The Deadliest Dare Read Online Free PDF Page A

like what they've been doing lately."
    "I guess she sees how the pranks are getting more and more serious. So she wants to do something."
    "For some reason, though, she just can't quit."
    Folding up the note, Frank set it aside. "So that's where we come in," he said. "She wants us to discover what this Circle is and where it's located. Then we bust it up and save her from harming anyone without any of her Circle members blaming her."
    "I don't know," said Joe. "It seems like she's taking the long way around. She could just call the police."
    "Maybe she feels she'll be arrested if she does. Right now, Joe, all we can do is speculate as to what her motives are."
    "Right, what we need are facts." He tossed the envelope on the table, walked back to his chair. "This scarf has a label from a boutique over in Kirkland. It's a place called Chez Maurice — very exclusive and expensive, I hear. I'll go over tomorrow and see if I can find out who bought it."
    Frank said, "This paper is expensive — it even has a watermark in it. That's what I'll track down."
    "My job sounds like more fun."
    "Depends on your outlook."
    Joe wound the paisley scarf around his fist and stared at the phone. "Of course, if we're lucky, she may phone us again with more information."
    "You didn't hear her over the phone," Frank said. "She sounded scared. And the more I think about it, the less I believe she was worried about the Hickerson Mansion."
    Frank's face was grim as he shook his head. "I wish we knew more about this Circle—and what they do to people who talk."

Chapter 6
    Joe's hope turned out to be premature. They weren't lucky — the phone didn't ring all night.
    However, the rain had finally ended early the next morning. By midday the sky was a clear pale blue over the water at the town of Kirkland. Joe was sitting on a white bench in the small park by the river, eating a hot dog he'd bought from a shop called Best Wurst.
    Three ducks came waddling up from the river and immediately fell to squabbling over the remains of somebody's hot-dog roll.
    Grinning, Joe wiped his hands on his paper napkin, stood up, tossed the napkin in a bright green trash barrel, and crossed to the main street of the town.
    Halfway down the block, he stopped in front of the store he was looking for. The clothing boutique was in an old, narrow building. Its front window was large enough for only a single female mannequin, headless and painted stark white, wearing a candy-striped dress.
    After studying his reflection, Joe decided he looked right for the part he was going to play. Taking a deep breath, he went on inside.
    At the other end of the shop a plump woman of about forty stood behind a small glass counter. Since Joe didn't resemble the usual customer of Chez Maurice, she started to frown.
    "Excuse me, ma'am," he said, smiling at the woman in a hopeful manner, "I sure hope you can help me."
    "That depends, young man, on what you have in mind." Her frown deepened as he approached her.
    Joe's smile got a little shy now. "Well, I think I've fallen in love."
    She took a sudden step back. "And what can that possibly have to do with Chez Maurice?"
    Resting one elbow on the counter, Joe said, "You look like the sort of person who's — well, romantic at heart."
    "And if I am?"
    "You see, I want to buy the girl I love an expensive present from your store," he began timidly. "My father gives me an allowance of considerable size."
    The frown began to fade. "Ah, yes, I see, young man. You wish some advice in selecting the proper gift, is that it?"
    "That's exactly right," Joe admitted. "But first, ma'am, I'm going to have to find out the girl's name."
    "Beg pardon?"
    Very carefully, Joe drew the paisley scarf out of his trouser pocket. "I guess maybe you'll think I'm sort of crazy," he began. "And, believe me, I don't often do things like this. Anyway, I was at a dance last night, at the Bayport Country Club."
    "A very—nice—place. Many of our customers belong."
    Joe spread