Page 23 of The Rat

“Interested?”

Ollie’s cheeks reddened, and heglanced away.

“What did you do?” Roryasked.

Sebastian laughed, and croucheddown. Even though he was looking up at Rory, he still felt smaller,vulnerable. “Your buddy here begged me to protect you when you cameback, wantsto make sure Pauly doesn’t go stabbing you again.”

“That’s if it washim.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “See, Idon’t do anything for free. So for my protection, and yourguaranteed safety, you’d need to do things for me.”

Rory shook his head. “No.”

“Hear me out. I’m not interested in yourholes, but I am interested in why you’re here…”

“Why I’m here?”

Sebastian smiled, then mouthedthe word ‘drugs. “I want some brought in, a farewell score for someof my closest.”

“Your release is almost ninemonths away.”

“I want a long and happyfarewell. Think youcould smuggle some in for me?”

Rory looked into Sebastian’sblue eyes, the amusement dazzled. He knew Hamish would probablygive him drugs to get Sebastian onside, to become valuable to himin the hope he’doverhear some vital information, but he didn’t wantSebastian lording his power over him.

“You asked for a word, andI gave you one. No.”

Sebastianchuckled. He got to his feet,his full menacing height, and stood over Rory.

“What did yousay?”

“I’m not doing that. I’m not bringing thatstuff in here.”

“A drug dealer with aconscience.”

“Something likethat.”

Sebastian ran his tongue alonghis bottomlip and frowned. “Let me get this straight. You’re turningdown my protection.”

Ollie kicked him underthe table. “No, he’snot.”

“Stay out of this Ollie.”Captaingrowled.

“You do know what Pauly will doto you,right? You think that blade in your side hurt, wait till he rams itup your as—”

“Hey!” Captain shouted,getting to his feet. “Enough.”

Sebastianheld up his hands. “Calm down.I’m not threatening, only stating facts. It’s yourchoice.”

He turned around, then walkedaway.

“What the hell, Rory?” Ollie hissed. “You’vegot eight years in here.”

“So, he’d give me nine months protection,then what?”

Agrowl rumbled in Teddy’s throat, notangry, more of a considering mumble.

“Exactly,” Rory said,pointing to him. “I’m not going to be bullied to bring drugs inhere.”

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