. She was dying to know what he’d been about to say, but she didn’t want to make him suspicious. Instead she pulled out her picture of Hal and showed it to him. “Do you know this boy?”
    Lester looked at it for a second. “Why, that’s young Hal Colson.” He shook his head. “Michael Colson’s son. He sure don’t take after his old man. Good thing Mike’s not around to see him now.”
    â€œSo you knew Michael Colson?”
    â€œYes, I did,” said Lester quietly. “I thought the world of him too. Wonderful personality. When he was alive, this place was just getting started. Construction men all over, nothing finished—but he gave you the feeling that it was going to be the most beautiful set of shops in the world. And he knew each of us by name. He could really make you feel like a part of things.”
    He shook his head again. “Like I said, things have changed. It sure isn’t the same kind of place now.”
    â€œI heard somewhere that the mall wasn’t filling up quite as fast as Michael Colson must have expected,” said Nancy.
    â€œIt’s true. The new guy just doesn’t have theright touch, I guess. Look at all those empty storefronts! He hasn’t rented out any new space in a long time. If they don’t watch out, it’ll be a