Page 12 of Redemption
The truth and sincerity underlying the tone of his words are undeniable.
Does he even know how to lie? I wonder absently as I step around the front of the car and walk toward the rolled-out red carpet leading to the lowered stairs.
But because I am who I am, I can’t stop myself from warning him of the consequences of lying to me. “If you betray me, hell would be a welcome respite from what would happen to you.”
His smile grows wider, and it’s like looking at a happier version of myself—one that I wouldn’t recognize, except for the joy that Keira and Aurora have brought into my life.
“I understand you mean that, and yet there is no reason for concern. I have spoken truth to you only. I will continue to do so. That is my promise to you, brother.”
For the first time, I register his Italian-accented English. How did I miss that before?
Perhaps it’s to be expected. My brain couldn’t possibly process everything I was taking in when I rushed into the courtyard, prepared to kill to defend my wife. Staring at what could be a literal copy of myself was more overwhelming that I would’ve ever believed. It’s still hard to process now, while he’s standing ahead of me. There is no argument. He is my identical twin.
“Come, brother. Our mother awaits. There is no one else on the jet right now, not even the pilot. He is inside the airport lounge. I wanted complete and total privacy for this moment for us. For the Giordano family.”
For the Giordano family.
His words echo in my mind as I attempt to comprehend them. The Giordano family. My family. Holy Christ. I never expected …
“Has he arrived?” I hear a woman’s voice carry from behind him. “Is it my baby boy? Is he here yet?”
My heart slams into my chest as adrenaline dumps into my bloodstream at the sound of her voice. It’s like my body knows it and already recognizes it. Everything around me comes into sharp focus as I walk toward the red carpet one step at a time.
“Yes, Mama,” my double says as his head turns toward the interior of the jet. “He’s coming. I told you he would come.”
Any thought of an ambush has been completely eradicated from my mind. I have to see the face that belongs to that voice.
The moment couldn’t get any more surreal. I’m already staring at my own mirror image. My twin brother’s face. It’s almost all too unbelievable, but it’s very real all the same.
“Come. She is not the most patient woman right now, as perhaps you understand.”
He steps back into the jet, and I brace myself.
I could be walking into a hail of bullets, but if there’s a single chance that my mother is truly inside, it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
My feet bounce up the stairs, and I duck into the jet. I scan the interior first, out of self-preservation, and freeze the moment my gaze lands on her.
My God.
My lungs seize, as if I’ve forgotten how to breathe.
I reach up to the ceiling, barely aware that it’s because I need to steady myself as I take in the sight before me.
My God.
Finally, my lungs begin to work again, and I release a breath and haul in another.
Her mouth falls open as she sees me.
Time stops.
“Ohhh.” Unintelligible sounds escape her lips as her small, beringed hand slaps her chest. “My son!”
Tears immediately spill from dark brown eyes down the most beautiful face I’ve ever seen—besides my wife’s and my daughter’s. Her hair is pure silver, twisted up into an artful arrangement.
I have no words. I have no sounds. I have nothing but an enormity of emotion rushing over me like a rogue tidal wave.
“My son,” she whispers again as her entire body shakes with tremors that match those ripping through me.
