There’s a stuffed bear propped up against one of the couches. Chris reddens, snatching it away. “Gift from my mom,” he says defensively.

“It’s cute,” I say. Askal sniffs tentatively at it, barks his approval.

We sit on one of the velvet couches. I angle myself to make sure that I am facing the window. Whatever has followed us is now gone. Askal makes himself at home on the small rug before us.

“Hope you don’t mind me asking,” Chase says. “He’s trained not to uh, poop indoors, right?”

Askal makes an offended sound.

“He won’t,” I say.

“Okay. Just wanted to be sure.” And then Chase groans, dropping his head to his chest. “Riley’s dad is a Hollywood bigshot. A VP for one of the biggest studios in the US. Riley’s always been spoiled. We started dating freshman year, over three years ago now. I don’t know why I stayed with her that long. This isn’t the first time I’ve suspected her going out with other guys behind my back. I ignored the rumors and trusted her.” He laughs sarcastically. “Hits different when you’re the one to catch them in the act, you know? I’m not the smartest, but…” He raises his arm, lets it drop. “I’ll let my dad know, make sure she won’t cause trouble for you.”

I try not to let my amusement show. “What can she do to me?”

“I don’t know. Try to get you fired? Your father’s sick. You’re getting paid a lot of money for this. Dad won’t leave you hanging.”

I shrug.

“That doesn’t worry you?”

“We have a saying here. Bahala na. It means that you shouldn’t worry about circumstances you can’t control. I’ll care for my father like I always have, regardless of what your ex chooses to do.”

“I won’t let that happen. Besides, it sounds like Dad and the others need you.” He pauses. “Do you really believe what they’ve been saying? About that puzzle, riddle, whatever—and those eight deaths? About—about the plane crash not being a coincidence?”

“I don’t think the Diwata is responsible for your mother’s death,” I say cautiously, and then add, “I am sorry for your loss.”

“It’s been four years. I’m doing a lot better than Dad. He’s been—odd since. He thinks I wanted to come here to get away from Riley. I mean, I do, but—Mom died here. Or died near here. I want to know what happened as much as he does. Did you take part in the search?”

“No.”

“But your father did? Was he the island’s caretaker before you? Were you paid for it?”

“The local government gives us a stipend.”

“So your dad’s not a local politician or owns the island or something?”

“No one owns it. The local government pays us to make sure no one gets too close. At least, until you all arrived. My father’s a teacher. I learned everything from him.”

“But you’re not in school?”

“No. The opportunities you have in America are not always available everywhere.”