Matteo

That night, something eased the weight in my chest. Niccolo and I were watching television when a reporter came on the screen.
“This evening, Ben Montgomery, President of APEXIS Aerospace Corporation, was convicted of murdering one of the corporation’s directors. Investigators report that DNA recovered from saliva found on the victim’s eye was directly linked to the President’s genetic profile.” The lady reported. “Apparently, Mr. Montgomery has been highly cooperative with the investigators, as tomorrow’s launch to Mars is now inevitable. He reportedly wants the mission to succeed, stating, ‘I won’t live to see the next one.’”
“How was he?” I asked Niccolo when Matteo was shown on the screen.
“Unpleasant. That’s it.”
“Did you get his name?”
“Actually, the topic was my name.” He chuckled.
“Well, he’ll be back.”
His forehead creased. “Why? They’ve got their man, haven’t they?”
“I have to meet him.” I stood up and grabbed my coat.
I headed to APEXIS and found Matteo sitting at my desk. My footsteps were enough for him to recognize me.
He stood up and faced me. “Marcus?” He stiffened as he stared at me. “You’ve changed a lot, I must say.”
I stared at him.
“What, now you don’t recognize your own brother?” He raised an eyebrow.
“What are you doing here at this hour?” I asked flatly.
“I should be asking you that. I’m authorized to be here. Are you?” He started walking toward me.
“I haven't murdered anyone. You must be disappointed.” I smiled faintly.
“You committed fraud. Come on, Marcus, I can still get you out of here.”
“You don’t even have the slightest idea how I got in here.” I heard my voice crack.
“Let’s go, Marcus. Now.”
“So that’s it, Matteo? The only way you can succeed is by watching me fail?” I paused. “Last time I checked, I wasn’t the one who lost.”
“Are you asking for a rematch? Fine!” Matteo raised his voice. “I’ll prove to you I’m still better than your borrowed genetics.” He scoffed as he rolled his sleeves up.