Chapter 4

As they were eating, Erica began to draw a chart.

"What are you doing?" asked Ashley.

"I'm trying to figure this thing out," said Erica. "I think there are two messages hidden in the numbers.

"So maybe the w and the f really don't go together," said Ashley.

"Not if there are two encrypted messages," said Erica.

"I printed out the alpha chart," said Ashley.

"That was a genius idea," said Erica. "Let me see it."

"So I am Jessica whoever you said," commented Ashley.

"Jessica Fletcher, it looks like the first message says, 'we are evil' and there is a second message," said Erica.

"I knew it!" exclaimed Ashley. "I knew it! On another note, my mom said she heard a news report saying that if your Caller ID shows an incoming call with your own number on it you should not answer because it is a scam."

"Yes, but we did not receive a call with our own number on the Caller ID. You called your own number," said Erica.

"That's right," said Ashley. "I guess that isn't the same thing."

"Do you have any idea how we will find that person who sent us the note?" asked Erica.

"Nope, I don't even know where to start," said Ashley.

Erica sighed, then said, "Nevermind, I have some ideas,"

"What are they? Tell me," said Ashley.

"We follow the footprints left outside your house and see where it leads us to," said Erica.

"That will be way too scary and dangerous!" Ashley shouted.

Ashley's words were so loud that everyone turned their attention to Ashley and Erica.

"Sorry about that," Ashley said to the other people.

Now everyone turned their attention away.

"Keep your voice low, we're in public, not at home," said Erica.

"I know, but it's too scary and dangerous to follow those footprints," said Ashley.

"It will be fine, don't be scared," said Erica,

"Fine, how will we tell our parents?" asked Ashley.

"Tell them we are going out for a walk?" said Erica.

"Maybe," said Ashley.

"Let's go now," said Erica, finishing her hamburger.

"Okay," said Ashley.

After Erica and Ashley arrived at Ashley's house, Ashley went inside and told her parents and Erica called her parents on the phone to let them know where she was going.

"Are you finished telling your parents?" asked Ashley, coming out of her house.

"Yes," replied Erica.