Page 22 of The Rat

“Yeah, well, I’ve learned from mymistake,” Rory mumbled.

Captain tugged at the bottom ofRory’s t-shirt. “Let’s see it then.”

Rory lifted his t-shirt, andflashed the patch taped to his side. Ollie leaned over the table to get a goodlook, then sat back down.

“It still hurt?” Ollieasked.

“It aches, pinches when I turntoo quickly.”Rory knocked his shoulder against Captain’s. “Thank youfor—”

“Don’t,” Captain interrupted. “If I hadn’ttaken so long coming back to the wing, it wouldn’t havehappened.”

“You can’t look out for usall of the time.”

“Watch me.”

Rory shook his head. “Where did you gothat day?”

“Speaking to the governor. He’s given me acell of my own on the second floor, next to yours actually. No moreterrifying my cellmate, and I begrudgingly agreed to seeing apsychiatrist.”

“That’s great.”

Captain hissed through his teeth. “Icancelled.”

“Why?”

“I leftthe wing for thirty minutes, and yougot yourself stabbed.”

“You have to speak tosomeone.”

“No, I don’t. No one can make me doanything.”

“Please—”

“Stop.” Captain snapped.“This isn’t up for discussion.”

“You pulling rank onme?”

“Yeah, I am. You’re a fresh-faced private,and I’m an experienced captain.”

“Hey,” Ollie hissed, “lookwho’s coming…”

Sebastian strolled to theirtable, smirked, then crossed his arms over his chest.“You’re backthen.”

“Looks thatway.”

“A word…”

“No.” Rory huffed.

“What?”

“You asked for a word, and I gave you one.No.”

“Very funny, did that hospitalsewyourballs back on?”

“I don’t want to speak toyou.”

Sebastian pouted, then looked atOllie. “He’s not interested.”

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