What is the source of tension in this passage?
Ellery searched everything in the room, from the socket
of the American flag to the insect-filled bowls of the told
light fixtures, reached by standing on desks.
Everything
"It's not here!" whispered Louise in his ear.
The Buell, Ruffo, and Strager boys were nudging one
another, grinning.
"Well, well," Ellery said.
Interesting. Something of a problem at that.
- "Object Lesson,"
Ellery Queen
O No one is telling the truth.
O Ellery Queen cannot find the money.
The boys are mocking Ellery Queen.
O Louise Carpenter is being unhelpful
HELPPP PLSSS