Book Scavenger

James finds a spot where he and Emily can hide from Barry and Clyde. Emily reveals her theory that the thugs are really after the book, but James still thinks that Barry and Clyde are BART security guards. When Emily explains all the reasons for her conclusion, James becomes fearful. He tells her the game has become too dangerous to continue.

Emily protests that the stakes of solving the puzzle are too high to give up, as the game is “Something that matters to Mr. Griswold” (218), but James wants no part of the scavenger hunt anymore. When Emily complains, he points out that her obsession with the game has left him without help in his battle with Maddie; Emily promised to help with his ciphers and didn’t. James accuses Emily of being a bad friend and leaves.

Back at home that evening, Emily is forced to use the family computer because she can’t go up to James’s room. Matthew is online and refuses to let her research the Maltese Falcon clue. Emily lashes out at her brother, saying, “You used to be fun. I used to think you were cool!” (221). Matthew relents and lets her use the computer.