“Don’t fucking say their names,” I growl and step forward.
“Yes!” Emmett says excitedly. “Can I get stabby?”
“Guys.” Vin says in warning and I look up to see three men with guns drawn.
“Let’s talk and clear some things up, shall we?” Talia asks with her head cocked to the side.
I get the distinct impression that this bitch isn’t all there.
We all back up collectively and move aside for her to step inside first and followed by her three armed guards.
“Follow me.” I tell them and lead her to the kitchen. “Want something to drink?”
“Yes, please.” She sits at the table. “Anything sealed.”
I snort and pull out a bottle of water. Hope the bitch drowns on a mouthful.
Adri and Travis come into the kitchen. Adri warily watches Talia and Travis doesn’t bother to keep the disdain off his face.
“Talia,” he growls. “You’ve been a thorn in our sides.”
“Call me Jenna.” She glosses over everything he’s said.
“Jenna… Talia?” Emmett looks around the table at each of us. “Is this a bad Austin Powers movie?”
Adri was taking a drink while Emmett was talking and now said mouthful is sprayed all over my face.
“Funny.” Talia chuckles. “Very much like her.”
“Like whom?” I ask as I wipe the water off my face.
“Your mother of course.”
The room becomes still with silence and the tension is weighed down like a humid summer day.
“I’m going to need an explanation.” I say quietly.
“That’s why I’m here.” She nods. “But let’s start with the information you possess regarding your brother Carmelo Torres.”
“No.” Emmett seethes. “We call the shots and you are never to speak his name.”
“Hold on.” I say to him. “This is important.”
Emmett looks at me with shock and I reach across the table to grab his hand.
“I didn’t purposely keep any information from you guys, I did it because I couldn’t validate any of it. Carm had a file in his office that contained a letter from Talia here and a DNA test.”
“DNA test?” Emmett’s brow is creased in confusion.
“Yes. One that states a certain Jennifer Talia to be his biological mother.”
“That’s impossible.” Emmett shakes his head.
“You’re correct.” Talia says as she sips her water. “Ember dear, those documents were forged as you well know.”
“Yes,” I agree. “Carm left me an envelope containing proof that Talia is not his mother and he had only just found out the truth last month.”
“Why did you lie to him?” Emmett’s chair screeches as he goes to stand.
“I didn’t.” Talia shrugs. “But I have an idea who did.”
Emmett sits back down and motions for her to continue.
“I’ll start at the beginning.”
29
There’s just something so oddly familiar about this little lady and the feeling is creeping me out. I can’t put my finger on it but every time she cocks her head or shrugs, it throws me off.
She seems slightly unhinged-not that that’s uncommon in this town-but not in a maniacal way, more subtle and… medicated maybe?
“I’ll start at the beginning.” She states and waves her hand about her head.
With that movement I’m knocked into a state of shock. I know why this woman is so familiar and I open my mouth to say it but she beats me to the punch.
“My name is Laurann Jennifer Craven.”
No one speaks.
No one moves.
I can hear the creaks of the house, the wind hitting the window panes, and the accelerated breathing of my family.
“Well, I’ve captured the house boys.” She says with a giggle that matches Ember’s to the T right along with that wave. “I am Ember and Emmett’s grandmother.”
Em’s mouth is opening and shutting like a fucking fish and Emmett looks like he could pass out.
She finally removes her sunglasses and I can see it in the shape of her face, so much like Ember and Emmett’s. But, it’s her eyes that finally sells me. They are Debra’s eyes, a dark chocolate brown.
Em sees it and covers her mouth. She looks over to me and I stand. She needs me and I will always be there when she feels weak. Family makes Em weak in the best possible way. It gives balance to all her fierce strength.
I come to her, picking her up, and placing her back in my lap.
“Yes, you’re Sharla’s boy.” Laurann nods. “Rebecca would be proud to see her daughter with you.”
“You don’t look like your wedding photo.” Emmett is the first to speak.
“No, I wouldn’t. I’ve had work done to look unrecognizable.” She lifts the scarf off her head and points to a scar running from her ear to her collarbone. “I had many enemies in Whitsborough because I killed my husband. After he tried to kill me, of course.”
“I’m so lost.” Em shakes her head.
“Bear with me,” Laurann says as she smooths down her mahogany hair. “I’ve never told this story.”
She takes another sip of her water and looks at Emmett.
“I’m sorry you never knew your mother, you are so very much like her. It makes my heart ache with how much I miss her.
“Rebecca was eight years old when I started to notice how much Jack watched her. At first, I chalked it up to her enigmatic personality and how much she loved life. Debra was different, she was an old soul in a young girl’s body. She saw things in a different light and could sense evil in a way Rebecca couldn’t.
“Rebecca would trust just about anyone, I had to keep a close watch on her with gardeners and pool boys because she could’ve been swayed to do just about anything. In some cases, Debra was the older sister despite being three years younger.
“Jack liked to have his way and if anyone stood up to him-especially a woman-he had no problem knocking them back into place. Whether it was with the use of his fists or his harsh degrading words. Over time, I learned that I had to remain silent or die trying to change him. So, I waited until I
