“How do you know this?”
“I found an email on his computer. It was pretty telling.”
“Does he know you know?”
“Yes. I confronted him about it. He admitted it.”
“Fuck me. This is insane.”
Josie took a gulp of wine and stared at me.
“He can stop, though, can’t he? He won’t go to prison if he stops doing it.”
“I’m afraid it’s too late for that. The DEA knows about it.”
“Holy shit, Angel. I don’t know what to say. How do you know about the DEA?”
“Because I was approached by one of their agents this morning.”
“You must have crapped yourself. Do they know that you’re aware of the crime?”
“No, I’m pretty sure the agent was phishing. He even knows about Peter. He casually dropped that into the conversation. I think he was trying to scare me. Asshole.”
Josie was seldom speechless, but she simply sat there without a peep.
“So, I told Max that I’m not going back until he sorts this out.”
“What did he say?”
“I didn’t give him much of an opportunity to say anything.”
“I need more wine,” Josie said and left the table. She brought the bottle to the table and poured another drink.
“What about work? How are you going to live without an income?”
“I’ll make a plan.”
“It goes without saying that you can stay here for as long as you like, Angel. I hope you know that. And don’t even think of offering me money.”
My tears welled up and spilled over.
“Please, don’t cry, Angel. It’s going to be okay. Max will do the right thing. He loves you. You’re having his baby for shit’s sake.”
She got up and came around to my side of the table so she could hug me.
“I’m so mad at him, Josie. So mad! He lied to me. How could he keep this a secret from me?”
“Did he say why he’s doing it? Is it the money?”
“No. It’s not about the money. It’s a long story, but the gist of it is this. A man named Grigoriy took Max and his sister in after their parents died. He’s a big shot, organized crime boss. He’s forcing Max to move the drugs for him. If Max refuses, Grigoriy has threatened to hurt Inessa.”
“Fucker! Poor Max. Sorry, I know I should be furious with him, and I am, but it sounds like he’s in an impossible position, Angel.”
“I know that Josie. But what can I do? I can’t pretend it isn’t happening. Especially now that the DEA is breathing down my neck.”
“Agreed. Have you told your folks?”
“No. I don’t know what to tell them.”