“Nothing.”
I stood up and started pacing. I was in the worst place I could have ever imagined. Stuck between the DEA and Grigoriy. I had everything to lose and nothing to gain.
“You’re going to have to talk to the DEA, Max. It’s your only way out of this mess.”
“Grigoriy will kill me. He’ll kill everyone who’s ever meant anything to me too.”
“What else can you do?”
The truth was that there was no other option for me. Not really. I had to roll over on Grigoriy and his cohorts if I had any chance at a life with my family outside of prison.
Angel looked at the empty bottle of vodka I’d left on the table.
“Party?”
“Yeah. A pity party.”
“You’ll forgive me if I don’t offer my sympathies.”
“Yes, I got that much.”
“I’m sorry, Max. I didn’t mean that. I’m just so scared and pissed at you.”
“Don’t you think I’m livid with myself? I hate this! I’ve been a wreck since all this shit started, Angel. But honestly, I’m fucked. If I keep going, I’ll likely end up in prison. If I stop, I’ll end up dead. And my loved ones will join me in the grave.”
“You don’t have a choice, Max. You have to talk to the DEA, while they’re still offering you a deal.”
“I don’t think you appreciate what you're asking me to do, Babe.”
“I don’t want to raise this baby without you, Max. I know what it’s like to have a parent in prison.”
“What are you talking about?”
I stared at Angel.
“My biological father went to prison when I was four years old. I can’t tell you what it does to a child, knowing that your father is on the inside. I don’t want that for our son.”
“Why haven’t you told me about this, Angel?”
“Shame, I guess. Anyway, I’m telling you now.”
“I’m sorry, Angel. It must have been awful for you.”
I wanted to go over to Angel and hold her in my arms.
“The agent gave me his card. Call him. Please.”
She reached into her pocket and took out a business card.
“Okay.”
“In the meantime, until this is sorted out, I’m going to move in with Josie.”
“Please, don’t go, Angel. I’ll fix this.”
“I’m sorry, Max. I have to. I need space. Call me when you’ve spoken to Stevens.”
Angel left me in the living room and went upstairs. She came downstairs a while later carrying a bag.