“Okay. Why choose the name you did?”
“Study our father, Em. Learn about his power and control.”
“Do you emulate him?” A man who would forcibly rape a woman in the company of others to prove his point and his power. Even though I didn’t add the last part, I couldn’t understand how Kyle was unable to connect the dots.
Kyle looked at Jezebel and back to me. “He made mistakes, but his mistake made us. I can’t really be upset about that, now can I?”
“And you think that if you change your name to his, you’ll suddenly have the power and influence he had?”
By the way Kyle shuffled his expensive shoes on the porch and the tendons in his neck pulled taut, I knew my questions were not welcomed.
“I’m taking his power and control,” my brother said. “It is my birthright. You have the same blood, Em. When I rule, I won’t forget that.”
“Whenyourule? Why shouldn’t that be us or me?” It wasn’t a question I’d ever posed before, not even to myself.
Kyle’s laugh disappeared out into the dark bayou. “You’re funny, Em. You think you can ride into New Orleans, the people will slaughter the fatted calf, create hashtags, and like the magic they practice, you’ll suddenly have control?”
“That’s not what I said.” And I was having difficulty connecting all of his metaphors.
His blue eyes narrowed. “What the fuck do you know about ruling New Orleans?”
“More than you think.”
“Right,” he said with a scoff. “This is bullshit. I’ve spent the last four years learning and infiltrating this city. I’ve been in every fucking parish, every ward.” His volume rose. “I have a reputation. You’ve been here for a few weeks and want a spotlight. Your husband may think he’s in control, but let me tell you, he’s not. No wonder he’s using you for attention. It won’t work.”
“Using me?”
Kyle went on, “There are people, a lot of people, loyal to our father who even seven years later aren’t willing to stay in step with a Ramses.”
“And when you take over,” I asked, “those faithful to Ramses will bow at your feet.”
“It’ll take time, but it will happen. This city needs to come together.”
I stood, taking the blanket with me. “Interesting.”
Kyle shook his head. “Don’t act like you understand.”
Pursing my lips, I nodded. “The truth is getting clearer by the moment. I understand that you’re missing the fucking point. Here’s a hint, Kyle. I’m the point. And I’m standing right in front of you.”
He shrugged. “So?” He paused, turned his attention to Jezebel and back to me. “Jeez, Em, you’re talking in riddles like Mom and Edmée. This city doesn’t need riddles. It needs a leader who will unite the city.”
Unite the city.
A Boudreau and a Ramses.
I wasn’t sure how many times Rett had given me a similar speech. Of course, his was delivered differently. And yet for me, this was the moment it all came together. It was as if the nighttime sky parted and rays of sunlight shone down. Maybe that was the metaphoric spotlight Kyle meant.
Kyle was wrong.
I hadn’t sought that.
As I stared up at the darkness, I lifted my chin to the sky, feeling the invisible warmth shining from above.
No, I hadn’t sought the spotlight for the uniting of the two families.
It found me.
Inhaling, I nodded, sat, and looked at Jezebel.