They entered the room Cody sat in, and he straightened, his eyes tracking TJ. It made TJ feel like he was being stalked, even though Cody hadn’t moved an inch. He took a seat near Cody and smiled at him, hoping to be reassuring. Cody didn’t return the gesture but when Cass sat next to him, he noticeably stiffened, a move TJ saw and noted.
Cody’s hair was dirty, greasy, hanging down to his shoulders in thick locks, almost dreadlocked in appearance. His clothes were ragged, dirty, with holes in them from what TJ would guess were falling rocks when smoking drugs. His hands were dirty, the nails bitten down and the bones on each hand prominent, the skin appearing paper thin.
“Where is the money or the jewelry?”
Cody’s eyes twitched, and he muttered, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I get the blame for everything that happens here. Something goes missing, and it’s my fault. Something gets misplaced or knocked over, and it’s my fault. Everything is my fault.”
“That’s because—”
“Cass please.” TJ glanced at him, then back to Cody. “Shouting won’t solve anything. Cody, do you want Cass to be here while I talk to you? You are a minor and as such—”
“No.”
“Tough,” Cass snapped. “You’re my son, living in my house, so I’ll sit here, because you are a minor.”
“You can suggest another adult.”
“Why the hell—”
“It is my job to make sure Cody has an adult to be here with him. That adult doesn’t have to be you. It can be someone he feels comfortable talking in front of. As things are strained between you at present, I would suggest another adult.” TJ kept his eyes on Cass, saw the other man’s eyes narrow, then he nodded.
“I’ll get his mother.”
“No.” Cody jumped up. “Anyone but them.”
“Carter and Toni—”
“You will do as you’re told, Cody. My house, my rules.”
TJ stood. “Cass. A word outside, please.” TJ didn’t wait for Cass to answer. He walked outside and stood waiting. As soon as Cass joined him, he said, “There is tension between you both, so he is more than likely not going to talk if you or Emily are there. If he will talk to Carter or Toni, then let him, if it means we find out where the jewelry has gone. Forcing him to do something he doesn’t want to will only delay us from finding out what’s happened. This is my job, Cass. Let me do it.”
“I’m his father. I should be with him.”
“Yes, I understand, but you two are at loggerheads right now. We both know he’ll refuse to cooperate if you’re in there with us, so let’s bring in someone who he will talk to. I’ll let you know what happens but give me the opportunity to ask those questions in an environment that’s less confrontational.”
TJ could see Cass’ jaw hardening and stood his ground. “Fine,” he spat. “I’ll ask Toni to come in. For some reason, he likes her.” Cass spun on his heel and stormed off, and TJ exhaled heavily. Looking back inside the room, he saw Cody watching him andsmiled. It didn’t take long for Toni to walk inside and nod after TJ briefed her.
“Cody. Can Toni sit in with us while I talk to you?”
Cody nodded, then glared at the door. “Not him though.” TJ glanced back at the doorway and walked back to it, closing the doors in front of Cass with a murmured, “I’ll let you know when I’ve finished.”
Taking a seat opposite Cody, he sighed then asked, “What’s going on, Cody?”
“They hate me. They hate having a gay kid.” Cody bit his nail, then hissed. “I didn’t take anything, but he won’t listen. He’s always blaming me for something. I can’t do anything right, so why bother?” Biting his nails again, TJ watched while going over what Cody had said.
“Where do you think Emily’s jewelry is, then?”
“I didn’t fucking take it!” Cody screamed as he jumped up. Toni gasped, hand on her stomach and Cody stared at her, then slowly sat. “Sorry.”
Rubbing his back, Toni ignored the way Cody flinched but shot a dark look at TJ, who nodded. Yes, he’d seen the way Cody had reacted to the touch. “When did you last see the missing items?”
“In her room, but that was weeks ago. I don’t go in there. Not allowed to, now I’m a gay—” Cody slammed his mouth shut.
“A gay what, Cody?”
“Nothing. Forget I said anything.”
“You can tell TJ anything. You know he won’t let anyone hurt you.”
