Page 75 of What Lies in the Woods

Ethan stood an awkward distance back. At this, his brows raised. “The FBI is interested in Liv’s death?”

“More interested in the possible connection to the Stahl case,” Isaid. Ethan’s expression grew worried. Cody just looked more confused.

“What connection could there possibly be?” Cody said.

“I’m sure he’ll tell you,” I said. I paused. “He’s asking about Oscar.”

Cody sighed. “That explains why he thinks I have anything relevant to add. In a town this size you don’t exactly have a lot of choices for friends your age. Even so, I can’t believe I did such a colossally shitty job of choosing mine.”

“You used to hang out quite a bit, didn’t you?” Ethan asked.

Cody rounded on him, a dangerous glint in his eye. “I think you’ve harassed Naomi enough already, don’t you?”

“Cody.” I touched his arm. “It’s okay. Ethan’s… I’m helping him out. With his podcast.”

“We got off on the wrong foot,” Ethan said. “Entirely my fault. I promise you I’m not pushing Naomi into anything she doesn’t want to do.”

“And I promise I’m perfectly capable of telling him off if he does,” I added, lest this turn any more paternalistic than it already was. Having two guys square off with each other in the name of my honor should have been flattering, but it turned out to just be irritating.

“All right, then,” Cody said, but the suspicious look in his eyes didn’t fade.

There was something weird happening between the two of them, and I didn’t have the energy to unpack it. “We should get going,” I told Ethan.

“Right. Lots of work to do,” he agreed.

“Can I have a quick word with you, Naomi?” Cody asked.

“Of course. Ethan, could you—”

“I’ll wait in the car,” Ethan suggested. He touched my elbow in a gesture that might have been comforting and supportive, or might have just been a way of yellingWE HAVE SEXat Cody. As I was working on myself as a person, I decided to believe the former.

Cody’s hand on my arm, ushering me farther from the front deskand the obviously eavesdropping receptionist, was definitely of the protective sort. “Do you know what you’re doing there?” he asked.

“A six-foot-two podcaster,” I said, deadpan. Cody grimaced at the attempt at humor. “I know what I’m doing. He’s a good guy.”

“What do you know about him?” Cody pressed.

“Plenty,” I said, defensive.

“I’ve heard from other people around town. They don’t like the kind of questions he’s been asking.”

“Please. This town will gossip to anyone with a pencil and a notepad,” I said dismissively.

“Just be careful, Naomi. Keep in mind that his interests and yours may not be the same thing.”

“I’m all grown up, Cody. I don’t need a white knight to rescue me from ogres anymore,” I reminded him. I stood on my toes and pecked his cheek, then started to turn away. He caught my sleeve, arresting my movement.

“What happened to your face?” he asked, voice rough and low.

“Nothing.”

“It’s bruised,” he said.

“I fell and smashed it,” I told him, not mentioning the guy who had helped me along. “Don’t walk in heels with your hands full. Pro tip.” He didn’t let go. “Cody. It’s fine. And it wasn’t Ethan, if that’s what you’re thinking. Trust me, if a guy raises a hand to me—”

“You let me know, and I’ll take care of it,” Cody said.

“Yeah. I remember,” I replied. “I gotta go, Cody. I appreciate the concern.”

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