Chapter 6 - THE BROTHER WHO WASN’TI pulled the car to the side of the road.
For several seconds, nobody breathed.
Then I said:
“Say that again.”
Mom was crying.
“Josh isn't your brother.”
Bella covered her mouth.
I stared at the windshield.
Everything in my life suddenly felt unstable.
“What does that mean?”
“Your father believed Josh was his son.”
“And he wasn't?”
“No.”
“Then whose son is he?”
Mom didn't answer.
“Mom.”
She whispered a name.
I didn't recognize it.
“Who?”
“David Mercer.”
Silence.
“Who is David Mercer?”
“Your father's business partner.”
The name hit me strangely.
Bennett Marine.
My father's company.
Martin had mentioned the company.
Hadn't he?
“Was David the man who owned the marina?”
“Yes.”
“What happened to him?”
“He died.”
“When?”
“Six years ago.”
My hands tightened around the wheel.
“So Dad raised another man's son.”
“Yes.”
“And Josh knew?”
“I don't think so.”
“Then who knew?”
Mom hesitated.
“David.”
“Dad?”
“Yes.”
That made no sense.
“Why would Dad raise him?”
“Because your father loved me.”
I closed my eyes.
“That's not an explanation.”
“He thought Josh was mine.”
“And David's.”
“Yes.”
“Did he know the truth?”
Mom whispered:
“Not until later.”
I looked at Bella.
She was staring at me like she didn't recognize me anymore.
“Why didn't Dad tell me?”
“Because he was afraid.”
“Of what?”
“Of losing you.”
I laughed bitterly.
“He could have told me after he died.”
“He planned to.”
“What happened?”
“He became sick.”
“And then?”
“He changed the trust.”
I stared ahead.
“Why?”
“He wanted you protected from all of this.”
“All of what?”
Mom said nothing.
Then the call ended.
I immediately called Martin.
He answered on the first ring.
“Did you know Josh isn't Dad's son?”
Silence.
Then:
“Yes.”
My jaw tightened.
“You knew?”
“Your father told me.”
“Why did you never tell me?”
“Because he made me promise.”
“Why?”
“Because he knew the truth would destroy your family.”
“It's already destroyed.”
Martin exhaled.
“There is more.”
“Of course there is.”
“David Mercer didn't just leave behind a son.”
“What?”
“He left behind debts.”
I frowned.
“Josh inherited them?”
“No.”
“Then who?”
Martin answered:
“Your father.”
I stared at the dashboard.
“Dad assumed David's obligations.”
“Why?”
“Because David threatened to expose Josh's parentage.”
“So Dad paid him?”
“Yes.”
“How much?”
“Millions.”
“And that's why the trust exists?”
“Partly.”
“What else?”
Martin went silent.
“Martin.”
“You need to come to my office.”
“Why?”
“Because I have the original documents.”
“What documents?”
“Your father's final letter.”
My heartbeat increased.
“What does it say?”
“I haven't opened it.”
“Why not?”
“Because it was addressed to you.”
“When can I see it?”
“Tonight.”
I looked at Bella.
She nodded.
We drove.
But we never made it to Martin's office.
Halfway there, a truck cut across the road.
I slammed the brakes.
The car spun.
Bella screamed.
Something hit the rear window.
Glass exploded.
I ducked.
A second vehicle appeared behind us.
Black SUV.
The same one from the hotel.
I floored the accelerator.
Bella shouted:
“Who are they?”
I looked in the mirror.
The SUV was gaining on us.
Then my phone rang.
Unknown.
I answered on speaker.
A calm male voice said:
“You're asking the wrong questions, Luke.”
I said nothing.
“You think your brother wants your money.”
“He does.”
“No.”
The man laughed softly.
“Josh wants something much more dangerous.”
“What?”
“Your father's company.”
I tightened my grip.
“Bennett Marine?”
“No.”
The voice paused.
“The company your father never sold.”
I froze.
“Then what company did he sell?”
The man answered:
“None.”
May you like
He hung up.
And behind us, the SUV accelerated.
