Page 124 of The Rat

“Home,” he murmured.

Rory repeated the word back,then smiledsofty. Sebastian gestured to the car, and Rory got inside.He clung to the seat, and when Sebastian noticed, hetutted.

“You don’t have to do thatanymore…”

“I still haven’t gottenover the first time I let you drive.”

“It had been sixteen years… I was a littlerusty.”

“A little...”

Sebastian narrowed his eyes andstarted the car. Rory undid his tie, then shoved it in his pocket. Hishand brushed something hard, and he pulled out his police IDbadge.

He didn’t think he’d go back,but Sebastian encouragedhim to try before making any rash decisions. Thefirst few weeks, he forced himself to go to work, then he did itfor routine, then for purpose, before finally enjoying being apolice officer. He had a team he got on with, and a boss worthy ofhis respect.

Some days were boring, some werefunny, some scary, and others draining. Rory had just had a draining day, andhe went to speak to Erica to clear his head.

“Long day?”

Rory hummed. “Yeah. I was called to atraffic collision”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. “Everyoneokay?”

“There were injuries, but theyshould all be okay.”

“Good.”

“What about you?” Roryasked.

“I’m finalizing plans for the Jameson’sfarm plot. Think of it—houses, flats, small shops.”

“You go from conning men, to alegitimate property developer…”

“For now.”

Rory raised his eyebrow. “What do youmean for now?”

“Who knows what the futurewill bring.”

“Don’t you ever worry aboutthe people you’ve conned finding you…”

Sebastian flashed him a look. “No, doyou?”

Rory bit his lip. “Yes. I can’tloseyou.”

“I’m not goinganywhere.”

“But—”

“No buts Rory. I’m not goinganywhere. Noone’s going to take me from you, and no one’s gonna takeyou from me, they wouldn’t dare. Don’t worry yourself with that,worry about how close I’ll build a Foodles to our newhouse.”

“Oodles,” Rorycorrected.

“Yeah, one of them, too…”

He knew Sebastian was trying to makehim smile and hated that it worked.

“What aboutHamish?”

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