And then a voice drifted over to them.

“Do what?”

They all three jumped when Yuri stepped into the room from the corridor.

“I was searching in all places for you. What are you three up to?” His blue eyes roved over them, so kind and guileless beneath his wavy brown hair. Tom froze where he was standing, feeling like he’d been caught doing something awful.

A wave of doubt crashed over him. What if they were wrong?

Vik didn’t share his hesitation. “Yuri, no offense, man, but someone sold Tom out, and all signs point to you.”

Yuri’s eyes grew round as saucers. “I beg your pardon, Vikram?”

“You knew Tom was in contact with Medusa,” Vik said, and threw Tom a look. “Which, I maintain, is incredibly stupid considering you’ve already been charged with treason once, Gormless Cretin, but let’s focus on the matter at hand, which is you, Yuri. Yes, you. The question here is, did you share what Tom knew about Medusa with Joseph Vengerov? If so, are you spying for Joseph Vengerov? If so, you’re a dirty, rotten traitor and that really sucks, man.”

As Tom watched Yuri’s face, something happened at the mention of the name “Vengerov.” His eyes flickered, and his features all sharpened, soft edges turning to taut, tense lines; even his pupils constricted. Such a subtle, tiny shift, it could’ve been blamed on the lighting, or on any number of other factors, if Tom didn’t have perfect photographic recollection of that day in the weight room when Yuri’s face showed the same reaction at the mention of the name “Vengerov.”

“Just be honest,” Vik urged, but Tom barely heard him, he was so disturbed. A dizzying wave of anxiety crashed over him, because he was so sure he couldn’t trust Yuri, he would’ve bet ten thousand dollars on it.

Yuri shook his head as Vik spoke, and gently replied, “Why, Vik, I would never do such a thing.”

Even his voice sounded different, somehow. Tom would swear it! His accent wasn’t as strong.

“. . . as a matter of fact, I am deeply hurt by the accusation.”

Tom found his feet, his heart banging against his rib cage. “Yuri,” he said, his voice sounding strange. “We’re good friends, right?”

“Of course, Tom.”

“Then I need to ask you a big favor, man. A huge one.” Desperation frayed his voice. “I can’t explain, but you have to trust me here. You can save my life.”

“What favor?”

Tom held his palms out. “Just let us rescramble you. Only for a little while.”

The mildness on Yuri’s face slipped. “Why would you wish to do that? I am your friend. I didn’t tell anyone what you told me. I promise. This is totally unnecessary.”