A Ghost In The Closet

—— CHAPTER 7 ——

A Surefire Scheme

Big rain drops splashed down on the girls as they motored ahead in Nancy’s shiny craft, the Swift Sleuth, through the white-capped waters of Lake Merrimen toward the rocky spire jutting out of the middle of the deep lake. The small island was only twenty feet in diameter, but afforded visitors a clear panorama of the full splendor of the lake. Nancy was eager to show Cherry every bit of the lovely landscape, knowing how the girl adored nature and all its breathtaking views.

“Drat!” Nancy cried aloud. “I can’t believe we’ve hit bad weather. Just an hour ago, the sky was clear and the clouds were big and white and puffy. Why, there wasn’t a nimbostratus for miles!” They had missed their chance to boat in calm waters all because they couldn’t agree on the seating arrangement in the car!

“How disappointing,” Nancy wailed. “This day is not turning out at all the way I had planned!”

Cherry covered her hairdo with a portable rain bonnet, and Midge constructed a hasty umbrella for Velma from that day’s newspaper. “Shouldn’t we turn back?” Jackie wondered when she realized Cherry was beginning to shiver.

“We’re almost there,” Nancy insisted as she tied her chiffon scarf tighter around her hair, and put on some speed. She handed her binoculars to Cherry and said, “Take a look. Isn’t it a charming little island?”

Cherry peered at the rocky mound. “Nancy, now that we’re closer, I can see that those buoys surrounding Treasure Island are covered with signs,” Cherry noticed. “Keep Out By Order of Judge Meeks,” she read. Just then, the boat was hit with a rush of cold air—a sure sign that a thunderstorm was not far off!

“We really should go back,” Cherry urged. “Storms are the most dangerous of all weather phenomena, and a small boat in choppy water is no place for five girls in lightweight summer clothes!”

After a flash of lightning to the west, Nancy began counting. “One-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two, one-thousand-and—” but before she could go any further, they heard a clap of thunder. “Light travels at about one hundred eighty-six thousand miles per second and sound at about one thousand one hundred feet per second,” Nancy figured aloud. “So if I’m calculating correctly, this storm is less than a mile away!” She quickly turned the craft around and sped for shore.

Nancy kept the boat on an even keel and they made it to the dock just as mighty bolts of lightning began striking down on the lake.

“To the car,” Cherry cried, knowing that the metal body would shield them from danger. They hopped inside Nancy’s convertible and put up the top just as it began to rain in earnest.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Nancy grumbled as she used her hankie to dry her new cotton navy dotted-swiss culottes, which showed off her blue eyes to their best advantage. In her white straw purse was her yellow polished cotton swimsuit with its built-in panty and bra, but it would see no wear today. “Another chance for romance ruined; another outfit mussed beyond repair!” she thought in distress.

Nancy had to blink fast to keep hot tears from spilling down her cheeks. Luckily she was wearing her new smart Caribbean-style sunglasses with dark green lenses that hid her teary eyes.

Nancy started the car and headed for home. That afternoon had been a disaster, romantically speaking, but the day wasn’t over! She schemed as she steered the car over the damp streets, occasionally glancing in the rear view mirror, which gave her an excellent view of the back seat. Somehow, in their mad scramble to get to safety, Jackie and Cherry had ended up alone in the back seat! Nancy almost ran off the road when she saw Jackie lean over and whisper something in Cherry’s ear.

“Oops!” Nancy cried as she hurriedly straightened the wheel. “I must have hit a wet patch,” she explained. She gripped the wheel and made herself concentrate on the road ahead. “As soon as I get Cherry alone, I’ll ask her to spend the evening with me. I just know if I can get her away from Jackie long enough, I can make her fall for me again!”

—— CHAPTER 8 ——

A Romantic Rendezvous

“—then we’ll be served the most delicious meal consisting of pioneer stew, soup, green salad with special dressing, homemade hot rolls and boysenberry jam, sherbet appetizer, green vegetable and coffee, baked or French fried potatoes,” Nancy told Cherry excitedly. “And after supper, we’ll gather round the camp fire and sing old pioneer songs with Bud and his guitar or sit in covered wagons and listen to tales of long ago as told by old-timers!” Nancy’s eyes sparkled in excitement as she described the delightful evening ahead. She knew, too, exactly what she would wear—a bewitching new rayon crepe paisley print pouf skirt paired with an off-the-shoulder blouse and sophisticated flats. A velvet ribbon in her pert ponytail would complete the picture.

“It sounds like a magical evening,” Cherry admitted, then added ruefully, “but I’m afraid I’m all booked up for tonight.”

Nancy was stunned, but before she could say anything the doorbell rang. “Flowers for a Miss Cherry Aimless,” the lad said as Nancy flung open the front door.

“I’m a Miss Cherry Aimless; they must be for me!” Cherry exclaimed. “Golly, no one’s ever sent me flowers before,” she cried as she raced to the door to accept the square white box. She was so excited she almost forgot to tip the delivery fellow!

Cherry put the box on the coffee table and, with shaky hands, opened the lid. Inside was one perfect white gardenia and a little card.

To the greatest girl ever. See you at seven. J.

“This is my first corsage!” Cherry cried aloud, but she was talking to herself for Nancy had fled the room. Cherry was too starry-eyed to notice. Why, when Jackie had asked her to accompany her out this evening, Cherry had assumed she would merely throw a sweater over her day frock and stroll to a nearby diner for a hamburger and a thick shake, perhaps to be followed by a picture show. Now she knew why Jackie had spent the supper hour tinkering with George’s old jalopy—they were going on a car date!

Cherry took the delicate bloom from the box and held it to her bosom. “I’ll need something nicer than this rumpled cotton dress to pin this lovely corsage to!” she realized. “And I’ll have to bathe and fix my hair and polish my nails and find fresh stockings to don and—oh!” she cried when she checked her sturdy nurse’s watch. “It’s already after six!”

Cherry ran to the kitchen and put her corsage on the second shelf of the Frigidaire, next to a yummy-looking gelatin mold, then raced upstairs. “Velma will advise me, and maybe even let me borrow her sophisticated black chiffon siren sheath, too,” Cherry hoped. If she was to be ready in time—and be the kind of girl deserving of that gardenia—she’d need an expert’s help!

She took the stairs two at a time, raced down the hall and burst into Midge and Velma’s room, forgetting in her haste that unannounced entrances into other’s bedchambers can be startling affairs indeed! Midge was so surprised she flung herself off Velma and went crashing to the floor.

“You’re not hurt, are you Midge?” Cherry asked.

“I’m fine,” Midge gasped.

“Good,” Cherry said. This was no time to have an accident! “Velma, I need your help, and quick! I’m going on a real date tonight, and I haven’t a thing to wear that Jackie hasn’t already seen me in! May I borrow your best frock?” she begged. “I promise I won’t get anything on it!” Cherry plopped down on the bed, threw up her arms in alarm and confessed, “I don’t know how to act or what to expect. I’ve never been alone with Jackie before—what if I can’t think of anything to say? Oh, why didn’t I listen when my mother gave me her fifty-three tips for successful dating?”

Velma smiled and smoothed her skirt down over her thighs. “I can help you in the outfit department and do something a little more dramatic with your hair if you like,” she promised. “As for advice, mine is just to be yourself. Jackie is already crazy about you; anything you do will be the right thing.” She turned to her mate lying on the floor. “Midge, do you have any dating tips for Cherry?”

Midge got up off the floor, smoothed her hair and took a cigarette from the pack on the night stand. “Always remember to lock the door,” she grumbled.

—— CHAPTER 9 ——

A Lovelorn Nurse

“The rain makes a pleasant sound on the convertible roof,” Cherry thought as she stared out the car window at the festive lights of downtown Lake Merrimen. Ever since Jackie had opened the passenger door of George’s jalopy and Cherry had hopped in, taking care not to let her snug sheath ride up over her thighs, she had been unable to think of even one clever, lighthearted comment to get the conversation rolling.

“Say something,” Cherry scolded herself. She knew it was Jackie’s duty to provide transportation and make recreational decisions, and hers to keep the conversation light and playful. Trouble was, every time she did think of something clever or amusing to say, one look at the big handsome girl sitting beside her and all thoughts flew out of her head.

“The … er … rain is … uh … nice,” Cherry remarked shyly.

“Yes, it is,” Jackie said.

Cherry dropped her gaze and became absorbed in admiring the gardenia on her bosom.

“It looks nice with your dress,” Jackie said.

“What? Oh!” Cherry colored. “Yes. My dress. It’s Velma’s you know.” She smoothed out the wrinkles in her lap. While the dress was indeed a sophisticated number, its plunging neckline worried Cherry. “I hope I don’t catch a chest cold!” she murmured.

“What was that?” Jackie wondered.

Cherry jumped. “I—I—didn’t say anything,” she stammered.

“Oh, I thought you did,” Jackie explained. She checked her rugged detective’s watch. They had reservations at a fancy supper club somewhere on this block and Jackie was having trouble finding the place. If truth be told, she was having a hard time keeping her mind on anything at that moment—anything, that is, but the gorgeous girl in the clingy dress sitting on the edge of her seat.

Cherry clutched her small beaded bag, just big enough to hold hankie, lipstick, compact and emergency thermometer, to her breast. It was on loan from Velma, along with the impossibly high heels on her feet, the jangling bracelets over her black elbow-length gloves, glamorous make-up, luscious perfume, and even her black lacy push-up bra. Midge had been sad to see that item go out the door!

“Well, it looks nice on you,” Jackie told her.

Cherry turned pink. Did Jackie mean her brassiere? Cherry peered down her dress and was relieved to see her undergarments were safely out of sight. Good thing, because droopy slip straps were a sure-fire recipe for fashion disaster!

“Your dress. It looks nice on you,” Jackie repeated.

“I don’t normally wear outfits this snug,” Cherry admitted. “I’m much more accustomed to wearing a blousy uniform gathered at the waist with a simple belt, sensible, low-heeled rubber-soled shoes, my crisp cap and in the winter, my cunning midnight blue cape.” The minute the words were out of her mouth she could have kicked herself. Some date she was turning out to be! She had broken the second of her mother’s fifty-three rules for successful dating. “Never talk about yourself!”

“That dress certainly suits you,” Jackie said as she pulled the car into a spot outside the gay-looking supper club. “But then again, I’ve never seen you in anything that didn’t,” she admitted as she cut the engine, slid her arm behind Cherry and flicked up the lock on the door.

A funny feeling stirred in Cherry as she breathed in deeply, reveling in Jackie’s scent, a combination of soap and Aqua Velva. Cherry had never seen Jackie so handsome as she was tonight in her dapper dark lightweight wool suit with its boxy jacket that draped her strong frame beautifully, and its pleated, cuffed trousers pressed to perfection. “I could cut my finger on that sharp crease of her trousers,” Cherry thought. She blushed when she realized she was staring at Jackie’s thigh.

“Are you ready?” Jackie murmured softly. She gave Cherry’s gloved hand a little squeeze. Cherry couldn’t help but blush again as she felt Jackie’s eyes sweep over her curvy figure, starting with her creamy white shoulders and working down to her womanly hips.

“Ready for what?” Cherry cried in alarm.

Jackie grinned. “Dinner,” she said.

Although Cherry had doubted she could consume even one morsel while wearing that snug dress, twenty minutes later she had managed to drink two glasses of sparkling champagne and nibble on some scrumptious canapés. While Jackie ordered a delectable meal, Cherry looked with wide-eyed wonder around the Macambo Room, exclaiming over the soft sapphire blue walls, blue and white draperies and white marble dance floor. “This place is heaven!” she exclaimed as she watched happy couples glide across the room to the gay tunes of the Phil Bolero Orchestra. “And I love these white leather settees; they’re so neighborly!” she cried as she boldly scooted closer to Jackie, who smiled and ordered another bottle of champagne.

“Oh, two’s my limit!” Cherry protested when the bottle was brought to the table. “Well, maybe three,” she giggled. She patted her ruby red lips with her napkin before taking a sip of her champagne to prevent an unaesthetic smudge on the fine glassware. She paused when she realized Jackie was staring at her every move.

“You’re such a girl,” Jackie admired her happily.

Cherry blushed. “I have my mother to thank for that,” she acknowledged.

“I’ll send her a thank-you note in the morning,” Jackie grinned as she refilled their glasses. Cherry smiled. Not only was Jackie the handsomest girl she had ever seen, she was so mannerly! Cherry began to relax, and soon the girls were talking and laughing like old friends.

Their scrumptious supper was served, but neither girl had much of an appetite. Cherry forced herself to taste the yummy food, but found it difficult to swallow. Her mouth was dry, there were butterflies in her stomach, and her knees were shaking so badly it took all her concentration to walk to the ladies’ lounge when she felt the urge to powder her nose. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world!

“I could stay here forever,” Cherry sighed when she rejoined her date. As she slipped into the settee, she slid even closer. Before she knew it, Jackie had put her arm around her, and Cherry let it stay there.

“Let’s come here every night,” Cherry said in a gay tone, knowing all too well that their days together might be numbered. Would Jackie run out of vacation time before Cherry made up her mind?

“I’ll reserve this very table,” Jackie played along.

“And we’ll have champagne with every meal,” Cherry cried as she downed her drink. It was her fifth glass of champagne, but she didn’t care. For tonight, she was more than simply level-headed Cherry Aimless, Registered Nurse. She was Cherry Aimless, Registered Nurse, headed for love!

—— CHAPTER 10 ——

Girl Trouble!

“Ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred.” Nancy had brushed her trademark titian mane until it shone, but it did no good. She threw the silver-backed brush across her dressing table, knocking over some expensive perfume in the process, but Nancy didn’t care. The only thing she did care about—an attractive dark-haired nurse with a bubbly nature and a ready smile—had been gone now for five hours, and might never be coming back!

“I musn’t dwell on those two,” Nancy told herself as she slipped into her luscious pale pink shantung silk pajamas and tied a pert bow around her hair. “It’s already midnight, and I’ve simply got to get some sleep so I will look my best tomorrow.” She knew she’d have to act fast to regain the advantage in the contest for Cherry’s hand.

“But what shall I do, Gogo?” she asked the little terrier who was curled up in her usual place. Nancy felt a stab of pity as she remembered the terrified expressions on the faces of the kidnapped poodles when they popped out of the trunk. “I should really call Chief O’Malley at the Lake Merrimen Police Department and offer my services, seeing as how I’m so good at solving cases like these,” Nancy thought guiltily. “But going off on a case will mean leaving Cherry and Jackie alone, and I can’t afford to do that!” she quickly reminded herself.

Nancy sighed as she threw back her snowy white chenille bedspread, slipped under the covers and turned off the small bedside lamp. Midge and Velma had gone to bed the second supper was over, so Nancy had spent the evening helping Hannah sew side darts in some new cotton blouses. As the hours dragged by, Nancy knew Cherry and Jackie’s dinner date must have turned into something more!

Tortured by the thought of those two together, she tossed and turned, finally falling into a uneasy sleep. She awoke to the unmistakable sound of George’s old jalopy pulling into the drive. Nancy slipped out of bed and raced over to the window. Golly, Jackie and Cherry had finally returned!

She watched with bated breath as Jackie helped Cherry from the car and escorted her to the front porch. She could hear hushed giggles as the two girls crept in the house. Nancy waited for the sound of footsteps on the landing, and when none came she threw on her quilted housecoat and fuzzy slippers and snuck down the stairs. “Where could they be?” she wondered as she peeked over the banister into the empty living room. She pulled her robe tight and crept into the kitchen.

The squeak of the porch swing and more laugher reached her ears. Nancy checked the kitchen clock and was surprised to find it was three in the morning! “Why, it’s positively indecent to stay up this late,” she thought as she blinked back tears. She crept closer to the back door, taking care to keep in the shadows. Although she couldn’t make out what they were saying, the way Cherry was sitting, practically in Jackie’s lap with her face turned up in rapt adoration, told Nancy that she’d better do something fast!

Nancy raced to the study and shut the door, then picked up the telephone and spoke urgently into the receiver. “Operator, please connect me with the Hardly estate in nearby Feyport—and fast!”

Her chums Joe and Frank Hardly had just returned from their European vacation. “I was going to give them a few days to shake the wrinkles from their travel clothes and get their land legs back, but this is a genuine emergency!” Nancy thought.

She tapped her fingers nervously on the mahogany desk while she waited for her connection to be put through. “I’ll ask Frank and Joe to luncheon tomorrow to meet the gang,” she schemed. “I’ll serve Joe’s favorite cheese-and-egg pie and wilted leaf lettuce salad, then I’ll ask Frank to step outside to the garden, and once there, ask him what to do about this romantic dilemma. I’ll wear my new sunflower yellow pique sunsheath—Frank’s sure to appreciate the careful detailing, especially the embroidered collar—”

“Hello?” a sleepy lad’s voice queried at the other end of the line. Nancy took a deep breath and tried to steady her voice, but once she heard the masculine tone of her close chum Frank, her words came tumbling out all willy-nilly. “Oh, Frank,” she sobbed. “I need your help. I’ve got trouble—girl trouble—of the most terrible kind!”

—— CHAPTER 11 ——

The Mystery of Love

“Get the paper, Gogo,” Midge commanded cheerfully. The perky terrier, who had taken up her post at Midge’s feet, hoping to catch a stray toast crumb, raced out the dog door and returned seconds later with The River Depths Defender in her mouth and laid it at Midge’s slipper-clad feet. “See how much she’s learned since we’ve been here?” Midge grinned at Jackie as she unfurled the paper and glanced at the front page. “Next I’m teaching her how to make the beds,” she joked, but her expression turned serious when she saw the news item at the bottom of the page. “Someone tried to snatch a teacup poodle from an elderly woman in nearby Battle Creek,” she gasped.

But Jackie was too busy moping to notice. Too busy, really, thinking about Cherry and last night.

Midge tried to push the distressing news out of her mind. She put down the paper and got her chum a hot cup of coffee.

“Ugh!” Jackie cried after she took a gulp of the strong brew.