Desmond hands me the list.
He’s written his decoded translation underneath each word.
Emma
This is a list for a Scavenger Hunt.
Emma
1) A Smith model 1440 typewriter.
Emma
2) A strawberry cupcake.
Emma
3) A pair of panties.
Emma
Find all 3 items in order.
Emma
Near each item, you’ll find a clue that leads to the next one.
Desmond
Who gave you this?
Desmond
Emma, he seems a little creepy.
Desmond’s head jerks back as if he’s been slapped.
And I’m being so mean to him.
Emma
If I could tell you I would.
Desmond
Where are you going?
Emma
To find the typewriter.
Desmond
Don’t you want some help?
I don’t want to break the kidnapper’s rules…
But Desmond’s kind of a genius.
Emma
If I let you come along…
Emma
Will you be okay with me keeping the reason for this hunt a secret?
Desmond
Look, Emma, you seem super upset by whatever is going on.
Desmond
I just want to help.
Emma
Are you okay with getting in trouble for skipping school?
Desmond pauses at this, adjusting his glasses.
Desmond
I’ve never missed a minute of school in my life…
Desmond
But friendship is more important.
It’s so tender and innocent.
Emma
But we need to hurry.
Emma
We only have until noon.
Emma
So the first item is a typewriter.
Desmond
I think the Smith model 1440 is super old.
Desmond
Nice. I forgot that you’re a bigger history nerd than I am.
Emma
Where could we find one?
Desmond
The pawn shop in town?
I pull out my phone and look up the number for the store.
They answer and tell me that they don’t have it.
Desmond
Where else in town could we find one?
Less than 3 hours left to save Nick.
Emma
What about the antique store in Oldtown?
Emma
It’s just a town over.
Because I’m pretty sure the killer lives there.
Desmond
It’s worth a try!
I google the number of the antique store.
I call them and they answer on the first ring.
I ask them if they have the typewriter.
And what they say next makes me smile wide…
Desmond and I arrive in Oldtown.
I quickly park my car in front of the antique store.
We get out, and hurry to the entrance of the store.
Desmond is right behind me, finishing his bottle of water.
The man working behind the front counter smiles at us.
Desmond struggles to keep up.
Desmond
You’re so fast, Emma!
The Smith model 1440 typewriter.
Desmond and I stop in front of it.
I examine the typewriter.
Maybe it unhinges somewhere, and the clue is inside?
But I can’t find a seam in the metal.
In the very center of the keyboard, the keys spell out: First Kiss.
Suddenly, I realize where the next clue must be.
I hurry out of the store.
I park my car in a gravel parking lot.
Desmond is sitting next to me.
We’re surrounded by forest.
I’m heading towards Holly Point.
It’s where Nick and I had our first kiss.
It was on the first night of Homecoming Weekend.
An absolutely perfect night.
There were stars above us.
And when my lips touched his…
This warm, electric feeling washed over me.
I knew instantly that I had kissed the love of my life.
My phone buzzes, pulling me out of the memory.
It’s a text from my best friend Becky.
Becky
Did you leave school?!
Becky
But you better get back soon.
Becky
Mr. Parson just called attendance.
Becky
And he isn’t happy that you aren’t in class.
Emma
Tell him I’m at a doctor’s appointment, okay?
I quickly put away my phone.
Up ahead, the trail is getting muddy.
He’s wearing old work boots.
Desmond
It doesn’t matter if they get a little more mud on them.
Emma
Why did you wear your work boots to school?
Desmond
This morning, I was working on a project in the shed.
Desmond
Didn’t have time to take them off.
Emma
Aw, the shed! Remember when we built that robot for the science fair?
Desmond
Of course. That was my favorite project ever.
Desmond
I got to hang out with you.
Desmond’s words hang in the air.
I don’t know what to say to them.
Finally, we reach Holly Point.
The ocean fills the horizon.
There is a red cooler on the grass.
It’s literally sitting on the exact spot where Nick and I had our first kiss.
Was the kidnapper watching us, all those years ago?
A small strawberry cupcake.
It says: “You aren’t the only one who he’s kissed.”
Desmond looks at the note in confusion.
Desmond
What’s that supposed to mean?
Emma
Don’t ask, remember?
But inside, my mind is racing.
Does the note mean that the person behind all of this…
I tremble as a realization comes over me.
Becky dated Nick in middle school.
What if she did all this?
What if she’s secretly been jealous all this time?
There’s got to be a clue that will lead to the next item on the list.
Desmond
What if it’s inside the cupcake?
My heart starts pounding.
Emma
Am I supposed to eat it or something?
Emma
What if it’s poisoned?!
Desmond
Here, give it to me.
Desmond takes it out of my hand.
He quickly breaks apart the cupcake.
Desmond
I knew it was in there.
Emma
Or you’re just a good guesser.
Desmond nudges me, smiling.
Desmond
You thought I was going to eat it, didn’t you?
We’ve found 2 items, right?
Maybe I can save Nick after all.
A text from the kidnapper—
Kidnapper
It’s 10 o’clock.
And just like that, my heart sinks.
I’m in no position to feel comfortable.
My boyfriend’s life is on the line.
And I only have 2 hours to save him…
