Page 214 of Things Left Unsaid

“Which hospital?”

“Montfort in Ottawa. I doubt he’s still there since Cody came home, but it could be worth a shot checking it out.”

“I appreciate the intel, Colt.”

When Marc and I leave the interview room and handcuffsdon’tdecorate my wrist, I mutter my thanks to my attorney.

“You talked too much,” he chides.

“It was an informal interview.”

“Nothing’s informal when it’s being recorded. Keep your mouth shut next time, Colton. It’ll serve you better if you do.”

“I want to help. The sooner this is over the better. I didn’t hurt anyone, Marc.”

“Whether you did or not, the cops always look for an easy way out. Reilly is either dumb, on the take, or is trying to do your father a favor. He clearly wants to pin this on you so confer with me next time,” he warns.

I scrub a hand through my hair. “Fine.”

Zee

THE FOLLOWING DAY

When Callan walks into the kitchen, he freezes in the doorway.

I study him then return to my task—frosting a cookie.

He steps toward me, his gaze contemplative. “What are you doing?”

“Use those IQ points to figure it out, Callan.”

“Okay, let me rephrase.Whyare you frosting a cookie?”

“Because I want to.”

Directing a line of bright red frosting around the circumference of the sweet treat, I flood the perimeter when that’s done and use a scribe to smooth it out toward the edges. Because the frosting is thinner than usual, I have to work quickly and carefully—I don’t need my brother-in-law distracting me.

“Why though? Is it for a special event?”

“I like doing it.”

And it’s helping to lower my stress levels—I’ve been on edge since Colton was called in for questioning again yesterday.

I know Callan’s been just as stressed. We’re trying not to show it though—Colton’s the only one of us who’s been relatively calm about this whole affair.

His brow furrows. “I’m confused.”

“It’s a hobby, Callan. Jesus.”

“But you’re diabetic!”

“And? Type 1. I could eat them if I wanted to. Anyway, I used gluten-free flour for you.”

“For me?!”

No one could ever accuse him of having a massive ego.

“‘Course. Figured you’d eat as many of them as Colton.” I shove the plate of unfrosted cookies at him. “Have at it.”

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