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“You want her to leave Leonardo out of all decisions concerning Tommy?” Ivy inquired. She wanted to make sure she understood what Manny was suggesting.

“Nope, don’t look at me like that,” he admonished. “I don’t want to be a part of this situation. If it weren’t for Leonardo. I wouldn’t be the legal guardian of his son. He did that, not me. So, excuse me if I don’t trust his decision making.”

Ivy got her husband’s point. The thing was, he wasn’t wrong. It just didn’t feel right. Tommy had two parents. Maybe one day Leonardo would prove himself.

“Listen, I know you probably think I’m doing this because I’m fucking pissed at Leonardo. No doubt I’m pissed at him, but it’s not why I’m making this decision. I’m doing it because she’s been through a lot. This situation is messed up enough. If this was Sage, I would want someone to hold him accountable. That’s all I’m doing.”

“Are you going to tell Leonardo we saw her? That she is moving here?”

“As Sage is fond of saying, ‘no one sent me with any message.’ If she decides to take his call and let Leonardo know, she will. Until then, my lips are sealed. I’ll tell you I won’t lose any sleep over it at all.”

After getting that off his chest. Manny all but glided back. They grabbed more coffee and breakfast sandwiches at the Lancaster restaurant on the way to the car.

True to his word, when Manny saw Leonardo at the airstrip, he didn’t mention their meeting with Jasmine.

Even when they landed, and Leonardo checked his phone, then gave a self-deprecating laugh. “I don’t know why I thought she would magically get in touch with me.”

Chapter Thirty

OUR FAULT?

Emmanuel would have preferred to fly into a bigger airport then drive to the remote cabin.

Whose idea was it to fly to this dinky airstrip? Oh yeah, security.

Although Darsh made arrangements to meet with the nurse, he was not completely convinced that she was trustworthy. The woman barely had a digital footprint. It had been difficult to find her. Much less verify more about her. This was particularly true given how impatient Emmanuel was to speak with her.

The trip wasn’t starting off on the right foot. Between the fog and the remote landing strip, the descent had everyone’s hearts in their throats. He was certain they would make it on an episode of Mayday. The only thing that kept Emmanuel from freaking out was remaining calm for Ivy. She had a death grip on his hand.

Despite the harrowing landing, Leonardo checked his phone the moment they touched down. When he made a comment that Jasmine still did not contact him back. Ivy gave him a conspiratorial look. Emmanuel just shrugged in return. He honestly didn’t have any empathy for Leonardo. His twin was lying in the bed he made.

The fact that Leonardo was upset by the consequences of his actions was the icing on the cake for Emmanuel. His brother would have to figure things out with Jasmine, with no help from him. Personally, he thought Jasmine Journee could do better than Leonardo. Either way, other than his legal obligations, he was staying out of it. He only hoped Ivy would do the same.

Darsh, Roy, and another security agent accompanied them on the flight. Two large SUVs were waiting for them when they landed. Emmanuel, Leonardo, Ivy, and Darsh were in one vehicle. The other men drove in the other vehicle. For once, Emmanuel was happy not to be driving. He was still recovering from having his life flash in front of his very eyes.

“Hey Darsh,” Ivy called, “is there another way for us to get out of here? I would very much like to see my children again.” She was only voicing what everyone was feeling.

“It will mean a longer drive to another airport,” Darsh answered.

Without even looking at Emmanuel, Ivy immediately agreed. He couldn’t help but smile at his wife’s enthusiasm. After an hour of driving, he wondered how long of a drive they had ahead. Eventually, they pulled up to a quaint cabin about half a mile from the main road.

“After I make the introductions, the guys and I will wait out here in the SUVs.” Darsh updated before they exited the vehicle.

Ivy had agreed to be with him while they spoke to the nurse, so Diana Portland’s small porch was full. There were no warm greetings on this trip, as she cautiously opened the door.

“Ms. Portland. My name is Darsh Khana.”

“Mr. Khana, good to put a face to the voice. Are these men with you Connie’s boys?” Diana Portland’s voice was raspy.

“Yes. And are you still willing to speak with them concerning what you know about their birth?”

“Yes. Come on in then,” Diana instructed, as she opened the door for them to enter. Once she noticed Darsh wasn’t joining them, she inquired, “you aren’t coming in?”

“No, thank you, Ma’am. I will wait outside while you all speak.”

The older woman in a plaid shirt two sizes too big and worn jeans, with gray hair braided down the middle of her back, wasn’t what Emmanuel was expecting.

“First off, we can sit in the den over there.” She said, pointing to the front room. “Please call me Diana. Everyone does. So, who is who?” Then she took a seat in an armchair that faced the sofas.

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