Page 110 of The Rat

Jenkins pressed the letter tohis face. “God… that wasn’t my intention.”

“He stopped, but he’sstill takinganti-anxiety medication, and sleeping tablets, and whatever elsethat doctor put him on.”

“Throw pills at a problem andhope it’ll goaway. I can’t stand doctors like that…”

“Please, will you see Cap—Benjamin, even ifits once, just to say you accept his apology, or to explain why youdon’t think you’ll be able to help.”

Jenkins sighed, then nodded.“Okay… I’llsee if I can arrange an appointment with him tomorrow.”

Rory pressed his hands together.“Thank you.”

“Now, where am I taking you?”

Jenkins stuck the keys into the ignition, butdidn’t start the car.

“My flat, it’s just outsidethe city, if that’s okay?”

“I can’t leave youmoping outside theprison gate like a lost puppy, can I?”

“No, not when I’ve gotmaking up to do…”

****

Rory peered out the window at Ollie’s auntand uncle’s house. As soon as he’d gotten back to his flat, hescanned through his file on Oliver Linton and found their address.He called a cab and drummed his fingers on his knees for the entiretwo-hour journey.

That wasas far as his planning went. He hadno idea what he was going to say.

The driver spoke over his shoulder.“You getting out or what?”

“Yeah…You’ll wait?”

“As long as I get paid forthe time.”

“Of course.”

The driver leaned backhischair andfolded his arms over his chest. “Take as long as you wantthen.”

The door opened onOllie’s aunt, shescrunched her eyes at him, then called for her husband. He appearedin the doorway ten seconds later.

“Maggie and AsherLinton.”

“Who are you?”

“I’m police officer RoryMatterson, I’m hereabout Oliver…”

Maggie slapped her hand over hermouth.“What’s happened?”

“Nothing,he’s fine.” Rory paused, then shookhis head. “He’s not fine. He’s going mad not knowing how Leo is.His letters go unanswered, and he hasn’t had a single visitor sincehe’s been inside.”

Maggie dropped her handfromhermouth, then glared at Asher. “I told you we should’vevisited.”

“We’re just about gettingLeo settled. SeeingOliver will tip him over the edge.”

“You can’t cut Ollie out likethat.Heloves his brother.”

“We’reLeo’s guardians, he needs permissionto go visit his brother in prison, and I won’t allowit.”

“Why not?”

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