N. Walters - Erin's Fancy

“Sorry about his bad manners,” Katie said before making the necessary introductions. “As you probably already gathered, this is Gabriel.” Erin inched out from behind Abel and held her hand out to the large, but seemingly friendly dog.

“What the hell is going on out here?” Erin’s head jerked up at the sound of the voice. For a moment, she’d thought that Abel had spoken. It took her a few seconds to realize that Abel’s gaze was fixed on a dark figure standing imposingly at the end of the hallway. The dog gave a happy woof and padded towards this new voice.

“Cain, there’s someone you need to meet.” Katie held out her hand and the man walked towards it, never taking his eyes off Abel. When he reached Katie, he pushed her behind him and fisted his large hands on his hips.

“Who the hell are you?” At the stranger’s surly tone, Erin found herself once again gazing into Abel’s back, and she was forced to stand on her toes and peek over his shoulder.

The resemblance between the two men was amazing. The only difference was that Abel’s twin wore his dark hair long and had a patch on his eye that had scars radiating out from it. They were the same height and build, and their voices were uncannily alike.

“I’m Abel Benjamin Garrett.” Abel’s reply was calm and steady. “And I’m your brother.”

“I don’t have a brother,” came the quick reply.

“Obviously you do,” Abel replied, his tone now as cold as Cain’s. The similarity in their tones of voice made Erin shiver. She could barely take her eyes off of Cain. It was like looking at a slightly distorted view of Abel. Katie seemed to be as fascinated by the two men as she did, and watched them just as intently.

“It’s a long story, but suffice to say, we were definitely born to the same parents.” Abel waited for a moment, but Cain stood like a statue in the hallway with his arms crossed, all but ignoring him.

Erin could feel the frustration and anger radiating from Abel, but he continued to speak evenly. “I have documented proof if and when you’re ever interested.” Reaching into his pocket, Abel drew out a white business card and held it out to Cain. When Cain made no move to accept it, he placed it carefully on a small hall table. Abel clenched his hand into a tight fist as he withdrew it.

“I’m not looking for anything from you, except maybe some answers. Just think about it.” Abel frustration was obvious as waited, and waited. The silence was almost deafening. “But since we’re obviously not welcome, we’ll leave.”

Abel grabbed her by the arm and began to tug her towards the door. Erin glanced over her shoulder, pleading silently with the other woman.

Katie hesitated for a moment, looking from Cain to Abel and back again. “Wait!” she cried out.

Erin planted her feet and refused to move. Short of dragging her all the way to the elevator or picking her up and carrying her, either of which was a distinct possibility, Abel was forced to stop. She heaved a sigh of relief when he came to a halt a few steps from the door.

Abel kept his back to them all, refusing to give an inch. She knew he felt that since he’d made the first move and been rebuffed, it was up to Cain to make the next move. Male pride could be such a pain in the ass at times like this.

Erin was trying to think of what to say to break the tension when Katie did it for her. It was all Erin could do not to laugh when the smaller woman turned on Cain and poked him in the chest.

“What’s wrong with you? I know you’ve only got one eye, but it’s obvious that this man is your brother.”

Cain heaved a sigh. “Katie…” he began, but she cut him off.

Katie ignored him and turned back to Abel. “Please don’t leave.” Her voice was soft and pleading. “I, at least, want to talk to you.”

Erin could see Abel’s resolve softening at Katie’s request. It faltered completely when she placed her hand on his arm and surprised him even further. “I’m your sister-in-law.”

Erin held her breath and waited to see what Abel would do.

Abel looked down at the small hand resting on his arm. Her strength was nothing compared to his, but she held him prisoner with a simple touch. It was almost too much for him to take in. He had a brother and a sister-in-law. Blindly, he sought Erin, needing her advice. When she looked at him and gave him a slight nod, he knew he had to see this through to the end or he’d regret it for the rest of his life.

Reaching out, he tugged Erin under his arm and felt better immediately with her by his side. “Erin and I are getting married in a couple of weeks, so I guess you’ll be sisters-in-law.”

Katie grinned with delight. “How wonderful! We’ve only been married a few months ourselves.”

“I don’t mean to break up the family reunion.” Cain’s laconic voice made them all turn towards him. “But what proof do you have that we’re related?” He crossed his arms across his chest and pinned them with his laser glare. “I find it interesting that you waited so long to find me. Perhaps it had something to do with my recent wedding announcement and the fact that they listed some of my various business assets in the article.”

His brother wasn’t giving an inch, and oddly enough, that reassured Abel. He’d have done the exact same thing in his brother’s position. It gave him a respect for the man who was his brother. It was time for an explanation.

“My parents were killed when I was eighteen, but it was only a week ago that I started going through their papers. Imagine my surprise when I found out that I was adopted and that my parents had purchased me from a couple who’d had twin boys. You’re older by the way. They sold their second born.” He laid it all on the line and held nothing back. He heard Katie gasp, but he was more interested in Cain’s reaction. “As for your money, I have more than enough of my own.”

“Abel’s a very successful writer,” Erin put in hastily. Abel glared at her, but she just glared back at him, totally unrepentant.

“Were your parents good to you?” Cain stood stiffly, his head cocked expectantly to one side.

Cain’s question took him by surprise. It was not the response he was expecting. “Yes, they were.” Abel wondered where his brother was going with this.

“Then you were the lucky one.” Cain shook his head and sighed deeply. “Nothing those people did would surprise me.”

Abel swallowed back the emotion that rose within him. It had never occurred to him that his brother’s childhood hadn’t been as good as his, and he was slightly ashamed for only thinking about himself. Anyone who could sell one of their children to strangers was indeed capable of anything.

“I’m sorry.” Abel didn’t know what else to say. Then a horrible thought occurred to him. “They didn’t have anything to do with your…” He didn’t quite know how to phrase his question.

“My deformity?” Cain seemed to have no problems addressing his appearance. “No, that was a fire when I was in college, but that’s another story. As for my childhood, that’s all water under the bridge.” He shrugged off the concern. “Life is good now and that’s all that matters.” As Cain spoke, Katie went to her husband and wrapped her arm around his massive frame.

“Why don’t we all go into the living room and get acquainted?” Katie said.

Cain nodded and seconded her invitation. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to do a little more convincing, Garrett. But, I’m curious to know how you found me.”

Abel grinned at his brother as they all walked into the living room. “Didn’t I mention that I’m a true crime writer? Investigation is what I do best.”

Cain gave a snort of laughter, but it quickly died when Abel reached into his pocket and pulled out his mother’s journal and the documents that both their parents had signed. He took the documents without saying a word and walked towards the window before opening them.