Page 213 of Heart of Frost and Scars

When he was active, he ran a covert network of ex-spies and assassins who specialized in tracking and eliminating targets in high-risk operations.

No one knew his identity, not even my father.

I trace a finger over the inked entry, a potential ally, a necessary evil. He’s probably dead.

Unbuttoning the collar of my shirt, I dial the number.

“Who is this?” a voice answers in heavy Russian. “How did you get this number?”

“I’m Montgomery Strakh, son of—”

“I know who you are. The Wolf is all grown up.”

My childhood nickname.

I’m not surprised he knows it. He worked for my father and knows everything about me.

“I have a job for you,” I say in Russian.

“I’m retired.”

“Name your price. Money is no object.”

“Money is always an object, boy. But for you, I’ll require something more. A favor.”

“What kind of favor?” My mouth dries.

“I’ll call on you in the future, and you’ll grant me whatever I need, whenever I need it.”

Ice forms in my lungs.

This is the cost of the path I’m choosing. A debt to a man like The Ghost. A chain that could bind me forever.

But for Frankie, I’ll do anything.

“Agreed.”

“Good. What is the job?”

47

Monty

—

The following week limps by, the days blurring into a relentless, torturous cadence.

I sent the dismembered eyes to my forensics team in New York, and they confirmed a match.

Sirena Fisher.

After hearing the news, Kody and Leo haven’t left Frankie’s side.

Until this afternoon.

The weight of their responsibilities pulled them back to Sitka. Kody’s distillery requires constant attention. He’s needed there more than he’s needed here.

Same with Leo. With his seaplane base taking shape, crucial decisions are hitting him at a breakneck pace.

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