All the Little Secrets

CHAPTER 18. RUNNING OUT

Chapter 18. Running Out

"We have to be missing something," Cage slams his locker closed as I stand with him, reporting the same old news of Liam's mysterious disappearances. Every night I watch him from my window as he stumbles into the poolhouse, seemingly intoxicated and slumped over. He barely comes to school, and when he does, he has no energy to care anymore. Cage told me he hasn't shown up for lacrosse pre-season practice and may be kicked off the team. It's as if the king of Malibu is deteriorating before our eyes, and no one is doing anything about it.

My mom and Becca have taken notice and brought it up at dinner one night when Liam didn't show. William told us to not ask about him anymore, that 'if my son wants to throw away his life, that's on him. I've done everything I could.'

Really, have you, William?

I had to leave dinner after that comment before I gave him a piece of my mind.

We're nearing the end of January with no concrete evidence that Liam and David are connected to the murder of Seth's mom. Cage has been trying to nonchalantly bond with his dad to find out new information, but Cage fears his dad may be onto him. Some of his dad's workers have been following him when Cage leaves the mansion.

So here we are, no steps forward but a few steps back.

"I'm really worried about him," we begin to walk down the hallway as I whisper to Cage. "He hasn't spoken to me in a month."

"He's gonna have to tonight," Cage high-fives two Seniors as they pass by. "Isn't your mom's salon opening tonight?"

"Eight o'clock."

"She nervous?"

I nod. "She was nuts this morning, freaking out about every little detail. It's making me nervous."

"You know I'll be there for you, right?"

Seth's at the end of the hallway, chatting with Farrah. They look like they're in a heated argument. I haven't talked to Farrah in the past month with Seth and me on a break. She chose who she wanted to stick with. I understand, but I miss her as my friend. I miss them both...

Another idea comes to mind as I stop Cage in the middle of the hallway. People bump into us, but no one says anything about it since Cage is with me.

"I have an idea, and you're gonna hate it -"

"So why are you even bringing it up?"

"Do you trust me?"

Cage pauses, then nods. "I trust you."

I grab his hand and drag him down the hallway, right into the middle of Seth and Farrah's argument.

"You need to cut the shit with her, Seth. You're setting yourself up for --"

"Hi," I say to Seth, surprising him and Farrah. He stares at me, eyes wide, but says nothing. "Sorry to interrupt, but we have to talk to you."

"Do we?" Cage asks sarcastically, and I knock him in the stomach.

"Please." I add, "I need you."

Seth turns to Farrah. "I'll talk to you later."

Farrah says nothing as I drag Seth and Cage into my empty AP classroom and shut the door behind me. I check the clock: five minutes before the warning bell rings.

Cage paces in the back of the classroom as Seth stands awkwardly.

"Thank you for coming with us."

"I've been wanting to talk to you for --"