In the wrong hands, a patient’s private medical file tells a story no one consented to share. An imaging technologist, Bri Watters knows the importance of patient confidentiality. But when her brother Ty is suspected of accessing patient data at the Vermont hospital where they both work, Bri’s past resurfaces. Here, we visit her during the early stage of the police investigation.
My legs jiggle on the cold metal chair in the soulless room at the station. The walls are institutional white, and the lemony cleaner can’t mask the stink of sweat and stale coffee.
Two detectives enter. A stalky white man, with a five o’clock shadow. A woman, with brown hair pulled into a bun. Both wear street clothes. One smiles, the other remains stoic.
Good cop, bad cop. I recognize the drill. I say hello and shake their hands.
“We appreciate you coming,” the man says.
“Of course.” What choice did I have?
“Do you know why you’re here?”
“No.” I do.
The man confirms they are investigating North County’s data breach. At the request of the hospital, they cannot divulge what data was stolen beyond credit cards. The investigation is its early days, and they are following several possibilities. The breach is by a single hacker, not yet identified.
The two keep their comments vague, hoping I have information. I don’t, yet I know where this is going. All I can do is stare and listen. The fewer words said the better with this man.
“What can you tell us about your brother?” he asks.
“Ty?” With every passing second, my fear grows. He’d done a stint in juvie and I’m no saint. But those records are sealed. Breathe.
“Have you noticed anything unusual about Ty lately? Suspicious?” he asks.
“How do you mean?”
“Things he might have been searching online. Maybe websites he’s visited?”
“Nothing I’ve seen.”
Like anyone summoned here, I know what it’s like to become overwhelmed by the volley of questions. To feel their eyes drilling into the recesses of my brain. To note an occasional lip twitch or slightly raised eyebrow, indicating disbelief in my answers.
In addition to everything else I’m being confronted with, I’m now certain that Ty has become the prime suspect in their investigation. He is mixed up in this breach.
How, I don’t yet know.
“Is Ty in any financial trouble?” the woman asks.
“He works part-time and is doing okay.”
“Any personality changes? New purchases? Substance abuse problems?”
“Nothing of the sort.”
“I hear what you’re saying,” she says, “but I’m not sold.”
I press my lips together. Regardless of what Ty’s done, I will not betray my brother. Family is built on blood and loyalty.
Plus, I don’t trust cops. While Ty and I have matured since our brushes with the law, those stupid teenage antics taught us two valuable lessons.
Justice is only for those who can afford it.
Answers come at a price.
WHAT WE KEEP SILENT
Series: A Bri Watters Thriller, Book 1
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Release: April 2026
Format: Print, Digital
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Bri Watters has always loved Paris, yet she never imagined she’d be forced to flee to the City of Lights to escape the shadow of her past crimes. But when her brother Ty is arrested for accessing confidential patient files at the Vermont hospital where they both work, Bri can’t risk being caught in the crossfire.
From the safety of her Paris hotel room, Bri learns that Ty’s crimes may be much worse than she feared. Police remain tight-lipped, and her parents and perfect older sister Amber are divided about Ty’s guilt. Bri wants to trust her brother, yet he’s been in trouble before.
Mysterious texts force Bri to investigate from abroad and she finds herself entangled in a web of deception, blackmail, and murder. Pressures mount, and she races home, one step ahead of the police, and bands together with family, her best friend Zuri, and crack PI Art Visser to dig into Ty’s claim of innocence.
Will Bri uncover the truth before it’s too late? And who is the sinister figure threatening to expose her secrets to the world?
About the author
Karen Grose is from Toronto, Canada. Her debut novel, The Dime Box, was selected by Amnesty International for its 2021 Book Club. The Chinese language version, retitled as The Lost Daughters, was published by Sharp Point Press, Taiwan, in 2023. Karen’s second novel is Flat Out Lies and All June Left Behind followed. Karen has flash fiction, poems and short stories in journals and anthologies, both in print and online. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and the #thrillsandchills writing group. Track her down on X: @kgrose2, IG: karengrosewrites, FB or at www.karengrose.ca.