"Yeah, I heard that," Said Nimi. They both jumped up.
Nimi ran over to where they had heard the noise, parting the bushes to reveal a dark-haired boy sitting against a tree with a book in his left hand. He looked up with an amused expression. He had to be about 15 or 16, same as they were.
Nimi put her hands on her hips, "were you spying on us?" she said in an accusing tone. The boy stood up and closed his book. "Not purposely," he said with a smirk. "I just happened to have chosen this spot to read, and you came along to interrupt my peace and quiet."
Nimi crossed her arms. "You better not breathe a word of this to anyone!" She glared at the boy, who also crossed his arms. "What're you going to do about it if I do?" Asked the boy smugly.
Nimi stuttered "or else.... or else!" Rowena came over and put her hand on Nimi's shoulder. "Calm down, Nimi." Looking at the boy, she said in a pleading tone "please don't tell anyone. They'll only try to interfere."
The boy grinned and pointed to the key Rowena was still holding. "I won't tell on one condition: you'll let me help you find what that opens and give me a share if it's treasure."