"A Conversation with Unknown Outcomes"

Part 7

Nick's heart was racing as he sat down next to Judd on the couch. He had no idea what his brother wanted to talk about, but the serious expression on Judd's face made him nervous. Judd turned off the TV and leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "So, you're spending time with Andrew again," Judd said, his voice neutral. Nick nodded, unsure of where this conversation was headed. "Yeah, we hang out sometimes. He's a good guy." Judd's eyes narrowed, and he leaned back against the couch, his gaze fixed on Nick. "I'm sure he is," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But that's not what I want to talk about. I want to know what you know about him." Nick felt a sense of unease wash over him. What did Judd want to know about Andrew? "Not much," he lied, trying to keep his expression neutral. Judd raised an eyebrow. "Come on, Nick. I know you've been spending a lot of time with him lately. What's going on?" Nick shrugged, feeling a sense of frustration. Why was Judd so interested in Andrew? "We just hang out, that's all. He's a friend." Judd snorted. "A friend? You don't make friends with people like Andrew that easily, Nick. There's something going on, and I want to know what it is." Nick felt a surge of defensiveness. What did Judd know about Andrew? And how did he know it? "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, trying to sound convincing. But Judd just laughed, a low, menacing sound. "Don't play dumb, Nick. I know you're not stupid. You know exactly what I'm talking about." Nick felt a chill run down his spine. What did Judd know? And how was he going to use it? He tried to keep his cool, but his heart was racing with anticipation. "Judd, I don't know what you're after," he said, trying to sound calm. "But I think you should just leave me and Andrew alone, okay?" Judd's expression turned serious, and he leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Nick's. "I'm trying to help you, Nick. I'm trying to protect you." Nick felt a sense of confusion wash over him. Protect him from what? And why was Judd suddenly so interested in his well-being? He opened his mouth to ask, but Judd cut him off. "From Andrew," Judd said, his voice low. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into, Nick. You really don't." Nick's mind was racing with questions, but before he could ask any of them, Judd stood up and walked out of the room, leaving Nick with a sense of unease and uncertainty. What was going on? And what did Judd know that Nick didn't?