Page 33 of Rat

He didn’t know what had just happened but knew it couldn’t happen again.

7

“You’re under Sebastian’s protection?”Captain said, slowly. Carefully. Each word dripped with scepticism, but Rory ignored his tone and nodded.

“That’s right.”

“And you don’t have to bring him drugs?”

“No.”

Captain narrowed his eyes. “He hasn’t tried anything inappropriate?”

“No, I swear. He wants a good night’s sleep, that’s all.”

“And he thinks one appointment with the therapist will magically change that?”

“I don’t think it could make it much worse.”

“Fine.” Captain huffed. He got to his feet, shot a menacing look at Pauly across the room, then spoke over his shoulder to Rory. “I’ll sort it.”

The pull of Sebastian’s stare made Rory look his way. He raised his eyebrow questioningly, and Rory nodded. Sebastian smiled and gave him the thumbs-up. Rory’s stomach fluttered. It was nice not being faced with Sebastian’s sneer or smirk for once, but with a smile that looked genuine.

Ollie walked across the room, hugging himself. His face was pale, and his eyes were darting around.

“What’s happened?”

Ollie sunk down in the chair next to Rory but didn’t speak.

“Talk to me.” Rory nudged him. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay… At the moment, I’m okay.”

“Has someone threatened you? Has Teddy—”

“No, he’s not hurt me.”

Ollie’s gaze snapped to his cell, and he mumbled something Rory didn’t quite catch.

“What?”

“Maggots,” Ollie repeated.

“Maggots? In the food?”

Ollie shook his head. “In my cell.”

Rory shuddered. “Get rid of them.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

Ollie leaned closer. “I think they’re Teddy’s pets.”

“Pet maggots,” Rory murmured, then he snorted.

“It’s not funny, I’m serious. He showed me them last night, by the window, a load of them. There was a big smile on Teddy’s face when he picked one up and put it in his palm. He tried to make me hold one, and I screamed.”

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