"You don't really think we can," Neil said. "Then it's time to stop being the worst," Wymack said. Do you understand? We cannot lose to the Ravens this year. But the day Kevin stops playing forever is the day he dies. Because of that I'd like to think Kevin would defy Tetsuji, but it's just as likely we'd never see him with a racquet again. Wymack was quiet for an endless minute, then said, "Kevin only had the strength to leave because Riko destroyed his hand. "What if Coach Moriyama told him to sto playing?" ![]() He wanted to run until it all started making sense in his head, or at least until the ice left his veins. ![]() He didn't want to hear anymore of this, he'd already heard to much. He knows what Tetsuji would do to him if he refused. If Tetsuji called tomorrow and told him to come home, Kevin would. He's a pet, and it's Riko's name on his leash. Tetsuji took Kevin in and took over his training, but he also gave Kevin to Riko - literally. Do you know why? Moriyamas don't believe in outsiders or equals. “Kevin wouldn't really go back," Neil said, disbelieving. Neil didn’t remember what he’s said or done to irritate his father so much.” All of his men were well-versed in knife-fighting, and more than one of them had tried to stick Neil like a pig.Īnd there on his right shoulder was the perfect outline of half a hot iron. His father wasn’t called the butcher for nothing his weapon of choice was a cleaver. Along his abdomen were larger overlapping lines from confrontations with his father’s people while on the run. Faded scars crisscrossed here and there from his life on the run, either from stupid accidents, desperate escapes, or conflicts with local lowlifes. A shapeless patch of pale skin from his left shoulder to his navel marked where he’d jumped out of a moving car and torn himself raw on the asphalt. A pucker with jagged edges was a finger-width away, courtesy of a bullet that hit him right on the edge of his Kevlar vest. It started at the base of his throat, a looping scar curving down over his collarbone. He stared at her face as she stared at him, watching her gaze sweep over the brutal marks of a hideous childhood. She wasn’t fast enough to hide her flinch, and Neil saw her shoulders go rigid with tension. Her mouth parted on a silent breath and her expression went blank. Neil knew she wouldn’t be, and he was right. Abby dropped her hand and Neil pulled his shirt over his head before he could lose his nerve.Ībby thought she was ready. Neil wasn’t going to tell that psychiatrist a thing, but he nodded. “But know that when you want to, I’m here, and so is Betsy.” “You can’t ask me about them,” he said at last. That door is closed, and it comes with a lock. I’m here to help, remember? I’m your nurse now. Chances are I’ve seen a lot worse than whatever it is you’re trying to hide from me.” She put a finger to his chin and turned his face back toward her. Neil looked for a delicate way to say it. Tell me why you won’t take off your shirt.” “I want to make this as painless as possible, but I can’t help you if you can’t help me. ![]() “I can’t check track marks through cotton, Neil.” " As it is, I might puke from all the fanaticism going around.” "Congratulations are in order, I suppose! Since I have non to give, I will tell the others to respond appropriately." Andrew pushed himself to his feet and swallowed more whiskey on the way up. "Neil understands," Kevin said, dropping his hand and sending Andrew a pointed look. It was cruel to even dream he could stay like this, but Kevin had escaped, hadn't he? Somehow he'd left that bloody room behind at Edgar Allan and become this, and Neil wanted the same so bad he could taste it. That thought was sombering, as it put him right back to square one and the fact that Neil Josten was a fleeting existence. See it the only way it really matters, where Exy is the only road to take. "Forget the Foxes and your useless high school team and your family. Kevin reached up and covered Neil's eyes with his free hand. ![]() "You're never going to get there on your own, so give your game to me." If you won't play with me, you'll play for me," Kevin said. "You also said you wouldn't play with me, but here you are. "This is going to be a very long season." Whatever it was, it didn't look particularly happy.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |