Page 121 of Caged In

The page does not contain a name of the person who wrote it. However there is a single letter inked at the bottom. Izz doesn’t need a full name to know who wrote it. But why . . . ?

Dear Miss Mariana

You will not know me, but I know your son. Jasper Marcelo is a kind hearted soul who speaks fondly of you.

I feelas if I know you, your daughter too. Her hardships often come to light in Jasper’s worries. His nature to care for you both is unable to be met in a place he does not deserve to be.

I understand you are in need of a more accommodating residence. I humbly offer my home to yourself and your daughter. It is not in use and will benefit greatly from occupants to care for it, as it returns the favour with a roof over your head.

I do not wish to be your landlord. Merely a friend helping a friend. I will not be asking for any money or anything in return.

This is a gift. One I hope you will make use of.

24 Flynn Street, Damson Alone, Florence, QLD, 4114

S

“I didn’t know . . . He never . . .” Izz trails off, staring at the initial on the bottom of the page.

Why would Sin contact Izz’s mum and offer her his home?

Without so much as mentioning it to him? For that matter,howdid Sin contact her? Izz has never shared her address with anyone. Maybe Sin has seen the address written on one of the many letters he sent Luc? It’s the only possible explanation.

“Are you okay?” His mum looks closely at him, her loving concern written all over her face, “is this person doing something to you? Blackmailing you with this,” she points to the letter.

“Um. No. He’s not.” Izz blinks at the letter expecting it to disappear, a figment of his imagination. It stays right there, clear as day. “He didn’t tell me. I’m not sure why . . .”

“This offer would help us. We’re barely managing with you in here,” he feels a pang of guilt at her words, even while knowing she hasn’t said them to hurt him—she is only stating facts. “But I will not put my son in danger—in some terrible situation, for a house. We will get along fine without any handouts.”

Her eyes reveal that they won’t be fine. He can tell when she’s lying. It must be bad out there. And if this is the truth. If Sin has offered . . .

“I’ll talk to him. To make sure this is real. I’ll call you no later than tomorrow, to let you know either way.”

If it is real . . .

He can never repay Sin for this. He already can’t repay Sin for everything the male has done for him. Given him. Protected him from.

“You won’t give him any hold over you. I will not have my son . . . for a house. It’s not happening.” She stares at him sternly, contemplating everything, “I shouldn’t have brought it up. Forget it. I’m not taking the offer.” She grabs across the table for the letter. Is she going to rip it?—

Izz quickly stills her hands. “No. Don’t.”

He doesn’t want her dismissing this, he can tell they need it. He would—will—give everything for them to be safe. And they can be safe, with this gift, they can be safe.

“I, um,” he sighs. He needs to tell her something so she will take the house and won’t lie awake at night thinking he’s being raped for her to live there rent free.

He can’t tell her the truth. He doesn’t want her to know anything bad has happened to him. All the people who have died . . . Doesn’t want her to know why Sin is offering them his home—not that he actually knows why. Or who Sin is . . .

There is one angle to work from. One that’s not completely a lie, but at the same time isn’t strictly the truth. But it will explain the situation to her, without telling her everything.

Izz leans in closer to his mum, dropping his voice to barely above a whisper. So she’s the only one to hear what he is about to say, “I . . . we’re kind of dating.” He finds himself hesitant to speak the words, “he’s sort of my boyfriend—but you can’t say anything. To anyone.”

He wouldn’t mind if it is the truth. He would love to be in an actual relationship with Sin. But he’s not naive enough to think it will continue once they are free. Living in the outside world.

I can still pretend while we’re locked inside.

He isn’t ashamed to be seen dating another man. He can’t, however, let the rest of the prison learn what he and Sin have is more than Izz offering it up for protection. It has never been that way for him. And never will be.

And one day he will gather the courage to ask Sin if they’ll continue their—whatever it is—on the outside. Their . . . relationship, he supposes. He isn’t sure if he can call Sin his boyfriend just yet.

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