"I understand," Othello said, putting the paper in his front jacket pocket. I wish it hadn't come to this. If you need me, Emilia, call."
"I will, but make sure you survive for me to do that. Tell Alessandro and Maria I'm sorry. They were the parents I never had, and I hate to leave them."
Othello nodded, started the car, and drove her back to the docks. It was another silent drive, as all three were deep in their thoughts. Before Emilia exited the car, Othello reached into his pocket, pulled out a prepaid credit card with nearly twenty thousand dollars, and handed it to Emilia.
"I'll add money to it monthly," he told Emilia.
"You don't have to do that," she said, pushing the card toward him.
"They are my niece and nephew; I want to care for them."
"Thank you," Emilia smiled. “I will miss you, Othello. Now that I’m leaving, I can tell you that I had a serious crush on you when we first met. But Iago won my heart; too bad he abused it."
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
Emilia shook her head, leaned forward, and kissed him on his cheek. "Don't be. You've been the perfect gentleman. I know how angry you are right now, and I can tell you're doing everything not to show it. I'm sorry I didn't come to you earlier, but I needed evidence. I know how much you love and trust Iago. It hurts me to the core that I had to do this, but he forced my hand."
"What did he do?" Othello calmly demanded.
"It doesn't matter. It's in the past now," she told him, then cupped his face. "Don't let him win, Othello."
Seeing that he wouldn't get any answers from her, Othello nodded. They all got out of the car, and before she could get the twins out of the vehicle, Othello hugged her tightly.
"No matter what, thank you, and take care of yourself," he said softly.
"I will."
"Drive safe," he told her.
They held each other a little longer before letting her go. Othello kissed the twins, saying his goodbyes. He had hoped he'd be able to see them grow up, but he understood why Emilia had to leave. Othello's heart was breaking as he watched Emilia's car disappear into the night, and he let loose all the anger he had been holding at bay.
He howled and rammed his fist through the back passenger window. He ignored the pain and shards of glass cutting into his skin. The pain in his chest intensified. He felt lightheaded and dizzy but didn't fall because Gratiano caught him and held him against the car.
"I got you," Gratiano said, holding him in a bear hug.
At Gratiano's words, tears rolled down his cheeks, and Othello didn't stop them. In all his life, he had never thought that the person who would try to kill him was his brother. They had been through thick and thin and had each other's back. Or maybe it was all in Othello's head.
Unlike the videos Iago showed him, Othello didn't need any more evidence that Iago had betrayed him. He wanted to knowwhy but knew the only way he would get answers was to confront Iago, which he was not ready to do. His heart ached, and tears continued to fall as images of him and Iago laughing and talking played through his mind as if reminding him of a different time.
He recalled the first time they met, the mischief they got into, and the birthdays they celebrated when the house matron would forget. Othello never thought that he would have to worry about Iago being the one to smile in his face and stab the knife in his back.
Othello didn't know how long he had been leaning against the car, crying, but he was thankful that Gratiano hadn’t spoken. He just stood by Othello’s side and waited for him to collect himself. During his meltdown, Gratiano had also removed the glass shards and wrapped his hand in a handkerchief.
"I won't ask you about your plans yet," Gratiano said. "But I want in."
"What are you saying?" Othello asked, feeling muddled.
"I want to take my rightful place at your side, Othello. It's time. I've already turned in my resignation to the department. I'm tired of living a double life."
Othello sighed and looked up at the stars. "Clear things up with Des first."
"I planned to," Gratiano said.
Othello nodded. "Take care of him for me. Protect him, Gratiano. Iago and Cassio's plan almost worked," he told Gratiano. "I got a video of him kissing Cassio, and things escalated." Othello felt choked up, remembering that he had called Des a liar even after he had told him he loved him. "Ifucked up, but before I make things right with him, I need to take care of Iago and the rest. So, I'm not sure when I'll see him again."
Othello sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets. "I don't care what you do with it, but get rid of the car."
"Why?" Gratiano asked. "It's a good car. We just need to get the window fixed."
