“He said it was the Falkirk Consortium.”
“What did you say?” Before he could stop himself, Brad had climbed to his feet.
“The consortium's name is Falkirk.”
He felt their eyes on him and could do nothing to stop the flood of rage that threatened to choke him. Stepping away from the others, he walked down the deck, sucking in deep breaths as he went.
“What's going on, Brad?”
Ethan stood behind him, close enough that he was casting a shadow over him.
“Did you know? Have you got something to do with this?” Brad didn't turn, just dug his fingers into the wooden railing.
“Know what? What the hell are you talking about?”
“EG, is head of that consortium.” Brad fought to keep his voice calm.
“Okay, so I understand why you reacted to hearing the name then, but not why you accused me of being involved.”
Brad made himself turn and face his brother.
“Why would he come here if there was no connection? If someone hadn't tipped him off to what lay out there.”
Ethan shed his calm and it was swiftly replaced by anger.
“Are you actually accusing me of some involvement in this?”
Brad nodded.
“Well, fuck!” Ethan ran a hand through his hair. “What the hell have I ever done to make you think I would associate with that asshole, loosely termed our father?”
Brad saw the truth then. He'd thought he had his anger toward Ethan under control, but apparently not. Apparently, he was willing to think the absolute worst of him.
“I haven't spoken a word to him since I punched you in the jaw, and believe me when I add that I'm real close to doing it again if you carry on with this shit!”
“Don't threaten me, Ethan. I reacted and I'm sorry for that, but I don't know you and have no idea about the man you've become. If you swing at me, I'll react.”
The breath expelled from his brother.
“I understand that, and know we may be brothers, but know nothing about each other. But I need you to listen to me now, Brad. I'm not involved with him, and never will be, and it pisses me off you think I could be. Especially as it was me originally who reached out to you.”
“You expect me to believe you're a good person because of a few texts?”
“This is about me leaving you behind to live with him, isn’t it? The anger and resentment, it’s clouding your judgment.”
“No… yes.” Brad closed his eyes briefly. “Shit.”
“I can think of a few stronger words.”
“I shouldn’t have come here, I can see that now. I thought it was time, but clearly it’s not, and maybe it never will be.”
“Because you don’t think you’ll ever forgive me?”
Brad shrugged, on edge. He was being irrational and he couldn’t stop himself. His shirt felt tight suddenly, and his boots one size too small.
“I’m going. It’s the best thing.”
Ethan blocked his path.
