“He is tougher than you think.” Carol answered, her gaze on Claus. “He is sinking once again, and that is uncalled for. I do not train you to be weak or to get drowned in your emotions.”

“What the hell was that then? Therapy?’ Mia responded, her tone rising again.

“That was a quick way to remind him of who he was. And for you, to expose your hypocrisy.”

She turned to Claus. “I said quit, not die.”

“That is if I do not die by your hands.” Claus chuckled.

“That ...