case. Then Nancy told Hugh, Annabel, and George
that the Singhs had nothing to do with Gloria's plot.
“There's one thing I don't get,” George said. “If
Gloria approached them this morning for help, why
were they acting so weird when we questioned them
yesterday about the sabotage? It was almost as if they
knew something about it.”
“I thought so, too, at the time,” Nancy replied. “But
I think they reacted that way because they were happy
to hear about the pranks. They probably thought it was
great news that someone was trying to force a sale, but,
of course, they didn't want to let us know they felt that
way.”
George said. “Since Gloria had told them about her
scheme this morning, they should have warned Hugh
and Annabel about it. But they didn't because they
realized they'd benefit if it did work out.”
Maisie trotted over to Annabel with a piece of
driftwood in her jaws. Shaking her head around
playfully, she let Annabel remove the stick and then
throw it down the beach for her.
“Maisie sure is an awesome swimmer,” Nancy
commented, watching the dog retrieve the stick.
“Well, she's used to these waters,” Annabel
explained. “She plays in the channel all the time and
them. She may be a puppy at heart, but she's basically
full-grown—a big dog now. She could pull someone
your size to safety, Nancy, as long as you weren't too
far from shore.”
“Well, if it hadn't been for Maisie running ahead of
you guys,” Nancy said, patting the bouncing dog on the
top of her shaggy head, “I'd be out to sea by now.”
Annabel shot Nancy a grateful smile as she tossed
the stick again. “And if it hadn't been for you, Nancy
Drew, I'd be out of business. Thank you so much for
solving this case.”
“Now Moorsea Manor can continue as before,”
dreams, Annabel.”
Hugh smiled. “Let's forget the boat party for today,
everyone. The sea is way too rough.”
“We'll have a celebration up at the house instead,”
Annabel suggested happily. “An indoor treasure hunt
this time—and tea.”
“So what's the prize if we win?” Nancy asked.
“A mystery-free holiday,” Annabel said, and grinned.