We’re definitely brothers. If he had been younger we might have been called twins.
Christ. When was the last time I thought about him?
Giving myself a mental shake I go to Jade.
She’s in the armchair by the fireplace when I push open the study door. The scene could be considered serene. Relaxing with June’s head in her lap.
But the air says otherwise. And the dark tablet on the desk beside her, is the reminder she just faced her abuser.
When she looks up from June, her eyes say it all. She got hit by an emotional freight train.
My insides pretzel, a shard hangs in my throat as I close the door and cross the room.
Jade searches my face when I crouch in front of her chair so we’re eye level.
June’s tail thumps on the floor, but she doesn’t move.
“How are my girls?”
I give June a scratch behind the ears, and the tension eases around my temples, just enough for my vision to clear.
“I’m… exhausted.” Jade reaches for me, brushing her thumb along my jaw. “You are too.”
I don’t know what to say except, “I’m sorry for what he said.”
“That’s not your fault.”
“Doesn’t mean I can’t be worried about the impact it had on you.”
She shrugs, but pain is radiating off of her.
“He’s a monster. You can’t be responsible for what people like him can do.”
My mind circles back to Brandt. I can take responsibility. And I will.
“That took a turn,” I say, forcing my tone neutral. “We didn’t get much intel out of him. I know that you were interested in that to see if you could put any pieces together.”
“Why did he say that about you having a brother?”
I try not to react, but can feel the tension around my mouth.
“To distract us. To make it emotional. Not that this wasn’t emotional already, but he wanted to throw me. Hell, the whole team.”
“Do you have a brother?” She asks as she smoothes the wrinkles at the corner of my eye.
“Yes, we’re not close. Brandt was six when I was born, so we didn’t grow up together.”
I reach for her, unable to keep my hands away any longer.
“You sure you’re okay after seeing him?”
“It was what it was. Sure it was upsetting. It was also freeing. He looked so… small.”
“Are you sure you want to watch the recordings?”
She nods quickly. “Yes, I want to do my part.”
After a pause, Jade strokes her fingers along my forearm, her gaze thoughtful. “Do you think Trevor’s telling the truth?”
