Page 35 of Takedown

There’s a long pause, and I can picture his smug face now. He’s probably seething at my tone, but I don’t care.

“She’s your sister too, and her name is Elizabeth. All she wants is to get to know you.”

For some reason, the entitled tone of his voice irritates me. As if it’s their right to bulldoze their way into my life. It’s always been about what they want and screw everyone else.

“What about what the fuck I want? Do you people ever think of anyone but yourselves? I’ve already toldyoursister I’m not interested in getting to know her. And for the record, I don’t want anything to do with you either. You’re all the fucking same.”

He’s silent, but since I’m only going to have this conversation once, I refuse to hang up like I did the first time I took a call from one of them. I wait for his tirade of entitlement, and I hope I get one because I’m suddenly itching for a fight.

“Are you done?” he asks, his tone even.

“I think the better question is, areyoudone?”

“We’re just getting started, Adam.” The hint of amusement in his voice fuels my anger. It’s like throwing a match on a puddle of gasoline.

“I’ve already told you where I stand, but because you seem to be learning impaired, let me say it again.” This time, I don’t miss the laugh coming from him, but I take a deep breath and continue. “I don’t care who you are. I don’t want anything to do with you, your sister, or anyone else in your family. I don’t want anything, and since I’m pretty sure you dug around in my life, let me tell you that I didn’t even want the money that lying, cheating piece of shit left for me. I would have donated it all to charity if my mother hadn’t begged me not to. I don’t have nor have I ever had any interest in being a part of your family. You people are—”

“We’re your family,” he finishes for me. He drops his voice and says, “I’m your brother. Elizabeth is your sister. I have a son, and that makes him your nephew. I’m getting married in a few months. I want you to come to my wedding.”

“You’re forgetting something. I don’t want any of that. Don’t I get a choice?”

“Only if you make the right one.” I pull the phone away from my ear, suddenly enraged at this controlling asshole and his very existence.

“I’m not interested.” I try to sound dismissive, but the few times I allowed myself to research him, I fell down a rabbit hole of family pictures and articles. From pictures of our father and his legitimate family to recent ones of my so-called brother, his fiancée, and son.

“You can come here,” he continues as if he didn’t hear what I just said. “I can send the jet for you and your wife.” He pauses, but I don’t bother to ask how he knows I’ve gotten married. I always suspected that they’re watching me. Even before I got that phone call all those months ago, I had a feeling that someone was following me, but I could never prove it.

“No. You’re not about to summon me as if you’re royalty and I’m your subject. And don’t you ever talk about my wife again.”

“Or I can come to you.”

“I’m not issuing any invitations.”

He laughs again. “I thought you said you knew me.”

“You’re just like him,” I hiss. I’m not sure if that’s true, but I figure I’d go for a low blow.

“In some ways, I am, and so are you, it seems.” I bristle at his words.

“Don’t ever compare me to him and don’t call me again.”

“This is your chance to control the situation, Adam. You can pick when and where.”

The balls on this guy. “I already told you I’m not interested.”

“Fine.”

I expel a relieved breath, but my relief is short lived. “You just forfeited control. I’ll come to you.” And the bastard ends the call. I wish he’d come now so I could pound his face with my fist.

I shove the phone back in my pocket and yank the door open with a little bit too much force. I practically collide with Mel.

“Are you okay?” She lays a hand on my chest, and the tension starts to ebb. “I’ve been looking all over for you. Who were you talking to?” She pokes her head inside the bathroom as if she’s going to find another person. I step out and close the door behind me.

“No one important. Just one of the teachers at school calling in sick already.” I put my arm around her and tuck her to my side. “I was just coming back to bed, but since you’re up, let’s discuss our wedding.” I surprise her when I pull away and pick her up bridal style.

20

It’s not until midday that the managers’ meeting ends, and I return to my office. It’s been almost three years since I started in the risk management department at Massachusetts General Hospital. This is where my brother completed his residency and where he now works as an attending physician. This is where he met Alex, who works in the same department as me. The only difference now is I’m a manager.

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