The food on the dining table was getting cold. Evelyn Ford took out her pocket watch and glanced at the time—it was midnight.
Lola and Red Bird flew in from outside. They had attracted many of the island's other birds to the area just outside the cabin.
Evelyn staggered to her feet, took out a handful of crushed rice, and scattered it evenly on the windowsill.
When the birds outside saw the rice, they all flew over to snatch it up. The chirping and twittering woke up a drowsy Zoe.
She came over to Evelyn's side, staring curiously at the birds outside.
"Auntie, they're saying there's good food here and they want to stay and freeload."
Evelyn smiled. "Then tell them I can give them lots of good food, but they'll have to work for me."
"What does 'work for you' mean?"
"It means they have to listen to me and help me gather information. Otherwise, no food."
Zoe's little face turned serious as she relayed Evelyn's words to the birds outside.
"Auntie, they agree."
