“Fine.” A glance at Rina. “And this is your other mother?”
Terry winced. Rina said, “Foster mother. It’s nice to meet you, Juleen.” She offered her hand and the girl took it.
“Gabe speaks highly of you.”
A pointed comment, to be sure. Rina said, “The feeling is mutual. He often talks about Sanjay and you. He misses you very much.”
“Perhaps.”
“Not fair, girl,” Gabe said.
She returned the comment with a sad smile. Then her eyes welled up. Gabe knew there were problems in the marriage, but he felt he was witnessing a tipping point. His heart bled for his sister. “We’ll talk later.”
“Perhaps.”
Sanjay said, “Can you play Firefox with me?”
His favorite video game. “Sure, but first I have to talk to Mom.”
“Why?”
“Sanjay,” Terry said. “Go back to the bedroom and finish your TV show.”
“Why?”
“Because I said so!” Terry was kneading her hands.
Juleen took his hand. “Let’s go, Sanjay. We’ll have time with our elusive brother later.”
“Thank you, Juleen,” Terry said.
“Of course.”
After the two children went back into the bedroom, Gabe said, “Where’s your husband? Or is he the reason you want to talk to me.”
Rina said, “Gabriel, let her get her story out, okay? I want to hear what she has to say.”
“I’m just helping her find a starting place.”
“No, you’re not. You’re being sarcastic.”
Gabe smiled. “A little.”
“Thanks for the help, Rina,” Terry said. “You and the lieutenant have always been so kind.” She lowered her head as tears fell down her cheek. “I’m sorry.”
“No apologies necessary,” Rina said. “Did you leave your husband, Terry?”
“Of course she did.” Gabe looked at his mother. “Did he beat you as well?”
“Gabe, stop!” Rina called out.
“Just stating fact.”
Terry snapped. “Okay, Gabriel, you win. I’ve made lousy choices in men. Now, do you want to hear me out, or do you just want to rub my nose in my idiocy? Which, by the way, you don’t have to do because no one feels as idiotic as I do.”
“Spare me your righteous indignation.”
“It’s not for me.” Terry’s eyes overflowed with tears. “I asked you here because of the children.”
“Such a caring mom,” Gabe muttered.
“But you’re not bitter,” Rina told him. “Stop sniping at her.”
“She just makes it too easy,” Gabe said.
“You’re just like your father!” Terry shot back.
“You mean the one who’s been supporting me the last decade?”
“Stop it, both of you.” Rina sighed. “Terry, honey, you know how angry he feels. He’s never been subtle. You must have expected this when you asked him to come.”
“You’re right.” A pause. “And he has every right to be angry. I deserted him. But I was truly afraid. He beat me up!”
“I know, I was there, remember?” Gabe sighed. “I don’t mean to be so harsh … well, maybe I do mean … just a little.” He sat in an armchair with black lacquer arms. The cushion was rock hard.
Rina looked at Terry. “Go on.”
Terry looked at her son. “You know as well as I do, I had to get away from Chris. He would have killed me. I was pregnant with another man’s child!”
“He wouldn’t have killed you. He would have killed Devek, but not you.”
“We’re Catholic. I would’ve had the baby. Then he would have made me give her up for adoption. I wanted my baby. At least I knew you were in good hands.” She wiped her eyes. “You tell me. What should I have done?”
Gabe said nothing. Terry was breathing hard. “Devek isn’t Chris. When I met him here—in America—he was kind and sympathetic. He was courtly and gentle and soft-spoken. He’s not a cruel man, but he is weak. And like all weak people, when he’s backed into a corner, he turns ugly. Self-preservation and all that.”
Gabe closed his eyes and opened them. “What happened?”
“I’ll try to keep it short. When I moved with him to India, everything was fine up until maybe four years ago.” Tears continued to run down her cheeks. “It was like a light switch, Gabriel. He turned controlling and demanding. Not unusual in his entitled family. But it was distressing because he had been very loving. Suddenly he becomes this harsh taskmaster especially with the children. You’ve seen Juleen. Do you think she behaves like a normal eleven-year-old?”
Gabe’s face hardened. “He isn’t hurting her, is he?”
“No, no, no,” Terry said. “Nothing physical. He’s just so stern. She can’t move without his permission. I’ve tried to talk to him, but something happened with the way he sees her now that she’s on the verge of puberty. His family is old-fashioned. Lots of Indian fathers are obsessed with virginity. I’m worried that he’s thinking about an arranged marriage for her.”
“You can’t allow that,” Gabe said.
“Why do you think I’m here?”
There was silence. Rina said, “Do you know what brought on the change of personality?”
Terry sighed. “Devek had a big gambling problem. Apparently, he’s always had a problem. His family knew it but I didn’t. He was able to abstain here in America. The casinos weren’t at his fingertips in downtown Manhattan. He was a well-respected man here, and he wanted to make a good impression on everyone. He was able to stop for a while. Then, four years ago, he got a job in Goa as head of Cardiology in a very prestigious hospital. Goa is about three hundred miles from where we were living. He used to leave Sunday night by train and come back on Friday.”
“That couldn’t be easy on either of you,” Rina said.
“It was horrible,” Terry said. “It was hard on me, but honestly, it was worse for him. He was in a pressure cooker. Family pressure, professional pressure from the hospital, pressure from the community. He had so much responsibility to so many people. I think he cracked.”
“Why didn’t you move to Goa with him?” Gabe asked.
“I offered a hundred times,” Terry said. “He didn’t want us to move. He said it would destabilize the family. I thought it was really odd but I didn’t argue.” She rolled her eyes. “Then I found out the real reason. Goa is the gambling center of India. I caught on when the calls started coming from the bank.”
Gabe got up and started pacing. “Are you broke?”
“Worse than broke. He’s in heavy debt. Really heavy debt. In the past his family had bailed him out.” She shook her head. “Not this time. He swears to me he won’t do it again. But he’s broken his promises in the past. And his swearing won’t do anything about the money he owes.”
“And you’re sure that his family won’t help him out?” Rina asked.
“Positive. They’ve had it. I’ve had it.” Another exhale. “In order to pay off his debts, he’s borrowed some of it from a prominent family. But he still owes plenty to some very unscrupulous people. It’s a total mess. I know that Devek is worried about his safety foremost, but also about our children. We’re all at risk.”
“I noticed you didn’t say he’s worried about your safety, Terry,” Rina said.
“Rina, we are done,” Terry said. “I also found out that he’s been keeping a woman there—in Goa. He confessed to the affair, assured me it’s over and has begged my forgiveness. He’s also promised to give up gambling for good. But I simply don’t have any charity left in me.” Tears continued to fall. “Still, I don’t want anything bad to happen to him.”
“Then why don’t you all move to America?” Gabe said.
“Because Devek cannot move out of India until he’s paid back the money.”
“Why can’t he pay back money if he lives here?”
“It’ll look like he’s running away. They’ll hunt him down.”
“T
hen you move.”
“Devek will not allow me to move to America with the children.”
“Who cares what he wants? Divorce the guy and come back here.”
“That’s exactly what I’m doing, Gabe. Except that I’m not supposed to leave the country with the kids until custody is decided.”
“You fled without his permission.”
“Of course I did. He’s going to fight me for full custody, and he’ll win. His family has the money to battle this out. His father won’t pay off Devek’s debts but he’s not going to let his grandchildren leave the country. And despite what the law says, the courts are biased.”
The room turned silent. Rina appraised the woman. “What else, Terry. I feel like you’re holding back on us.”
Terry bit her fingernail. “It’s not just custody, it’s because of Juleen. Normally when a couple gets married in Hindu tradition, it’s the bride that gives a dowry. We have no money. Devek is considering an arranged marriage where Juleen won’t need a dowry.”
“Shit!” Gabe said. “You are kidding me!”
“I wish I was.”
“She’s eleven! Isn’t that against the law?”
“Of course it is. Marriage at that age is forbidden, but not betrothal. And please keep your voice down.”
“Does Juleen even know about that?”
“Sort of.”
“You didn’t agree to this, did you?”
“Why do you think I’m here? I came here to protect her and to clear my mind. I’m trying to figure out a game plan.”
No one spoke. Then Rina said, “You think that’s why he’s been so strict with her?”
She nodded. “With her father’s consent, Juleen can marry as young as sixteen. I know he’s already spoken to a few older men who are widowed. Not bad men. I know one of them. He’s very wealthy. In exchange for Juleen, he would help pay off some of Devek’s debts. He’s a nice man, but he’s almost sixty. I can’t do that to my daughter.”
Gabe said, “Does she know about this?”
“Please lower your voice!” Terry said. “Yes, she knows. No marriage will take place unless she complies.”
“She hasn’t agreed to this, has she?”
“It’s not like America, Gabriel. Kids do not defy their parents. That’s why I’m here.” Terry wiped her eyes. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Why Juleen?” Rina asked. “I’m sure there are lots of young and beautiful girls willing to marry rich old men.”
“The man I know … he is a family friend. I truly think he wants to help. But she’s a child. She deserves the right to make up her own mind. But that’s a very American way of thinking. Devek, of course, probably wants an agreement signed yesterday. It is very shameful to owe that much money.”
“How much are we talking about?” Gabe said. “A hundred thousand?”
“More.” Terry shook her head. “Much more.”
“A million?”
“Maybe even more than that.”
“How did his debts get so out of control?” Rina asked.
“He kept on using his family credit. He’s an idiot! And I’m an idiot for having an affair with him twelve years ago. God, what on earth was I thinking?”
Gabe said, “Do you want me to ask Dad for the money?”
“He hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate you. He’s mad at you, but I know he still has feelings for you, Mom.”
“You know what taking money from Chris would mean?”
“It would mean you’d be in his debt forever. Better you than Juleen.”
“I agree.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“Even if Devek were to become debt free, there is no guarantee he won’t gamble in the future. Then we’d all be in the same situation. I need to remain here where the children will be acquisitional citizens. I need a lawyer. I have to get the paperwork done. But even with all that, there’s nothing to prevent him from kidnapping the children and taking them back to India.”
“You’re their mother,” Gabe said.
“Yes, but a case could be made in India that I kidnapped the children and brought them here.”
Rina said, “Does Devek even know where you are?”
“I’m sure he knows that I’m in America. He’s probably figured out that I’m in New York because Gabe’s here. And yes, he will come after them once he realizes I’m not coming back. I need the children safe and hidden, so I can figure out my next move.”
No one spoke.
“I know. I’ve gotten myself into another real mess.”
Gabe said, “Mom, I love you. I truly do. But I can’t take them. I’ve got a visible career, and I can’t ask that of Yasmine. Furthermore, I can’t protect them.”
“I know.”
“Rina can’t take them either. She’s already done enough.” When Rina started to speak, Gabe said, “No, you will not take them, Rina! Enough is enough!”
Terry said, “Then what do you suggest I do?”
Rina said, “Let me ask Peter.”
“No!” Gabe insisted. “We’re not having a repeat of what happened over a decade ago.”
“I agree, Gabe. When I said let me ask Peter, I mean if he had any advice.” Rina looked at Terry. “As much as we love Gabe and don’t resent what you and Chris did, both Peter and I are too old to foster the children. And it’s not the same situation as it was with Gabe. There wasn’t a custody battle.”
Terry’s face drooped. “You’re right. Totally right.”
“Let me ask Peter what he thinks should be done.”
“What do I do with the children in the meantime?” Terry said. “If Devek finds me, he will take them and I will never see them again.”
Silence.
“I’m not asking forever, Rina,” Terry pleaded. “Just please take them until I can sort this out legally.”
Gabe felt his anger rise. “You know that’s not going to happen! Even if she agreed, I wouldn’t let her.”
“Would you rather Juleen go back to India and be subjected to an arranged marriage?”
“I can’t help you every time you fuck up!”
“Gabe, I appreciate you coming to my defense, but let’s try to dial it down,” Rina said. “Terry, can you lie low for a bit? I’ll ask Peter if there are options for you. But this will take time.”
“And what do I do if he finds me?”
“Stop putting her in this position,” Gabe said. “It’s so unfair to ask her.”
“He’s right, Terry,” Rina said. “We can’t take the children. Even if we did, we can’t protect them. When we took Gabe, no one was threatening to kidnap him.”
“Quite the opposite—you both were very happy to let me be someone else’s responsibility.”
“Was that really necessary?” Terry shot back.
“Apparently yes, ’cause you’re doing the same thing over again.”
Rina said, “I hate to say this, Terry, but … you’re missing an obvious person.”
“She means Chris,” Gabe said.
“No, no, no, no.” Terry looked horrified. “He’ll kill them.”
“He wouldn’t kill them,” Gabe said.
“He’ll sleep with Juleen just for spite. He’ll turn her into a whore.”
Gabe said, “Yeah, that could happen.” A pause. “I’m kidding.”
Rina said, “He certainly could protect them. Devek wouldn’t stand a chance against Chris.”
“I’m not going to be anyone’s punching bag.” Terry had turned angry. “You two may have a relationship with him, but I don’t.”
“It’s a valid point, Terry,” Rina said. “It was just a thought.”
“I know that you’re only trying to help, Rina. And I know you can’t clean up my messes. Peter and you have been my heroes. It’s wrong for me to expect more and ask Gabe for help, but I don’t know where to turn.”
Rina said, “So where do you go from here, Terry?”
“For one thin
g, I’m getting out of New York. It’s a big city with lots of places to hide, but Devek knows the city because he’s lived here. I’ll go back to Los Angeles. It’s also a big city, but I know it and he doesn’t.”
“Do you need money?” Gabe said.
“I’ll be okay.”
“Stop it, Mom. I do want to help, but I can’t take the kids.” Silence. Gabe said, “Please let me do something for you. I have money of my own. You wouldn’t even be taking Dad’s money.”
Terry’s eyes began to water. “I’ll pay you back as soon as I find work. I’m still a licensed physician—”
“Stop it, Mom,” Gabe said. “How much? Five grand? Ten grand?”
“Just make out the check for whatever you want to give me.” Terry looked down. “I guess I’ll start packing, then. I’ll let you know where I am once I settle in the West Coast.”
“How about if I take the kids for ice cream and a trip to the toy store while you start making arrangements?”
“Gabriel, I don’t know if I’m being watched. I don’t want the kids out of my sight.”
“Can I order up room service?”
“As long as no one comes inside the room.”
“Okay.” Gabe turned to his foster mother. “Thanks, Rina. You’re always helpful.”
“It’s fine, honey. And Terry, I will ask Peter for some advice if you want it.”
“No thank you, Rina. I’ll manage. Gabriel is right. You two have done enough.”
Rina said, “Do you really think that you’re in danger?”
“Not from Devek. He wouldn’t hurt his own kids.” Terry sighed. “I don’t know much about the men he borrowed from. While I don’t think they’d hunt me down here in the States, I do know that they’re bad people.”
“Maybe you should hire a bodyguard.”
“It’s a thought, Mom,” Gabe said.
“It’s a thought and a good one.” She nodded. “Let me get to L.A. first and then we’ll talk strategy.”
“Maybe Peter can recommend something,” Rina said. “He knows a bit about Los Angeles.”
Terry smiled. “Those were the days.” A sigh. “Man, I was really stupid.”
“You were young and naive.”
“That, too.”
Rina stood up. “Good luck, Terry. I hope this all works out.”
“Thank you.”
The Lost Boys Page 14
