Page 7 of 36 Hours

‘Why Frost?’ Stacey asked.

‘Hopefully Frost can answer that one eventually. Next?’

‘What does he want?’ Bryant asked.

‘Yes. Next?’

‘Has this happened anywhere else?’ Penn asked.

‘Can we track anything on the Jester?’ Stacey asked.

‘Yep, anything else?’ Kim asked, counting off her fingers.

Silence.

‘What he means about something missing,’ Frost offered.

‘For future reference, you’re not allowed to speak without raising your hand. In fact, you’re not even allowed to listen. But in this case, you are correct.’

Frost let triumph show on her face before turning her attention back to her computer.

‘I think that should be enough to?—’

Kim stopped speaking as Frost’s phone beeped, startling them all.

It was exactly 7a.m.

Frost pressed a couple of keys and then raised her hand.

‘Bloody speak,’ Kim barked.

‘It’s a text message from him, and it looks like our first clue is in.’

SEVEN

7.01A.M.

‘What the hell?’ Kim cried once Frost had stopped speaking.

‘Read it again,’ Bryant said.

Frost took a breath. ‘“This is clue one. It’s human nature to spring your food well. Find me by eleven or…”’

Frost stopped speaking and then continued. ‘That’s it, folks.’

‘Penn, write it on the board,’ Kim instructed.

‘You reckon this is some kind of Randonautica thing?’ Stacey asked.

‘What now?’ Kim asked.

‘I don’t think so. Randonautica is an app,’ Penn said, taking his seat. ‘It was founded in 2020 and it randomly generates clues enabling the user to explore their local area and report their findings. I think we’re looking more at geocaching.’

Frost’s hand shot into the air.

Kim ignored it and focussed only on Penn.

‘Go on.’