>>Also, according to my analysis, it’s the cabin that’s had the most activity, which would fit in with the time line of Monica having been moved there recently.

Tobias continues. “We’ll have to skirt around the outside of the village to stay out of sight, but I don’t think that will be too much of an issue if we stick to the tree line.”

“Should’ve brought some different shoes,” says Kai, gesturing down to the unwieldy cross-country skiing boots.

“At least they’re not as heavy as regular ski boots,” Ashley replies.

“Yes, but hardly sneaking-around material.”

“Do you think anyone else lives here?” Ashley whispers. “What if there are guards in the other building?”

My fingertips tingle with fear and anticipation. I remember what Paul said about employees who were sent to work here and then never returned, but I can’t afford to get distracted. Monica is the goal.

Getting her back would fix everything.

Jinx swirls in between my feet, with as much nervous energy as I have. Jinx, what’s wrong?

>>I don’t know.

He speaks just to me this time.

>>Things feel too quiet. I expected there to be much more security than this.

Maybe it’s not a priority for Eric? I muse. I mean, he’s about to do his first big solo announcement at the convention and then he’s only a step away from taking control of the company. Once that happens, he won’t need Monica. It will be much harder for her to regain her position if she resurfaces. So maybe he’s powering down the security at Lake Baku, concentrating on moving logistics over to Lake Washington?

Jinx nods.

>>That might be correct. I’ve checked, and a lot of energy has been directed toward the Washington cottage.

I grit my teeth. We have to stop him.

“We’ve had a lot of luck so far, so let’s run with it,” says Tobias. “But I think our best bet to cover as much ground as possible is to divide and conquer.”

“Ash and I will go around the lake to the right,” says Kai.

“Good,” says Tobias. “Lacey and I will stay left, and keep to the tree line for as long as possible. Document everything that you see. Take pictures with your baku. Oh, wait! We can’t send messages to anyone outside the dome. One of us should stay at the entrance and keep Zora and River up to date back at the cottage.”

“I’ll stay,” says Ashley. “I can serve as a lookout too.”