Chapter 5 - The Brother Who Never Died
Rowan refused to believe it.
Finn was dead.
She had watched the paramedics work.
She had seen the body.
She had stood at the grave.
She had carried years of grief like a stone inside her chest.
But Liam had lied before.
He could be lying again.
Declan found the medical records.
There was no body identification that Rowan personally witnessed.
The hospital documents contained inconsistencies.
The final report had been altered.
Rowan's brother might have survived the shooting.
He might have disappeared deliberately.
Or someone might have staged his death.
The investigation reopened.
Three days later, a message arrived.
NOCTURNE CAFE. MIDNIGHT.
COME ALONE.
Rowan went.
Declan followed.
She discovered him outside.
“You said come alone.”
“You don't listen very well.”
“Neither do you.”
He almost smiled.
Inside the café, an older woman sat in a booth.
She looked at Rowan.
Then cried.
“Finn was right.”
“Who are you?”
“My name is Maeve.”
She handed Rowan an envelope.
Inside was a photograph.
Finn.
Older.
Alive.
Taken six months earlier.
Rowan's knees nearly gave out.
Declan caught her.
The world narrowed.
“Where is he?”
Maeve looked at Declan.
“Hidden.”
“Why?”
“Because he knows who is still alive.”
“Who?”
Maeve shook her head.
“You are asking the wrong question.”
She pointed to the photograph.
“Finn isn't hiding from Liam.”
Rowan's skin prickled.
“Then who?”
Maeve whispered, “Your father.”
Rowan stared.
“My father died when I was eleven.”
May you like
Maeve's expression broke.
“That is what you were told.”
