The kind of conflict Richard Cole is writing about when he uses the words "recording hope against subtraction?" is Store owners locking up the store to prevent robberies.
The words: "recording hope against subtraction?" most likely means that the person in question is trying to try his best to prevent a loss, which according to the answer choices would be option C.
This is because, a robbery would mean a loss for the store owners and they lock up their store could mean they are recording hope.
As a result of this, the most likely answer is option C.
it is important to note that the question is incomplete and this answer is the closest relatable answer.
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https://brainly.com/question/17526995