Page 4 of Liars

“Snitch,” I mumbled under my breath.

Kenny perched on the edge of the bed. “We could order in,” she suggested. “I’ve never stayed in a hospital before, but I can’t imagine the food is five-star quality.”

“What about The Shack? We could share a pizza?” Carson added, hoping to tempt me with my favorite food on the planet except…

A mangled sob escaped my throat.

Carson blinked at me, his brows drawing together in concern. “What did I say?”

I shook my head, fighting the raw emotion burning the back of my throat. Closing my eyes was a mistake. I saw a flash of the two masked men. I shuddered and quickly opened them,dispelling the nightmare. Inhaling greedily, I blew the air out in a slow, steady breath.

“It’s me. PTSD,” I murmured. “We were heading to The Shack when it happened.” I didn’t think I could ever eat there again.

“Shit,” Carson muttered, running a hand through his sandy waves, his dark-blue eyes filled with regret. “I’m sorry.”

“Way to go, dumbass.” Kenny reached across the bed and whacked Carson on the arm.

He frowned at her.

“Sushi,” Kenny said, snapping her fingers. “You love California rolls and spicy tuna.”

I did, but the thought of eating raw fish made my stomach roll.

A knock at the door saved me from having to disappoint my friends, who were only trying to help. But I couldn’t eat. My stomach was twisted in knots so tight it hurt.God, it hurt so fucking bad.

A man in an expensive, neatly pressed suit sauntered into my room, followed by a woman with a sleek bun tucked at the nape of her neck.

“Kaylor Steele?” the man inquired, lifting a bushy silver brow. He had sharp yet somehow kind blue eyes. I got the impression that, if crossed, those friendly eyes could turn into ruthless chips of ice.

They both wore expressions of sympathy, making my back bristle.

“Yes,” I replied warily.

Setting his leather briefcase at the foot of the bed, the man offered a gentle smile as if I were made of glass, one wrong move away from shattering.

“Sorry for the interruption, but I need to speak with you. I’m Decker King, your parents’ attorney.”

2

KAYLOR

Iswallowed, unsure if I was prepared to hear what he had to say. As hard as it was, I searched my memory, trying to remember if I’d seen him or heard my father talk about a Decker King before. The name had a familiar ring.

I could only think of one reason why his lawyer was here, and it brought an ominous dark cloud to my situation, making it too fucking real.

Kenny gave my hand a supportive squeeze, a gentle reminder I wasn’t alone.

Mr. King’s arm gestured to the woman at his side. “This is Kathrine Morgan. She is with social services.”

A pit formed in my hollow stomach.

Social services. What the fuck?

Was this just routine?

Carson and Kenny stiffened on either side of me at the mention of social services, having a similar reaction to me.

Mrs. Morgan portrayed a professional demeanor, holding a folder in her arms as she smiled at me. “It’s nice to meet you,Kaylor. Perhaps your friends wouldn’t mind giving us a few minutes of your time while we discuss some matters privately.”

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