“I suppose not.”
“I don’t want them to think ill of their grandchild’s father. It will make things too complicated once the baby is born.”
“I agree. But you can’t keep them in the dark forever.”
“I know. I need time to think. That’s why I’m here. Thank you, Josie.”
“Ah, Angel. Of course. I love you like a sister. I’ll do anything for you. Just say the word and I’ll kick the snot out of Max too.”
Josie’s suggestion forced a smile out of me. In my mind’s eye, I saw her slapping the shit out of Max.
“There you go. I knew I could get a smile out of you. Alright, this is what we’re going to do. You’ll wrack your very clever brain and come up with a solution and I’ll keep you in food and drink. Sound good?”
“Sounds great.”
I had a relaxing, warm bath after dinner and then got into bed. I fell asleep around 9 pm.
Josie had left for work when I woke up the next day. She’d left a gift on the kitchen counter. It was addressed to Prince Bump. I read the note she’s attached to the powder blue wrapping paper.
In all the chaos I forgot to give you this. It’s a little something for my godson.
Lots’ love,
Me.
I unwrapped the gift. Inside was a funky little hoodie withLil’ Princeprinted on the front. I loved it.
I called my assistant after I had breakfast and told her I was taking a few days off. She promised to keep me posted and forward important emails. Thankfully, there was nothing I did at the office that I couldn’t do from home. Thank God for the internet access.
30
MAX
My palms were sweaty, and my stomach felt like I’d eaten razor blades. The coffee shop where Sevens and I met was more of a new age, green juice bar than a conventional one. I would never have recognized the DEA agent if he hadn’t nodded at me as I entered the establishment.
He wore a loud Hawaiian shirt and white Bermudas. Stevens was a lot younger than I’d envisaged. To the uninitiated eye, he was just another tourist chasing after the elusive juice high.
I sat down and waited for the man with the happy shirt to tell me what my fate was to be.
“Thank you for coming, Max.”
Oh. So, we were on a first-name basis, were we?
“Good morning, Brent.”
“This can’t be easy for you. I want you to know that I’m here to help you.”
“Why?”
“A fair question. We’re interested in the bigger picture. You’ve only just come onto the scene–why I cannot fathom–but the Russians have been doing this for a while now. I’m intrigued, Max. Why would you risk going to prison when you have a gorgeous, pregnant girlfriend? You’re a man with much to lose.”
“It’s not like I woke up one morning and thought to myself, hey, let’s import some drugs into the US, you know.”
“That’s what we figured. So, I’m giving you a once-off opportunity to redeem yourself, Max. If I were you, I’d take it.”
How much did this man know about Grigoriy and my relationship? Was he throwing mud to see what stuck? I had to be very careful about how I proceeded.
“What exactly is it you think you know, Agent Stevens? How do I know you are who you say you are? You could be anybody.”