Page 32 of The Rat

“I gathered. Did—did you make anappointment with the—”

“Yeah, hence the exhaustingworkout.”

“Why are you punishingyourself?”

Captain closed his eyes and tooka deepbreath. “Got to prove I’m not weak.”

“Asking for help isn’tweak.”

“I didn’t ask for help, I askedfor an appointment with a shrink, that’s all, one appointment, to prove itwon’t help.”

Sebastian cleared his throat,and they both looked up at him. A man stood beside him with the same hauntedlook Captain had. His head was shaved, and on his overworked bicep,he had a tattoo of a lion sitting on a crown.

“This is Sergeant Zeke Chambers.He served twoyears in Afghanistan. Lost his leg to a bomb blast.”

Zekegrinned, then patted what Roryassumed was his injured leg. “I’ve nailed down a natural stridethough, best prosthetic money can buy.”

He stepped forward and held out his hand.Captain shook it and got to his feet.

“How long you in here for?”Captain asked.

For the first time since knowinghim, Rory heard excitement in Captain’s voice. He even smiled, aproper smile that lifted his dulled eyes.

“I’ve got eighteen months left.”Zeke said. “Want to getsome water?”

Captain nodded. “Sure.”

Rory smiled atSebastian.“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

He sat down in the seat Captainhad been in, then grimaced, and shifted to the one beside it.“Sweaty. How are you today?”

Rory raised his shoulders. “Other thanbeing bored, I can’t complain.”

“Bored?I can help you with that…”

“I’m not playing cards withyou.”

Sebastian snorted. “Fine. How aboutchess?”

“Chess?”

“That’s what I said.You any good atchess?”

Roryshook his head. “No.”

“Neither am I…”

He waved Einstein and Damonover. Einstein had a chess board in hishands, and he placed it on the tableand chuckled.

“Here we go…” hemumbled.

“I’m supposed to believeyou’re awfulat chess?” Rory muttered.

Damon laughed. “He is, reallyawful.”

Einstein sighed. “I tried to teachhim, but he’s hopeless.”

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