Content Note:
Incest; Reluctance
I met my brother in a pub after work. It was a Wednesday, the day after my husband confessed to a horrifying sequence of bad investments and lies. That had been bad enough, but there had also been outright fraud with my name on the paperwork. "We could go to prison," Thomas had whispered. "Both of us!"
In truth, I had not been entirely ignorant of the fraud. I had allowed myself to be persuaded by his confidence. What a fool I was! But I've always had money. My family comes from money. My father was rich, and when he died, a good portion of that wealth passed to me, and Thomas had invested it wisely. At first, anyway.
My brother John was clearly doing well for himself, dressed as always in a tailored suit. Tall and handsome, a man well used to getting his own way. Three years younger than me. "Well, Jen," he said, nursing a single malt as I sipped at a Cosmopolitan. "What's so urgent that you had to see me today?"
I hated to say it, but desperation overcame humiliation. "It's Thomas," I said. "He's ruined us. We're massively in debt, and when the auditors come next week, we'll be even more screwed."
John nodded. "And you want what? You want me to interfere with an active investigation? Maybe toss a few coins your way?" There was a definite gleam in his eyes as he toyed with my emotions.
I suppressed the surge of bitter anger at this manipulation. "Yes. We are family, after all."
"We are, that's true," he said, "but I'm guessing there really is no one else who can help you. But what you're asking for... I could get into trouble."
He wasn't denying me; he was teasing me, a definitely smirk playing about his lips. "What do you want?" I demanded.
John chuckled. "You know, Jen," he said, "you're a very attractive woman. I've always thought so."
I stared at him in confusion, wondering where the hell he was going with this. "So?"
"I've been looking for someone like you. Attractive, educated, refined. Someone willing to give my clients a tour of the city, and more too."
