Read 078 The Phantom Of Venice for Free Online

even before the purchase took place. “I’ve forwarded his request to my client. We’re now waiting for an answer.”
    Nancy pondered for a few moments before asking, “What about the Italian police? I mean, what’s their position on the ransom demand?”
    “Officially they are against my paying it,” replied the Marchese. “Privately they admit it may be theonly way to save Pietro’s life, since they have no real clues to go on in tracking down the criminals.”
    “Would it be possible for me to visit the Falcone glassworks, and talk to some of your employees?”
    “ Si , by all means! There is a young American there who will be glad to act as interpreter for you.”
    “I can take her over to Murano this afternoon,” said Carson Drew. Then he glanced at his watch and added to Nancy, “The Marchese has a meeting scheduled with his bankers at two-thirty, to discuss ways of raising the ransom money, if my client won’t help. It’s almost that time now, Francesco.”
    “Si, they will be expecting me shortly. In any case, the two of you would no doubt enjoy some moments alone together, to chat personally. E così, if you will excuse me . . .”
    With a smiling bow to Nancy, the Marchese del Falcone rose to his feet. “My butler Domenic will bring you some refreshment,” he said as he left the drawing room. Mr. Drew turned to his daughter. “Well, honey, how was your flight over?”
    “Very smooth and pleasant, Daddy. I even made a new friend.” Nancy told him about Tara Egan and the fatal circumstances that had cost the life of Tara’s father, Rolf Egan.
    “How tragic!” Carson Drew exclaimed sympathetically. As they talked, the sinister-looking butler served them coffee, fruit and cheese.
    “Where is Tara Egan staying, Nancy?”
    “She’s taken a room at a pensione. I hope to see her tomorrow. She still hasn’t gotten over her father’s death, and I’m a bit concerned about her. Do you suppose the Marchese would allow me to invite her here to the palazzo for tea?”
    “Of course, I’m quite sure he would. Francesco’s one of the kindest, most gracious hosts I’ve ever known.”
    When Nancy finished her coffee, Mr. Drew suggested that she might like to freshen up or lie down for half an hour before starting for the glassworks on Murano. Domenic showed her to her room.
    After a brief but welcome rest, Nancy rose and ran some bath water. Then she opened her suitcase to pick out a change of clothing. Her eyes widened as she discovered a strange object inside—a fluted white shell she had never seen before!
    Where on earth did that come from? she breathed half aloud.

5
A Glass Menagerie
    Nancy was both puzzled and intrigued as she picked up the sea shell for a closer look. She was quite sure it had not been in her suitcase when she went through Customs. But if she had not packed it, when and how did the shell get there?
    The longest period of time the suitcase had been out of her sight since arriving in Venice was when it was left at the Pensione Dandolo, while she accompanied Tara to Angela Spinelli’s apartment. Could someone have slipped in the shell during that time?
    Why would anyone do such a thing? Was it related to the riddle of Rolf Egan’s fatal mishap?
    Nancy knew very little about sea shells, although she could recognize certain kinds. This one, shethought, was an Angel’s Wing—a kind often found on Atlantic beaches back home.
    Were they also found on the Adriatic shores of Italy?
    Wait, I’m forgetting something! Another explanation for the shell had just occurred to Nancy.
    She and Tara had passed through Italian Customs together after landing in Rome. Their luggage had been laid out on a long table. The inspection had been quick and courteous, but both girls had had their suitcases opened and poked through by the Customs officers.
    Maybe the shell belongs to Tara, thought Nancy, and got dumped in my suitcase by mistake.
    There was no time to fret over her odd discovery now.