Chapter 90

"I believe you are correct Catherine. But why would he lie about where he went to school?"

"I am beginning to wonder if he even went to law school. He is lousy at paperwork and has to have help with things a first year law student could do in their sleep! I have to question if he just bought a diploma and started referring to himself by the name on it!"

Reluctantly Vincent said, "That does sound like something Devin might do. He always tried to find the easy way to do things when we were boys."

"What am I going to do Vincent? If he didn't pass the bar then he is practicing illegally! If I turn him in he would face criminal charges! What would that do to Father? To you?"

Vincent shook his head and slumped into a chair. "I don't know Catherine. He could run if he thinks that might happen and we might never see him again."

Going down on her knees next to his chair and putting her hands over one of his, she said, "I know that Vincent! That's why I am so unsure what to do here. If I confront him with my suspicions and they are true he might disappear. However, if I investigate through proper channels and Joe gets wind of it, then he could end up in prison. And if I do nothing…" she hesitated.

"Then you wouldn't be the person you are Catherine," Vincent finished her sentence for her.

"What do you want me to do Vincent?" she pleaded for a solution to the problem.

"Could it be that he legally took that name and got his degree?"

"I really don't think so Vincent."

"Then you must find out the truth. Having Devin back is a wonderful thing, but having it all based on a lie," he sighed, "Well we just need to know for sure."

"Alright Vincent I will be as discreet as I can be in finding out the truth."

He tilted his head to the side and inquired, "Catherine, what is it about this that makes you afraid?"

"I'm just afraid that if I do find out your brother is a fraud you will stop loving me."

"Catherine! That could never happen! Nothing could ever change the love that I have for you!"

"I hope so Vincent. I pray that if Devin does end up in prison it won't be too strong of a test of our love!"

"It will not Catherine, this I assure you." He pulled her up and then onto is lap to cuddle her close. That was when Devin and Father reentered the room.

"Hey you two, none of that!" Devin called out, "You're supposed to do that in private!"

"Devin!" Father protested. "Such behavior should not be encouraged since they are not yet married!"

"Oh come on Pops! Clearly 'such behavior' has already been going on since Cathy is 'in the family way'!"

"Catherine became pregnant the night she and Vincent met…" Father began, but Devin interrupted him.

"Way to go baby brother! You sure do move fast!"

"The child is not Vincent's," Father informed his other son.

"Huh?" Devin grunted. "Would someone care to explain that?"

"Actually not really. We hadn't planned on making it public knowledge that Vincent is not the father, but since you are family, and the news is already out, I guess it won't hurt for you to be told," Catherine paused, drawing her strength to tell another person what had happened to her.

Vincent put his hand on her shoulder and when their eyes met, he nodded that he would tell his brother. Catherine weakly smiled her thanks and Vincent said, "Catherine was attacked a little over two months ago…"

Devin interrupted again, "I know all about it Vincent. Those were the guys that jumped us in the alley tonight. They cut her face pretty bad from the pictures I saw! I'm just glad that she was able to get it fixed. She is a gorgeous lady."

"They did more that that Devin," Vincent told him quietly.

Devin was quiet a moment processing what his brother had said and then exclaimed, "Oh God! Oh Cathy, I am SO sorry! I had no idea! That wasn't in the police report! Why didn't you tell them the whole story!"

To be continued….