“Do what?” I’ve forgotten what we’re talking about. I lean up and brush a kiss along the base of her throat.
She giggles but pushes me away and seeks my eyes. “About breaking the law. I want you to know that I am very careful, and I only do it in pursuit of the truth and justice. I accept the risks that come with doing my job well. I’d do almost anything to give a voice to people and shed light on issues that matter and deserve attention.”
I know she means that with the purest intentions, but the law is blind and there are a lot of people in jail who were trying to do good but ended up ruining lives.
“I’m an officer of the court. I’m not your lawyer or your husband so there’s zero privilege in these conversations. It’s best you don’t tell me anything incriminating.”
Her brows shoot up. “Would you turn me in?” She looks scandalized.
I nod. “Not happily, but if you tell me you’ve committed a harmful criminal act, I’d have to. Or risk being your accomplice.”
She stares at me for a long time and I wonder if this will be the hill we die on. It’s not negotiable for me. I don’t want to stop her from her mission. I believe that she’s on the right side of history. And if she ends up on the wrong side of the law, at least she’s got someone who can help her navigate it successfully.
“I wouldn’t do anything that might have a negative impact on my family or friends. I’m nottotallyreckless.”
There’s an edge of defensiveness in her voice that makes me instantly contrite.
“I’m sorry, Sin. I know that. I’m nervous about this conversation. You don’t have to explain yourself to me.”
She moves to stand in front of me and presses her palms to my chest. “You don’t have to be sorry. I know it’s because you care. I promise that I only bend rules when there’s no other way to get at the truth. And I’d never like…kill someone.”
I snort a laugh. “That’s good to know. Now, let’s go get this over with.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Sin
Forgiveness
I hadn’t been sure it was a good idea for me to accompany Kwame to see my parents. Now, I’m glad I’m here. Watching him be so sincere and seeing my parents give him so much grace made me love all of them more than I ever have.
“Thank you for giving me a chance to explain. Thank you for understanding.”
“Of course we do. That is what family is for,” my mother says and pats Kwame’s knee.
His relief is palpable and brings a tear to my eye. I’m so glad he found us. My parents’ love for him has moved beyond him being the son of their benevolent benefactor. Kwame covers my mother’s hand with his. “I don’t have a model for this, Auntie Adele. I’ve never had a real family. One that expected me to hold them accountable. One that held me accountable, too. Even when I didn’t know what it was, I yearned for it. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth sooner.”
My mom speaks first. “Oh, Kwame. We knew.”
I am shocked. “You did?”
“What?” Kwame says at the same time, shooting to his feet.
My mother wrings her hands and glances at my father. “When we went to file the deed, we saw your mother’s full name and made theconnection.”
“Why didn’t you say something?” I ask with exasperation. We’ve been agonizing over it for no reason.
“It was clear he didn’t want us to,” my father says.
“Since when has what anyone wanted stopped you from anything?”
My mother sucks her teeth. “We wanted you to fall in love with him. The minute I think something is a good idea you run in the opposite direction.”
“No I don’t,” I protest.
“Yes, you do,” Kwame, my father, and my mother answer in unison.
“No one asked you.” I scowl but I can’t stop the smile forming on my mouth.
