Alek's phone rang while he was helping Charlotte with her homework at the kitchen table. He glanced at the screen and felt his stomach tighten.

Katarina.

"Who is it, Daddy?" Charlotte asked, looking up from her math worksheet.

"Just work, sweetheart. Keep going on those addition problems."

Alek stepped into the living room to take the call, aware that Emma was upstairs putting Frankie to bed and might hear the conversation.

"Katarina."

"Alek. I hope you don't mind me calling. I know things are... complicated."

"What do you need?"

Her laugh was soft, a little sad. "Straight to business. I suppose I deserve that."

"Katarina—"

"I'm calling to say goodbye....