Samantha sat across from her sister at the ornate dining room table. Together, they reviewed scripts and set designs.

“Nate’s in the kitchen,” said Buffy. “He says he wants us to get ready for a ‘Polynesian Surprise.’ ”

Samantha wasn’t exactly sure what that meant, but her sister’s grouchy assistant sure was a good cook. The food would probably be delicious.

After a frustrating day, she was starting to feel better. While Samantha helped Buffy with the play, Nipper borrowed the purple sunglasses from her and snooped for clues about Uncle Paul. Samantha had to admit, she was actually looking forward to becoming a producer. Maybe she could help her sister turn the play around. And then, who knew where it could lead?

“What’s up with the monster trucks and the fog machines?” she asked Buffy.

A blueprint on the table showed a big propeller inside a cage.

“And what’s that?” she added. “A big fan?”

“Horace Temple told me it was very important to have all these things,” said Buffy.

Samantha nodded, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. Were these clues? Did they have something to do with watching out for the SUN? Or was Uncle Paul just pretending to think like a Broadway producer, so Buffy would keep him around?

“The bagpipes and the giraffes were my idea,” Buffy said proudly. “And the fireworks.”

“Stop,” said Samantha, gesturing with both hands. “Never cause an explosion in a theater. That violates a dozen safety codes and regulations.”

Buffy frowned.

“I have some ideas for the opening number,” Samantha said. “But first we have to talk about the unicorns.”

“What about them?” Buffy asked quickly.

“Face it,” said Samantha. “There aren’t any unicorns. So I don’t think we should plan the whole production around them.”

“What?” Buffy asked, much louder.

Nipper tapped Samantha on the shoulder.

“Hey, Sam,” he whispered. “I think I found some clues.”

“Hold on one minute,” she told Buffy, and turned to her brother.

Nipper handed her four Word Whammy! cards.

“A, L, I, and M,” he said. “They were on the floor in a hallway.”

Samantha looked at the cards.

“Did you find them in this order?” she asked.

“Mmmm—maybe,” he replied.

He shrugged his shoulders and looked like he had no idea.

“Samantha…I’m waiting,” said Buffy.

Nipper handed the glasses back to Samantha and shrugged again.

“Are these the only letters?” she asked quickly. “Were there any other cards around?”

“I dunno. Probably.” He shrugged. “I was in a hurry and I didn’t really—”

“You didn’t really pay attention, did you,” Samantha snapped.

“Sammy!” Buffy called.

Samantha hated it when people called her “Sammy.” She turned back to the table to see Buffy scowling at her.

“Okay, okay,” said Samantha. “Let’s talk about these mermaids.”

She pointed to the drawing of a big cave. Huge letters above the entrance spelled out Hydrangea!

“I don’t think ancient Egyptians had anything that looked like—”

“You’re fired!” said Buffy.

“What?” Samantha asked.

“Go home. Now.”