Page 46 of The Rat

“Don’t, Rory.”

“Sorry, you’re right, Idon’t understand, maybe you are evil, but so is everyonesometimes.”

“Can’t imagine you beingevil.”

Rory snorted, then mumbled,“Give it afew months and you might change your mind.”

“Won’t happen.”

“Maybe you’ve done evilthings, whatever ‘evil’ means, but you’ve been great to me. Yousaved me when I was stabbed, and you’ve looked out for me andOllie. They weren’t evil acts.”

Captain breathedout of his nose,then shut his eyes.

“I messed up.”

“Messed up?”

“I got defensive when thehe asked about mydreams. He picked away at them and I got mad, shouted at him, andhe looked scared. It made me feel good at the time, but now I feellike shit about it.”

“He’s apsychiatrist, I’m sure he’s hadpeople shout at him before.”

“But look at me,”Captain mumbled.“How’d you feel if I got in your face and shouted all my anger atyou?”

Captain was withoutdoubt the biggestman Rory had ever seen. Wide shoulders, masculine jaw, hugemuscles, and contained rage swirling in his eyes.

“Pretty damnterrified.”

“Exactly. The guy was damn shaking I scaredhim so much. I’m such a bastard.”

“Just make anotherappointment and say sorry.”

Captain snorted. “No wayI’mgoingback, I’m not gonna subject him to that again, but don’t worrythey’ve given me some pills to sleep, so hopefully everyone willhave a better night, but sorry if tomorrow I’m a walkingzombie.”

“Doubt I’ll see adifference.”

Captainlaughed and dropped his boots to thefloor.

“Hey—”

Rory turned at Zeke’s voice. Hisforehead gleamed with sweat, and his towel wasdraped over hisshoulder.

“Wanna go workout?”

Captain nodded. “Sounds like aplan. Youdon’t mind, do you?”

Rory shook his head. “I’ll see you atdinner.”

Sebastian was waiting outside thecell.

“Were you eavesdropping?”Rory asked.

“Yes, yes Iwas.”

“Why?”

“I told you,I was worried in case he kickedoff.”

“You think you could stophim if he did?” Rory asked.

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