Rett squeezed my hand. “Emma, I could claim temporary insanity. You see, my wife was missing, and then I thought I found her, but Isaiah was there with a gun pointed at her and...”
“And,” I prompted.
“I told your brother the city was his. He could kill me if he wanted to as long as he let you go. I told him to let you go back to Pittsburgh, to let you forget you knew any of what was happening.”
“And.” This time the encouraging came from Jezebel.
Rett grinned my way. “The first time you said you loved me, who did you tell?”
“I told my...” —my eyes opened wide— “mother. Did you?”
“He did, Emma. It was beautiful and heartfelt. I knew at that moment that you were right, that you had the discernment I’d lacked. You married a good man. All of the things you’d said about him weren’t manipulation or deceit. I knew then that he loved you, just as I knew you loved him.”
I leaned over and kissed Rett’s cheek. “I know that too.” I turned to Jezebel. “Whatever happened to Emily?”
Mother shrugged.
“What about Kyle?”
She shook her head. “He won’t be bothering you, I promise.”
Rett sat taller. “Are you confident?”
“Yes, I am. He tried to kill Emma. If you hadn’t rushed him, he would have killed me.”
I shook my head. “Please don’t tell me more.”
Jezebel and Rett may be able to see lives as expendable, but I wasn’t there yet. I didn’t know if I’d ever be. Nevertheless, my mother had been right. Sometimes decisions had to be made.
Jezebel smiled. “More what, dear? Oh, I saw your interview.”
My smile returned. “It’s crazy.”
“No, it’s exactly what was meant to be. I heard you were trending.”
A giggle bubbled within me. “Do you know what that means?”
“I’m sure she does,” Rett said. “Your mother here has prompted me to learn the world of cryptocurrency. I’m certain that someone who can navigate that complicated and ever-changing world understands hashtags.” He turned to her. “My people have done some digging. You’re an accomplished businesswoman. Your assets are impressive, and you’ve done more than any of us realized for New Orleans’s family-owned businesses.”
“Thank you,” she said modestly. “I’ve had things happen, but along the way I’ve been blessed with good people. If I could help in any way to repay the kindness they showed me, I’ve tried.”
“Would you like to help us?”
Jezebel smiled. “Help you?”
“Ramses is a family business,” Rett said. “I believe that means you.”
Jezebel’s blue eyes shone as she shook her head. “I’m good, but I can’t tell you what the offer means.”
“Mother, are you all right out here?” I asked. “Our house is big, and Rett and I have considered that maybe you’d like to live there.”
Jezebel shook her head. “Maybe one day I can visit. But currently, I’m where I want to be. The city is loud. I enjoy the simple melody of the bayou.” She grinned. “I would like it if you came around now and then.”
“I can do that.”
She tilted her chin toward the necklace I was wearing. “You’re wearing the jade.”
I reached for it and rolled the pendant between my fingers. “I am.” I smiled. “I hoped you’d notice.”