Free Harkham's Case (Harkam's #1) by Chanse Lowell

tapped his temple and raised his eyebrows. “And when you’re done with that, could you do a remix of these?” He handed Adam a sticky with two songs listed on it.
    Adam said he could and left the room. When would Zach figure out he was smart—smarter than he let on?
    It was sad his brother thought himself good for nothing but being good-looking and fun to be around.
     
    * * *
     
    Adam watched the links several times his brother sent him. The most disturbing part was when some whitish fluid came out of the end of some man’s penis after the man pumped himself several times. Was it supposed to really look like that? In Dad’s textbooks, it was always dripping, not spraying.
    And it seemed clear, not pearly in color.
    Was that man ill in the video footage?
    The only way Adam would find out was if he performed those actions on himself. He was definitely in good health. But he was unsure if he could actually do that.
    Adam was stuck with these thoughts the next day when he entered his first class he shared with Mari.
    She smiled at him and waved.
    So far he was fine—no numbers and no soreness.
    Sam stood out in the hallway, and he waved her away. There was no need for her to be there. He was doing well.
    Besides, she’d meddled enough already. He made it through first period just fine without holding Sam’s hand. This was second period, and it was a slower-paced environment. And anyway, he wanted Sam to stay far away from Mari.
    He walked right past the other tables in study hall, sat down next to his partner, and without him even asking, she held her hand out for him.
    “Thank you,” he said. A crooked smile settled on his lips and her scent invaded his nostrils, making the soreness threaten to appear. “You look nice today, and even though I think this ASC class is a waste of time, I’m happy to see you. Yesterday, I wasn’t able to bring myself to come to this class. I thought it was lowering myself beyond what I could bear. But since I knew you’d be here from now on, I was okay to do it.”
    “Well, good morning to you, too.” She smiled. “I’m glad you’re here, then, if it’s that frustrating to you.”
    He nodded. He watched her, satisfied at his choice to attend. “It is—but you’re worth it—you’re a good reason to show up. So, thank you, again, for holding my hand without my even having to ask.” A warm, buzzy feeling spread through his chest when she squeezed his hand.
    Something about her was safe all the time, even in the Academic Support Center—she controlled the numbers when all he could do was control his breathing. He was able to remember to do that part, at least.
    There was only one other thing in his life that controlled the numbers, but his dad disapproved.
    Mari would probably be on Dad’s list of okay things for Adam to be involved with even though she was sweet like sugar.
    “You’re welcome, Adam. I’m more than happy to help you by holding your hand. And thanks for the compliment about how I look today.” Mari smiled. “I hope my hand’s not too sweaty. It’s hot out this morning.”
    “It’s perfect and warm—like you.” He smiled bigger. This time his cheeks were so tight, it was hard to keep his eyes fully open to see her as much as possible. His goal was to see as much of her as he could today. Without the soreness, if possible. The sight of her was worth it though, if his body decided it needed to fight against him.
    Maybe she could give him a ride home after school rather than Sam. Then he could get even more viewing time of Mari.
    Soon he hoped to have his own car back and drive her around himself. If she could only see him as a responsible adult, things would be different.
    Adam cleared his throat. His whole chest was moist, and he was shaking inside. How did everyday people have conversations? How did they keep from being awestruck and losing all train of thought around her especially?
    “The weather seems decent today, doesn’t it?” he began,