Page 51 of The Lies Always Told (Baker Oaks #4)

TWENTY-THREE

GUT FEELING

Shake it Out by Glee Cast 3

I look up from my phone, and Cody’s not shaking anymore. He’s just sitting without moving an inch, waiting. Waiting for what? For me to say something, or for his brother to call back?

I sit across from him and study him. His shoulders are slouched, and he’s looking between his feet. There’s so much sorrow in his posture, so much sadness.

“Is there anything you’d like to report, Cody?” I ask gently, keeping my voice steady despite the unease twisting inside me. I need him to feel safe here, but my gut is telling me this is more than just a bad morning. My gut is telling me there’s more going on.

“I don’t want to get him in trouble,” he whispers, his face strained with the weight of his words. I can hear the guilt in his tone, the fear of speaking up .

“Why would he be in trouble? Who would he be in trouble with?”

“They take it out on him.”

“Who, sweetie? Who takes it out on who?”