The Rich Boy Met His Homeless Twin at the Airport

Chapter 3: Gate 12

Caroline grabbed both boys by the shoulders.

"Do not move," she said.

But Ethan pushed her hand away. "No. I'm going to that gate."

"No, you're not."

"You don't get to decide that."

The words hit her harder than he knew.

Ryan looked at Ethan. "I'll go with you."

Caroline turned sharply. "Ryan, no."

But Ryan had already picked up his suitcase and followed Ethan through the crowd. Caroline hurried after them, with Martin close behind.

Gate 12 was empty.

Too empty.

No passengers. No staff. No open boarding lane.

Only one man stood near the window.

He was older, silver-haired, and dressed in a tailored gray coat. He turned when the boys arrived, and his eyes fixed on Ethan's tag.

"There you are," he said.

Caroline stopped dead. "Dr. Hale."

Ryan frowned. "Doctor?"

Ethan looked at the man. "You know me?"

Dr. Hale smiled sadly. "I knew you before you had a name."

Caroline stepped between them. "Stay away from him."

Dr. Hale's smile faded. "You lost the right to give orders when you let them take him."

Ethan looked at Caroline.

"Take me from where?"

Dr. Hale opened a leather folder and removed a photograph. It showed two newborn babies lying side by side in a hospital nursery.

Both had tiny wristbands.

Baby #1.

Baby #2.

Ryan stared. "That's us?"

Dr. Hale nodded. "You were born twins."

Caroline began to cry silently.

Ethan's voice was barely above a whisper. "Then why did I grow up outside?"

Dr. Hale looked at Caroline. "Ask your mother what her husband signed."

Caroline shook her head. "I didn't know until it was too late."

"You knew enough to keep quiet."

Martin moved suddenly, reaching into his jacket.

Dr. Hale lifted his hand. "I wouldn't."

Two airport police officers appeared from the side hallway.

Martin stopped.

Then Ethan saw the name on the old hospital file.

Whitmore Infant Division Trial.

He looked at Ryan.

Then at Caroline.

"We weren't stolen," he said slowly.

"We were separated on purpose."