k, It's called a "challenge". It's the thrill, the rush of doing something and maybe not getting caught. He needs the rush of the challenge to keep himself going. As for the ow, she most likely knows what he's up to and that's why he may be moving in w/her so that she can keep a closer eye on him.
Don't even try to figure him out right now, because he's one mixed up individual. It may take him being out on the street to get himself together. One would hope that this will not come to pass, but who knows.
Keep the focus on you and your children. Allow the ow to have him in the shape he's in.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
