Chapter 7 - THE BROTHER THEY ERASED
Willa had never heard of Daniel Kane.
The family records mentioned Everett's father, his late mother, and his cousin Sterling.
No brother.
No photographs.
No public history.
But Everett had spoken the word with unmistakable urgency.
Brother.
Teresa knew the name.
When Willa mentioned it, the older woman sat down.
“Daniel Kane?”
Willa nodded.
Teresa looked toward the window.
“I haven't heard that name in fifteen years.”
“Who is he?”
“Everett's younger half-brother.”
Willa stared.
“Why isn't he in the family records?”
Teresa sighed.
“Because their father wanted him forgotten.”
Daniel had been born after Everett's father had an affair.
His mother was a schoolteacher.
When Daniel turned eighteen, he refused to join the family business.
He studied medicine instead.
Eventually, he became a neurologist.
Everett's father considered it betrayal.
He cut Daniel off.
For years, the brothers barely spoke.
But after their father's death, Everett quietly tried to rebuild the relationship.
“Where is Daniel now?” Willa asked.
Teresa hesitated.
“Last I heard, he was working at a hospital in Milwaukee.”
Willa felt hope rise.
A neurologist.
Everett's brother.
Someone with both medical expertise and a reason to care.
Willa found Daniel through the hospital directory.
She called from a public phone.
A receptionist answered.
“Neurology department.”
“I need to speak with Dr. Daniel Kane.”
“May I ask who's calling?”
Willa swallowed.
“His sister-in-law.”
There was a pause.
Then the receptionist said:
“One moment.”
Daniel answered three minutes later.
“Hello?”
Willa closed her eyes.
“My name is Willa Hayes.”
Silence.
Then:
“Why are you calling me?”
“Because I married Everett Kane.”
Daniel didn't speak.
Willa continued.
“And because I think someone is keeping him unconscious.”
The silence stretched.
Then Daniel said quietly:
“Where are you?”
“Chicago.”
“Are you alone?”
“Yes.”
“Listen carefully.”
His voice changed.
“Do not tell anyone at that estate you contacted me.”
Willa felt cold.
“Why?”
Daniel answered:
“Because Everett called me the night before his accident.”
May you like
Willa stopped breathing.
“And he told me Sterling was planning to kill him.”
