He knew who he should ask, but he feels weird asking him. Peter Horvath, Mike’s son. He’s a computer geek. He’s a senior and Grant’s a freshman, so their paths don’t cross much, but he knows Peter. And he knows Peter is not into the activities his father, Mike, is into: fishing, football, basketball. All of which Grant loves. Peter and Grant have never had a private conversation and he has no idea what state Peter is in—his father’s girlfriend was just murdered. But maybe he would help.

Mom has already told him and Julia they’re not going to school in the morning. He assumes Peter won’t as well. He does have Peter’s number in his phone. He texts him: Hey. It’s Grant. Really sorry about Danielle. I hope you all are doing ok. I mean of course you’re not ok. I mean…I’m just really sorry.

He doesn’t expect an answer, but he gets one quickly: Thanks. Your sister is here right now with Ned.

I figured, Grant texts. How are you?

Numb. Not sure how to help my dad. Probably more than you wanted to know.

Grant wants to text you have a great dad, but that seems like too much. Just be there for him, I guess, he texts instead.

Yeah. Thanks for checking in on us.

Grant takes a deep breath and writes: I wonder if you can help me. Something weird is going on, but not related to Danielle. It might take your mind off all this sadness if you need a distraction.

He waits and he waits, and finally an answer comes: What?

Grant hesitates—he has to be very careful with what he shares with Peter—and then he writes: I think I need a hacker.

And presses send.

16

Iris

The next morning, Iris awakens groggy with sleep and has a strange thought: that she’s dead and she only just now realizes it. For a moment she believes this and then she breathes hard, which jolts her to full wakefulness. She pulls the covers over her head, feeling sick. She slept very badly.