Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 95

(Dennis'

POV)

I sat across from Travis in the dining room, the glow from his tablet casting harsh shadows on his face. The air was heavy with tension, but I couldn't tell if it was from the topic we were about to discuss or the fact that we hadn't spoken this openly in years. He was scrolling through emails but his fingers were moving slower than usual and his eyes flickered with something I didn't recognize.

"We need to talk about Angel and Hendrix," I said, breaking the silence.

Travis glanced up and furrowed his brows. "What about them?"

"They're... liabilities," I said carefully, measuring my words. "The center has been keeping them for months, and we still don't have clear results from Hendrix's treatments. As for Angel, I" I stopped myself, my throat tightening. "I'm not sure why she's even still there."

Travis set the tablet down and folded his hands. "Angel's there because you sent her, Dennis. Don't act like this wasn't your call."

I bristled at his tone but didn't argue. He was right. It was my decision to send Angel with Hendrix. At the time, it had seemed logical-she could keep an eye on him, make sure he stayed on track. But now, I wasn't so sure. "They're planning another inspection," I said instead, steering the conversation back to safer territory. "Dr. Joe mentioned it in his last report. He thinks some patients need to be... handled."

Travis's face darkened. "Handled how?"

"You know how," I said. "Removed. Quietly."

He leaned back in his chair. I couldn't read his expression. "And you're okay with that?"

I hesitated. Was I okay with it? The thought of Angel being caught in the crossfire made me worried, but I couldn't let my emotions cloud my judgment. "It's not about being okay," I said finally. "It's about survival. If they can't deliver results, they're expendable."

look in his eyes told me he was thinking the same thing I was: this wasn't

my

"Fine.

"Nothing will happen to them.

He didn't look convinced.

...

(Dr. Joe's POV)

the top. My fingers hovered over the

shoulders I didn't know if I was prepared to carry. Dennis and Travis were always pushing for results, always demanding more. They

my breath and leaned back

were progressing, yes, but not without complications. Patients like their beloved Hendrix were becoming unpredictable. Their resistance was threatening to derail everything. And then there was Angel-a wild card I hadn't anticipated. Her presence had thrown a wrench into our meticulous plans, and I wasn't sure how much longer we could

the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in,"

in, their expression nervous. "Dr. Joe, the files you requested are

and waved them in. They hurried to comply and set down a stack of folders before retreating without another

eyes scanning the data. Bloodwork, behavioral reports, treatment logs. It was all there, neatly organized and utterly damning. If

the file. That wasn't going to happen.

the only personal item in the otherwise Godawefully-clean office. It was a picture of Dr. Aurora; her sharp features were softened by a rare smile hidden behind her signature mask and Bohemian-sized glasses. She had been my mentor, my guide, the one who had brought me into this world of

knows best," I murmured, almost as if

in the loop, on treating her like some kind of VIP, made

nose. It didn't matter. Aurora's word was law, and

Dennis and Travis appeared on the screen, their faces as tense as I expected. "Let's get started," I

•

conversation was sharp and clinical. Each word was carefully chosen and each point was meticulously dissected. I presented the latest data,