Page 94 of The Romance Adventure

“Aren’t we looking for a treasure chest?”

We all turn to CJ. “We need the map for that.”

“And you have the key.”

“Remember, the note from Chip said to start at the eighteenth? Why don’t we go check the mini golf course?”

“From above, it looked like a crown, maybe that means something.” I tell them about the drone footage.

While we walk over there, I ask, “Do you suppose this is what Glandman is looking for?”

Royal looks at me sharply. “What do you mean?”

“When he was at Beans & Books, he said something about boat building.” I go still. “He must’ve been looking for the logbook. Then he said, If I were shiny and valuable, where would I be?”

“You can guarantee,” CJ says.

“I thought he just wanted to build another fancy resort because this is prime real estate.”

“That too, no doubt.”

“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Royal says.

CJ practically skips ahead. “Think of it like a game.”

“If you remember, we rarely won. Chip always did.”

“Maybe the tide has turned,” I say brightly.

“What about your sister?” Bean asks.

“We’re leaving Emmie out of this for now. No sense in getting her upset,” Royal says with authority.

“She’s a writer, I’ll send her the CliffsNotes,” CJ says.

I understand the brothers wanting to protect Emmie, but I’m guessing she doesn’t like being left out. I wrap my arm across my sister’s shoulders. “Thanks for helping us. I’m glad we’re doing this together.”

We reach the mini golf course with its wooden windmill, a molten volcano, and a giant pink flamingo.

“Yet another thing to fix. I say we make it into a regular golf course.” Royal has a wide stance, arms crossed in front of his chest as if surveying the ruins of something once great.

“Platinum Shores has that covered. I think our guests will like the miniature lighthouse with neon blue stripes,” I counter.

When we get to the eighteenth hole, sure enough, the feature is a treasure chest, but the flag is missing from the pole.

“Chip used old nautical flags from sailboats for each hole. The eighteenth one is endless, leading to the ball return,” CJ explains.

“So, what are we looking for?”

Everyone shrugs except Royal. “The map.”

“Supposedly, it’s just a fragment,” CJ adds.

We all start looking around, pulling up the old fake grass, and peeling back the pieces of the treasure chest.

“Where could it be?” I murmur.

“Chip always said to keep an eye on the horizon. In other words, to look up and out.” Royal strides over to the fallen flag, designating the hole and picks up the tattered fabric.