Page 86 of Protected By the Convicts
“I killed her,” Ren said, slurring his words.
“We don’t know if she’s dead,” Vaughn said, having trouble getting the worddeadout. . . having trouble convincing himself she was still alive. Veenith. . . He didn’t want to think about it anymore. Couldn’t, or he’d find himself sitting next to Ren on those tracks waiting for the railcar to flatten them, and she wouldn’t want that.
“Killed her. Gave Brody the datastick to kill her.”
“What datastick?” Vaughn asked.
“Proooof,” Ren drew out the word. “Fucking Brody sent it.”
“Do you know what he’s talking about?” Sersie asked Vaughn.
“Unfortunately, I think I’m starting to.”
Ren tossed the empty canteen aside. “I’m done.”
“Done with what?” Vaughn asked. “Done with the drink, the work here, living?”
“Everything. I’m just done.”
“Funny, Hannah worried about me and Sersie harming ourselves, but never you. She wanted you to go home. Said that’s what you needed more than anything.”
“She was fucking wrong. I needher. Don’t care about the rest. Not without her.”
“Liar,” Ky’Li said from behind.
Vaughn jumped. “How the hell did you find us?”
Sersie held up his datapad. “I sent him a message.”
Ky’Li squatted before Ren, then snatched the canteen from him and emptied out the remaining contents before tossing the container aside. “You promised her you would be a part of this unit. You swore an oath to me, Vaughn, and Sersie as well. Brothers.”
“That was for her.”
“Then live up to her expectations.”
“Why? She’s gone. We failed her.”
“We did not fail her, and committing suicide won’t help her,” Ky’Li said as he extended an arm to Ren.
“I’m not suicidal,” Ren said as he reached for the canteen and tipped over onto his side.
“Then why are you sitting on the rail line?” Vaughn asked.
The squeaks and clanking of an approaching railcar caused everyone but Ren to turn. He tapped the canteen against the metal rails. “That’s what’s digging into my ass? Huh. . .”
“Get off the fucking tracks, Ren,” Vaughn said, watching the tracks for the approaching railcar.
“I got her sent to Veenith.”
“How?” Sersie asked.
“Datastick. That’s why they arrested Dresden. Dresden wouldn’t have sent her to Veenith. Fucking Foley follows the rules. No 5s allowed.”
Ky’Li yanked Ren away from the track and let him sink to the ground at the base of a succla tree before the railcar whizzed by. Ren barely acknowledged being hauled and dumped several feet from the rail line. A family of durgis jumped from the tree overhead, causing leaves to rain down on Ren.
“Bring him,” Vaughn ordered Ky’Li.
“Home or med-center?” Ky’Li asked.
