They got out of the SUV and walked to the front door. Before Cody could knock, the door swung open. A man in his fifties stood there, heavyset, wearing sweatpants and a stained T-shirt. He crossed his arms over his large belly and stared down at them.
“You’re late.”
“I texted,” Cody said. “I was at dance class.”
“Dance class.” The man said it like Cody had admitted to robbing a bank. “That better not interfere with your chores.”
“It won’t.” Cody gestured toward Roan. “This is Roan Hayes. He opened the gym I told you about.”
The man finally looked at Roan. “Right. The stuntman.”
Roan held out his hand. “Roan Hayes. Nice to meet you, Mr. Patterson. I’m working with The Bridge Program through the church. Mentoring Cody.”
“Bridge what now?” Patterson narrowed his eyes. “He in trouble?”
“No. The program is for kids who need a little boost. Providing support, activities, mentorship.”
“He doesn’t need mentoring. He needs to follow the rules and stay out of the way.”
Roan’s fists clenched.Stay out of the way. Like Cody was a piece of furniture, not a kid.
“I hope you’re not here to bully me and the wife to go to church,” Patterson said. “We’re not the churchy kind.”
“No, sir,” Roan said. “That’s not the aim of the program.”
“Whatisthe aim exactly?” Patterson asked.
“We’re providing group activities. A place for the kids to go after school where they feel safe. Cody’s doing great by the way. He’s working out at my gym, taking dance classes, making friends.”
“As long as it doesn’t cost me anything.” The man stepped back from the door. “Cody, get inside. Lisa needs help with dinner.”
Cody moved toward the door. Roan caught his arm gently. “See you Monday at three?”
“Yeah. I’ll be there.”
“And if you need anything before then, you’ve got my number.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Cody said under his breath, before he slipped past Patterson and into the house. Roan caught a glimpse of the interior—worn furniture, clutter, several other kids visible in the living room, all glued to a television. The house smelled like old grease and stale air.
Patterson started to close the door.
“Mr. Patterson. Just so you know, Cody’s going to start helping me out at my gym.”
“For pay?”
“In exchange for training to start. But we’ll see how things go.”
“You bringing him home afterward?” Patterson asked.
“I will, yes.” Roan shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket instead of what he really wanted to do with them, which was to knock this guy halfway into his house.
“Then what do I care?”
“I’d have thought you would,” Roan said. “Since he’s under your care.”
“You’d be wise to mind your own business.”
The door slammed in Roan’s face.
