“Now, the vast majority of people who owe money to casinos don’t become sex workers, obviously. They pay off their debts by getting loans from their families or hocking valuables or working in the kitchen, or something like that. And the vast majority of people who think they can do sex work are unsuitable. In an initial interview, I can tell in five minutes if it’ll work or not. But, when I do get someone, he or she has never, ever owed the amount of money that Devek had accrued, because casinos cut you off when the losses pile up. When Devek first told me how much his obligation was, I was astounded. No casino I’ve ever worked with will let you get that far unless the gambler is filthy rich—which Devek wasn’t—or has a guarantor. Guess who your husband’s guarantor was?”

“Pramod. He controls the purse strings. But he already told Devek that he wouldn’t cover his debt.”

“Apparently that bastard told management that he’d cover Devek’s debt, knowing full well that he was going to let Devek drown.”

“Sounds like him,” I said under my breath. “He is a bastard.”

“It was Pramod who sent Devek to Goa in the first place. He owns the hospital where Devek works. Did you know that?”

“Actually, I did. He hates Devek. He’s jealous of him because Devek is better educated and is smarter. Pramod is a slimeball.”

“I’m sure that’s true,” Chris said. “Pramod has lots of businesses in Goa.”

“He has businesses everywhere,” I said. “I don’t know if he’s a billionaire, but it’s close.”

“He has more money than I do, that’s for sure.”

“Chris, how do you know all this?”

Silence.

“Did Pramod call you?”

Chris shrugged. “He was very unhappy about you moving away.”

“And?”

“What do you think? He made me an offer. If I send Juleen and you to him—back home was how he put it—he’d take care of his brother’s debt, you’d get your son back, and I’d walk away an even richer man.”

I was in utter shock. “I don’t know whether to believe you or not.”

“Doesn’t matter to me, but in this case, it’s the truth.” Chris stopped talking.

“What?”

He said, “There’s this archaic law in Goa—just in Goa because it was a Portuguese state—I don’t know if it’s ever been implemented or not, but it’s on the books. A Hindu man can take on a second wife if his first wife doesn’t produce sons. Pramod only has daughters. Maybe he wanted you as number two … to get some sons out of you.”

“He told you that?” When Chris didn’t answer, I said, “That’s ridiculous. I’m forty-two years old.”

“You can still have babies. How old is Pramod?”