Emond had things to do, and after he ate breakfast, he was ready to leave. But before he left, Christina got her cell phone.

The phone had run out of battery. She charged it up and turned it on, and immediately received a dozen messages.

The messages were all from the same person - Arthur.

Her nominal father.

She didn't even have to think about it. He must be asking her for money. He wouldn't contact her for anything other than money.

Christina didn't want to reply to him. He had never done his duty as a father. When his mother was alive, he had to rely on her meager...