“What files?”
Felix pointed to a second screen. “These. They’re communications between someone and Venus, plus photos and other information that directly point to that someone sending out information they shouldn’t have had access to. I believe it was Maddox. He managed to create a remote access bridge through the laptop, making it nearly impossible to detect. All communications would look like they came from Austin, even though it was a different laptop.”
“You believe that is how he bypassed our security and surveillance?”
Felix nodded. “Yes. I’d be extremely surprised if Austin had anything to do with this, but I’m still going to ask.”
“Why Austin?” Brett shook his head. “Never mind. It’s because he was a link to you.”
“And he’s been home for a while. Easy target. I’ve closed the link now.” Felix grimaced. “I also had another word with Maddox.” Brett’s stomach churned. Maddox was finally in prison for what he’d done and awaited trial. “I asked about the execution video. He confirmed that it was supposed to put us off the scent. Using something with such low quality couldn’t bethe same group as those who use high-tech stuff, could it?” Felix shook his head. “It was also purposefully used to hide the flick between locations more easily than high-tech would.”
“Maddox is still talking?”
Felix smirked, though Brett could see the pain behind the mask. “Yes. I think he’s a little scared of me.”
Sam snorted. “I think it’s something to do with the broken fingers and bruises.”
Felix tensed but grinned. “I try my hardest. Anyway, I still need to visit my dad, so I’m going to do that now.”
“Do you need company?”
“Actually, I think that would be a good idea,” Felix said. “Having a Cage there that isn’t involved would help, I’m sure.”
As they headed for the car, Brett asked, “Do you think he knows about Frank?”
Felix said nothing until they were on their way, Brett at the wheel. “I wouldn’t put it past him to keep it a secret. Although he might’ve kept it a secret because he didn’t know Uncle Frank was training me. If he had known, he might’ve explained why.”
They dropped into silence for a few minutes, the miles passing, the world carrying on as if nothing was wrong. Brett relaxed in his company, wishing for everything to be over so they could live their lives without worry. So he could love Felix without question, without fear.
“I love you,” he said, his heart bursting with how much he needed the man beside him. “I know I said it before, but I need you to know.”
Felix’s hand rested on his thigh as he drove. “And I love you.”
Brett covered his hand, squeezing slightly. He hoped Felix’s father forgave him for being a Cage. He thought back to their declarations and asked, “Why do you never say ‘too’ when you say you love me? As in, I love you, too.”
Felix smiled over at him. “Mum once said to me that she thought saying ‘too’ felt like an add-on rather than a declaration. She said she never wanted anyone to feel like her love came with strings, and she only loved them because they loved her. So when I say it, I try not to say ‘too’ and only use the words themselves or include ‘and’ at the beginning.” He shrugged. “It’s probably stupid, but it stuck with me.”
Brett lifted his hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to his fingers. “It’s not stupid at all.”
Felix chuckled, low and long. “And I thought you had a heart of stone at one point. Silly me.”
He parked in the driveway of Felix’s parents’ house and cut the engine. Taking a breath, he glanced at Felix. “Hopefully, they don’t mind a Cage in their house after this conversation.”
“They won’t mind.”
They headed for the door, and Felix knocked and stepped inside. “Mum! Dad! It’s Felix!”
“What a surprise, Felix,” Ruby said, drying her hands on a towel tucked into her apron as she came down the hallway. “Twice in two days. Is everything okay?”
Felix hugged her. “We need to talk to Dad.”
Brett noticed he didn’t answer her question, but she glanced at Brett and smiled. “Nice to see you again, Brett.” He accepted a hug from her, surprised but grateful.
“And you, Mrs Jamison.”
“Oh, Ruby, please.” She turned down the hallway again. “Your dad’s in the living room. He’s spent the morning in the garage fixing the car again. Go right in. I’ll bring you a drink when it’s ready.”
They entered the living room, and Stephen sat in the same chair he’d been in when Brett last visited, newspaper spread out on his lap.