I try not to think about what Maxim will do when he finds out I’m lying, but it’s impossible. He will send one of those goons guarding the hallway to find me, along with a weapon heavy enough to knock out a kneecap, or a saw that will cut through muscle and bone. A chef missing a finger or two can still cook, but all things considered, I’d really prefer to keep all ten.

Maxim squints into the smoke. “So what’s this, then? A social visit?”

The irony punches me in the gut. “Not even close. I’m here because I don’t know where else to go. Because I have nowhere else to turn. You’re my last hope, Maxim, and I know how weird that sounds but—”

“Spit it out, kid.”

“There’s a guy at the house with Jade and the kids. He put a gun to her head and he forced his way inside, and then he tied her to a chair and he...” I shake my head, unable to think about what else he’s done. “My family, Maxim.”

I put the accent on family because I know Maxim’s. I’ve met his wife, I’ve cooked for his kids, I know all his grandkids’ names and the order in which they were born. Those family values he’s always touting? I am praying they translate to mine.

He leans back in his chair, studying me as he takes a deep, long drag that takes all day. Less than an hour until the bullets start flying, and Maxim here is taking his sweet time. The tobacco crackles as it burns its way up the tube.

“That explains why you’re so jumpy, at least. How much does he want?”

“Just over seven hundred thousand. I’ve managed to piece together some cash, but it’s not much. I’m still way short.”

I sound calm, but on the inside I’m at full-on panic. Maxim is my last resort. If he says no, I’m out of options. I’ll lose Jade, the Bees, and it’ll be all my fault.

“How much are you short?”

“I need $685,296.”