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“I thought we were talking about Thea. Someone just beat her to a pulp, and you want to chat about ancient history?”

“Just tell me. The answer is relevant.”

How many times had Brett recounted his statement? Dozens and then some. In front of judges, juries, investigators, therapists, and even his friends. They’d all wanted to know if he’d really offed Thea’s dad. The truth was plain and simple.

“I didn’t kill him. I was trying to stop him.”

“Stop who?”

“Mark.” Brett’s family tree was riddled with just as many holes as Thea and Gage’s. Mark was the worst of the Pattons, and Brett had held onto hope that the family feud would die when they locked him up half a decade ago.

Unfortunately, whoever did this to Thea was keeping the fire well stoked. That man would never give up on the revenge he wanted for his brother’s death.

“Wrong answer. I overheard you after the trial,” Gage said with a scowl.

Brett narrowed his eyes at him. “What are you talking about?”

“You told your sister you did it. You admitted it. You did it, and you got away with it. Thea might have hated our dad, but she’ll never forgive you. She swore up and down you were different, but you’re just like the rest of us.”

“That’s bogus. I didn’t do it, and I never admitted to it.”

“You said the bullets hit their target just like they were meant to. Your sister tried to shut you up because the people around could hear you. You said it was true. Now, tell me you didn’t mean to kill my dad that night.”

“I didn’t mean to kill your dad because Ididn’tkill your dad. I hated your dad. He abused Thea and your mom. I hated him, but I didn’t kill him.”

Gage stared at Brett, and the tension in his jaw didn’t ease. “Fine. I didn’t expect you to admit it.”

“I didn’t do it!” Brett shouted.

“Keep your voice down, idiot,” Gage said.

“I’m not an idiot or a murderer. I was there that night because I knew Markwasthere to kill your dad. I was trying to stop him.”

Gage scoffed.

“It’s true. Abusive or not, Thea wouldn’t wish her dad or anyone else dead. She’s not like the Howards.”

“Or the Pattons,” Gage added.

“Fair enough. She’s good down to her bones. At least, she was. I don’t have a clue who she is now. She up and left like everyone else when the fingers started pointing at me. She knew me better than that.”

Gage looked to the right, then left before crossing his arms over his chest. “So, you’re saying you weren’t there that night to kill my dad?”

Brett threw his head back against the wall. “No, I wasn’t there to kill your dad.” The words sounded ridiculous. Killing someone–even hurting someone outside of self-defense–made everything inside him cringe. “I was there because someone has to put an end to this. Unfortunately, I got there too late, and then I was prime suspect number two right behind my uncle Mark.”

Gage twisted his lips as if weighing the words. “Why can’t Tommy and Mark have it out with each other?”

“Because if they’re going down, they’re taking everyone with them,” Brett said.

“How did you know Thea was hurt?” Gage asked.

“Whoever did this to her pushed her out of a truck into the church parking lot. I was at a wedding.”

Gage pointed at Brett’s collar. “I was wondering about the nice getup. Looks like you won’t be wearing that again.”

Brett looked down at the blood on his white shirt. Thea’s blood. “Absolutely not. I’ll be burning this as soon as I get home.”

“You brought her here?” Gage asked.