You live in another country. The two months you managed to stay in Warsaw was the best we’ve ever seen Jan. You saw his progress yourself. Then he fell and fell hard. I suppose it’s because he got used to having you around and wasn’t prepared for the shock of your leaving. You have to remember, Mr. Muller, that while Jan has been through a lot, he’s still a child in many ways. He doesn’t understand why you can’t stay. He takes it as a rejection.”

“He knows he’s important to me,” Heinrich objected.

“On one level, yes, but on another level he sees you come and go and he knows you have other priorities in life. We understand, and we think you’re trying to do a noble thing, but Jan doesn’t understand.”

“Trying to do” a noble thing. Oh, crap.

“What do you suggest I do?” Heinrich said again.

The monitor paused, looking uncomfortable. The moments stretched out.

“Well, Mr. Muller, the staff have been discussing this. We don’t think these ups and downs are good for Jan’s progress. Now we know you mean well, but—”

“Wait a minute!”

“—but we feel it might be better for him if he had some more stability. Despite all your good intentions, you can’t give that to him. We think it would be better if you didn’t come anymore.”

Heinrich stared at the monitor, stunned. When he didn’t say anything, the monitor continued.

“We’re very sorry, Mr. Muller, but I think in the end it’s for the best. We know you want Jan to grow up well-adjusted and happy. Sadly, this will be the best way forward.”

“What if I move to Warsaw?”

“I don’t see how that’s possible, Mr. Muller.”

Heinrich almost blurted out Montaine’s promise but held back. He didn’t want to tell them about that until it was a sure thing, which it wasn’t. If he solved this case, and if Montaine was good with his word, Heinrich might be able to move to Warsaw, but it would be unfair to get Jan’s hopes up.

“Can I still text him and send him things?” Heinrich asked.

The monitor shifted in his seat. “I suppose, but please don’t mention another visit. And the way he is now, I think it would be best if you kept a bit of distance for a while until he adjusts to the reality of not having you here.”

Heinrich knew a dismissal when he heard one. The monitor wanted Heinrich to ease back, thinking that would be best for everyone involved. He figured Heinrich would eventually accept this, lose interest in Jan, and move on. Jan was already drifting apart from him. A few more emails, a few more gifts in the mail, and then what? If he didn’t visit on a regular basis, Heinrich would stop being the role model and father figure the kid so desperately needed.