Page 120 of Rat

Something lightened in his chest. It was a small thing, but he still felt the relief of it lifting away.

“Now, where am I taking you?”

Jarvis stuck the keys into the ignition but didn’t start the car.

“My flat, it’s just outside the city, if that’s okay?”

“I can’t leave you moping outside the prison gate like a lost puppy, can I?”

“No.” Rory nodded to himself. “Not when I’ve got making up to do…”

Rory peered out of the window at Ollie’s aunt and uncle’s house. As soon as he’d got back to his flat, he scanned through his file on Oliver Linton and found their address. He called a cab and drummed his fingers on his knees for the entire two-hour journey.

That was as far as his planning went. He had no idea what he was going to say when he knocked on their door.

The driver spoke over his shoulder. “Are you getting out or what?”

“Yeah… Will you wait?”

“As long as I get paid for the time.”

“Of course.”

The driver reclined his chair and shuffled to get comfortable. “In that case, take as long as you want.”

Rory took a deep breath before getting out of the car. He stepped up the cobbled path, then struck the door with his knuckles. He frowned at the voices inside the house, then the door opened on Ollie’s aunt.

She was tall, thin, with black hair and dark eyes.

“Hello, I’m—”

“Asher!” she yelled over her shoulder. Rory bit his lip, waiting, and ten seconds later, her husband appeared in the doorway.

“Maggie and Asher Linton, I’m—”

“Who are you?” Asher snapped.

He didn’t look a thing like Ollie despite being his uncle. His hair was threadbare, mousy brown, and his eyes were sunken and tired-looking.

“I’m police officer Rory Matterson. I’m here about Oliver…”

Maggie slapped her hand over her mouth. “What’s happened?”

“Nothing, he’s fine.” Rory paused, then shook his head. “Actually, he’s not fine. He’s going mad not knowing how Leois. His letters go unanswered, and he hasn’t had a single visitor since he’s been inside.”

Maggie dropped her hand from her mouth, then glared at Asher. “I told you we should’ve visited.”

Asher shook his head. “We’re just about getting Leo settled. Seeing Oliver will tip him over the edge.”

“You can’t cut Ollie out like that,” Rory said. “He loves his brother.”

“We’re Leo’s guardians. We need to do what is best for Leo. I won’t allow him to visit his brother.”

“Why not?”

“Leo’s barely spoken; he’s finally coming out of his shell. He doesn’t want to see Oliver, not after what he did.”

“Ollie needs support in there too.”

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