Chapter 17

“No, I left for my own sake,” Cole said. His voice cracked as he choked on his own suppressed fury. “As you can imagine, a boy at that age stuck in the closet in a town like this? Someone would have found out eventually and I would have wound up in the hospital, albeit with a few broken bones courtesy of people trying to beat the wrong out of me.” Daniel cleared his throat, so Cole ended his statement there. Would you have been one of them, Mr. Kirkwell? Would you have been worried I might make advances at your son and taken it upon yourself to make sure my “sickness” didn’t spread? Don’t think I didn’t notice Sam checking me out a few times. I hope he’s alright.

Mr. Kirkwell muttered an apology to Cole and some words of comfort to his siblings, then made a beeline for the opposite side of the room. Cole looked to his brothers and sister. Jamison was talking to someone, but Evelyn looked back at him with sympathy. Owen continued to avoid Cole’s gaze entirely.