Everyone snapped to attention, flipping through the records. But the entries were pretty much the same-lists of expenses for rice, oil, flour, and other mundane supplies.


    "Any maps or codes?" Randy scratched his head.


    Erica smacked the ledger. "Nothing. Just numbers and grocery lists."


    Debra traced a column of figures. "Right, numbers!"


    Erica was puzzled. "Numbers? How''s that a treasure map?"


    Randy muttered, "Could it be that we''ve been thinking in the wrong direction? Maybe this isn''t a treasure map after all?"


    Erica echoed, "Could it really be, like the elders said, just an ount book that we''ve somehow turned into a myth?"


    As the group agonized, Drake finally snapped. "Debra, we need to talk."


    "Hm? About what?"


    "Let''s talk outside."


    "Can''t say it here?"


    "Outside."


    Drake stormed out. Debra sighed, turning to Marion. "Can I?"


    Erica and Randy nced at him nervously.


    Marion nodded. "Go ahead."


    Erica and Randy gaped. ''No jealousy?''


    The second Debra left, Erica hissed "Are you nuts? Even a blind man sees Drake''s into her. Why''d y


    yes? Aren''t you too confide


    say


    Marion shrugged. "Confident, not delusional. Debra has nothing on me."


    Erica


    snickewher hands up. Randy


    snickered until she elbowed him. Meanwhile, Marion


    Mari


    "Where''d he go?" Erica blinked.


    "To eavesdrop, obviously," Randy grinned.


    "So?"


    "It''s our chance."


    "Then what are we waiting for? Let''s go."


    They tiptoed toward Drake''s room, only to be blocked by Kale at the door.


    Erica scowled. "Move."


    "Mr. Lowe''s orders. No interruptions."


    "Then why''s he allowed?"


    She poethe doct


    She pointed to Marion, who casually


    listening through a crack.


    wha


    Kale deadpanned, "Can''t beat him."