Chapter 5 - THE TRUTH THAT DESTROYED HIS FAMILY
Margaret Kinsley had not suffered a stroke.
She had been drugged, falsely declared dead, and hidden inside a private medical facility under arrangements controlled by Roman's father.
Her husband, Victor Kinsley, had feared she would expose his illegal dealings.
Margaret had discovered that Victor was using the family's shipping companies to transport contraband and conceal payments to corrupt officials.
She planned to report him.
Instead, Victor had arranged for her disappearance.
Roman listened as his mother explained.
His hands shook.
“Why didn't you contact me?”
Margaret began crying.
“I tried.”
Roman stared at her.
“Every letter I wrote disappeared.”
He looked toward the window.
“Donovan.”
Margaret nodded.
“He visited several times. He told me you knew I was alive.”
Roman closed his eyes.
“He lied.”
“I know that now.”
She reached for his hand.
“I thought you hated me.”
Roman's face crumpled.
“Mom.”
“I thought you believed I abandoned you.”
He shook his head.
“Never.”
Margaret began sobbing.
Roman held her.
For twenty years, they had both believed the other had chosen to forget.
And all because powerful men had decided a woman's truth was inconvenient.
That evening, Roman called Narelli.
She answered immediately.
“Roman?”
He could barely speak.
“She's alive.”
Silence.
Then Narelli whispered:
“Oh my God.”
Roman closed his eyes.
“My mother is alive.”
Narelli began crying.
“Roman, I'm so happy.”
He looked at Margaret sleeping in the adjoining room.
“Narelli?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
She was quiet.
Then said:
“You don't have to thank me.”
Roman swallowed.
“Yes.”
May you like
He looked toward his mother's door.
“I do.”
