With a sense of déjà vu, Anatoly watched Freddie toss the chess board aside. What wasn't so familar was the punch in the face, and he rocked back with the blow, barely managing to keep from falling out of his chair.

"I did nothing," he shouted, ignoring the coppery taste in his mouth in his anger. "You told her to get out, remember? She cried in my arms for hours when she came to me, and all I did was hold her and try to comfort her. You have only yourself to blame."