There’s no logic attacking in broad daylight. It also breaks the Ghost’s usual pattern. The only silver lining is the location; the street is lined with cameras, and if the Ghost finally left a trail, they’ll find it.
Taking a breath, my attention shifts from my screens to the phone Kirill gave me earlier. I dial one of the few numbers I know by heart.
My father sounds cautious when he answers the phone. “Who is this?”
“It’s me, Papa. Don’t worry. I’m calling you from a new phone.”
His tone warms instantly. “Dinochka. What a nice surprise.”
The familiar way he says my name nearly undoes me.
“How are you?” I ask, forcing a casual tone.
“Better now that I hear your voice. But you usually call on Sundays. And what is this number?”
“I know, I just … lost my phone, so I had to buy a prepaid in the meantime. I wanted to let you know in case you tried calling me.”
“That’s why you didn’t answer our group text messages. I was getting a little worried. How did you lose it?”
“It’s silly. I was running errands, left it on the subway. I canceled the plan right away, so it’s not a big deal, but I haven’t had time to get a replacement yet.”
He sighs. “Busy as usual. Are you taking care of yourself? Eating properly? Sleeping normal hours, not those crazy hacker hours you keep?”
“I’m doing fine, I promise. That’s kind of why I’m calling. The next few weeks are going to be intense. Final exams,presentations, the whole thing. So if you don’t hear from me as regularly, don’t worry. I’m just buried in work.”
My throat is tight. Lying to him feels like betraying everything he taught me.
“I understand,” he grumbles. “School is important, but it’s not everything. I know what a hard worker you are but you’re young. I hope you’re leaving time to enjoy yourself too.”
“I am, or at least I will after this busy period.” I blink away the tears threatening to fall and change the subject. “How are you? How’s everyone?”
“Everyone is well. Pavel and Hope are in full party planning mode, a second wedding. Pavel is driving us nuts. He wants a huge, elaborate affair while Hope wants something simple. She actually suggested getting married barefoot on a beach.”
Despite everything, I smile. “Pavel would rather die than get married barefoot. But maybe Hope can talk him into something a little more low-key.”
“She’s doing her best. And Kin is already asking when Auntie Dinara is coming home. He misses you.”
Guilt twists in my chest. “I miss him too. Tell him I’ll bring him something special from New York.”
“That’s what we messaged you about—a trip to New York for Christmas. Kin is dead set on capturing a Ninja Turtle. I don’t have the heart to tell him they aren’t real.”
I swallow hard. God, I miss him. Miss having tea together or playing chess late into the night. I haven’t let myself feel homesick since I’ve been here, but now it all crashes over me at once and I have to hold back the tears.
“I’d love that. Really. When everything calms down, let’s talk about it.”
Papa must hear something in my voice, that shift that gives away more than words ever could. “You sound sad. Are you homesick? Working too hard?”
“I’m okay. Just tired.” I swallow over the lump in my throat. “And I miss you. Is that allowed?”
“Of course. I miss you too. Every day.” A pause, weighted with concern. “You know I’ll be on the first plane out if you need me.”
“I know and I appreciate that but it’s not necessary. I just … I feel so lucky that you’re my father.”
A soft sound escapes him. “And I’m so proud of you,dorogaya moya. I hope you know that. Take care of yourself.”
“I will, I promise.” The question rises before I can stop it. “Papa, can I ask you something? About Mama?”
The silence that follows feels heavy.
