The Hidden Beast by Christopher Pike Page A

“Why should Leah share half the treasure with us in exchange for our help? You’ll be able to decipher the code without us.”
    Bryce sighed. “I’ve been studying the code for the last two weeks and haven’t been able crack it yet.”
    â€œSo it’s both a map and directions?” Watch asked.
    â€œYes,” Bryce said. “Leah’s outside with the map. She’s willing to show it to you, if you swear to keep it secret.”
    The gang, the inner four, all looked at one another. Sally was the first to speak. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt,” she said.
    â€œMaybe,” Adam answered carefully. “But I’ve got a funny feeling about this treasure map, even before I see it. Does it hint that there’s any danger in chasing after this treasure?”
    Again Bryce hesitated. “Sort of. The instructions are weird. There is a hint of danger.”
    â€œBut why does Leah want us to help?” Watch asked. “We’re only kids.”
    â€œI told her about you guys,” Bryce said. “When it comes to handling bizarre adventures, I said you’re the best.” He added, “I’m trying to help you, even though you’ve accused me in the past of acting like I could do everything myself.”
    â€œWho accused you?” Adam asked. “Not me.”
    â€œYour tone accused me,” Bryce said. “Besides, you told me you didn’t trust me.”
    â€œI think you were the one who said that,” Adam said.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter,” Sally said, showing a rare ability to compromise. “We can see the map and then decide if we want to get involved. Who knows—even we may not be able to decode it.”
    â€œBut if we do decode it,” Watch said firmly, “the deal can’t change. We get half the treasure.”
    Bryce nodded. “That’s fine with me. If Leah’s father was right, there should be so much treasure it won’t matter how many share it.” Bryce stood. “I’ll go get my cousin.”
    While he was gone, the gang talked.
    â€œNow that I think about it,” Watch said. “I do remember this Leah. She was tall, even as a littlekid, and had a sharp mind. I’m surprised she hasn’t been able to decode the message.”
    â€œWas she a nice person?” Cindy asked.
    Watch shrugged. “I didn’t really know her.”
    â€œAm I a nice person?” Sally asked Cindy with a trace of sarcasm.
    Cindy looked her straight in the eye. “One or two days out of the month.”
    â€œWe only have a few days before school starts,” Watch said. “We might want to go on one last summer adventure—all together,” he added meaningfully.
    Leah appeared a moment later. As Watch remembered, she was tall, with thick red lips and curly hair that seemed to change color as she turned her head in the bright sunlight pouring in through the window. But even though she was five years older, and very pretty, she seemed apprehensive to meet them. She stood stiffly while Bryce introduced her. It was Adam who had to suggest she take a seat. In her hands she carried a brown piece of parchment. As she settled down in the booth across from them, she clutched the paper close to her chest. Watch tried to put her at ease.
    â€œWe’re not going to steal it from you,” he joked. “At least not right away.”
    Leah smiled thinly. “I haven’t told anyone about this map except Bryce. I’m sure you can understand why.”
    Adam waved his hand. “We’re good at keeping secrets. We’ve had aliens and witches confide in us.”
    â€œNot that we confided in them,” Sally muttered.
    Bryce spoke to Leah. “I’d trust these guys with my life. In fact, they’ve saved my life. You can trust them with your inheritance.”
    â€œDo you think of your treasure map as an inheritance?” Watch asked Leah.