“I think they both lost sight of reality,” Phil said. “Scott was too obsessed with getting revenge, and Gloria was driven by ambition. Together they must have thought they were invincible.”
“And they almost were!” Bess put in.
“The Capital Center is pressing charges,” Phil continued. “But still, Gloria and Scott will probably just be fined and put on probation. Gloria’s already made up some story about how she didn’t know the gun was loaded with a stimulant. She told the police she thought she had tranquilizer darts to use on Scott’s horse after the horse went crazy and threw him off. She claims that’s what made Nightingale spook.”
“Wow. Gloria really had it all planned out,” Bess said. “She’s crazy, all right.”
“That’s for sure,” Nancy agreed. “And after all, it’s our word against theirs. Who’s going to believe I was chased by a Headless Horseman?”
They all laughed. Then Marisa trotted into the ring on Mr. Sunshine. The buzzer sounded, and the young girl on her flashy bay circled smoothly and headed for the first jump.
“I’m really glad Colleen’s seriously talking to the San Marcoses about Nightingale,” Phil said. “I think Marisa’s one of the best riders around. She’s kind, enthusiastic, and talented.”
“What about Diego?” Bess grumbled. “He’s such a big grump.”
Nancy laughed at her friend’s sour expression. “Give the guy a chance, Bess. I spent this afternoon with Diego while Marisa and Colleen were talking. He’s really a nice guy—just a little old-fashioned and strict. Marisa’s got the guts and ability. He’s got the discipline.”
Bess shrugged. “I guess. Hey, did you see that jump?” Mr. Sunshine turned the corner and galloped to the last obstacle, a high wall. He leapt, touching the top brick with his front hoof. It fell to the ground.
“That’s four faults,” Phil explained. “Colleen’s still ahead.”
“Let’s go on down to the warm-up ring,” Nancy said, standing. “I want to congratulate both of them on their rounds.”
When they reached the crowded ring, Colleen was astride Nightingale, talking to Diego. Marisa had dismounted and was standing next to them, holding Mr. Sunshine. Nancy noticed that Marisa had a huge smile on her face.
“What’s going on?” Nancy asked when she reached them.
“She’s mine!” Marisa flung her arms around Nightingale’s neck.
“Not exactly,” Diego told his daughter in a patient voice. “She’s yours to ride and show, yes. But not yours to keep.”
“Mine, mine, mine,” Marisa chanted as if she didn’t hear her father.
Everyone laughed.
“So what’s the deal?” Phil asked, looking up at Colleen with a big smile. Nancy knew that the news had made him very pleased. She just hoped Colleen was happy, too.
With a sigh her friend dismounted. “Diego made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” Colleen said. Nancy noticed a tear in her friend’s eye, but then Colleen broke into a smile. “I’m going to lease Nightingale to him and Marisa, starting in January. That way she’ll still be mine, Marisa will get to show her, and I’ll have enough money to go to college!”
“And the best thing,” Marisa added, her face beaming, “is that when we retire Nightingale and Colleen gets her back, we’re going to get her first foal!”
“What finally made you come to a decision?” Phil asked Colleen. “Nightingale’s done so well at the show. I figured you’d be ready to take her to Florida for the winter circuit.”
“She was superb,” Colleen said. “Which proved to me that Nightingale should be with someone who will take her to the top.” She nodded toward Marisa. “I just don’t have the interest and the drive anymore. Besides, it was so hard finding out about Scott and Gloria. . . .” She shook her head sadly. “I mean, I thought they were my friends. How could I have been so blind?”
“Hey, we were all fooled,” Nancy said.
“I know, but that doesn’t help much,” Colleen said. “Seeing how obsessed they were made me put winning horse shows in perspective. I want to do something more in my life, and now I can—without having to give up Nightingale.”
“Wow.” Bess sniffed. “This is like the ending of a great movie.”
“One with lots of action.” Phil chuckled. “I wish you guys could have seen Nancy and Nightingale jumping that gate.”
“Don’t remind me,” Nancy groaned. “I’ll be having nightmares forever.”
Just then a voice over the loudspeaker announced, “First place and the Worthington Cup Trophy goes to Ms. Colleen Healey and Nightingale!”
For a moment Colleen looked startled, as if she didn’t believe it.
“Go on!” Marisa urged. “Jog in there on Nightingale and get the trophy!”
“Oh, right!” Colleen said finally. Then she turned and threw her arms around Nancy. “But there’s someone who deserves that trophy more than me. My friend, Nancy Drew, the best detective around!”
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
First Aladdin Paperbacks printing October 1992
Copyright © 1992 by Simon & Schuster Inc.
Produced by Mega-Books of New York, Inc.
ALADDIN PAPERBACKS
An imprint of Simon & Schuster
Children’s Publishing Division
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All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
NANCY DREW and NANCY DREW MYSTERY STORIES are registered trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ISBN: 0-671-73055-X
ISBN 978-1-4814-0949-0 (eBook)
Cover art by Aleta Jenks
Carolyn Keene, The Mystery of the Masked Rider
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