Ned lowered his eyebrows. “Lighten up on yourself, will you? You’ve only been on the case for a few hours! You’ll crack it.”

“I know. I just hope I crack it before another disaster occurs.”

“Well, there won’t be any disasters at this party, that much I know. In fact, I have a feeling that something nice is about to happen to you.”

“Oh, yes?” Nancy felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. “Like what?”

“Come here and I’ll show you.”

She expected him to kiss her, but that wasn’t what he had in mind. Instead he took her hand and led her to a quiet corner. They sat together on an overstuffed sofa.

“Here, this is for you.” Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, Ned pulled out a small package. It was wrapped in white paper and tied with a pink ribbon.

“Ned, you shouldn’t have!”

“It’s something to help you remember this visit. Go on. Open it!”

Nancy’s fingers shook as she unwrapped the gift. It was a delicate silver bracelet, the loveliest she had ever seen. She slid it on.

“It’s beautiful! But, Ned, it must have cost a fortune!”

Her boyfriend’s face darkened for a split second. Was he angry? Troubled? Before she could decide, the look faded.

“The price doesn’t matter. I want you to have it. I’ve missed you, Nancy.”

A lump formed in her throat. “I’ve missed you, too. And how!”

She threw her arms around him and kissed him—sweetly at first, but then with growing urgency. It felt terrific to be with him again! Silently she vowed not to wait so long between visits the next time.

Suddenly a chorus of voices interrupted them.

“Hey, Nickers, save it for later!”

“Yeah, it’s party time!”

“Ned . . . can you hear us, Ned? Uh-oh, looks like we’ve lost him. Send for an ambulance!”

They fell apart. Around them stood a group of Ned’s teammates, all grinning mischievously. Nancy stood and tried—unsuccessfully—not to blush as Ned introduced them.