The Wrong Track Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Why don’t we schedule some time to talk? I’m sure you want to get into the sauna now.” He stomped the snow off his boots. “How about tomorrow afternoon? Right after lunch?”
    After Nancy nodded Dave waved and walked off. That’s odd, Nancy thought as she watched him retreat. It was as if Dave hadn’t wanted to talk to her.
    Storing the thought away, Nancy entered the sauna and exercise area. There she was greeted by a friendly attendant wearing a forest green uniform. “I hope you enjoy our facilities,” the attendant said as she handed Nancy a locker key and an oversize towel.
    A minute later Bess and George joined Nancy in the locker room, and Nancy and Bess changed into their bathing suits while George put on sweats. George was going to work out and join them in the sauna afterward.
    â€œThis is a great place,” Nancy said as she closed the door to the sauna and sat on a wooden bench.
    â€œIt sure is,” Bess agreed. She leaned back against the wall and took a deep breath of the hot, dry air. “Wonderful,” she murmured.
    For a few minutes the girls relaxed in silence, letting the heat of the sauna work its magic.
    Finally Bess opened her eyes and looked atNancy. “George told me you’ve been busy,” she said.
    Nancy laughed. “I guess I have. But not busy enough. I still don’t know what Ben’s so angry about, or why Jody hates Rebecca.”
    Bess was about to speak when they both heard someone at the door. Nancy held her finger to her lips, warning Bess to be quiet. She didn’t want to get caught talking about the mystery. Bess nodded. When no one entered the sauna after a minute or two, Nancy shrugged.
    â€œSo what do we do next?” Bess asked, getting back to the case.
    â€œWe have to find out more about both Ben and Jody. You and George can help with that, because you’re not pretending to be reporters. Jody’s careful about what she says to me.” Nancy leaned back against the wall. “I’m having dinner with the Reismuellers tonight. Why don’t you and George come to my condo afterward, say around ten? We can work out a plan then.”
    Bess nodded and stood up. “I’m starting to feel cooked,” she said, pulling her towel around her. “Let’s go.” She walked the three steps to the door and pushed on the handle.
    â€œNancy, the door won’t open,” Bess said, pushing on the handle again, surprise showing on her face.
    â€œPush a little harder,” Nancy suggested. “It’s new. Maybe it just sticks.”
    Bess pushed. “Nancy, it doesn’t work.” This time her voice betrayed her mounting panic. “It’s locked.”
    â€œThat’s strange,” said Nancy, frowning. “Sauna doors don’t have locks.”
    She came up beside Bess and tried the handle herself. The door wouldn’t budge. She tried kicking the door. Still nothing.
    Bess’s face was flushed. “We’ve got to get out of here!” she cried. “I can’t take this heat.”
    Nancy felt her own temperature rising, and she knew they couldn’t stay much longer. Her eyes scanned the walls for a thermostat to turn the heat down. Nothing.
    â€œThe controls must be on the outside,” she told Bess, trying to keep her voice calm.
    â€œOh, Nancy!” Bess wailed. “What are we going to do?”
    Nancy pressed her face against the small window in the door and peered through it to the right and left. What she saw made her heart sink. Someone had wedged a piece of wood between the door and the frame.
    They were locked in!

Chapter

Four
    H ELP !” Bess shouted. “Somebody help!”
    Nancy leaned against the door again and shoved, hoping to dislodge the wedge of wood. Nothing happened.
    â€œWe’ll never get out of here!” Bess wailed.
    â€œWe’ll get out, Bess,” Nancy said with quiet determination.