Page 28 of The Romance Adventure

“Forget Law and Order, this is like a real-life soap opera,” Strawberry Shortcake mutters.

If only it were less fact and more fiction.

“So, what are the questions?” Magnus asks.

Nodding at him, Strawberry Shortcake reads, “Magnus: When up is down, what do you do?”

He turns his palms up and his eyes pinch in question.

She continues, piercing blue eyes on me. “Royal: When right is wrong, what do you do?”

“Whatever it takes,” I murmur, but by the way Magnus bristles, I don’t think that’s the answer.

“I’d go left, just saying.” The corner of CJ’s lip lifts.

“I think he means what’s morally wrong,” Ryan replies.

“Then I’d go right.” CJ hitches a smile.

“You never know with Chip, take this will reading for example. Our grandfather had a purpose, a point. I’m just not sure what it is,” Magnus says.

Strawberry Shortcake smooths the paper and says, “Ryan: When inside is out, what do you do? And CJ: When high is low, where do you go?”

“Cryptic.” Ryan scrubs his hand down his face.

I’ll say. I didn’t expect this. Though I should’ve.

“There’s more. It says, ‘Solving this puzzle will be a great adventure that takes you beyond your comfort zones. It’ll be humbling and educational. It will require careful thought, collaboration, courage, and strength. Think of any setbacks as opportunities. Learn while you wait and learn to wait. You win if you don’t quit.’” Strawberry Shortcake lets out a breath.

“There are a lot of chestnuts in there,” Magnus says thoughtfully.

“Chestnuts?” Ryan asks.

“Platitudes,” Magnus answers.

“Wisdom,” CJ adds. “Pearls of wisdom.”

“Confusion.” My glare is all-purpose, a general demonstration of my frustration at this situation.

Strawberry Shortcake winces as if I’m directing it at her and all this is her fault. “Seems to me the McGregor brothers have a mystery on their hands.”

“Was there a murder?” I ask. “Everyone knows mysteries start with a murder.”

“Or a theft,” CJ says.

“We didn’t know Chip had passed away...or how. Did he even have a funeral?”

“Not a normal one,” CJ says.

Roughly running my hand across my forehead, I say, “What’s wrong with him?”

“What did we really know about him?” Ryan asks.

With a grunt, I say, “I know plenty. He drove his business into the ground.”

“That was unlike him,” Magnus says as if deep in thought.

“Speaking of the ground, the Driftwood is going to get leveled, one way or another.” I shake my head slowly, done with this weirdness before we even get started.