Page 58 of Till Death Do Us Part

I stopped and turned toward the voice. Josefina, Aléjandro and Rei’s mother, was headed in my direction. Her orange outfit billowed around her slender body, and her gold jewelry reflected the lights within, a lovely contrast to her golden-brown complexion. In that second, I realized who she looked like to me—Salma Hayek. She was equally as beautiful and dressed as elegantly. Despite her youthful appearance, Josefina held herself in a welcoming, motherly way that also said she was in control. No doubt it took a strong woman to care for a dangerous husband and two equally dangerous sons.

Closing my eyes, I tried unsuccessfully to block out the vision of Rei holding the knife to the man’s throat. ‘Danger is what we do’—Aléjandro’s words. Inhaling, I held on to the rail and waited as my mother-in-law approached. “Dinner was delicious, SeñoraRoríguez.”

She smiled. “I didn’t cook it. And in case you were wondering, my name is Josefina orMamá,whichever makes you more comfortable.”

I smiled.

“Do you have a few minutes to talk?” she asked.

With her heavily accented English, I wished I could speak back to her in her native language. “I don’t know how long Aléjandro will be.”

Josefina waved her hand. “The men. They can talk for hours. There’s always a crisis.”

My cheeks rose in a smile. “I’m used to it.”

“Come.” She led me toward the back of the yacht. Turning the corner, we were shielded from the wind. There was a lovely couch surrounding a firepit. As soon as we arrived, a man in white came forward and lit the firepit. “Would you like an after-dinner drink?” she asked me.

“No, thank you.”

Josefina dismissed the man. I was taken with her willowy blouse as we sat on the couch near one another. This woman who was married to an infamous drug lord could easily be a model. Maybe she had been.

Her voice rolled gently through the air. “I’m sure this isn’t easy for you.”

I exhaled and feigned a smile. “It’s been a lot for two days.”

Clasping her hands on her lap, she leaned forward. “If you ever have questions or would like to talk, I’d like to be there to help where I can.” Her eyes opened wide. “It’s strange how sometimes marriage can be lonely.”

Keeping my lips together, I nodded. The ache was real. During my first marriage, I had my friends and family.

Josefina went on, “I know you’ve been married before, but each marriage is its own unique entity. Roríguez men can be” —she hesitated— “a lot to handle.” When I didn’t respond, she continued, “They’re passionate. I’ve heard the same about Italians.” Her smile broadened. “I don’t know about them firsthand. Our family. The men we trust. They’re a different breed. My Jorge is a complicated man to those on the outside. Not to me.”

A smile curled my lips. “It gives me hope that you love him.”

“I didn’t say that.” She winked. “I do. Together we’ve built a world I’m proud to call ours. I know it’s dangerous. That’s why when Jorge told me about today’s events, I insisted that the three of you join us. I know my sons. Given the choice, I know they would want to be back in San Diego, in the thick of the action.”

It made me think of how Aléjandro had purposely gone after the Russians who shot at them.

I could blame it on the long day as a tear silently slid down my cheek. I wiped it with the back of my hand. “I think I became immune to the danger that the famiglia dealt with on a regular basis until that danger took my husband. Now, I’m extra-sensitive to the fear of losing another.”

Josefina shook her head. “No. It won’t happen. I won’t bury a child.”

“No mother should.”

After pressing her lips together, she spoke, her voice reflecting sadness. “However, it does happen. It seems that death happens in both our worlds.” She leaned closer and patted my hand, her more joyful cadence returning. “I wanted to tell you personally that I’m glad you’re here. I meanyou. My son chose well. You’re a strong woman. I sense that.”

“Thank you.”

“Mia, we’re now family and your safety and well-being are important to me. Please make yourself at home on the Bella. If I know my husband and sons, they will come and go over the next few days. I hope you’re comfortable, knowing you are welcome to stay put.”

I tugged on my lower lip. “I don’t know what Aléjandro will want me to do.”

“He will want you to stay safe. When my sons do what they do, they need to concentrate. Having you here, safe, is what’s best for Jano until your new home can be made secure.” She pursed her lips and sat taller. “I could be upset that Jano stole Silas and Viviana from me, but I won’t be. I know in my heart that they will have your and Jano’s best interest at heart. They’ve had a special place within our family.” Her eyes opened wide. “Perhaps Jano didn’t tell you, but Silas and Viviana have a daughter and two grandsons living in the States. The opportunity Jano offered with the assistance of your family’s connections is an answer to their prayers.”

“I didn’t know that. It makes me feel better about their move. I was afraid they might not be happy here in California.”

“Oh, child” —she gestured about— “here isMéxico. Our home.”

I turned to the flag on the flagpole. “Aléjandro told me how laws work in international waters.”

---