Chapter 45

forty-five

ALEX

I sat on the kitchen stool, staring through the window.

“Here. Drink this. You look as though you need it.” Eric handed me a cup of coffee and sat beside me. “Is everything all right?”

I shook my head, still in shock. Ryan had told me much more than the results of the DNA test. “I have a brother.”

“A half brother or a brother who has the same parents as you?”

“A full brother.”

Eric’s eyes widened. “How did that happen?”

“I don’t know. Mom never mentioned having other children. And Dad…” My voice trailed off as I thought about the man who was worse than a stranger to me. “He never talked about having another son.”

Eric leaned against the kitchen counter. “Did you find any photos or documents after your mom died that didn’t make sense?”

“Nothing.”

“Do you know your brother’s name or anything about him? ”

“His name’s Paul Stevens. He’s thirty-four and lives in Milwaukee with his five-year-old niece.”

Eric frowned. “What does he know about you?”

“About the same as I’ve been told about him.” I took a deep breath, still not believing I had a brother. “I used to dream about having a brother or sister, and now that I do, I…” I swallowed the knot in my throat. “I feel so guilty. He didn’t ask to be part of what’s happening.”

“Where is he now?”

“I don’t know. The FBI has taken him to a safe house. He must be terrified.”

Eric sighed. “At least he’s safe.”

I wiped my hands on my jeans. “I’ll be back soon. I have to talk to Dylan.” And with more purpose than I’d felt in a long time, I walked out of the kitchen. There was only one thing on my mind.

This had to end.