Keece interrupted for a minute, “Hmm…I have a thought on that, related to the children, but finish your story first.”
Cole took a deep breath, “Well, you’re not going to like this part, and it’s bad. If I could change anything in my life, this would be on the top of my list.”
Keece looked puzzled, “Go on.”
Cole jumped in quickly, hoping to get it out and over before he could stop himself. “As I’m sure you read, a big part of this stupid experiment was the ‘hardship.’ When we did the experiment in school, we learned that when the rabbits went through a hardship, they became stronger. Radi insisted that his kids and mine had gone through a hardship because of our divorces.”
Keece interrupted, “Well mine certainly have been going through hardship now! Nothing much worse than your father being accused of embezzlement, an affair and then going MIA!”
Cole paused and took a deep breath, “Yah, that’s just it. The horrible part of this is that Radi caused all that. Honestly, I tried to stop him, but man do I wish I’d tried harder. I just didn’t think he’d do it that fast, or without me. I so regret I didn’t do more to stop him.”
Keece’s eyes widened in disbelief. Could it be possible that Pele was innocent? So many questions started to race through her mind, but she brought her attention back to what Cole was saying.
Cole continued, looking totally miserable, but rushing through the information now, clearly trying to get through it before she stopped him again, “Pele refused adamantly to leave you or put the kids through any hardship. He and Radi got into it a couple of times about it. I think Radi realized pretty quick that Pele was not going to budge. So Radi started cutting Pele out of the meetings. At first, I thought Pele was just too busy, but after a couple of meetings I pushed Rad on it, and he fessed up that he thought we needed to meet without Pele to discuss this stupid hardship without him. At first, I thought he was kidding. Then he presented this hairbrained plan. I kept coming up with why I thought it was a bad idea, hoping he would eventually let it go. But Radi kept working on it. I didn’t know he was actually going to do it until he told me he’d done it. Next thing I knew, Pele was on the news with this cockamamie story about embezzlement and a mistress! Rad did tell me Pele would be set up for embezzlement, but then all the money would be returned, so no one would press charges and it would all go away. Unfortunately, as you know, things did not turn out as planned. Who could have imagined Pele would die from a rattlesnake bite in convict military training? I still can’t believe it!”
“But what about the woman he ran off with?” asked Keece, trying to put all the pieces together.
Cole shook his head, “Totally fabricated. Pele had eyes for no one but you.”
“But he took all our money. What happened to that?” Keece was still skeptical.
Cole took another deep breath, “Well, that’s one of the big reasons I wanted to talk to you. It’s all actually still there in your account. Radi somehow messed with the communications so he was the one communicating with your investment manager. He’s been posing as you for years. None of the money was ever withdrawn, so your investment manager never thought that was the money that went missing. Rad has been sending you fake statements all along.”
“What?!” exclaimed Keece, trying to process all Cole had said. She paused. It was her turn to take a deep breath. Then she continued in a quiet, strained tone, almost like a cauldron about to boil over, “The money has been there all the time and neither one of you told me?!”
Cole, very uncomfortable now, answered sheepishly, “That was Radi. We’ve been arguing over it for years. He insisted that if the money showed up for you, the authorities could trace it back to us and likely throw us in jail.” He paused and reached for her hands, holding them, pleading for her to understand, he continued, “Keece, I totally get it if you don’t understand. All I can tell you is I didn’t know what to do. I was afraid if CodeY came out, something might happen to all our kids. Radi had me convinced they would become the subjects of government experiments. I knew Ava would never forgive me. I was pretty sure you and Sophie wouldn’t either. On top of that, I was pretty sure Radi and I would be locked up for life. The plan was always to just give the money back to Pele, so none of this would be exposed. Radi had no Plan B for Pele going missing.”
Cole paused, watching as Keece tried to absorb all he was sharing. He knew it would be a big shock for her. He so wished he had fought harder to stop Radi.
“Keece, please, please understand there’s nothing I regret more than not stopping Radi. I know I can’t fix it now. Nothing can right that disaster, but you can get your money back. I fought with Radi over and over again about returning that money. Of course, you’ve done so well without it. You are truly a Rockstar; you know that right?”
Keece was silent. Horrified at what Radi had done. Equally disappointed in Cole for being complicit and never telling her. It was like a punch in the gut. Tears streamed down her face as she grappled with the news. Trying to understand how they could do this to her, to Pele, to her whole family? Recounting all the trials and challenges she’d had to overcome simply to keep her family afloat. She felt that old nausea return, the sensation that had been so familiar when she first heard of Pele’s arrest.
Thinking of Pele, her emotions did a complete 180. Pele had truly loved her! He never cheated or lied to her! It was like a heavyweight she’d been carrying for the last eight years was suddenly lifted. The joy, lightness, and exhilaration felt like it would make her heart was burst any minute. She took another deep breath, trying to focus on Cole for the moment, containing the urge to get up and dance on the table.
She asked in a serious, unforgiving tone, “So I can just go to my investment firm and ask to see my account balance? Then change my email and contact settings, and I’ll be able to access the funds again?”
Cole, relieved that she wasn’t screaming in anger at him, answered “I think so. We never thought you knew about CodeY, so we were afraid to tell you that. Radi was convinced you would have us thrown in jail so I kept the secret. I thought it was worth the chance, but Radi insisted. That’s why we fell out of touch. I was so angry with him about it.”
Keece shaking her head, still processing the anger she felt for both Radi and Cole, “Oh Cole, you should have known I would not have thrown you in jail. I don’t know if Radi was right about the money being traced if he returned it, but I don’t know why they would all of a sudden track that if I never said anything,” still thinking about all the sacrifices she had made over the years to make ends meet.
Looking at Cole now, she knew it would be a longtime before she could fully forgive him, but the damage was done and she knew the real mastermind was Radi. She was always careful around Radi, she always felt he had the capacity to be cold-hearted. She was obviously right about that. Truthfully, she simply wanted to move on. She was sure she would forgive Cole in time. For now, she was enjoying the sense of delight knowing Pele had not left her for another woman. She could almost think of nothing else. It would be nice to have their money back, but nothing mattered more to her than this piece of news. She never realized until now what a cloud it had been over her for so many years. She felt a sense of elation in her soul, she had doubted her judgment for so long, she almost didn’t know what it felt like to have confidence in that again.
Keece began to ask questions as she started to absorb all the information Cole had shared, “Why did you guys decide to do this? What were you trying to accomplish?”
Cole responded thoughtfully, “I think we just got caught up in the idea, could this be done? Radi was really spearheading the scientific aspect. He was completely enthralled with the genetic possibilities. For Pele and me, I think it was really more about healthier and more talented kids. You know both our fathers have some pretty serious health problems—Pele’s dad died from a heart attack, and mine struggled with diabetes forever. It was also kind of cool to think maybe our kids could make the world a
better place. Or maybe there was learning that could give insight on genetic matches. I’m not sure we really thought it all through. But Radi was obsessed.”
Cole thought back on the time he had been helping Radi move and had stumbled on the files about Ava on Radi’s computer. He had only had a few minutes to scan some of the work Radi was doing before Radi caught and stopped him. Cole had been shocked. Radi had tried to play it off as nothing, simply casual musings, but Cole knew scientific research when he saw it.
He continued. “I never had the chance to tell Pele this, but one time I found Radi’s files and calculations on the experiment on his computer. Radi tried to play it off like it was nothing, but, to be honest, it was a little frightening. The data he had on every woman was creepy. The invasion of privacy totally inappropriate. I didn’t see enough to get a full picture, but it seemed like it might be some pretty scary stuff. Genetic selection for superiority kind of crap. Exactly the reasons the government doesn't’ want people working on this kind of shit”
Keece looked horrified, especially knowing she was one of the subjects.
“For Pele and me, it was pretty innocent,” Cole added. “Initially, I think we all had some false hopes we would find our perfect genetic mates and fall madly in love. Clearly that didn’t work. At least not for Radi, and I guess me either, but you and Pele were totally in love.”
Keece smiled nostalgically, “Yes, we were. Truly special. Not that we didn’t have our moments. There were definitely some rough patches. But overall it was really special.”
Keece pictured him now, tears almost coming to her eyes. She had so many fond memories of Pele, his touch, how he could make her laugh, how he adored the kids. She remembered coming home one time, it had been a rough day; Kala was homesick, Pace had been sent home because of a frustrated outbreak, Rane was upset by a friend’s unkind comments, and Pele had missed a dinner they were supposed to attend together due to a surgery running over. But when she came in and found the four of them snuggled up and asleep on their comfy velvet couch, Kala nestled against Pele’s chest, Rane draped along his back, Pace curled up at his feet, their dog stretched out on the floor, she could feel nothing but pure love. They all looked so peaceful and content. Only the pup noticed her presence with a little thump of his tail. That love had been tainted for so long, it was a relief to feel it sincerely again.
“I really loved him,” she continued. “And I can’t tell you how happy it makes me feel to know he really loved me too. I am only sorry I can’t tell the kids. I might have to figure out a way to do that. Maybe I’ll mysteriously find out he was set up and our money will be returned. It would mean so much to them, especially Rane, who worshipped him, to know he didn’t leave us.”
Cole and Keece both paused as the waiter brought their food.
“Speaking of the kids, we really need to think about how to help them develop. They’re all so talented, and I’m concerned, if not guided, could get into a lot of trouble,” Keece stated. “I’m already seeing it with mine. Rane is a little better because of the influence of her soccer coach, but Pace and Kala could use more guidance. Pace has been doing well, but almost the more he learns to interact like a normal kid, the more he and Kala both seem to be on the verge of getting themselves in more trouble than I can get them out of. I’m trying to spend more time with all of them, but it’s hard as a single parent.”
Cole replied supportively, “You do like to be Superwoman, but I know it’s hard. And maybe a little time for yourself would be good. It is helpful for the kids to see that Mom is taking care of herself. Maybe Mom should even have a healthy relationship?”
“Yah, not sure I’m ready for that. And yes, I know, it’s been eight years. But I’ve been so focused on making sure the kids were okay. I’m sure I’ll get there. Knowing Pele didn’t cheat on me actually helps. I was a little afraid I had misread him in our relationship, and I couldn’t bear for that to happen again,” confessed Keece.
Cole gave her a supportive hug. “You’ve done so well makin’ it all work. I am so sorry I had anything to do with causing your pain.”
He continued, trying to move on from the uncomfortable memory, “And boy do I know what you mean about the kids bein’ a handful. When mine were younger, it was more like managing a zoo than raising kids. I still don’t know why we had four! Nearly killed Ava. She literally could not take it. You know that’s why I had to become a stay-at-home dad. Jadyn and Jaya are like the dynamic duo. They will climb anything. I had to buy special extending ladders to keep up with ‘em! I’ll never forget when I had to retrieve them from the top of a palm tree. You should have seen the look on the fireman’s face when I showed up with my own ladder and claimed them. He acted as if I’d planted them there! Until, of course, I set them down and within minutes Jadyn was halfway back up the tree. He knew I wasn’t kidding then.”
Keece chuckled. She had heard many of the Janson children escapades, but Cole could still always make her laugh at his recounting. She wished Ava could have the same sense of humor about them.
“Zander and Calice are no better,” continued Cole. “Zander is such a manipulative bugger! I swear he could talk the pants off a complete stranger. And Calice, the one that seemed like such an angel when she arrived, is now quiet and sneaky. She’s definitely a team player when it comes to mischief with the others. But she comes across so innocent no one can believe she could be part of the trouble.”
Keece shook her head, entertained and compassionate, “You do have your hands full! How do you think Sophie’s going to fare now that Radi’s gone? He was the discipline in that family. I don’t know how she’s going to cope now that she’ll have the children full-time.”
Cole looked questioningly, “Doesn’t she have a wife now?”
Keece nodded, but was clearly skeptical, “She does, but I still don't know if the two of them can stay one step ahead of those kids. They’re all so bright, they’d be a challenge for anyone.”
Keece had an idea she had been thinking about what she wanted to talk over with Cole. Her one hesitation had been about the cost, but now that she knew she had the resources, she decided to bring it up.
She hesitated, then went on, “I do have an idea. What if we created a program for all our children? We could hire tutors to work with them after school to help keep them on track and stimulated. I think the more we keep them active and learning, the less trouble they’ll get into.”
Cole thought about this for a moment, “I like it. I think you’re onto something there.”
“Do you think you and your kids could move back to San Diego so they could share tutors? It’s probably good for the children to be around each other. They have such different talents, but I think this way each individual will feel less like an oddball or outsider,” Keece asked. She knew this would be a big move for Cole.
Cole answered, “I’m game to give it a try. With enough tutors, I could go back to full-time work. I think I could convince Ava it's the right thing for the kids. She could probably transfer back to her firm in Carmel Valley. Gutsy, even if she didn’t make the move, she’d probably let me give it a whirl with the kids, as long as she thought they would be well cared for and we had a good plan.”
“Of course, I might need your help convincing her,” he added with a cheeky grin. Ava had always liked and trusted Keece.
“Okay. Let me see if I can set it up. I’m thinking one main tutor to oversee everything and then several ‘specialists’ for some of their specific talents. You talk to Ava. Have her call me if she’s open to it. I’ll talk to Sophie, but I think it would be a huge relief to her. We’ll get this going.”
Keece was never one to move slowly once she had a plan.
Cole smiled, it would be a great relief to him to have help with the children, for them to have tutors to develop their talents, and also be closer to peers who had some strong talents of their own. The idea of being able to return to San Diego and get back into his practice was also a dream of his
. He hoped he could convince Ava.
He and Keece talked through a few more details before parting ways, she to go to her investment manager’s office and unwind the communication patterns set in motion by Radi, Cole to call Ava.
Walking away, Cole reflected on the conversation. To say it was not the outcome he expected was an understatement. He had dreaded telling Keece the details of CodeY and what he and Radi had done. He’d had so much angst for so many years over what had happened. Yes, Radi had been the mastermind and really in control of Keece’s funds, but Cole would always feel he should have done more to dissuade Radi from doing it in the first place, and then persuade him after to release the funds back to Keece. Why had they simply not trusted she would not tell their former wives or the authoritie? To have her hear him out and then be able to move on to the future so gracefully was remarkable. He would forever be in her debt for her kindness, grace, and willingness to set aside the difficult past and move forward.
Chapter 4
CodeY Page 20