Stir

Currently, we are on our way to Dario’s compound with some news that not only knocked my wife sideways, but also shed a lot of light on her mom. The night I asked Om to look up information on her mother’s side of the family he said it would take a few weeks and it probably would have, but his wife was injured in a car accident and he had to take some time off.

He called me yesterday to explain why it took so long and then to inform me that he found some information. It seems Imogen’s mother was an identical twin. She was born, Heather Agnes Churchill and her sister was Kelly Ruth Churchill. They were the daughters of a very religious and strict Doctor and their mother was a Teacher. Seems when her sister was sixteen years old she ran away with a boy named Lothario Lozado.

Om’s investigation shows she gave birth to a son a year later, though nothing is known about him except his name is Lothario jr., but he has no paper trail. They dropped off the grid for about ten years until she resurfaced, having been kidnapped, held for ransom and then subsequently freed once ransom was made. Seems when she was kidnapped she was already pregnant once more.

They chose to leave the baby in the hospital sure she would be adopted to keep her safe. That baby as it turns out is Dario’s wife, Jewel. We only know that because as she was dying two years ago from breast cancer, she left a note recounting this and as Om searched, he found the only baby girl registered in that hospital on that day was a Jewel LaRose Canter. The name was given to her by the nurse who also left a note about the baby in case someone came looking for her.

As soon as Om said her name my stomach dropped. He just changed the trajectory of my life and he didn’t know it. Not only did we learn information about my wife’s family and why her mom is so tight lipped about her family, but he just told me that we are unmovably tied to a mob boss through our wives.

“Alex?” Shit. She did just ask me a question didn’t she.

“Yeah baby, I’m sorry. I was thinking about your question and to be honest, I don’t know. If I were her I would be skeptical. It all seems so orchestrated. Hell if I weren’t holding the proof in my hands right now I wouldn’t believe it.”

“I know right. When I first met her I felt this pull, this kinship, you know. She sort of reminded me of my sisters. Looking at the picture of her mom and mine, I get it now. She looks like my mom, just with dark hair.”

“That is true baby. I think I am more worried about Dario and how he is going to handle this.” I don’t need him thinking I was having him or his family investigated. Which is also why I have Om’s number and he said I could give it to him, when I need to.

We pull up and they let us pass without all the extra. We have hung out with them enough due to my wife having an infinity for Jewel and Lily who is his best friend’s wife. They live on the property and like Imogen, Lily is pregnant, but due any day now.

“Imogen hi. So happy to see you.” Jewel says walking straight over to us. Dario of course is not too far behind her.

“Alejandro, I was surprised to hear from you.” I get it. It is mostly the women making the plans and us going along with it.

“I know. I had something pressing to discuss with you, but it really involves Jewel.” His muscles immediately tense up at the mention of her name. He pulls her into his arms away from Imogen and my angel looks at me, with her lip in her mouth. She misses nothing.

“What the fuck could you have to say about my wife?” I move closer to my wife and hold her hand. Can we talk inside?” Jewel touches Dario’s face and says something to him, making him relax a bit. “Then let’s take this inside shall we.”

A few hours later we are all sitting in silence, unsure of what to say, but I have to be honest and say it is Dario that seems the tensest. When I mentioned the name of Jewel’s father, his entire demeanor changed. It was subtle, but I clocked it. The ladies were so busy being so happy and amazed they were cousins, that they missed it. “Again Mr. Lassiter, I want to reassure you I had no idea this would involve your family in any way. I was simply trying to fill some holes for my wife.” I tell him once more hoping he believes me.