Erin's Fancy

Chapter Eighteen

Erin held Abel’s hand tight as they stood at the back entrance of the older stone building. From what Abel’s contact at the police department had informed him, Cain Benjamin lived in the penthouse apartment here. They had no idea if he was home or if he would even see them. Chances weren’t good, since the man preferred to isolate himself from the rest of the world. Abel raised his hand to knock, but the door flew open before he had the chance.

A slender, athletic-looking woman suddenly appeared in the doorway, her short brown hair spiked around her head in tousled disarray. She almost barreled headfirst into them before coming to a dead stop. “I’m sorry…” she glanced up, an apology left half-spoken on her lips. Her blue eyes widened as she got a good look at them, and she took a hasty step backwards.

“Wait.” Abel stepped forward before she could close the door in his face. “Can you tell me if Cain Benjamin lives here?” Abel’s voice was calm and deep, but Erin could hear the underlying urgency.

The woman continued to stare at him. “Yes.” She seemed at a loss for words and said nothing else. She glanced at Erin for a moment, but then her gaze returned to Abel and seemed to focus entirely on him.

Erin knew that the last thing he wanted to do was frighten this woman, who obviously had access to Cain’s apartment. Abel softened his voice, and tried his best not to look intimidating, which was impossible for a man of his size. “I’d like to see him if that’s possible.”

Abel’s shoulders were tense, obviously braced for disappointment. Erin gave his hand an encouraging squeeze and almost yelped out loud as his grip on her hand tightened almost to the point of causing her pain.

The woman shook her head, as if coming out of a trance. “I imagine you would,” she slowly replied. She stared at them for a moment longer before seeming to come to some internal decision. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and offered her hand. “I’m Katie. Who are you?”

“Abel Benjamin Garrett.” He took Katie’s hand gently in his much larger one, and was careful not to hold it too tight.

“And this is Erin Connors.” The grip on Erin’s hand lessened as he introduced her, until he finally let go of it altogether. Erin casually flexed her fingers by her side as she nodded her own greeting.

Katie held Abel’s hand for a moment before dropping it and holding the door open wide. “Follow me.” She beckoned with a nod of her head before turning and leading the way.

Abel placed his hand on Erin’s back, as he ushered her through the door. He glanced down and made eye contact with her, as they followed Katie into the dimly lit parking garage. His face was a mask of determination, and Erin gave him a smile of encouragement as they crossed the threshold of the building.

The door slammed shut ominously behind them. There was no going back. Erin had no idea where this stranger was leading them, but they were one step closer to meeting Cain Benjamin. The door to the fortress had been opened, and neither of them was about to question their good fortune.

They swiftly followed Katie across the garage to a private elevator, the sound of their shoes echoing throughout the cavernous space. Katie pressed a red button on the wall, and the door immediately slid open. Nobody spoke as they all climbed inside the waiting elevator.

As the door closed behind them and they started to ascend, Erin blurted out the question she knew that Abel wanted answered. “Will he see us?”

“Yes,” she nodded decisively. “I believe he will.” The elevator lurched to a halt, the bell rang, and the door glided opened before Erin could ask Katie anything more.

Katie swiftly exited the elevator, digging a key out of her pocket as she went. They hurried down the short hallway behind her, unwilling to let her out of their sight for a moment.

Erin shot a quick look at Abel. His jaw was clenched tight, and his eyes were grim, but determined. Mentally crossing her fingers, she hoped for the best. But whatever the outcome, she was glad she was there to support him. As if he knew what she was thinking, he glanced down at her and smiled. It was an intimate smile that made her body tingle and her heart melt.

Katie didn’t stop at the front door, but unlocked it, and went straight into the apartment, yelling as she went. “Cain!”

They quickly followed her through the open apartment door, but stopped suddenly as a huge dog, that appeared to be a wolfhound of some sort, bounded out of nowhere, barking for all it was worth.

“Gabriel, down.” The dog ignored Katie’s command and kept on coming towards them.

Erin found herself looking at Abel’s broad back as he grabbed her arm and thrust her safely behind him. Abel glared down at the beast when it skittered to a stop in front of him. “Sit,” he commanded.

The dog ceased barking and turned its head to look at Abel. After a moment, Gabriel sat and waited expectantly, his tail wagging behind him. Slowly, Abel extended his hand and allowed the dog to sniff it.

“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.

Abel stood in the middle of the living room with his hands in his pockets, waiting to see what his brother’s reaction would be when confronted by such irrefutable proof. Now that he’d met Cain, he felt connected to this other man. It would be a hard thing to swallow if Cain decided he wanted nothing to do with him. Cain was the only remaining family he had.

Then again, no, that was no longer true. He could feel Erin waiting patiently beside him, and just her mere presence soothed his battered soul. Erin and her brothers were his family now. As long as he had Erin, he didn’t need anyone else, but he really wanted the opportunity to know this stranger who was his brother.

Cain finished reading the papers and then took another minute to flip through the journal before closing it. Tilting back his head, he closed his eye and swallowed hard. Katie went to him and laid her hand on his chest, and Cain gathered her into his arms. It was an intensely personal moment, and Abel felt like an intruder. He felt himself backing away from the other couple, but Erin stopped him simply by placing her hand on his back.

Cain bent down and planted a tender kiss on Katie’s forehead, and she clung to him for a moment before releasing him. Turning, he walked back across the room and handed the documents back to Abel. “So, where do we go from here?” Cain gave no indication how he felt about the situation or even if he believed they were indeed twins.

Abel hesitated before gradually extending his hand. “I’m Abel Benjamin Garrett, and I’m your brother.”

Cain looked at Abel’s hand and swore softly. A second later, he wrapped his arms around his brother and held him tight. The sight of the two strong men embracing each other brought tears to Erin’s eyes. Katie swiped at the tears running down her face and gave Erin a watery smile. It was a good beginning.