John glanced at him uneasily. "Elliott, I don't like the look on your face. What are you thinking?"
Paul's eyes were hard with determination. "I may not be able to turn back time, but I can lure out a killer, put a stop to any more killing."
The furrow in John's forehead deepened. "Lure?"
"I'll be the bait. And we won't sacrifice the innocent again." Paul's unseeing gaze flicked out toward the ocean, then back at his briefcase. "I'll contact Stanton. This time there can't be any screwups."
* * *
Katherine lifted her head, listening. She thought she heard a car approaching the cabin. But ever since Paul had shown up, she'd imagined that sound a thousand times. She didn't want to believe it was wishful thinking. Surely she had more conscience than that.
Yet her bed now seemed incredibly lonely. Her arms had reached out a dozen times in the night, only to end up empty. The emptiness haunted her. Coupled with her guilt and sense of betrayal, she'd been able to think of little else.
A car door slammed.
For a few moments she was paralyzed. She crept toward the window and pulled aside the curtain. It was him.
Glancing at the door, she realized it was unlocked. She flew toward it.
But it was pushed open before she could reach it. And Paul filled the doorway.
"I thought you might be planning to lock it," he greeted her without a trace of apology.
How could she have ever thought he was Matthew? Her husband would never have made such an assertive move. Unable to reply, she stared at him.
"I have something for you," he said into the silence. Striding to the dining table, Paul dropped his briefcase on the wooden surface, then snapped it open.
Katherine found her voice. "I don't want anything from you."
"You don't want excuses or explanations. This is neither." Pulling out a stack of papers, he crossed the room and placed the documents in her limp hands.
She tried to scan the documents, but her frazzled mind couldn't take in their meaning. "What are these?"
"My trust fund," Paul replied briefly. "The one I shared with Matthew." He paused, watching her. "It's yours now."
Shaking her head, Katherine glanced from Paul to the papers she held. "I don't understand."
"You think I only care about the money. I tried to think of a hundred explanations to convince you otherwise. Then I realized there weren't any words you'd believe." Again he paused. "Your catering company isn't worth a fraction of my trust fund. I've signed it over to you."
She looked at him in stunned disbelief. "But why would you do that?"
"To convince you."
Again she voiced her skepticism. "Of what?"
"That my intentions were never to hurt you." One hand plowed through his hair, a gesture she now recognized as a sign of his agitation. "I admit I deceived you, but I had to know the truth. Matthew deserved no less."
His lies continued to claw at her. "This is a grand gesture—"
"It's no gesture," Paul replied. "That's an irrevocable trust." He paused, his eyes seeking hers. "I don't know how else to say I'm sorry."
Tears were choking her as her heart contracted. "This is too huge to be bridged with an apology. Your deception, your betrayal…" Katherine's words trailed off as the tears swelled.
Paul wanted to take her in his arms, to comfort her and reassure her. But she stood stiffly, like a fragile piece of porcelain, ready to crack at the slightest touch. Instead, he watched her, agonizing over the struggle he saw on her face.
"You didn't even allow me to grieve for my husband," she finally choked out between sobs.
"We both lost Matthew," Paul countered in equal pain. "And we both loved him. I've shared a bond with my twin since birth. Part of me died with him, a part I'll never retrieve or replace."
Unexpectedly she held out her hand as though to comfort him. Startled by her own reaction, she raised her eyes to meet his, her hand lingering uncertainly in the air between them. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Guilt," he replied in a husky voice steeped with emotion. "And torn loyalties. When I first considered opening up to you, I was held back by my loyalty to Matthew."
Searching his face, Katherine looked for the truth, wondering if she could recognize it. "And then?"
Paul's jaw tightened and she watched the shifting emotions in his eyes. "Then I realized I loved you. And that stopped me. I was afraid if I told you the truth, you might never forgive me, and I couldn't bear to take that chance … to risk losing you."
Despite everything, it was what she wanted to hear. But how could she believe him? Everything they'd shared had been based on a deception. Could love rooted in a lie possibly be real? "I … think you were right. It's too late."
For the first time since he'd entered the cabin, Paul showed a trace of hesitation. "Is Dustin here?"
"He's with Brian. Jessica took them on a picnic."
"Could I see him?"
"I don't think that's wise. It's going to be difficult enough to explain two Elliotts and what happened to the one he really knew. I think you've done enough damage."
His eyes darkened. "Is that all, then?"
Pain and love tore at Katherine, shredding her emotions into minuscule ribbons. "You know how I feel." She paused. "I don't think there's anything else to say."
"Say you'll help me."
For a moment she thought her fog of pain and shock had confused her. A plea for help, rather than forgiveness? "Help you?"
"Will you help me find Matthew's killer?"
She shook her head in confusion. "His killer?"
Paul's face hardened, matching the bleakness in his eyes. "I was the target. Matthew died in my place."
Katherine thought she'd felt all the pain she was able to withstand. Yet a new wave rolled past her defenses. "I don't understand."
"I was working on a very high-profile case. I got too close. They wanted to eliminate me, so they sabotaged the plane I was supposed to be on. Only I wasn't on that plane. Matthew was."
Katherine clapped a hand to her mouth, biting back a sob. Could there be a greater guilt than knowing his brother had been killed in his place?
As quickly, she was struck by the knowledge that his pain now concerned her more than her own. How could she think about comforting him after what he'd done? Deliberately she pulled back, reining in the unacceptable emotions. "I don't know how I can help."
"I plan to set a trap." Paul's voice remained deceptively calm. "I'll be the bait."
Despite herself, another gasp escaped. "But you could be killed!"
"It's a chance I have to take." Eyes, so grim they chilled even the warm day, met hers. "Matthew deserves no less."
* * *
Katherine chose the location with care. It was the spot she and Matthew had taken Dustin to when the trio had gone on picnics. So many memories had been forged here. Closing her eyes, she hoped the remembrance of those good times would keep them strong in the face of this nightmare.
Withdrawing a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich from the hamper, Katherine offered it to Dustin.
He accepted the sandwich, immediately tasting his favorite gooey lunch. "How come Brian couldn't come to our picnic?" be asked around a sizable bite of the sandwich.
Katherine leaned forward to wipe jelly from the side of his mouth. "I told you, sticky monster. Brian's spending the day at his grandmother's."
"Oh." Content with the answer, Dustin continued chewing.
"But I did want to talk to you, sweetie."
Unperturbed, Dustin continued eating. At his age, those particular words didn't have the ominous ring they held for adults.
"You know how happy we were when Elliott came home?"
"Uh-huh."
"Well, Elliott didn't actually come home. Instead, his twin brother has been … staying … with us since the crash."
Dustin's brows drew together. "Then where's Elly-ut?"
Katherine's hands shook and she knew her voice tr
embled, too. "He's in heaven, sweetie."
"With Uncle Michael?" Dustin questioned.
Katherine blinked back a sudden start of tears. "Yes, with Brian's dad."
"They're together?"
"You could say that."
"That's okay then," Dustin declared in a remarkably philosophical way. "'Cause Brian says his daddy's happy all the time in heaven."
"You know Elliott's still grinning," she agreed, knowing she would always remember him that way.
"Did he send the other Elly-ut?"
Katherine struggled with the truth. "Not exactly. But someone bad may have caused Elliott's plane to crash, and that's why his brother came here."
"He's brave," Dustin announced. "He'll fix 'em."
Katherine smoothed the hair back from Dustin's forehead. "Do you have any questions, sweetie?"
"I like both Elly-uts."
"They're not exactly both Elliott—"
"Uh-huh. They're both Elly-ut. He said so."
"I think you'd better call him Paul."
"Okay. Is Elly-ut coming back from heaven?"
Katherine's heart contracted. "No, sweetie. He isn't. But he'll always be in our hearts."
"Is Paul going to heaven?"
Another wave hit her. A bruising onslaught of pain. "Not yet, sweetie."
"I like the new Elly-ut."
"Paul," she corrected, feeling immediately guilty for silently agreeing with her child.
"And you're sure he's not going to heaven?" Dustin persisted.
"Not if he stays safe," she assured him warily, since she knew about Paul's dangerous occupation.
"Are we helping him stay safe?"
The pain refused to relent. "Would you like that?"
Dustin's head bobbed earnestly in assent. "Okay, then. I guess we'd better help." Dustin relinquished the remainder of his sandwich to fling sticky hands around her in a hug. "Promise?"
She hesitated.
"Promise?" Dustin insisted.
"All right." Desperately Katherine returned his hug, vowing to keep her son safe. And hoping she could keep her promise.
* * *
Chapter 19
«^»
The editors of the local newspaper preened as their story was picked up by national wire services. While Combined Catering had a share of local notoriety, it wasn't anything compared to the interest after the splash in the newspapers.
The article announced Matthew's death and the fact that in cooperation with the local police his twin brother had "taken his place." The article went on to say that the deception had been engineered for the purpose of discovering whether there had been any sabotage connected with the crash. It concluded that the crash had, in fact, been nothing more than an unfortunate accident, and that Paul would remain in their small town to continue operating the catering company. The newspaper had readily accepted Paul's version of the facts, not realizing they were announcing his trap to the Falgetti family. And with the CIA's assistance, the article went global.
Although the employees at Combined Catering were initially stunned, they seemed to believe Paul's explanation – that he and Katherine had been working together with the authorities to learn what had happened to Matthew's plane in the event that it had involved foul play. They glossed over the fact that Paul still remained in Katherine's life, making it seem like familial duty. He'd become a crucial player in the business so it was believable. But to not arouse further suspicion, it was critical that Paul and Katherine appeared to be on good terms.
No mention was made of Paul's status as a CIA agent. That wasn't something they wanted to become public knowledge. The agency was confident that the Falgettis would quickly hear Paul was alive, and so had installed a small army of agents for protection. Although returning Paul to his home base was discussed, the director felt the trap was more effective set on the deceptively innocent Carolina shore. He thought the Falgettis would assume Paul was more vulnerable in a family situation, his attention diverted by concern for Katherine and Dustin. Also, the Falgettis would be pushed to learn for certain which brother had been killed in the crash.
To Katherine's consternation, she soon learned that everything in her life was under scrutiny. Every moment, every action was watched, considered and analyzed. Although Paul was accustomed to the pressure, Katherine found it unnerving. To make the planted story appear believable, she and Paul had to behave amicably. That meant performing day and night for employees, clients and acquaintances, since they believed Paul and Katherine had been working together all along. If they acted like antagonists, the cover would be blown.
Katherine had agreed to be part of the ruse with great reluctance. She shared Paul's wish to bring in the killer and avenge Matthew's death. But faced with the reality, she wasn't certain she actually wanted to lure a murderer to their home or business. What if one of them was hurt, even killed?
She wanted to believe her only concern was for Dustin, but Katherine knew she was equally worried about Paul. If the murderer found him, Paul could be killed.
He had assured her they were in no danger. He told her confidently, without resorting to bravado, that he had been trained for this and more. Additionally agents discreetly covered the house, prepared with an arsenal of defense.
But no one was protecting her heart.
Prepared to despise the man who had deceived her, instead, Katherine found herself longing for what they'd shared. Railing at herself, she blasted each emotion, wondering how she had come to this amoral state – a woman wanting the man who had tricked her and stolen the life she'd known.
Yet each night when Paul entered the study to sleep alone, Katherine's empty bed mocked her. Yearning, sharp and sweet, filled her, making her want to shed her shell of anger. But anger was the only thing she had left. Without it she suspected she would crumble. She could just picture herself choking on the dust of her capitulation.
So her bed remained empty. Tauntingly, mockingly empty.
What had she done to deserve this fate? To have loved twice, only to have both snatched away? She knew she could never forget the mammoth deception Paul had perpetrated. How could she forget his actions? How could she reconcile her traitorous heart?
Nearing Jessica's house, Katherine followed the path that had always provided solace before. Deciding the back door was friendlier, she altered her steps. The French doors were propped open, allowing the afternoon breeze to enter.
Accustomed to entering unannounced, she didn't pause. But once inside, she halted. Crying. It was coming from the corner of the room. Her eyes adjusted to the interior light and she spotted Jessica, curled up in a wing chair.
"Jess, what is it?" She rushed to her friend's side. "Is it Brian?"
Jessica shook her head. "Just stupid me," she managed in a choked voice.
Katherine stroked the hair back from her face. "Why would you say that?"
Jessica took a deep breath, her voice quivering. "Because I thought John really liked me."
It took Katherine a moment, but then it registered. Caught up in her own pain, she hadn't considered how Jessica would react to learning that John Lewis was also with the CIA, involved in the investigation. "I'm sorry, Jess."
"Why did it have to be him? Why couldn't he have just been a lawyer or a plumber or…" Jessica's voice trailed off, the tears taking over.
"Did he tell you everything?" Katherine asked.
Jessica nodded. "Yes, after telling me he was sure I could be trusted. He said it was only right that I should know."
Inwardly Katherine flinched, wishing John had handled this better. "As strange as this sounds, I think he was trying to be nice, to do the right thing."
"I'd rather he'd done the wrong thing!" Jessica swiped at her tears. "Then I wouldn't know that he was never interested in me, that I was probably just a big joke to him."
"I'm sure that's not true," Katherine responded, angry once again with Paul. This deception was hurting everyone.
"He was quick enough to
say goodbye," Jessica replied dully. "I think that says it all."
Katherine wondered if it did. John had seemed genuinely interested in Jessica. But then, she had believed the wrong brother was her husband. Who was she to judge? She certainly didn't want to voice any false hope. Jessica had suffered enough without adding that to her pain. "Oh, Jess."
"I was right all along," Jessica sniffed. "I should have stuck with Rod."
Helplessly Katherine stared at her.
"At least Rod didn't pretend to be interested just to get something from me. I'll be lucky if he takes me back."
Katherine hugged her friend, stifling her own response. Paul's motives may have been pure, but his deceit was causing them all pain.
* * *
Agents were camped outside the house. The vehicle they occupied was switched regularly so it couldn't be easily marked as a stakeout van by seasoned criminals. So far the agents had taken the disguise of gas, electric, water, phone and cable-TV repairmen, as well as road maintenance. As a precaution they'd also wired Dustin's room. If anyone tried to get to the vulnerable child, the agents would know instantly. Their presence was both a comfort and an intrusion.
Katherine paced in front of the living-room windows, her gaze repeatedly drawn to the van. Today they had the telephone-company logo on it. She realized that all the prank calls she'd received after the crash had no doubt been from the agency, hanging up when they reached her, rather than Paul.
She doubted it really mattered what disguise they used. Would a professional hit man be deterred? she wondered. Or would he sweep past the agents as though they were annoying insects? Katherine wasn't certain if her fear was fueling her tension or vice versa. She only knew that her nerves were tightly strung, ready to give way at the slightest provocation.
"Still watching the watchers?" Paul asked quietly from the doorway.
She didn't turn around. "I think I'd go crazy stuck in a van for hours on end."
"It's not the best part of the job," Paul acknowledged.
"Eavesdropping, spying… It makes me cringe."
"Think where we'd be if no one was willing to do the job," Paul countered. "Would you prefer a society ruled by thugs?"
THE WRONG BROTHER Page 15