Daniel's Brother
Chapter 10 - Daniel's Brother
Michael Mercer had disappeared twelve years earlier.
At least that was what Daniel's family told everyone.
In reality, Michael had entered a federal witness protection program after testifying in a major financial fraud investigation.
Daniel had not spoken to him since.
Rebecca knew.
Daniel had told her shortly after they married.
Jonathan stared at him.
"What does Michael have to do with William?"
"I don't know."
But Rebecca apparently did.
Daniel contacted the federal agent who had once handled Michael's case.
After several hours, he received an unexpected response.
Michael was alive.
And willing to meet.
They met in a government office outside Philadelphia.
Michael was forty-two now.
Older.
Thinner.
But Daniel recognized him instantly.
The brothers hugged for nearly a minute.
Then Michael saw Jonathan.
"Rebecca's father."
Jonathan nodded.
Michael's expression changed.
"I'm sorry."
"You knew my daughter?"
Michael looked at Daniel.
Then back at Jonathan.
"More than you realize."
Twelve years earlier, Michael's investigation involved a money-laundering network.
One name repeatedly appeared.
William Foster.
But investigators never gathered enough evidence to charge him.
Michael told Rebecca after Daniel unknowingly mentioned William during a family dinner.
Rebecca began investigating privately.
"Why wouldn't she tell me?" Daniel asked.
Michael answered quietly.
"Because you already lost one brother to this man."
Daniel stared at him.
"She didn't want you to lose anything else."
It sounded noble.
May you like
It also sounded exactly like Rebecca.
And it broke Daniel's heart all over again.
