“They’re different,” said Maria. Again Maria’s tone was serious, as though she was saying something not to make fun, but because it was true.

“That’s one way to describe them.” Michael laughed. “I like to think of them as special.”

“And what about Tora?”

Michael couldn’t help but smile. Everyone knew he and Tora were going out. “Well, I guess she’d be extra-special, then.”

It was quiet for a while as Maria sipped the last of her hot chocolate.

“If they found my sister,” she said, “what do you think they would do with her?”

Michael wasn’t sure what to make of Maria’s question. From the way she’d asked it, it almost sounded as if she were worried that the Brocks might harm her sister. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

“Knowing them, they’d probably just take her straight to the hospital. I mean, they’re not the kind of people who would wait around for someone else to do something.”

When there was no response from Maria, he carried on. “They usually do things themselves, you know…Let’s not wait, let’s get ‘er done.”

Michael laughed under his breath.

Maria said nothing for the longest time.

Eventually, Michael turned back around to flash Maria an encouraging smile…

But she was gone.

* * *

Argus had slowed to a stop on a ridge that overlooked Redstone, most likely to check their position and decide on the best route to take into town.

Tora came up by Argus’s side, happy for the chance to take a rest.

Angelina stirred in Argus’s arms, her eyes rolling half open. “Don’t worry, Maria,” she muttered. “I won’t tell anyone you peed your pants.”

They smiled at that, but the moment was short-lived.

There were voices in the forest, coming their way. Tora and Argus crouched down and moved for cover behind a stand of trees.

“Searchers,” said Argus.

Tora considered leaving Angelina for the searchers to find. They would come across her in no time, but they’d also have a terrible time getting her down the mountain slope. The girl had to be carried, and no one could do that better or faster than Argus. They would have to scare the searchers away.

“Stay here,” Tora told Argus. “I’ll get rid of them.”

Argus nodded, placing the girl on the ground and shielding her from the cold with his body.