Designs in Crime

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Book: Read Designs in Crime for Free Online
Authors: Carolyn Keene
Drew.”
    As Delia spoke, videotape of Joanna, Nancy, and Bess leaving Beau’s studio filled the screen. “Hey,” Bess said, perking up. “We’re on TV, Nan!”
    â€œToo bad,” Nancy groaned. Now there was no way to keep a low profile on the case.
    â€œJoanna’s bridal gown has been stolen!” Delia said with relish. “The theft is especially poignant since the gown was made from material from Joanna’s mother’s wedding dress and trimmed in pearls that belonged to Coral Rockwell, who passed away two years ago. What does this mean for the couple?” Images of Sam and Joanna flashed on the screen. In one clip, Sam waswearing the flame-retardant suit of a race car driver. He held a shiny trophy up high before hugging Joanna.
    â€œâ€Šâ€˜Fashion Flash’ can name two people who might benefit from this crimp in the wedding plans. First there’s Mimi Piazza—” A closeup of a beautiful woman in her twenties flashed on the screen. With her creamy skin and short red hair that curled in wisps around her face, Mimi looked more like a cover girl than a designer.
    â€œâ€Šâ€˜Fashion Flash’ viewers will recall that one of Mimi’s bridal designs was Joanna Rockwell’s second choice,” Delia explained. “Mimi went ahead and worked up a sample of that design. The dress—a size six, perfect for the petite Joanna—will make its debut at Mimi’s show on Thursday.”
    Delia smiled like a smug cat, adding, “Unless, of course, Joanna now decides to wear Mimi’s dress down the aisle. With Beau Winston’s gown missing, it may be a possibility.
    â€œAnother person who’s in no rush to see Joanna at the altar is her father, billionaire Michael Rockwell,” Delia continued as the wide pink face of Mr. Rockwell flashed on the screen. “It’s no secret that Rockwell does not see eye to eye with his future son-in-law. Sources close to Rockwell say he would love to see Sam Speed disqualified from the race to the altar with his beloved Joanna.”
    â€œWhat a story,” Bess said as Delia Rogerssigned off. “Maybe Joanna’s father is the one behind the missing gown.”
    Nancy thought the idea through as she finished her toast. “A man with Michael Rockwell’s billions could have paid someone on Beau’s staff or a thug to steal the gown from the vault. He could have assumed the theft would upset the wedding plans.”
    â€œBut what about Beau’s stolen designs?” Bess asked. “Why would Rockwell want to ruin Beau’s design business?”
    â€œMaybe the stolen designs are just a diversion,” Nancy suggested. “Only two people were in Beau’s studio the night Joanna’s gown disappeared—Angel and Mrs. Chong,” Nancy went on. “So it seems that both thefts have to be inside jobs.”
    Bess rinsed off the breakfast dishes. “I’ll keep an eye on both of them while I’m modeling at the studio.”
    â€œThanks,” Nancy said. “But first I think we should check out Mimi Piazza. She might think she’s got a shot at being Joanna’s designer. I don’t know how she could have managed to steal from Beau, but I’d like to visit her studio this morning to see what we can find out.”
    â€œYou can begin your research right here,” Bess said. “Mimi is mentioned in a lot of the fashion magazines I was reading on the plane.”
    â€œGreat!” Nancy said.
    As Bess ran to get the magazines, Nancy pickedup the phone to call home. She smiled when she heard the warm voice of her father, Carson Drew. “Is this the Nancy Drew, as featured on ‘Fashion Flash’?” he teased.
    â€œYou saw the report!” Nancy said.
    â€œI was a little surprised to see my daughter rubbing elbows with a celebrity bride,” Carson said. “What’s going on there?”
    Quickly Nancy

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