Felix shrugged. “I’ve run out of other ideas.”
“I’ve sent Maddox to keep an eye on the congregation but warned him to keep his mouth shut. He’s trying my patience.”
Felix’s mind flicked back to Maddox’s offer to help. “Boss… I’m going to recheck the chapel for Matt and Van.”
“Maddox already did it.”
“I know.” He met Brett’s gaze, steady and strong, knowing what he was implying but needing to do it, anyway.
“Okay. Let me know if you find anything.”
Felix closed the laptop and carried it with him. He started outside of where the Sutcliffes were being held, and opened every door, checked every corner, every cupboard, every curtain. He opened the janitor’s closet and switched to a private line on his earpiece, knowing only Brett would hear him.
“Boss, I’ve found them. They’re knocked out but breathing fine.” He wasn’t at all surprised to find them, and that was his instincts blaring at him again.
“Where are you?”
“Janitor’s closet, near the middle of the left-hand side of the seats.”
He stared at Matt and Van, shaking his head. Had Maddox not checked this room, or had he been the one to put them there?
Brett came down the side, pausing to crook his finger towards where Maddox had been standing. They both walked towards him, and Felix studied Maddox’s expression. He appeared confused, but when they walked around the door and saw the two guards, Maddox raised his eyebrows.
“I thought I checked that one! I was sure I checked everywhere,” Maddox said, thunder in his tone and on his face. “This is bullshit. They must’ve been put there afterwards.”
“Keep your voice down,” Brett admonished. “How could someone have done that when we have so many people watching now?”
Maddox threw his hands in the air. “I don’t know. Maybe the same way they managed to make a rose grave when we had hundreds of people here.”
Brett glared at him, and Maddox pursed his lips. “Go back to your post and stay there.” Maddox stormed off. Brett refocused on Felix. “We have paramedics on the way.” He paused. “Why did you want to double-check?”
“Gut feeling.”
Brett nodded. “I have to go and update the Army. Can you stay with them until the paramedics arrive?”
“Sure. Do you need backup?”
Brett’s mouth twitched. “Probably, but I’ll manage.”
Felix grinned. “You always do. Yell if you need me.”
Brett’s gaze flicked down to his mouth, and then he turned on his heel and strode towards the main entry doors. Felix exhaled slowly, then called Sam over.
“Can you keep an eye on these two until the paramedics arrive, please?” He knew he was disobeying orders, but he had to. He explained what he’d done to check over them and then followed in Brett’s wake. He might not need backup, but Felix would be there in case he did. He stepped outside the chapel and headed to the corner, where he could hear conversation.
“…paramedics will be here soon. Let them through without problems. We have people needing medical attention.”
“Do we need to take control, Brett?” a woman’s voice said, and Felix recognised it was Brett’s sister.
“No.” Brett’s voice was firm. “I’m in control here.”
“For now.” There was a pause. “There is a price to be paid, Brett. With Malcolm running the ship, he needs reassurance that you’ll uphold the rules.”
“I’ve never been one to break the rules, Venus. It’s never been me that does.” Brett’s voice was as cold as Felix had ever heard it.
“I’m just the messenger, but regardless, a price must be paid.”
“And whatpriceis that?”