Page 24 of Rat

Rory clutched his side as he sat down. Ollie took the seat opposite. Teddy hovered at the end of the table until Ollie pulled out the seat beside him with a bright smile.

“You can sit with us.”

Teddy bowed his head, then sat beside Ollie.

“Let’s see it then,” Ollie said.

Rory scrunched his brow. “See what?”

“The wound.”

“It’s wrapped up.”

Ollie pouted in disappointment. Captain returned with toast on his tray and placed it in front of Rory.

“It’s only toast. You should be able to manage it.”

Rory shot him a weak smile. “Thank you—”

“Don’t,” Captain interrupted. “It’s the least I can do.”

“How did you work that out?”

“If I hadn’t taken so long coming back to the wing, it wouldn’t have happened.”

Rory slumped. “You can’t look out for us all of the time.”

“Watch me.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“Rory,” Captain growled.

Rory slumped. “Where were you yesterday anyway?”

“I was speaking to the governor.” Captain rubbed his chin. “He’s given me a cell of my own on the second floor, next to yours actually. No more terrifying my cellmate every night. And I begrudgingly agreed to see a therapist.”

“That’s great.”

Captain hissed through his teeth. “I cancelled this morning.”

“Why?”

“I left the wing for thirty minutes yesterday, and someone knifed you.”

Rory blinked. “But…you have to speak to someone.”

“No, I don’t. No one can make me do anything.”

“Please—”

“Stop.” Captain held up his hand. “This isn’t up for discussion.”

“Are you pulling rank on me?”

“Yeah, I am.” He snorted, and some of the anger the conversation had spawned left him. “You’re a fresh-faced private, and I’m an experienced captain.”

“Hey,” Ollie whispered over the table. “Look who’s coming…”

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