Nancy Drew: Vandalism and Romance

Chapter 2

Nancy wanted to believe the boy before her that said he didnt write the note or break the window. She wanted to think a new resident wouldnt stoop so low. Then again she worried her attraction was clouding her judgment and she was just hoping he would be a good guy.

"Toni is suspicious of you, you're new and you were the only real witness. But if you want to help we can get to the bottom of this." She told him truthfully.

"Thanks Nancy, I dont want to have a rep after only three weeks in town," he sighed in relief.

"Don't thank me yet. You're still a suspect, but so is Toni," the girl paused. "Here take my number, if you find anything out, or have a tip, text me," she tells him as she scribbles the number onto a blank piece of paper and rips it out for him.

"Thanks, I sure will," he said before holding out his hand. "May I write mine in your pad for you?" he asks.

"Here," she pulled a small address book and a real pen from her bag and handed it to him on a page for him to write. He added his number and his address to it and she shoved it back into her bag.

"Cool, I cant wait to talk more," he said as he stood up straight. Nancy felt herself smile before she opened up the door and the two left the back room. In the main shop all of the glass was cleaned up and the store looked perfect. Other than the window that now had a blue trash bag taped up over the hole. Toni was wiping down the counter with a rag when Nancy approached.

"Toni, can I ask a few more questions?" she asked.

"Of course dear, Everett I put a trash bag over the window for now, I want to open the store anyways since I can't afford to lose business. Think you can man the counter while I talk to nancy?" she asked, walking to them.

"Of course!" He agreeed with a smile before going to the door and turning the sign to open. Nancy led Toni to the back room she had just been in, this time standing where Everett stood still holding her notebook.

"So Toni, tell me about Everett."

"Well, I hired him about Two weeks ago, I had just fired Eddie and needed another hand, he was the only one applying and seemed nice. He has experience in food and service along with being easy on the eyes," she chuckled a bit. "He has worked well since then, the girls love him, and he is a great cleaner."

"So why do you think he's the culprit?"

"Well.... He's just... off sometimes. Don't get me wrong he's great but he's a bit. Twitchy. I think he's just putting on an act to get to the register." she admitted.

"Then why wouldn't he steal anything?"

"I.. guess that's a good point. "

"What about you Toni? I mean, after pulling out of the election, how's business and stepping down from council?" Nancy asked bluntly.

"Nancy, that's not a very polite topic."

"I'm sorry Toni, just covering all my bases."

"Are you suggesting I did this?"

"It's always a possibility. Just like Everett could have done it."

"I'm hurt... But, glad you're taking this seriously. So to answer no, I didn't do this. Since stepping down I have put my heart into this shop, including upgrades and new flavors. This shop is my world now, my council, and I would never vandalize it or try to act like I did." Her face was sincere and stern as she defended herself. Nancy wrote everything she said down before nodding.

"Okay Toni, what about any one else you can think of? Any rivals?" she asked.

"Well... I guess there is one. The new ice cream shop that opened up two months ago, Serendipity. The owner, Jacob Crows, has offered to buy me out many times. Before he opened his store he wanted to buy mine or at least go Into business. I was always too busy and said no."

"You,think Jacob could be trying to sabotage the store? Or run you out of town?"

"Could be either," Toni shrugged. "Maybe he wants me to sell to him, or anything else."

"Then I think my next stop is Jacob crows." Nancy thought out loud.

"Would you like a bowl of ice cream before you go?"

"Well I can't say no to ice cream," Nancy giggled as Toni opened the door and they left the backroom. The two smiled at Everett when he was in view and he returned the smile back.

"Give Miss Drew a bowl of whatever she wants, on the house." Toni told him receiving a salute and smile from Everett.

"Sure, what can I get you?" he asked her as he lowered his hand.

"How about peanut butter chunk," she ordered.

"Coming right up" he scooped three scoops of the dessert Into a bowl and gave it to her over the counter.

"Thanks," she replied, taking the bowl and sitting in one of the few indoor seats to eat quietly. When her dessert was gone she returned the dishes to the counter and gave a wave goodbye, leaving the store to do more snooping. As she exited she saw her friend Bess had returned and was eating a sundae at a table outside alone.

"How's it coming Nancy?" Bess asked when she saw Nancy approach her.

"Alright so far, we have three Suspects, I'm about to go talk to the third."

"Who are they?"

"Toni, Everett, and Jacob crows."

"Why would it be Toni or Everett? I mean they both love it here, and Everett is such a dream boat he couldn't possibly be bad."

"Bess even cute guys can be the culprit."

"I guess. Wait did you admit he's cute too?" Bess teased softly with a smirk, which got an eye roll from the red headed detective. "Maybe it's time you got over Ned, score a valentines date" she added as her smirk stayed.

"I have a case to solve, not a romance to start Bess."

"I'm just saying, love is always around the corner, Nance."

"Eat your ice cream" Nancy laughs as she walks away to her car.