Aria's POV

The fourth call came in with the same unknown number, loud enough to vibrate Carl's phone against the nightstand.

I tried to ignore it at first.

But when it rang the fifth time-insistent, sharp, like whoever was calling refused to give up-I frowned and reached for the phone.

Maybe it was work. Maybe it was something urgent. Maybe-

Before I could finish the thought, it rang again.

I sighed and answered.

"Hello?"

A soft, feminine giggle slid through the speaker.

"Oh, Carl..." ...