Paxon had his head against his fist as he rested against the edge of the couch, looking like he was fighting a headache.
We all were at this point.
“I don’t even understand it,” Justin said.“Why Laurens was after them like that.He was desperate at that point.”
“We won’t know anything until they’re able to look into it,” I said.“And we may never really get an answer.”
I didn’t like that thought.We needed answers.Cadence and Janice needed answers.They deserved at least that much with everything that happened to them.They had been hunted.
Paxon sighed and pulled out his phone, frowning at it.He stood up slowly and stretched, arms over his head.“I need to head home.”
“Seriously?”I asked in surprise.“Cadence was in danger and you’re just going to leave like that?”
Paxon frowned at me.“Everyone is here.She’s not alone.”He slowly glanced at all of us.For a moment it looked like he wanted to say something but he stopped and shook his head, changing his mind.He refused to meet our eyes as he said “Me leaving isn’t going to change anything.My dad wants me to come home tonight and it’s late enough.I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow.”
With that, he grabbed his coat, shoved his shoes on and then left us all staring after him.
“What is going on?”I asked, pointing toward Paxon.“That isn’t normal.He isn’t normal.”
Seth rubbed at his jaw, gaze dark as he stared after Paxon.Good.It meant I wasn’t the only one who thought that was weird.
“Maybe something is up with his mom?It’s around the holidays and this is usually when she really pushes to see them.”
I slumped my shoulders and leaned back in the chair.My stomach was in knots.I really hoped Seth was right about that.We didn’t need more questions without answers tonight.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Calvin carefully putaway the guitar I had bought him for Christmas, making sure it was securely placed in the case before zipping it up.It was so cute watching him be so careful.He truly cared about his guitar.
“Here,” I said, handing him a folder with more songs for him to practice.“Two new ones for you.”
“Thank you.”Cal’s expression lit up as he tucked the folder into his book bag.I smiled back, his smile always so contagious.It helped to ease the anxiety I’d been feeling since Laurens’ attack.
The last few days, I’d been working at like a twenty in terms of my anxiety and I didn’t really have any answers from the police yet about why he’d done it.He had lawyered up instantly and remained silent since.That was all I knew.
Janice wasn’t faring well either, but thankfully, Ezi and Rowan did wonders for her, keeping her somewhat distracted and busy.
