I remember the first time I sat in one of Tobias’s family cars. They’re top-of-the-line, and I doubt Zora has ever been in anything like one before. Linus seems comfortable enough, though, nestled into a cozy hole lined with soft microfiber fabric designed to polish baku fur. “Are you sure I can’t code from home?” she continues. “This thing can turn around and take me back, right?”

I reach over and grip her hand. “Zora, remember the update? I need you on this. Right on the front lines. And anyway, I promise you there aren’t any wolves up there.”

“Oh yeah? And what about bears?”

I shrug and laugh. “I’ve reminded Toby to stock up with all the strongest energy drinks.” Something about coders and Red Bull. It’s like part of their DNA.

She exhales deeply. “Okay, if you say so. I guess it will be cool to see the Washingtons’ cottage. I bet it’s enormous. And Cute Guy has a brother, you say?” She waggles her eyebrows.

I giggle but shush her. I’m not sure if these cars record our conversations but the last thing I want is for Tobias to get wind we’re talking about him and his brother behind his back. His brother is such a touchy subject for him. I still don’t feel like I know enough about that relationship—only that the competitiveness between them is extreme.

Zora doesn’t stop. “If he’s half as cute as Tobias, then maybe this weekend won’t be so bad after all.” She grins, but then her face turns more thoughtful as she looks out the window.

“What is it?”

“You’re still sure we can trust him on this?” Her deep brown eyes turn to bore into mine.

“Yes, I’m sure,” I say, a little bit annoyed this is coming up again. I trust Tobias with my life. He was the one who rescued me from the cold. He’s the one who showed up to visit me in the hospital. He’s the one who came up with the plan to get us all to Lake Baku. Just because he flipped out for a moment when I suggested his dad might be involved doesn’t matter. I have to trust him.”

“It’s just that…you know me. How I see things. Something doesn’t quite add up in how easily this plan has come together.”

Zora has a point. She does have one of the best analytical minds I know.

I shrug. “I don’t know what to tell you. Maybe everything is coming together for once. And really, what’s so out of the ordinary? I mean, all we’re doing as far as anyone else is concerned is joining Tobias and his team for a little vacation. His parents host a pre-Christmas party every year.”

“I hope you’re right,” she replies, looking doubtful.