Page 65 of The Rat

“You smuggle stuff in, or youknow who does?”

Sebastian flashed looks at the closestguards, but they were all busy talking to inmates.“Yeah.”

“I needalcohol.”

Rory widened his eyes and lookedup at him. “No,you’ve gotten off that shit.”

“What the hell do you knowabout it?” Captain growled.

The words hit him like a lash, hewasn’t supposed to know about his alcoholism, Captain hadn’t sharedthat demon with him.

“So, I needdrink.”

“Please don’t do this.”Rorywhispered.

Captain lifted his chin. “How aboutit? What do you need in return?”

“I’m not getting you any.” Sebastiansaid.

“What?”

“I said no.”

Captain curled his hands into fists.“Why not?”

“Because I don’t wantto.”

“Who the fuck do you think youare?”

Helaunched the chessboard, and sent thepieces flying. The prison ground to a halt, and Captain leaned overSebastian breathing heavily.

“You better back awayfast.”Sebastian growled.

“Or what?”

Rory turned to Captain. “Please, calmdown.”

“Oi, Captain!”

His head snapped up.“What?”

Pauly waved him over. “I wanna talk toyou.”

Captainhuffed, then stalked over to thetable of bandana-wearing inmates.

“I’m not the only one thatsmuggles contraband into prison.” Sebastian mumbled.

Pauly gesturedCaptaincloser, then whispered something in his ear. Rory went to stand,but Sebastian grabbed his arm and pulled him down.

“No.”

“I can’t just let himdestroy himself.”

“He’s a big boy, his ownman, you have to let him make his own mistakes. Sitdown.”

Rory tugged against Sebastian’s hold, butSebastian didn’t give up his grip on his arm. Captain walkedfurther away with Pauly at his side, then they both vanished intoPauly’s cell.

“Leave it,” Sebastian said firmly.

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