Nancy’s thoughts were interrupted by a new voice—one that was high, thin, and tinged with an unpleasant edge of sarcasm.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me, too?”

“Ray, what are you doing here?” Ned asked.

The newcomer was tall and skinny. He had pale blue eyes, a prominent hooked nose, and red hair that needed to be trimmed. He stared at Nancy.

“I thought you wanted nothing more to do with the Wildcats,” Ned added.

“I don’t. You can all rot, for all I care. I like a good party, though. So . . . are you going to introduce me, or not?”

“Nancy, this is Ray Ungar. Ray, my girlfriend, Nancy Drew.”

Ray’s eyes bored into hers. Nancy was used to being checked out, but his reckless expression made her very uneasy.

“So, you’re the famous snoop Ned’s always bragging about.”

“I’ve solved a few crimes,” Nancy said noncommittally.

“A few? Ned makes you sound like a regular Sherlock Holmes. Well, take a tip from me, Ms. Sherlock . . . watch where you poke your nose here at Emerson. It might get cut off.”

“Can it, Ray!” Ned said angrily, taking a step toward him. “I know you’re carrying a grudge, but take it out on someone else!”

Ray held up his palms. “Hey! I was just giving the lady some advice!”

“Well, save it. In fact, why don’t you move along and enjoy the party?”

“Sure, I know when I’m not wanted.” Throwing a hostile glance at Andy, Craig, and Howie, he sauntered away.

Nancy was relieved. “Whew! Talk about intense! What’s his problem, anyway? And what’s all this about a grudge?”

“Ray used to be on the team,” Ned explained. “He wasn’t a starter, but he wasn’t bad as a forward, either.”

“Used to be?”