Understatement of the millennium.
“How’s my little grandbaby?”
“Growing like a weed. Sometimes I worry that he’ll run out of space before the due date.”
“Nah. There’s plenty of space in there. He’s just excited to meet his granny.”
“He’s kicking up a storm. I think I felt his little elbow the other day. It freaked me out at first.”
Mom laughed.
“I’m so jealous. You must be so happy, my darling girl.”
Crunch time!
“I am, Mom,” I lied.
“Are you okay, Angel?”
“Yeah, perfect,” I said after swallowing down the lump in my throat.
“Good. Come and visit me tomorrow, if you can. I want to show you something.”
“Sounds mysterious.”
“You’ll see. Sleep well, Angel. Chat tomorrow.”
“Thanks for calling. Mom. Sleep tight. I love you.”
32
MAX
Day five. It was time to put the plan into action. I couldn’t procrastinate any longer. It was around 7 am when I called Agent Stevens. I was tired of trying to sleep or eat or breathe deeply. There was no point. I was failing at all of the above.
“Good morning, Max. You're up and about early.”
“Would you sleep if you were in my position?”
“Probably not. Have you made a decision?”
“Yes, I have.”
“And?”
“I’m in. I’ll do whatever I have to protect my family.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Don’t forget about yourself, Max. We’ll protect you too. I have a feeling you’re going to need it.”
“No shit. Where can we meet?”
“We have an unofficial official office where we won’t be disturbed. I’ll send you a pin.”
“Okay. What time?”
“How does 10 am suit you?”
“Fine.”