By the time I make it back to the office, Maks is waiting for me. “Back so soon from your trip?”
“Couldn’t go. CPS showed up and vetoed it.” I shrug off my jacket and hang it. “But you already knew that. Otherwise, youwouldn’t be here.”
“Eh. Little bird might’ve told me.”
“Little bird by the name of Kalinda?”
“What can I say? Girls text each other. Like, all the time.”
I circle my desk. Maksim stands, makes room for me at my seat, and I squint at him. “Did you call them? CPS?”
“Me?” He barks out a laugh. “f**k’s sake, no. Though it might’ve been smart.”
“It would have kept me here,” I say suspiciously. “I know how you feel about Mia.”
“Okay, one: I’m no rat. Would I take candy from a baby? Yes. Would I tell their mom if they took candy from me? No way inhell.”
“Hm.” I’m not the tr
