Opening this safe is going to be complicated.

After some internet research, I’ve concluded that intelligence isn’t what will open it; it’s luck.

Even if I figure out how many numbers could be in the combination, there are endless possibilities for hitting on the right combination.

And that could take forever to find the right one. I dial Marcus’ number, and he picks up on the second ring.

“What’s the verdict?”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to open it.”

“Giving up already on something that could be life-changing for us?” I don’t say anything, but he does have a point.

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“How about you walk me through it.”

I tell him about the tumblers and how the notches on the wheel inside the safe work.

I explain how to figure out how many numbers are in the combination and then how to use charts and graphs to estimate the number of possible sequences.

“Even with the correct numbers, the possible combinations could be in the thousands.” Marcus doesn’t say anything.

After a long pause, he speaks. “What do I need to do to convince you to at least try?”

“Do you not understand what I’m telling you?”

“No, I understand. But do you understand what the money would do for me?” I start to talk, but he interrupts. “And you would never have to work or want for anything. Both of us.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“There is no harm in trying, right?”

“I guess not.”

“Please, just try, and if you can’t do it, at least we tried.”

I think about that for a minute.“Okay.”

“Great! How about we meet tomorrow after school?”

“Fine. Bring a stethoscope.”