The bed was empty when I woke up. That’s how I knew that the previous day hadn’t been a nightmare. I rolled over and touched the pillow where Angel’s head should have been. I could smell her on the sheets and that made my start to the day even crappier.
I got up and headed for the shower. Afterward, I got dressed for work, went downstairs to the kitchen, and brewed a stonkingly strong coffee. I’d slept badly so how I was going to make it through the day was anyone’s guess.
I checked my phone again to see if there were any messages or missed calls from Angel, but there were none. I would have been ecstatic if she’d sent me afuck you, even. But not a peep. Fuck!
I drank my coffee, popped the cup into the sink, and left for the office. I prayed that no one would get in my face because I’d likely do something I’d later regret.
Vlad was chatting with my PA when I got there. I’d been so preoccupied with my troubles that I’d missed the growth he’d demonstrated by attempting a one-woman relationship status. Ordinarily, he’d be all over my poor assistant, but he was being uncharacteristically normal. Good for him.
“Hey, Max.”
“Hi.”
“Okay…”
Vlad followed me into his office and closed the door.
“I can tell from your less-than-congenial greeting, that you haven’t sorted things out with Angel.”
“How perceptive of you.”
“Have you heard from her?”
“Not a peep.”
“Don’t beat yourself up, Max. She’ll come around.”
“I wish it was as easy as that, Vlad.”
“Well, I’m sure you guys will have an opportunity to talk about it here at the office today. It’s neutral ground.”
“You sound like a war general.”
“From what you told me, it seems that Angel is in a fighting mood.”
“Yeah. How are operations down at the docks?”
“I have it in hand. Again, there are only two other people who know about this, and they won’t be talking anytime soon. I made sure of that.”
“How did you manage that? Never mind. I don’t want to know.”
“Ask no questions, hear no lies, hey?”
“Exactly.”
“Have you spoken to Inessa about all this?”
“Yes. I told her a few months ago.”
“Did you tell her that Angel knows?”
“Yeah. I called her last night.”
“What did she say?”
Inessa had a mini meltdown when I told her that Angel found out about the mob. Obviously, she was concerned that Angel would go to the cops. But, her second concern was about Angel’s and my relationship going forward.
She’d offered to call Angel and talk to her about it, but I couldn’t have my sister fighting my battles for me. That wasn’t my style.