Page 80 of Everything That Kills Me
Thomas glared. “He might grow up to be a good guard dog.”
“He’d probably lick a burglar to death.”
“Hmm.”
Django jumped up onto the couch next to Jack. “Is he allowed?”
“No, but he takes no notice of me.”
Jack picked the dog up, put it down on the floor and said, “No,” in a firm voice. Django cocked his head and jumped up again.
“Nor of you, apparently.”
“What are you going to do with him when you’re away?”
“Penny, a nice lady at the vet’s, said she’d look after him for me. I’m such a lovely, kind-hearted guy for having given him a home.”
“Well, you gave me a home.”
Django shuffled so that his nose was against Jack’s leg.
“He likes attention and affection,” Thomas said.
Jack hoped that meant Thomas was kind to him.
“How did it go?” Thomas asked.
“It went.”
“The police seem to have no clue.”
“No.”
“The Americans are delighted. The money’s made its usual convoluted journey to your account.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“Are you going to talk to me about Zeph?”
Tell you about how much I like him? That he makes me laugh? How he makes me feel? How hard he makes me come?“We’re going on a road trip around Europe for two months.” Jack watched Thomas carefully and saw a small twitch of his jaw. Annoyance.
“I’d advise against it.”
Maybe the closest he’d get to telling Jack he couldn’t go. Jack was old enough to do what he wanted, but Thomas knew how much Jack respected him, how much he’d prefer not to disappoint him. If Thomas outright told him not to go, what would he do? Jack hoped he wasn’t put in that position.
“He’s aware it’s only for the summer,” Jack said.
Thomas raised one eyebrow. “Is he?”
“Yes.”
“You know you’ll put him in danger.”
Not necessarily. “If I do, I’ll protect him.”
“You can’t be with him all the time. You need to be careful. Follow the rules.”
Jack nodded. That was as near as he’d get to Thomas being okay with this.
