Page 112 of Butterfly

“None taken.”

“And at least Rory will get some sleep.”

Sebastian nodded. “That’s true.”

They drove in silence. Ollie was happy with that, but from the way Sebastian kept opening his mouth but saying nothing, it was clear he wasn’t.

“Spit it out,” Ollie mumbled.

“Spit what out?”

“Whatever you keep trying to say to me.”

Sebastian drummed his fingers against the wheel. “I know I said I won’t push it, and I won’t. But if you did want to talk about whatever it is that leaves you looking like a beaten puppy whenever the post arrives—”

“I don’t look like a beaten puppy.”

“Well, not this morning.Thismorning, you looked like a beaten elf.”

“I was waiting…” Ollie sighed, shaking his head. “I visited him.”

“Teddy? When?”

“Three days ago.”

Sebastian glanced his way. “You didn’t tell us.”

Ollie shrugged. “I made some big scene about burning his letters, and I kind of felt stupid for jumping at the chance to see him after I’d decided it was time to move on.”

“And how was it?”

“Confusing.” Ollie clutched his head. “Can I ask you something?”

Sebastian’s jaw stiffened. “You can.”

Ollie eyed him. “Teddy was there nearly your whole sentence.”

“He was.”

“And?”

Sebastian turned to him. “And?”

“What was he like?”

“He was always protective over his cellmates. Not all of them appreciated his protection.”

“What does that mean?”

“Some got transferred to other wings. They were scared of him, found it hard to talk to him, I guess. But I never once saw him be mean, or intimidate, or coerce. He wanted company, and maybe he came on too strong, I don’t know.”

“You knew Ryan?”

Sebastian nodded. “I did.”

“What did he look like?”

“Black hair, bushy eyebrows, he had a mole on his chin. Teddy would throw a punch at anyone who dared tease him about it.” Sebastian chuckled.

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