“It seems like our choices are play the game to rescue Jewel or play the game because it is a game,” Stella said. “I’m a little concerned about the C-P-R element. If the challenges are over and that no longer applies, it means we’re in a free-for-all. We have to defer to the second rule of Cruelest Jewel conduct: Everything is connected, but we have no idea how to reach the endgame other than by solving the recipe.”

“It’s like I said,” Luna began. “We already have everything we need to solve it.”

Everything except the final answer, Stella thought, cranky mood returning.

“If everything is connected, maybe the recipe is how we find Jewel,” Alex said. “The last step in the recipe will lead us to her. Or it could be the location of the safe.”

“We still have to figure out steps five and six,” Stella reminded him. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“We have until eight A.M. tomorrow,” Nicole said. “The kidnappers only gave Ethan twenty-four hours to decide if he’ll pay the ransom.”

Outside the room, someone shouted, “Hello? Kids? Are you in here?”

Alex opened the door to check. “Oh, they brought food.”

“Thank God,” Francis said, hurrying out. “I already ate with cats. I’m not eating in the bathroom. We can take a break.”

Stella waited until everyone else left. Only Harlow remained. She got up from her bathtub perch and sat next to her under the window. She still had questions that she wasn’t going to ask the group. It would only make things more complicated, but they were good questions that deserved answers.

Like, how did the kidnappers know about the game?

How did they know about the money in the safe?

Why ask Stella to livestream the weekend when it was being broadcast anyway?

Something wasn’t adding up.

“You were livestreaming earlier, weren’t you?” Harlow asked.

“Guilty as charged.”

Harlow nodded. “Do I look as terrible as I feel?”

“Yes.”

Harlow put her sunglasses back on. “Okay.”

Stella laughed. “You look fine. Your eyes are just puffy like you’ve been crying for several hours, which coincidentally, you were.”

“Yeah.”

“You could’ve at least brushed your hair. It would’ve helped. A little.”

“Why bother? Life is meaningless.”

“I’m not laughing because it’s funny,” Stella said, laughing because she obviously thought it was funny. “I’m laughing because I’m uncomfortable. I like you a lot more than I did yesterday, and it’s throwing me off. I don’t usually change my mind about people.”

“Oh. I haven’t changed my mind about you.”

“See? That is exactly what I’m talking about! Empathy is gross! I don’t like it!”

Harlow snorted, looking away. “I am glad we’re partners, though,” she said softly. “I don’t like you, but I appreciate you.”