THE WRONG BROTHER

by Bonnie K. Winn

Placing his hand over her heart, Paul felt the steadying beat, the reassurance of life, and something inside crumbled. All the barriers and safeguards he'd erected dissolved. Katherine had crept into his heart as surely as she stood in his arms. He closed his eyes in relief that she was safe. At the same time he glimpsed a fraction of the pain he would feel when he walked out of her life. Nothing had prepared him to say so many goodbyes. And goodbye was all he had left.

  * * *

  Chapter 16

  «^»

  "I ran into that guy again," Jessica confided as she and Katherine watched their boys. At the end of the pier Elliott was patiently teaching Dustin and Brian how to fish. So far the boys liked the worms best.

  Katherine pulled her gaze from them, thinking about how the bond between Elliott and her son was strengthening. It was one of the best changes in her husband. "Who?"

  Jessica shot her a disbelieving look. "John Lewis. How many men do I run into?"

  "Oh. Oh!" Katherine's expression brightened, her full attention now on her friend. "And?"

  Jessica shrugged, the breeze ruffling her loose blond hair. "Unfortunately nothing worth mentioning. He asked me to have coffee with him."

  "And?" Katherine prompted, mentally crossing her fingers.

  "And we had coffee," Jessica replied dryly. "He didn't exactly sweep me off to Bora Bora."

  "Too bad," Katherine said with a smile, wishing again that the right man would walk into Jessica's life.

  "I know. He's really nice." Her voice softened. "We talked a lot, more than I've talked to Rod, actually. John wanted to know about my family, my friends, my interests." Jessica paused. "He has kind eyes and he really seemed interested in everything I said."

  "So what's next?"

  Jessica arched her brows. "That's about it, Counselor. Nothing really worth cross-examining."

  "Didn't he ask if he could see you again?" Katherine tried to keep her tone light, her fingers still invisibly crossed.

  Jessica frowned. "Not really. He mentioned running into each other again sometime, but I'm not counting on it."

  Katherine felt her friend's disappointment. "Well, this is a small town. It shouldn't be that hard to manage another casual meeting."

  "Next thing I know you'll have me camped out at the door of the coffee shop."

  "Not a bad idea." Katherine nudged Jessica's shoulder. "Don't be so pessimistic. He wouldn't have asked you to have coffee if he wasn't interested."

  "Maybe so. But he didn't seem to care about seeing me again."

  "Maybe he's shy," Katherine suggested.

  Jessica's brows drew together. "I don't think so. He didn't have any trouble talking. Before I knew it, I was spilling my guts about everything in my life."

  Katherine chuckled. "I hope you didn't tell him about the time we tried to bleach my hair and it turned green."

  "No, but I did find myself talking about you, though I left out all those embarrassing episodes—" Jessica grinned "—because I don't think he had all day to listen."

  "Oh, fine." Katherine grinned, too. "I'd hate to meet the man and know he'd learned my darkest secrets."

  "I got the feeling he wouldn't let on if he did know your innermost secrets," Jessica replied. "In fact, even though we talked for a long time, it was almost all about me."

  "Did you tell him about Rod?"

  "Not specifically. I told him I'm dating someone but that it isn't exclusive or serious."

  Katherine sighed. "Couldn't you have held back and let that be a little touch of mystery?"

  "Well, Rod has his moments. Like when he plays with Brian, sometimes even bringing him a toy, making him feel important."

  "I just want to be certain he makes you feel important."

  Jessica met her eyes. "I'm not like you, Katherine. I don't have a wonderful man I'm sure of like Elliott. True, Rod's not my ideal, but he's someone to go with to dinner or the movies."

  Katherine smiled. "I'm sure you know him better than I do. And you never know, maybe you'll have more than one man vying for your attention soon."

  "I'm not sure I'll ever see John again." Jessica firmed her expression, not completely disguising the longing. "Just because I'm interested in him doesn't mean he returns the feeling."

  "Then it would be his loss," Katherine replied loyally. "I don't know why, but I have a feeling you'll see John again." Her smile brightened. "A really strong feeling."

  * * *

  Paul reexamined the account books. He couldn't believe it. More money was missing. Cash. Hard to trace, nearly impossible to recover. And he'd been so sure about Katherine. Mentally he skipped through the recent memories they'd made together. She'd been loving, kind, generous – qualities that didn't add up to being a thief.

  And for the life of him, he couldn't understand what she wanted with the money. She lived a fairly frugal life-style. Her clothes were good quality, but not expensive designer items. Her cache of jewelry was small. She drove a three-year-old Pathfinder. Her needs seemed simple. Then why was she funneling money from the company?

  Paul wondered suddenly if there were debts she'd accumulated, ones she wouldn't want her husband to discover. He wasn't sure why he was grasping at that straw, but he needed some explanation, some reason Katherine would still be stealing.

  She could be guilty. She could have fooled you from the start. The thought crept into his mind, bedeviling him.

  Picking up the silver-framed pictures of Katherine and Dustin, he studied their matching sweet smiles. He felt as though he was losing his grip on what was real, what was true. Which person was she? The one who'd wrapped around his heart with her generosity and passion? Or the thief who'd masterminded a phenomenal sabotage?

  For the first time he realized his CIA training would do him no good in this situation. Nothing had ever prepared him to fall in love with his subject.

  * * *

  "You're sure about this?" John asked skeptically.

  Paul hardened his resolve. "We have to use every angle we can. I've obviously lost my objectivity. I need a clear head, an unbiased analysis."

  John frowned. "I thought you were certain about Katherine's innocence."

  Paul pushed one hand through his hair. "I am. I was. Hell, I'm not sure. That's why I need you."

  "And now you're ready to pull her friend Jessica into it, as well?" John asked with continuing skepticism.

  "I realize this goes against everything I've said so far, but I have to know the truth about Katherine." Paul turned, staring at the kids who walked into the ice-cream store across the street. "I'd hoped we would have the results of the investigation into her former business by now." He shrugged. "Without them…"

  "You need Jessica," John stated baldly, "and whatever she knows."

  "Exactly."

  "And you also want me to observe Katherine myself?" John asked with a raised brow. "That could be dicey."

  "It goes to my point about objectivity. I've lost mine. I need yours."

  "So we're going to socialize together? The four of us?"

  Paul couldn't dredge up even a portion of a smile. "It may be the most dangerous double date you've ever been on, my friend."

  John clapped a hand on Paul's shoulder. "And Katherine may be exactly what she seems. That would be worth proving, too."

  "Either way, this thing is going to explode in my face with nuclear potential," Paul replied glumly. "And I'm worried about who I'm going to take down with me."

  "The child?" John guessed.

  Paul lifted his bleak gaze, meeting John's eyes, revealing a portion of his pain. "And his mother."

  * * *

  Moss-bearded Palmetto trees poked their shaggy heads toward the darkening sky, while red and orange streaks bled into the blue-gray palette. Much like the sluggish pace of the low country, the sun sank lazily, silhouetting the fleet of docked fishing boats.

  Lights strung from the piers dotted the black waters of the sea. Music poured from the street dance along with the laughter of tourist
s and residents alike. Food, spirits, art and entertainment. It filled the streets, mingling with the dancers. Harbourfest brought out tourists wishing for a memorable sunset, along with residents eager to reap the rewards of their respective trades.

  "Anyone hungry?" Elliott asked, his arm looped over Katherine's shoulder.

  "I am," she answered, enjoying the scents and sounds of the festival. "I want something from the Gullah vendor."

  "Gullah?"

  "It's a low-country culture – heritage, actually."

  "Fine with me," Jessica said. John, who stood next to her, nodded, as well.

  They moved through the crowd to the food booths. A smiling black woman took their orders, then turned to fill the plates with the delicious-smelling food.

  As they waited, Katherine stroked a sweetgrass basket that was on display. "It's made by local weavers," she explained. "Also part of the Gullah culture."

  "I'd like to hear more about that," Elliott commented, but his gaze was on Jessica and John.

  Katherine lifted her brow in a conspiratorial gesture. "Sure."

  But just then the woman had their food ready. As she handed out the aromatic portions, she spoke to them in a language that, while somewhat familiar, still clearly puzzled Elliott and John.

  "It's a combination of Queen's English, American English and an African dialect," Jessica explained, smiling in return as she accepted her food.

  "The Carolinas have a complicated blend of traditions," Katherine added.

  "I can't quite decide if this is a Southern town or a seaside town," John admitted.

  "It's both," Jessica said. "Don't the Yankees consider Boston both coastal and Eastern?"

  "Touché," Katherine inserted, looking between her friend and John. She and Jessica had both been surprised and pleased when John had contacted Jessica, first setting up a date, then expressing a wish to become involved with her friends.

  Seeing their attention was on each other, Katherine whispered to Elliott as they found a table, "They seem to be a great match."

  He glanced up cautiously as he pulled out her chair. "Uh, yeah."

  "That wasn't very enthusiastic," she complained. "Don't you like him?"

  Elliott shrugged as he sat down, not looking at her. "Too soon to tell."

  "Well, I think Jessica likes him. I hope he makes her forget she ever met Rod."

  "Still on his case?"

  "No. But I like John better."

  "Your food's getting cold," Elliott said, picking up his cup of beer and downing a healthy portion.

  "Oh." Katherine took a bite, wondering why Elliott was acting so jumpy. He hadn't seemed this uncomfortable since he'd first returned. Once again he looked as though he'd put on someone else's skin. "Jessica was right."

  "About what?" Elliott lifted his fork.

  "John does seem more interested in us than we are in him."

  Elliott made a choking noise.

  "Did that go down the wrong way?" Katherine asked. "Hold up your left arm."

  "Why?" he asked, still choking.

  "I don't know, but it works."

  Obligingly he held up his arm, his gaze still on her while she pounded his back.

  "Isn't that better?" she asked.

  "I guess so," he admitted. "Maybe it's psychological."

  Katherine sent him a teasing half smile. "I don't think so. Otherwise you'd still be choking. It must open the airways."

  "Mmm."

  Seeing John and Jessica headed their way, Katherine waved. As she turned, she caught Elliott's stern expression. Reaching over, she tapped his knee. "Be nice."

  He gritted his teeth. "Whatever you say."

  She wondered what was wrong with him. While not as open as before, still he was always cordial. But now he was scarcely disguising his annoyance. "You don't have to become best friends with him. This is for Jessica. Just put on whatever face you want him to see."

  Elliott stiffened. "Is it that easy for you to do?" Katherine didn't reply, as her attention was diverted by the other couple's arrival at the table. Soon conversation and laughter swirled around them. Caught up in the fun, she didn't notice Elliott's brooding gaze, or that more than one set of eyes watched her every action.

  * * *

  Chapter 17

  «^»

  Seagulls dived at the departing fishing boats, shrieking in the early-morning sun. Old men sat on benches. Younger men fished off the sides of the pier, hoping for the catch of the day.

  John sighed audibly.

  "Has it been that rough a month?" Paul asked. "I didn't think dating Jessica would be such a chore."

  But John didn't even crack a smile. "To the contrary. I can see why you're in the position you are with Katherine." He paused. "But that's not why I called you."

  "News?" Paul asked with a mix of hope and dread.

  "Of all kinds. First, we have a new section chief, Allen Stanton."

  Paul blinked in surprise. "What happened to Rogers?"

  "Heart attack," John explained briefly. "Massive. He was dead before he knew what hit him."

  The two men shared a moment of silence. Rogers had been a good man, a fair competent boss.

  Paul cleared his throat. In their line of work they lost many co-workers, but lately there'd been too many goodbyes, both personal and professional. "Other news? Did you learn anything from Jessica?"

  "Only confirming what you know. They're loyal friends. Nothing out of the usual. When talking about you, Jessica seems convinced that your 'accident' did wonders for your relationship with Katherine. It seems they both feel you went away a boy and came back a man."

  Paul absorbed this, wishing his twin could have snagged a touch of that elusive immortality. Yet, what would he have done if Matthew had lived? Walked away from the woman they both loved? But fate had taken away that choice. "Anything else?"

  John frowned. "I was surprised to find that Jessica has a key to the catering-company building."

  "She does?"

  "It's on her key chain."

  Paul considered this. "Could anyone else get hold of the key?"

  "I doubt it. It's on the same holder as her house and car keys. That's why it was easy to ask about."

  Paul wanted to move on to the subject that concerned him the most. "What about your own observations of Katherine?"

  "I think your instincts are right on the mark." The breeze tossed his hair as John looked out at the ocean. "Unless she's an unusually accomplished actress. The fact that she's been able to convince you this long speaks for itself. And…" He hesitated.

  Paul turned to meet his friend's gaze. "And?"

  "We have the results of the other investigation. Her bankruptcy dealings were aboveboard. But her partner's moves were highly questionable. In fact, it looks as though she may have been the victim of her partner's greed. While she walked away with a modest sum—"

  "The seed money for the catering business?" Paul interrupted.

  John nodded. "Exactly. Her partner left the country with enough money to finance an exclusive resort property. Apparently he'd sold the business and collected the cash without Katherine's knowledge. It's likely he either torched the place or hired someone to do it for him. Then he collected on both his insurance policies. His primary policy was far larger than the one that matched Katherine's. Before anyone put together what he'd done, he disappeared."

  "And Katherine was cleared?" Paul asked quietly.

  "Yes. The mark her partner set up admitted that he didn't know Katherine was a co-owner. Her partner had claimed to be the sole owner when he sold the business."

  "The cornerstone of my suspicions has been torn down," Paul murmured. "What about the banks? Anything out of the ordinary?"

  John shook his head. "The safe-deposit box was all we found. It looks as though she's exactly what she appears to be."

  Paul couldn't yet claim relief. "Except for the money that's still disappearing from the company."

  "And you haven't proved that Katherine's
the guilty party," John pointed out. "There may be another explanation – the accountant, other employees…"

  Paul nodded. "True. I've thought of that often enough, but I was afraid I was letting emotion sway my logic."

  "Instead, you've gone overboard the other way? Concentrating on Katherine as the only suspect while ignoring the other possibilities?" John suggested.

  "Probably. I haven't probed too deeply into who else could be dipping into the company funds because I didn't want to be distracted from my main course of investigation." Paul sighed. "If I had gone with my feelings, I would already have been checking for someone else."

  "Then it could be one of the employees?"

  Paul nodded. "In fact, there are a couple who leap to mind without any effort."

  "But you couldn't let Katherine off the hook that easily?" John asked.

  "Something like that. I was determined to stick with procedure, despite my instincts."

  "Do you still think Katherine could be behind the sabotage?" John asked quietly.

  Paul again met his friend's gaze. "I may be the world's biggest fool, but my gut's been telling me for some time that she's innocent."

  "Then maybe you should listen to it. Your instincts have kept you alive this long."

  Nodding, Paul turned back toward the railing and gazed out over the lapping water. "You're probably right."

  "Do you want to get some breakfast?"

  "No. You go ahead. I have some thinking to do." John squeezed Paul's shoulder. "You didn't intend to fall for Katherine – don't beat yourself up about it. Matthew wouldn't. In fact, he's probably glad you're here to take care of her." With that, John walked away, the sound of his footsteps receding along the pier.

  Would Matthew have blamed him? He would never know, Paul realized. Again he felt the sharp pain of his missing other half, suspecting that loss would remain with him forever.

  It was time to tell her. Katherine had a right to know her husband was dead. Paul stared, unseeing, at the ocean. He could explain why he'd impersonated his twin, why it had been necessary to deceive her.

  It might be more difficult to explain how he'd gone from investigator to lover. Perhaps even more difficult to explain how he'd allowed his heart to touch hers. He could only hope she would forgive his deception and accept the love he was prepared to offer.