Page 115 of Reinventing Cato
“What date?”
“Today. We’ll make sure we’re thorough.”
Vigge nodded.
By the time Vigge was on his way home, he’d texted Cato three times on his pay-as-you-go and had no response, so he didn’t hold out much hope that he’d be there when he got back. But he was. As Vigge hurried into the house, it had just started to snow. Cato’s bag, amp and violin were by the door. He pressed his lips together.
“Cato?”
“In here.”
Vigge didn’t like the sound of Cato’s voice. He headed for the lounge and found him curled up on the couch under a blanket. He sat up when Vigge came into the room. Cato looked…shattered, dark shadows under his eyes, his face pale. Vigge went straight to him, sat down and pulled him into his arms. He felt Cato’s momentary resistance before he melted against him.
“Are you okay?” Vigge whispered.
“I feel as if I’ve been thrown very forcefully into a bottomless pit.”
“And you’re still falling.”
“Yes.” Cato shuddered. “When I got back here, I thought if I kept very still and concentrated on the sound of my admittedly shaky breathing, that after a while, I’d be able to believe everything was going to be all right. It didn’t work.”
Vigge put his hand on the back of Cato’s head and pulled him in even closer. Cato shook in his arms.
“Three people that I’ve had sex with, dead.” Cato moaned. “Now I’m worried about you.”
Vigge hadn’t even thought about that.
“Can you wear a stab vest or something?”
“Hey!”
“I’m serious.”
“They didn’t ask you who else you’d been with.”
“So youwerelistening. No, they didn’t. They should have done, shouldn’t they? I didn’t mention you. I didn’t need to, so…”
“Exactly how many more were there?”
Cato froze.
It wasn’t a question Vigge wanted to ask, nor did he want an answer, but… “How many?”
Cato sat up and pulled away, his mouth a tight line. “Since when? Counting from when I was a teenager?”
“Don’t get stroppy.”
“You going to caution me?”
“No. I’m trying to help you.”
“And me giving you a list of everyone I’ve had sex with is going to help?”
“As long as they’re all alive, yes.”
Cato flinched.
“What about from when you finished with Max and Louise?”
