Page 24 of Psychopath

“Yeah, all boys, all wealthy. I can’t complain. The teachers were informative and knew what they were on about. I had friends and lots of activities to keep me entertained.”

“Did your dad ever see you play polo?”

Zane nodded. “He loved watching, not so keen on the rugby, though.”

“How come?”

“He didn’t like watching me smash into men and them smash into me.”

“Understandable.”

“It was a unique school, lots of different subjects, some truly bizarre.”

“Like what?”

Zane smiled coyly and shook his head. “Not going to say.”

“Why not?”

“You’ll laugh.”

“I swear I won’t.”

Zane smacked his lips together and leaned forward. “Well, one term they were into alternate healing. They made us do meditation, a tea reading course, and a palm-reading one.”

“Palm-reading? No way.”

“Yes way. Give me your palm, and I’ll show you.”

Quinn shook his head. “Nice try, but not happening.”

“Just hold it up then.”

Quinn hesitated, then lifted his hand.

Zane inhaled deeply. “I swear by almighty God—”

Quinn laughed and slapped his palm on the table. “I knew you were lying.”

“I’m not. Hold your hand up again. I’ll do it properly this time.”

“Fine, last chance.”

Quinn wriggled his fingers as he held his hand up.

Zane’s smile faltered, and he stared intently at the lines of Quinn’s palm.

“Your heart’s aching for someone…”

Quinn dropped his hand into his lap and scrunched his face. “That’s not funny.”

Zane held his hands up in surrender. “I’m just saying what I saw, and what I saw…was heartbreak.”

“Let’s—” Quinn cleared his throat, stopping it from tightening further. “Let’s get back on topic.”

“I didn’t mean to upse—”

“It’s fine,” Quinn blurted before he calmed his voice and asked, “How did you find school?”

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