I backed two steps into the driveway, shaking my head hard against the truth.

“No, that can’t be,” I stammered.

“My mother had only one brother, and his name is Patrick.”

“Patrick was just the youngest child in our house,” Lucas explained with deep sorrow.

“You’re making this whole story up to take advantage of her death,” I cried, defensive tears running down my face.

“I wish with my whole heart this were a lie, Cassie,” Lucas murmured, lowering his head.

“If you were really her older brother, why did she make you live like a stray dog out in the cold?” I yelled.