Page 132 of Rat

Rory forced a swallow, then nodded.

Sebastian squeezed his knee. “Relax, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Rory spotted Hamish amongst the crowd, and his heart rate accelerated.

“What’s going on?” Rory asked.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Looks like Hamish is trespassing on my land.”

“Your land?”

Sebastian snorted, then yanked on the handle. Rory followed him out of the car but kept a few metres’ distance between them as they approached the group.

He stayed in the shadows and leaned against the farmhouse wall.

“Problem?” Sebastian mumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets. The group dispersed, revealing an irate Hamish.

Hamish shook a piece of paper in his hand. “This is my land.”

“Your land?”

“Yes, you are trespassing, and I’ve called the police.”

Sebastian folded his arms. “Let them come. They’ll see that you’re the one in the wrong.”

“I bought this farm.”

Sebastian whistled. “Yeah? How much for?”

“A lot.”

“The whole farm?”

“Yes.”

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure about that?”

“Yes—”

“You really should’ve read the small print before you signed.”

Hamish took an unsteady step back. “What?”

“You own a small patch, five metres by five metres,” Sebastian muttered before pointing into the distance. “Somewhere over there.”

“Liar.”

“I’m not lying. This place is mine. I own it.”

“Over my dead body.”

“Don’t tempt me… How’s life been treating you lately?”

Hamish sneered. “What?”

“Your wife’s left you, you’re in debt, being harassed, paranoid someone’s out to get you. You’re not looking well, Hamish.”

“Fuck you.”

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