Page 101 of The Doctor's Twins

“Understandable.”

“Anyway, she thought it was her husband following her, so she raced off and ended up colliding with a tree.”

“Fuck! Is she okay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. That’s when she told me the whole story. She ran away from him and was hiding out here in New York. He was the one who threw her down the stairs, causing her to lose her baby.”

“Fucking hell, Ben. This is shocking.”

“Yeah, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. It turns out this bastard had killed his first two wives and Peyton happened to find out about it. He tried to kill her too, and that’s when she escaped and ran.”

Owen pulled his hands through his hair. He stared at me incredulously.

“Fuck, Ben. You have to go to the cops. What if he comes after you?”

“I’m getting there.”

“What the hell, bro? Why haven’t you told me about this sooner? I would have been there with you.”

“I didn’t want to tell anyone, Owen. Turns out the guy had the Mexican cops in his back pocket. He was untouchable.”

“Was?”

“Yeah. Let’s just say he’s not a problem anymore.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Ben?”

I proceeded to tell my brother everything that had happened up to and including the death of Mateo. He just sat there, staring at me as if I’d gone mad. I knew he’d never tell a soul, but I felt as if I were betraying Peyton just by talking about the surreal ordeal.

When I was done, Owen called the waiter over and ordered two whiskeys—neat.

“I’m bloody furious with you, Ben. You know that right?”

“I know. I’m sorry, Owen, but I couldn’t involve anyone else. Especially not my baby brother. I love you too much to see you hurt.”

“So, now what?”

“Well, we’ve been keeping an eye on the news, but so far there hasn’t been any mention of his disappearance.”

“I take it they’re not going to find any evidence?”

“Hell no. Sam took care of that. I didn’t ask too many questions. Not that he would share the details with me in any case.”

“Poor Peyton. How is she doing?”

“She’s the bravest woman I’ve ever met. She’s going to be just fine.”

“I’m glad you told me, Ben. How are you doing? It can’t be easy carrying this baggage around with you.”

“Why do you think I told you? I had to get it out. I feel much better now. Sorry for dumping it on you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I know,” he said after a few moments of silence between us, “There’s no problem that a decent fishing trip can’t sort out,” he smiled. “What do you say we pack up the girls and a few cases of beer and hit the river for a weekend of nothing but fishing and open-flame dining?”

“You know what, little brother? That sounds like a damn fine idea.”

“Great. Besides, you need to brush up on your fishing skills anyway. The last time I tallied the catches, you were left wanting, big bro.”

“Oh, please. You’re terrible at math. And you cheat!”

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