Page 99 of The Rat

“Yep. He’s goodat pool—theinmates have started betting on him. Captain’s been asking aboutyou, too, wanted to know what the fight was about.”

“What did you tellhim?”

“Nothing. It’s up toyou if you want totalk about it or not.”

“And you?”

Sebastian turned towards him. “Againstmy better judgement, have been worried about you, and worried aboutwhat’ll happen on Friday.”

“Friday?”

“I get out of here, and Ileave you behind.”

The lock clunked, and Sebastian flicked hisgaze at the door. “Come on, time for breakfast.”

****

Ollie gave Rory a hug, then pulled himdown on his chair. “Are you okay?”

“Not really.”

“That girl—”

“I don’t wanna talk aboutit.”

“What was solitarylike?”

Rory glancedat his purple and blue hands.“Not fun.”

“You launched at Pauly likea flaming tiger.”

“Really?”

The incident was all a completeblur, a carousel of color, sound, and sensation that made nosense.

“I don’t remember too muchabout it.”

“I don’t wannawrestle with youanymore, afraid I’ll unlock the beast.”

Rory laughed, and shook hishead. He looked up at the sound of someone clearing their throat.

“Can I sit?”

Rory nodded at Captain, and he placedhis tray down on the table.

“You not gettingyours?”

“I usually go at the end of theline.”

Ollie shook his head. “Not now youdon’t, not after you smashed Pauly’s face.”

“I’ll go up in aminute.”

Captain gestured to Rory’s hands.“Have you had them looked at?”

“They’re only bruises.”

“Massivebruises.”

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