“An old-fashioned treasure hunt.” Professor Tuttle rubbed his hands together. “I approve.”

“Have you ever seen one of those cards?” I asked him.

“The queen, once. Had a chance to win her, but I was outwitted. Later, I thought about acquiring a set for display here, but I ended up getting us some better cameras and microphones instead.”

“And an air fryer,” Professor Herrera added mildly as he handed out cookies. “I’ve heard about some secret treasure hunts around the campus too. There was one with Broadway tickets.”

“Exactly. I’ve been doing some investigating with these links and I think it may be legit.” Conrad leaned forward. “Of course, with all these things, the rule is that if you take something, you have to leave something of value behind.”

“I’ve got that other rare I won at the tournament in Philly. We can use that as the trade.”

“That would be awesome. When can we try?” Milo’s eyes were big, and the hope there made me ready to agree to anything—even setting my alarm.

“I work tomorrow afternoon, but maybe we could try in the morning.”

“I’ll bring the doughnuts.” Milo’s big smile was worth any lack of sleep.

“As long as it’s not the crack of dawn, you can call us if you’re stumped about campus clues.” Conrad leaned closer to Alden, who nodded.

“And me.” Professor Tuttle yawned. “And I’ll make some inquiries as well. I may not know as many people as Conrad these days, but I’ll see what I can turn up.”

“Thank you, sir.” Milo nodded at him.

“And on that note, I think it’s getting late.” Professor Herrera started clearing plates from the table. “The professor needs his beauty rest.”

“Oh, hush. Once upon a time, I could greet dawn after a night of cards.” Professor Tuttle smiled fondly.

“We’ll help clean.” The six of us managed to get dishes done and camera equipment stored in short order. As soon as we were outside on the sidewalk, Milo pulled out his phone.

“Sorry. My phone was blowing up in there. Wouldn’t stop vibrating. I better make sure it’s not my mom.” He clicked it on and then groaned, breath hanging in the chilly evening air. “Oh, F my life.”

“What?” I touched his arm, finally getting the contact I’d been craving for hours, but his thundercloud expression had my back tightening.

“James and Luther are having a party. Again. Damn it. I don’t want to go home and deal with that crap. And there goes any chance of sleep before our early start tomorrow.”

Finally, an easy problem I could solve. “So don’t.”

“Don’t what? Get an early start? I’ll be fine. Extra coffee or whatever. Just wish my stupid door locked.”