Page 121 of The Rat

“Ifell for you, and I continued to lie toyour face. We’re both as guilty as each other. Look… Do you stillwant me?”

Rory snorted. “I thought you weregonna kill me today.”

“But do you still wantme?”

Rory raised his head andpressed hispalm over his heart. It wasn’t an empty hole, it hurt, and ached,but his heart was still there. It was thumping beneath his ribs, anexcited hopeful beat that was the only answer he needed.“Yes.”

“And Iwant you, Rory.”

Sebastian took hishand andslotted their fingers together. He squeezed, and Rory squeezedback. “I love you, and I fucking hate William Hamish.”

“What are you gonnado?”

“Celebrate my freedom witha big bang, just like I told you…”

****

When Sebastian asked him todrive to Jameson’s farm, Rory gave him a long stare, then programmedthe address into the car. They sat in silence, like they had on thebeach, and drove the two-hour route. The revelation spun in Rory’shead, gaining momentum until he feared it would destroy him, thenhe heard Sebastian’s voice saying he loved him, and it was enoughto slow the spinning, but not stop it completely.

The sky grew dark, and thehouses fewer, until Rory squinted and spotted the shabby lookingfarmhouse inthe distance.

“Jameson’s farm.”Sebastiansighed.

“I still don’t understand.”Rory murmured.

“You will.”

Rory pulled up alongside theother cars and peered through the windscreen. He could see agroupofpeople.

“Friends of mine, eager towelcomemeback.” Sebastian explained.

Rory forced a swallow, thennodded.

Sebastian squeezed his knee. “Relax,there’s nothing to worry about.”

Rory spotted Hamish amongst the crowd,and his heart accelerated.

“What’s going on?” Heasked.

“Looks like Hamishistrespassing on my land.”

“Your land?”

Sebastian snorted, then yankedon the handle. Rory followed him out of the car, but kept a few meters’distance between them as they approached the group. He stayed inthe shadows and leaned against the farmhouse.

“Problem?” Sebastian mumbled, shoving hishands in his pockets. The group dispersed, then surrounded Hamishand Sebastian.

Hamishshook a piece of paper in his hand.“This is my land.”

“Your land?”

“Yes, you are trespassing, andI’ll call thepolice.”

“Let them come. They’ll see thatyou’re the one in the wrong.”

“I bought thisfarm.”

Sebastian whistled. “Yeah? How muchfor?”

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