Page 232 of Heart of Frost and Scars

The notion is ludicrous.

As I set the frame aside, I notice a note tucked in behind it. My hands shake as I unfold the paper, revealing Monty’s crisp handwriting.

Leo,

You’re my family by blood and my brother by heart. I can’t fathom my life without you. We’ll get through this together. Please, don’t shut me out.

Montgomery

The words are simple, but they hit with the force of a sucker punch.

He considers me a brother. He doesn’t want his life without me.

The backs of my eyes burn. Goddamn him.

What will I do to get her back?

What will I do to get my family back?

Anything.

That’s the answer, the only one I need.

I reach for the card Monty left and, with a shaky breath, dial Dr. Thurber’s office.

In a clinical voice, the receptionist tells me the next available appointment is months out. When I mention Monty Novak, they miraculously have an opening this afternoon.

Fuck.

I’m not ready.

I’ll never be ready.

But I’ll do it for her.

I’ll do it for them.

53

Leonid

—

Two days later, I find myself crossing the Sitka Sound on my yacht, heading toward Monty’s island.

Up ahead, the estate rises out of the fog, stately and lonesome.

I’ve felt anxiety before. Too many times to count. But never to the point that I want to puke.

Hanging my head over the side of the boat, I spit into the sea.

The nausea passes by the time I reach the island, but my nerves wreak havoc on my heart rate.

What if Monty and I can’t work things out? I don’t have a backup plan.

One therapy session isn’t going to stop me from punching his lights out. That’s exactly what I’ll do if he doesn’t cooperate.

I want my girl back.

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