“What?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’m not comfortable with the baby’s heart rate. It’s a bit higher than I’d like it to be. It’s not critical, though, so please, don’t panic. I just think it’s better for both of you if we take him out sooner rather than later. I’ve booked you into the OR.”
“No. Max.”
“I’m so sorry, Angel. But this can’t wait.”
Max! Where the fuck are you? I can’t do this alone. Max!
39
MAX
There I was. Locked up in a cell like a common criminal. It was so fucking humiliating. Fortunately, I was the only one in the cell at the time. Thank God for that.
I had no idea where Grigoriy and his men were being held. I hoped I wouldn’t have to see them again until the trial, much later. The scene at the hotel played over and over in my mind’s eye. The last thing I remember seeing was Stevens lying on the floor, holding his neck, blood squirting out between his fingers.
What a mess. I had no way of knowing if he was alive or dead. I owed him. Stevens was a good guy, and there weren’t many of them left in the world. I checked my watch. 10 pm. I’d been there the whole day. That was a long time to sit around, waiting for something to happen.
I looked up when I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. It was a uniformed cop. He stopped in front of my cell.
“Your attorney is here, Mr. Mikhailov. You’ve made bail.”
Hallelujah! And not the moment too soon.
The cops unlocked the cell and showed me to an office where my attorney was waiting.
“Bruce. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy to see you.”
“No doubt.”
“Here are your things, Mr. Mikhailov,” the cop said and handed me an envelope with my cell phone, watch, wallet, and belt. “Sign here, please.”
He pushed a sheet in front of me.
“It’s okay, Max,” Bruce said. “It’s your release form. Sign it.”
I did as I was advised.
“Come on. Let’s get you out of here.”
“I need a hot shower and a bottle of cold vodka,” I sighed as we walked out of the precinct.
“No time for that, I’m afraid,” Bruce said as we walked to his car.
“Why? Where are we going?”
“To the hospital. Angelica’s in labor.”
“What? That can’t be right. It’s too early.”
“Yeah, someone forgot to tell your son.”
“Is she okay?” I asked with panic in my voice.
“I don’t know. Inessa called me a few minutes ago and told me.”
“Drive, Bruce!”