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Jake turned around and left the kitchen. Maggie and Sam shared a confused look, and followed him.
Jake was sitting in front of his computer and writing something on a notepad at his side. He tore the top piece of paper off and handed it to Maggie.
She looked at it. “Roundhay Park? Are we having a day out?”
“I’m not, but you two are,” Jake said. “I still can’t find Harvey on the internet. Someone has deleted everything about him, except the death notice. I’ll keep looking.”
“How?” Maggie took a step closer. “Are you going on the dark web? Is that what it’s called? Let me have a look.”
Jake said, “It’s not the dark web. Anyone can get on to that. It’s called something else, and it’s going to take me longer than I thought.”
Maggie took another step. “You should show me what you’re doing. If I’m going to work here, I need to know these things.”
Jake looked at Sam, and raised his eyebrows. Maggie couldn’t work out what their silent communication was.
Sam said to Maggie, “Jake’s going to a place full of nightmares and deprived people. You don’t want to see what goes on there. I’ve got a strong stomach, but even I don’t like what goes on.” He addressed Jake. “Why do you want us to go to Roundhay Park?”
“Someone’s posted a new treasure hunt in honour of Harvey Chester. It’s already started. Lots of hunters are joining in the hunt. Hunters who knew Harvey.”
“Really?” Maggie said. “Then we should go straight away.”
Jake held a hand up. “Not so fast. You’re not a member of the treasure-hunting club. Not yet. I’m working on that. And you can’t just barge into a hunt and start questioning everyone about Harvey.”
“I wasn’t going to do that,” Maggie defended herself. It was exactly what she was going to do. “What are we supposed to do when we get to the park?”
“You have to find the first clue. Give me your phone and I’ll download the app. I’ve got the code for it.” He held his hand out. “Dad, I’ve sent you a link to the app.”
Maggie put her phone into Jake’s outstretched palm. “What does the app do?”
“It gives the location of the first clue. I’ve already got the co-ordinates so I know it’s Roundhay Park. I don’t know where in the park you should go. You’ll get the details once you log into your account.” His computer beeped. “Ah, you’re logged in now. Won’t be a minute.” He turned his back on her.
Maggie gave Sam a confused look. “I’ve no idea what’s going on.”
“I think I do.” Sam held his phone up. “I’ve logged into my account, and now I’ve got the location of where we need to go inside the park. It’s Soldiers Field. When we get there, we have to search for the first clue. And then we’ll see where that clue takes us.”
“Oh? I see. I think. It’s just like a treasure hunt, isn’t it?”
Jake gave her a look as if she’d lost her marbles. He said, “A treasure hunt is exactly what it is. Your phone is ready now. You should look online at how to play this game. There are some beginner guides. Simple guides. Very simple guides.”
“I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it,” Maggie said as she took her phone back. “Sam, you don’t have to come with me. I know my way to Roundhay Park. There are a few buses which go that way.”
Sam said, “I’d like to go with you. I’m interested in this treasure-hunting thing too.”
Maggie suspected he wanted to go with her because he was worried about her safety. He didn’t need to worry, and she was about to tell him that, but she realised she would like his company, and his help. She was feeling out of her depth more and more with every passing second.
She said, “I’ve got a hairdresser’s appointment which I’ll have to cancel. Am I okay with the clothes I’m wearing?” She was wearing her best jeans and a white linen shirt. She hoped the treasure hunt wouldn’t involve mud-related activities.
With that lovely smile of his, Sam said, “You look perfect. But I’m going to change. A suit is not ideal. I’ve got a change of clothes in the van. Give me a minute.” He turned around and went back into the kitchen.
Maggie sat down next to Jake but didn’t say anything. She stared at her feet. What had she got herself involved in? Who was she to investigate a possible murder?
Jake tapped her gently on the shoulder. When she looked at him, he said, “You’ll be okay, you know. More than okay. This is the perfect job for you.”
“Because I’m nosy?”
“Yes, but because you care about people. You want to help them. And you’ve got us to help you too.”
“I don’t want to take you away from your work,” Maggie started to argue.
“You won’t. When we’re too busy to help, we’ll let you know. Then you’ll be on your own.” Jake’s face turned purposely blank. “This is totally unrelated, but have you got life insurance? And is your will up to date?”