Gemotions

The phone slammed back into its cradle. Another dead end. Another missed connection. Another failed lead. He shoved his chair back from the desk, the wood scraping against the floor. A pulse throbbed at his temples. He needed a break.

“Hey, Liam,” a voice offered. “Rough day?” It was Kevin, leaning in the doorway.

He didn't bother to answer. He just looked at him.

Kevin continued, oblivious. “Is that a Camp Skylark sticker on your laptop? I thought I recognized it.”

He wanted to scream. That camp. The competition, the betrayals. His failure to make the swim team. “Yeah,” he said, his voice a low growl.

“I used to go there. Remember the summer of the hurricane? We had to evacuate.” Kevin was grinning.

Liam's hands clenched into fists. “Yes,” he said, his eyes narrowed, “I remember.”