Scene I
SCENE I
OTHELLO
O thello arrived at the docks thirty minutes early, sat in his car, and waited for Gratiano and his guest to arrive. He had been ignoring Des's calls since he left Iago's house. Othello rubbed his chest, hoping the pain he'd been experiencing all day would disappear, but it only worsened.
He slumped in his seat and closed his eyes, suddenly feeling exhausted. His emotions had been in turmoil for the entire day–hell, for the past few months. He was just happy that he could close the door on who the rat in the family was.
Othello vowed to make the fucker suffer before he killed them. He was drifting off to sleep but snapped his eyes open when a light tap on his window woke him up, revealing Gratiano standing there. What made him frown was the person standing next to him.
Emilia, what is she doing here?
Othello noticed that she also had the twins with her, which bothered him. He rolled down his window. "You two get in," he said. They nodded, and Gratiano helped Emilia settle the twins before getting on the passenger side. Othello drove off. Neither one asked where he was going, but during the entire drive, Othello kept looking in the rearview mirror at Emilia, who seemed nervous.
Thirty minutes later, Othello pulled off the road and stopped in a wooded area covered by many trees. He hadn't been in this area before but had driven by it many times, knowing that no one would suspect them to be there.
"Alright, someone tell me what's going on?" Othello said them both. "How do you two know each other?"
"It's not what you're thinking," Gratiano said quickly.
"Why don't you tell me what I'm thinking?" Othello said, looking at Gratiano.
"Emilia isn’t the traitor, but she is connected to him. You both are," Gratiano said.
"What are you talking about?"
"You’re not the only one I know in the family, boss. Emilia and I have interacted on many occasions because of our jobs. Did you forget she does public relations for the police department? You asked me to investigate, and I did. I brought you the name of the traitor, along with the evidence, Othello."
Othello didn't respond. His brain felt muddled, and while it hadn't occurred to him earlier, it still didn't explain why Emilia was here. He also felt a sinking feeling in his gut that he wouldn't like what they told him.
"Othello," Emilia said in a shaky voice, trying to get his attention. "I'm leaving Verona Heights and taking the twins with me."
"What?" He turned in his seat and glared at her. "What nonsense are you talking about? What about Iago?"
"What about him? After all he's done to me and you, do you expect me to stay?" she argued.
Othello knew one day Iago would lose her with all the shit he'd been doing. "What do you mean what he's done to me?"
The car was silent for a few seconds before Emilia spoke. "I debated how to tell you this, gods. I can't believe this is happening."
"Just tell me," Othello told her.
"I can do better than that. I can show you," she said, pulling out her cellphone. "A few months ago, I stumbled on a conversation between Iago and Roderigo. I don't like him. There's something about how he fawns over Iago; I almost suspected they were sleeping together." She smiled wryly. "Anyway, I only heard the last part, and Roderigo said everything is set at the warehouse. I didn't know what that meant, but then you got shot, and at first, I didn't connect the dots. But after that, Roderigo kept visiting. Once, when Iago thought I was out, Roderigo came with another man I'd seen before."
"Who?" Othello asked, as the pain in his chest intensified, and his stomach felt as if it were going to burst as his anger started to rise.
"Cassio Ricci," she said, and Othello closed his eyes, holding back his anger.
"What were they talking about?" Othello asked, his chest tightening.
"You," Emilia answered, then handed him her cellphone.
Othello did not reach for it right away, but he knew he would regret it if he didn't. It was a video, and on the screen, Iago, Cassio, and Roderigo sat in the living room as if they had been friends for years. Othello didn't know how long he stared at the screen before he pressed play, and that was when he heard the conversation.
"Falcon has everything ready. His men will ambush Moor at the docks," Roderigo said excitedly.
"How did you get his schedule?" Ricci asked.
"I'm his consigliere. It's nothing for me to ask his assistant for those things," Iago responded.
"I thought they’ve been guarding his schedule since the shooting?" Roderigo asked.
"They are so fucking tight-lipped, I can't wait to get rid of them and him. Hell, I didn't even know he was fucking someone one until Cassio told me," Iago grumbled.
"Well, it won't be for long," Roderigo said giddily. "I can't wait to stomp on him for what he did to me."
"All you care about is your club," Iago said.
"It's more than that, and you know it," Roderigo huffed. "I couldn't move the gold bars and drugs before Moor took over the place. Building a secret compartment large enough to hold the goods in the storage room was a good idea, but I knew I couldn’t keep them there for long. Moor is so stupid. I bet he still doesn’t know it’s there."
"Make sure once you get your club back, I get my fucking cut," Cassio said.
"We won't cheat you. Just do your part and give us the resources we need," Roderigo said.
"You need to teach your boy some manners. I should go," Cassio said and stood. "I await your word on Moor's capture."
"Wait, how are you doing with the other thing?" Iago said.
"It will take some time, but I will have the good little doctor in my bed soon. Once you get Moor out of the way, I will swoop in and comfort him. Hell, I might not even wait until he's dead."
Othello stopped the video and looked out the window. He couldn't believe what he’d just watched. He didn't want to believe the man he had called brother for most of his life was working with the enemy.
"There's more," Emilia whispered. Othello or Gratiano did not interrupt. "Since then, I've secretly recorded each time Iago and Roderigo meet. It was all Iago. He planned the ambush with Roderigo and Ricci to kill you, but each time you survived, he grew angrier. I don't know what they did, but Iago and Cassio plotted to break you and Des up. I'm not sure what they did, but they want it to appear as if he cheated on you, like Phillip."
At Emilia's words, Othello's heart broke. Othello recalled all the instances in which Iago tried to get him to see that Des was a cheater. But it was all a ploy. Othello didn't want to believe it, but his brother lied to him and wanted him dead.
"Why?" he asked, feeling choked up, but he held it together. He couldn't show how angry he was.
"I don't know. Maybe he's jealous," Emilia answered with a shrug. "It's one reason Iago won't give anyone whenever he's asked. They know he wants you gone from his life. And not just you."
"What do you mean?" Othello asked, even though he might know the answer.
"Alessandro and Maria. Once you're dead, he plans to send his men to kill them," Gratiano answered for her. "I suggest you send some more people to protect them."
"They’ve got Carlo, Vito, Marco, and Nico with them. Trust me, no one is getting close to them," he growled through gritted teeth. Othello gripped the steering wheel so tightly, he thought he might tear it out of its socket.
"What are you going to do?" Gratiano said.
"I don't know," Othello answered honestly. He was so confused, angry, and heartbroken. Part of him wanted to confront Iago, while another knew he needed to work things out with Des.
Fuck, Des. I accused him of lying to me. Will he ever forgive me?
Othello took deep, calming breaths, but he couldn't explode, not yet. He didn't want to scare the twins. But he was ready to hurt someone for fucking with his life.
"Give me the rest of the evidence," he said to Emilia.
"It's all on the phone. You can keep it. After tonight, I want nothing more to do with Iago," she said.
"You understand what could happen if I decide to take revenge, right?" he asked, looking Emilia in her eyes.
"Othello, I knew the world I walked into when I agreed to be with Iago. I knew it was dangerous, and yes, it was exciting. I guess it's one of the reasons Des is attracted to you." She smiled. "But I'm tired of his cheating, I'm tired of feeling underappreciated, and I'm tired of his lies. The only good thing that came from Iago is my twins, but I can't be with him any longer. I'm not asking you to take revenge for me; it only looks that way. I've spent enough time crying and dealing with what will happen."
"Is that why you didn't want him in the delivery room with you?" Othello asked.
Emilia nodded. She dashed away the tears that slipped down her cheeks. "Do you know how jealous I am of Des? Just one night, I saw how much you love him, and it made me realize that Iago didn't understand my love for him."
Othello felt like an asshole because hours ago, he had accused Des of lying to him.
"Don't let Iago and Cassio's game work, Othello. Hold on to Des, and build the family you've always wanted."
Othello nodded, her words sinking in. He had to apologize to Des, but first, he needed to get his shit together.
"When are you leaving?" Othello asked Emilia.
"Tonight, I'm driving out of town," she answered. "I hope to be hours away before he realizes I'm gone. Iago thinks I'm out with a friend." Emilia chuckled, but her eyes didn't sparkle. "But I doubt he even knows which friend since he's never taken an interest beyond his own needs."
"Where are you going to go?" he asked her.
"I'd rather not tell you," Emilia said. But I’ll send you updates on the twins. I don’t want them to forget their uncle." She handed him a piece of paper. "This is my new number. No one else has it."
"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 know why 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. "I fucked 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."
"It was a gift from Iago," Othello said and continued walking. Othello didn't have a plan for handling Iago, but he was certain he would make him pay.
"Des, tell me what's wrong," Bianca asked softly, brushing his hair from his face.
Des was sitting on the sofa with a blanket draped over his shoulder and his phone, his hand redialing Othello's number every five minutes and sending a text in between. All went unanswered. Sometime during the day, his mother had returned home and hadn't left his side, only to answer the door when Bianca showed up.
It was as if she knew he needed her. Des looked away from his cellphone when there was a knock at his front door. Ava got up from his side and went to answer it. Des's heart thundered in his chest, hoping that it would be Othello coming back.
"Desmond, you have a guest," his mother said, returning with Gratiano behind him.
"Gray, what are you doing here?" Des asked, his voice hoarse from crying.
Gray didn't answer but looked at his mother and Bianca. "Ladies, could you give us the apartment? I need to talk to Des about something."
When Gray said that, Des knew something had happened that involved his lover, and Gray had to arrest him. It was the only way he could explain why Othello hadn't come to see him after talking with Iago.
"Why do we have to leave?" Bianca argued, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Do you know why he's in this state?" his mother asked worryingly.
"I think I might know, but what I have to say is for Des's ears only," Gratiano responded.
"Very well," Ava said. "If it will pull him out of this funk, we will enjoy a cup of something warm at the nearby cafe. I realize I know nothing of my son's friends."
"I don't..."
"Bianca, please, not right now," Gratiano said tiredly, cutting her off before she could go on a rant.
"Fine," she huffed and left with his mother.
"Did you arrest him?" Des growled.
"No," Gratiano said and sat beside him. "But you won't be seeing him for a while."
"How do you know that?" Des asked.
"Because I was with him a couple of hours ago."
"Why were you with him? Did something happen?" Des gasped in horror. "Don't tell me he killed Iago for lying about the kiss."
"What are you talking about?" Gratiano asked.
Des sighed and wrapped himself in his blanket, looking at his phone screen. "Cassio kissed me, and Iago caught it on video,” Des explained everything that went down, not leaving out the argument between him and Othello.
"I love him so much. Why didn't he believe me?" Des cried, dropping his head on Gray's shoulder.
"It's complicated, Des," Gray said, getting Des's attention, and he lifted his head to look at his friend.
"How do you know that?"
Gray stood and took off his overcoat, then walked to the kitchen. He opened the freezer, rooted around the back, pulled out a bottle of vodka, and grabbed two glasses off the open shelf. Gray returned to the living room and put the items on the coffee table before sitting back down.
"What I'm about to tell you must stay between us," Gray said, pouring them both a shot and handing it to him.
"Does it require getting me drunk?" Des asked, taking the glass. "You know what happens when I get drunk off my ass?"
"I'm hoping for it." Gray smiled, clinking their glasses. "Here's to living your truth," he said, taking his drink in one go.
Des followed right behind him, then put his glass down for more. "Did you know Othello attended the same college we did? He was years ahead of us, mind you."
Des didn't know that. They'd talked about many things, like his growing up and being adopted by the Romanos, not remembering his birth parents. What he wanted in the future, but funny enough, education was one topic they’d never broached.
"He's the reason I chose that school. He even paid my tuition with the stipulation that I work for him in the end."
Des gasped at the horror that Othello could do that.
"Don't," Gray said. "Get that look off your face. I wanted to work for him. In fact, I begged him. But he told me I had to get an education first." Gray smiled as if recalling a moment in time. "I wanted to be useful to him, so I chose criminal justice. I figured if he had a guy on the inside, I'd be able to watch his back."
"You—you work for Othello?" Des asked, feeling the need for another drink. He hadn't expected that the man he’d known as his best friend for so many years was a double agent.
"Yes, but it was a secret between him and me. Now you, and until things are settled, it has to stay that way."
"So the night I introduced you to each other...he lied to me," Des shouted, getting off the couch. "You lied to me!"
"Yes," Gray answered. "But we had no other choice."
"Why tell me now, then?" Des asked.
"Because things have changed for him and me," Gray responded.
"Wait, are you in love with Othello?" he asked in shock, pouring another drink.
"For fuck's sake," Gray grumbled. "Maybe you shouldn't drink anymore. I'm not in love with him. I admire Othello, and it's one reason I wanted to work for him."
Des smiled after downing his shot. "He has that effect on people."
"You know, I thought you'd be angry to find out I work for your lover," Gray said.
"Can I still call him my lover?"
"Of course you can, but you won't be seeing him for a while," Gray said.
"I don't know why I'm not mad, okay?" Des huffed and flopped back on the sofa. "Maybe it's because you plied me with alcohol before telling me everything. Hell, I’m not even mad at Othello for all the mean things he said to me today. I get how that kiss looked. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t have trusted my words either. He’s been burned by love before, making it hard for him to trust again."
"He loves you, you know," Gray said.
"I love him too." Des stood. "I need to see him."
"You can't." Gray grabbed his arm and pulled him roughly back to the sofa.
"Why?" he growled angrily.
"Fuck, didn't you hear me? I said you can't see him yet. Things are hectic in his world right now, and as much as you and I want to be by his side, we can't."
Des stared at Gray, and for the first time, he saw worry etched in his friend's eyes. "What's going on, Gray? What's happening to Othello?"
"I wish I could tell you, Des, but it might put you in more danger. Othello is about to enter a dark place neither you nor I can reach. All we can do is stay out of it."
"I can't," Des said, standing again and heading to the door, but Gray got to him before he got far.
"Don't be stupid," he shouted at him. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"
"Othello won't hurt me," Des argued.
"But they will use you to hurt him!" Gray yelled, releasing Des. "Fuck, fuck!" he cursed, dragging his fingers in his hair as he paced the length of the couch.
Des had never seen Gray so angry in all the years they had been friends.
"I told him to send you out of town before shit hit the fan, but he wouldn't listen. You two were so caught up in each other you didn't even know people were plotting against you both. And he thinks he's fucking invincible, but he's not!"
"How bad is it?" Des asked, his voice cracking in fear.
Gray stopped his pacing and looked at him. "Do you want truth or lies?"
Des swallowed. "Truth."
"They are plotting to kill him. Fuck, they've been trying to kill him for close to a year now. But this time, I think they might succeed. And the worst part is he knows he’s walking into an ambush."
Des gasped and clutched his chest. He had been hurting all day, but it grew increasingly worse the second he heard Othello might die.
"I can't lose him, Gray," Des said, his voice shaking as he spoke.
"I know," he said, pulling Des into his arms and kissing him on the top of his head. "He'll figure something out. I know him."
"Are you sure?" Des buried his face in Gray's chest, allowing his tears to fall. The answer he was expecting didn't come. All he got was Gray's arms tightening around him.