Chapter 26

Brett

Brett kept his fa?ade in place as Darius delivered the news of Foster's death over the phone. Another bodyguard lost, and there'd be another, too, because there was no chance that Carl would continue working when his husband had just died. It had always played on his mind when Foster and Carl had requested having the same protectee. Usually, Brett wouldn't have allowed it, but Carl and Foster had been willing to decline the jobs unless they did. They'd argued that they would never see each other if they were with different people, and Brett couldn't deny the truth. Against his better judgement, he'd agreed. It had only taken two years for him to regret his decision, but at least Carl hadn't been present when it happened. Small mercies.

He sat in his squeaky chair and rested his forehead in his hand, trying to rub away the tension. When he lifted his head, he caught Felix's concerned gaze. The man saw too much.

Looking away, Brett tried to hide the news, at least for a little longer. The puzzle pieces were slowly clicking into place, and they were revealing a picture he didn't like the look of. He didn't want to be right, but it was looking more and more likely.

"What's wrong?" Felix asked, and Brett sighed quietly, both wanting and not wanting Felix beside him.

He'd run out of time. "Can you get everyone together, please?"

Felix stared at him, and he saw the moment realisation hit him. "Who?"

Brett swallowed and stood, crowding closer to him and lowering his voice. "Foster."

Felix closed his eyes and lowered his head, his forehead brushing Brett's chest. He couldn't resist and placed his hand on his nape. He wanted to do more, but he couldn't. Too much was at stake.

"I'll get everyone," Felix said, clearing his throat.

"Thanks."

When everyone, except for those currently guarding, was settled in Sec HQ, he broke the news of losing another of their own. Several asked about Carl, and Brett didn't have an answer for them. He didn't know what the future would hold for their friend, but they would be with him every step of the way. They spent several minutes cursing and calling out those who would do such a thing to them and then calmed and held a minute's silence for their fallen comrade.

Brett would hold it for a lot longer. He had no choice. Far too many people relied on him, and if certain information got out…well, there would be too many casualties.

Most of the guards filed back out once they were done. He would break the news to anyone who hadn't been there as and when he saw them. It was the risk they all took by taking the job. They could leave the house that morning and never return. Or they could spend years doing the job and never have an incident. It was…painfully unfair. But he wouldn't change it for the world. Protecting the Sutcliffes was what he'd been born to do, and he would do it until he had no choice but to stop.

A short time later, when he was completing the never-ending pile of paperwork, Felix said his name. The devastation on his face was plain to see, and Brett glanced around the room, realising they were alone. He stood, dragged Felix towards him and held him as tightly as he could as Felix cried.

He wanted to join him, but he needed to stay strong. If he broke, there would be no putting him back together again.

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