Page 20 of Dark Visions (Strange Gifts #1)

Christopher Krauss waited for his brother patiently. They were close as children, so close that most people thought they were the same person. In recent years, since the murder of his wife and son, his brother Michael had distanced himself from Christopher. It was painful for him, and he missed him dearly. When Michael learned of their deaths, he plunged his fist through a wall, suffering irreparable nerve and tendon damage, forcing him to leave the world of an elite surgeon and serve in the less glamorous life of an emergency room doctor.

Christopher felt tremendous guilt, even after all these years, thinking of that night. Had he been with his brother, perhaps he could have stopped him from punching the wall and ruining his career.

The restaurant was busy with a Wednesday evening dinner crowd, and he took a slow sip of the Chardonnay in front of him. He was used to his brother’s tardiness and didn’t really mind it any more. Even as children, Michael was always late for school, the last to get dressed or eat breakfast. Seeing his brother walk in the front door, he stood to greet him.

“Michael,” he said, pulling him into a hug, “it’s so good to see you! I’ve missed you.”

“It’s only been a few weeks, Christopher,” he laughed. Secretly, he loved that his brother held him tight and wanted to see him more. If he could just tell him the things in his mind, the things that made him sleep less and worry more.

“I know that, but still, I miss your company, Michael. You need to come around more often.”

“I promise I’ll try,” he said, sitting across from his brother. The waitress held up the bottle of wine, and Michael nodded. Pouring the glass, she set the bottle back in the bucket of ice and handed him the menu.

“Why don’t you and I take a trip together? We could go to Vegas or Paris! We both have vacation time due to us. Let’s do this!” he said excitedly.

“Christopher, you’re getting ahead of yourself. I’m needed at the hospital.”

“I know your work is important to you, Michael. Mine is important to me as well. We need this, though, you and me.” He pleaded with his brother, and Michael nearly gave in. Not yet. Not quite yet. He wasn’t done with his mission.

“I’ll think about it, okay? Let’s just enjoy a wonderful dinner.” Christopher nodded, and they gave their orders, chatting casually.

Two hours later, Michael stepped into the chilly night air, exhausted. Keeping up the ruse with his brother was proving far more difficult than anticipated. Just a little longer. Just a little while longer, and he would finish his task.

He pulled the collar of his coat up around his neck and hugged his brother, waving as he walked toward his car. Feeling the vibrating phone in his pocket, he looked down and saw the number.

Not tonight. I just can’t do this tonight.