Chapter 5: Another Secret

David set a glass of tea in front of Tyler and sat down across from him.

“So is there anything you want to talk about?” he asked. “Anything you want to ask me?”

“Yeah. Are you a doctor?” Tyler asked. sipping the tea.

“No. The medical training is required for each member of our group, though.”

“That makes sense. Can I ask a sort of personal question?”

“I guess. I might not answer it.” David shrugged. “Go for it.”

“You're so much nicer, easy going...relaxed, than Will. Why?”

David chuckled softly and leaned back.

“Same reason that he's on the field and I'm not. We're just different.”

“It's got to be more than that.”

David sighed. 

"Really, it's none of your business. I would think that you would know when to draw the line."

Fog set the glass down and leaned closer.

"Look, it is my business. Everything about Will, and everyone around Will, is Jay's and my business now. We didn't want it this way, but we don't have any options anymore."

Standing up, David ran his hand through his hair and leaned against the wall.

“When he was eighteen, Will was working with this one older guy; they got really close, so close that the man was practically playing the roll of Will's father.

"His name was Adam. They had the same quarters, and in their various combats, they both risked their lives for each other.

“One time they were in combat training, fighting in a staged battle. Kind of a typical thing, but they get real bullets. It's dangerous. They were fighting on opposite teams.”

“And?”

"You have to promise me that you won't confront Will over this. Please. It's a very sore subject.

'There was a man there that was unusually violent -later the camp medics decided he was clinically insane- he attacked Will from behind with a knife. If you ever get the chance, look at his back and shoulders. He ended up in the hospital for a month.”

David rubbed his chin slowly. "Will's gun went off when he was attacked..."

"...And killed Adam."

David nodded. "Will was never the same. Our family..."

David froze and turned pale. Tyler leaned forward.

"Your family? Will is your brother, isn't he?"

David opened his mouth.

“Tell me the truth.” Tyler said firmly.

David looked Tyler in the eye.

“There's a reason we were lying. For our own safety, and for the safety of everyone who knows us. I'm going to tell you, because, unlike Will, I like to be trusted and I like to trust.”

Tyler nodded. 

"I somehow knew you were brothers."

“Did our identical looks give it away?” David said sarcastically. 

“No, but you walk the same.”

David laughed.

“Help!” a muffled voice cried from the next room.

Fogg and Crubell leaped to their feet and basically flew into the room.

“Jay, what's wrong?”

Jay was standing next to Will.

“I don't think he's breathing.”

David handed a thick cloth to Tyler. “Here, put this on the wound. I'm going to roll him over.”

Jay sank onto his bed and held his battered side, watching fearfully.

“Help me!” David shouted to Tyler.

Together, Tyler and David rolled Will's body over.

“I think...yes. Look at this.”

Tyler peered at Will's back and side, confused.

"What?"

David just shook his head in horror.

“What? I don't see anything!” Tyler said.

“Exactly!” David said, pressing an oxygen mask over his brother's mouth and nose. “There should be an exiting wound from the bullet.”

“The bullet's still in there?” Jay asked incredulously.

David nodded.

“What can we do for him?”

“You guys aren't going to like this. We need to take him to the hospital.”

Crossing his arms, Tyler leaned back. “Go on.”

“The bullet has to be removed surgically. I'm guessing it's pressing on a gland or organ and causing the blackouts. I can't do the surgery, my training and equipment aren't adequate.”

“Do you have a plan?” Jay asked.

“Sure I do. You've been to Queens, right?”

Tyler grimaced. “Unfortunately, yes.”

“So would it be reasonable to tell the hospital staff in Trinity that Will was shot in Queens?”

“Of course. What's your excuse for him not going to a hospital earlier? They'll notice that the wound is almost a week old.”

“We'll say that he went to the hospital in Queens. That should pretty much say it all.”

“Okay, so who is he? And who are you?” Jay asked.

“His name is Peter Brown. I'm his brother. He's just a college student. Nothing more.”

“How did you come up with that so fast?” Tyler marveled.

“I didn't come up with it 'that fast'.” David handed a file to Fogg. “This is a forged medical history, insurance records, and social security for 'Mr. Brown'. I've got one for me, too. They're a good thing to have in case of an emergency.”

As a grad student from law school, Jay perked up at the mention of official papers.

“Can I see those?” he asked eagerly, sitting down next to Tyler.

Tyler handed him the stack of paper distractedly.

“We should leave Jay here.” he said. “You need to rest.”

Jay nodded. “Thank you, Ty.”

“Here, Tyler.” David handed a set of car keys to Tyler. “Will you bring the car to the door? I'm going to carry Will out.”

Tyler picked up his backpack and took the keys. He turned to Jay and smiled.

“Bye.”

They briefly clasped hands, and Tyler turned and walked out.

“I would help you if I could.” Jay said to David as the other man lifted Will in his arms.

“It's okay. He's not that big, if you haven't noticed.” he grunted.

“We never let him forget.” Jay laughed. “I'll walk to the door with you.”

He followed David slowly down the long hallway of the house.

The car was gone.