Page 26 of The Rat

“Whatare you doing?” Sebastianasked.

“Captain Tracy!” Roryyelledunderthe gap.

He clutched his throat andwinced at theburning.

Captain stopped screaming, andRory sat up and rested against the door.

“He needs help,professional help.”

“I know.” Rory mumbled.“But he’s stubborn, and guilt ridden.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, he hasn’tsaid.”

Sebastiangot back on his bed, but didn’tlay down. He tilted his head and stared at Rory as he restedagainst the door.

“What?”Rory asked.

“I’m wondering how you’vegot his unwavering loyalty?”

“He said me and Olliereminded himof some of the recruits he trained up.”

Sebastian hummed. “You sucked hiscock?”

“No!”

“I was onlyasking.”

“I don’t know why he cares whathappens tome. He’s a good guy.”

Sebastian pursed his lips. “Isee it. When he’s training Ollie, when he’s watching over you. I see he’s a goodguy. He could be a good fit here, someone for the younger ones tolook up to, but not while he’s suffering like that.”

“Hetalked about seeing a psychiatrist, but hecancelled the appointment.”

“Get him to make anotherone. Doc Jenkins isyoung, but he’s helped loads of guys in here. Stopped some fromoffing themselves.”

Rory’s heart missed a beat. “Youdon’t think he’ll—”

“No, I just meant I thinkit’ll help. Afteryou got stabbed, that night, I’ve never heard anything like it. Hescreamed out your name, and the next morning he was at the gate,rattling it, beating it with his fists, wanting to know how youwere.”

Rory dragged his legs towards him and restedhis forehead on his knees. Captain cared about him, but he didn’tdeserve it, he was nothing but a fraud.

“You’ve got to convince himto see the psychiatrist.”

“Hethinks he’s gotta watch me all the time,make sure nothing happens to me. I think he blames himself for megetting stabbed.”

Sebastian’s gaze drifted offRory, and he frowned. “It wasn’t his fault—”

“I know that.” Roryhissed.“I’vetold him that, but he doesn’t listen.”

He struggled to his feet,grittedhisteeth, and growled through the pain. Sebastian looked as if he wasabout to help him, then thought better of it and laid back down.Rory pulled himself onto the top bunk. He knew he wouldn’t begetting any sleep, too guilty over Captain’spredicament.

****

Rory glanced up from his table and frownedat the guard advancing on Sebastian. He spoke into his ear, thenSebastian stood up and excused himself. Rory narrowed his eyes andstudied the guard and Sebastian’s exchange. Then he recoiled whenhe saw the guard handing over something, and he quickly stashing itin his pocket.

Sebastian didn’t just have theinmates under his control, but some of theguards, too.He looked over, and Rory averted his gaze. He knew he hadn’t beenquick enough when he saw Sebastian approaching from the corner ofhis eye.

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