CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“I beg this boon, with tears not lightly shed.”

- William Shakespeare

 

Nine lay in the bed, on the phone, talking to Chipo in Africa who was extremely pleased to finally hear from her. It had been weeks and she wondered how she was doing. “It has been tough,” Nine admitted. “Mainly because I do not know where to begin to find out what is wrong. Dr. Banning says I am okay, and that it is probably all in my mind, but in my heart, I still feel as if something is off.”

“Maybe you should go to another doctor.”

Nine thought about the secrets her family possessed. The reason they continued to use Dr. Banning was because she was loyal, professional and kept Prophet business private. She couldn’t say the same if she used another physician. “I just can’t. With the wine venture, it’s just the wrong time.”

Silence.

“Nine, I want to ask you something but I need pure honesty. Can I count on you for that?”

Nine readjusted in the bed, placing more pillows behind her head. She had a feeling that what she wanted to know would be difficult for her to answer. “Of course I will, Chipo.”

“Is it true? That you are from an incestuous background?”

“Yes,” Nine breathed, realizing the secret was out.

“Oh, my God. What has Kerrick done to his family?”

Silence.

“What about your husband? Is he of your bloodline?”

“Yes.”

Chipo exhaled. “America has ruined him.”

Nine was more concerned about how Chipo felt about her than anything else. This was the moment she feared and finally it arrived. Would Chipo, whom she had grown to love, care for her the same knowing the truth? “Do you think of me differently now?”

“Of course not, dear. I’m still fond of you. Sadly, you are only a product of your environment.” She paused. “But what I’m about to say is the heaviest advice I’ve ever given in my life. Are you prepared to hear it with an open mind?”

“Of course,” she replied.

“Stop this vile lifestyle now. While you still can. Life for you will only get harder if you continue in this manner. Do not condone brothers breeding with sisters. Or cousins breeding with cousins. End your marriage and start anew while you’re still young. Save your family and the generations to follow. It’s the only way to break the curse.”

“I cannot, Chipo. Unlike some, I do not believe that grandfather was wrong. I am smarter and stronger because of him and although my family members lose sight sometimes, I believe they are just as intelligent. Aunt Victory has four master’s. Uncle Blake graduated from Harvard with a Bachelor’s in Biology. Before the drugs got her, my Aunt Marina was a scientist involved in stem cell research and my husband knows several languages and is the smartest man I know,” she said truthfully. “Prophet blood is more powerful because we rarely mix. Besides, all of the books I have read from the Roman era state that they participated in this type of lifestyle and they were some of the best inventors of our kind.”

“But it’s wrong, Nine. It’s vile. Can’t you see that?”

Silence.

Chipo sighed, feeling as if her words were lost on Nine. “Okay let me tell you the toughest part since you have your mind made up. For this behavior, you will pay greatly. Your family. Your children. Everyone who takes your last name. How much karmic debt you will garner will be directly related to how long you continue to lead this lifestyle.” She paused. “I’m so sorry, my dear, but you have been warned.”

When she hung up, feeling worse than ever, the phone rang again. She started to ignore it but she was afraid it would be more bad news and she wouldn’t be able to stop it before it reached the winery. So she picked up the phone and was greeted by a woman’s voice she didn’t recognize. “Who is this?”

“You don’t know me but I know you,” the caller said.

“And what do you want?”

“Something has happened with one of the members of your family. If you handle things properly, the matter can go away with no questions asked. But if you don’t, you’ll have to prepare for the aftermath. I’ll be in contact later with the details.”

Nine slammed down the phone and placed her fingers on her forehead. Things were going from bad to worse, and she didn’t see an end in sight.