The Ruby Hunt

The truth appeals

After yesterday’s events, the kids realized their journey might be more dangerous than they initially thought, especially with pirates around. If any of the pirates caught wind of their real mission, things could get risky fast. So, they decided it was best to come clean to Fletcher—tell him everything: the journal, the treasure, Ruby Island, all of it. As for Edna, they figured she didn’t need to know. They thought she wouldn’t really understand and, besides, she had enough on her plate without worrying about their adventure.
“So, you lied to me about just going to Tahiti Island?” asked Fletcher, trying to process everything they were telling him.
“Yeah, you could say that,” Eddie replied, sipping his orange juice. “But c’mon, you didn’t actually expect us to tell you right away that we were going to a secret island to look for treasure, did you?”
Fletcher wasn’t sure what to think at this point. Should he doubt them? It would make sense—why would a bunch of ninth-graders want to go to an island with only 10,000 people? Should he believe them? But really, a treasure?
“Show me the journal,” was all Fletcher could manage to say. It was a smart move—if the journal didn’t exist, they were lying. But if it did, and it contained what they were talking about, it meant they were telling the truth. But it also meant they were talking about treasure.
Rose grabbed the journal and opened it for him to read. Fletcher took a moment to go through it, his eyes widening with each line. By the time he finished the first page, his expression was one of utter shock. He tried to keep his voice steady, but failed. “Wh... where did you find something like this? That’s... incredible!”
“It doesn’t matter where we found it,” Rose replied calmly. “What matters is, will you get us there? We can pay you more if you want.”
“Peter, you’re getting out of hand. If you want to waste money on useless stuff, let me know, and I’ll help you—but not this!” snapped Jade at Peter.
“No, no, I don’t want the money,” Fletcher interrupted. “But if we get there and find the treasure, I want half.”
Eddie snorted into his juice. “Ha! No! We weren’t planning on taking all the gold. If we find the treasure or whatever’s there, we’ll call the authorities and take 10% as a finder's fee,” explained Rose, her voice calm and collected.
“Then I want 5%,” argued Fletcher.
“Look, Atlas—” Oliver started, but Fletcher cut him off.
“Fletcher! Or better yet, Captain Fletcher. Who are you to call me by my first name, child?”
Oliver felt a bit embarrassed by the captain’s words. “Sorry,” he mumbled, but he quickly remembered what he wanted to say. “Whatever. What I meant to say is, we’re telling you this so you can protect us if something goes wrong and to make sure you get us to the right island. If you want extra money, say so now. Or, you can take 2% of the 10% we’re getting. If you don’t agree, take us to Tahiti, and we’ll find someone else.”
“Fine, I’ll get you there, but I want 4%,” insisted Fletcher.
“3%!” Oliver countered.
“Deal!” Fletcher agreed.
“Okay, done,” Peter chimed in, sealing the agreement.
As they finalized the important details, they heard the sound of pots falling in the kitchen. Turning toward the noise, they saw Mrs. Wilson standing in the doorway.
“Oh, dears, I was just coming to check on you. I’ll start cooking dinner now,” she said with a warm smile.
“Well, kids, I think we’re done here. I’ll get back to the wheel,” Fletcher said, heading toward his cabin. “Edna! Let me know when the food’s ready!” he called out before disappearing into his captain’s room. “Shoo, shoo! Why is there a crow on the ship?” Fletcher bellowed, trying to chase the bird away.
“Don’t you worry, Atlas. I’ll handle it for you,” Mrs. Wilson said, grabbing a pillow to shoo the bird, which quickly flew away. She was surprisingly good with animals.