End of the Line (Rail Riders Book 1) by Nicky James

Author:Nicky James [James, Nicky]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-07-27T16:00:00+00:00

TWELVE

Killian

Leo wasn’t crying when we got back. His eyes were red, and he wore a weak smile when I entered the room. I hadn’t wanted to leave, but if Dodger and Tyler hadn’t dragged me away, I might have exploded. Leo’s story had kindled a fire so rich in my blood, it had taken over an hour for it to simmer to something more manageable.

I’d seen the bruises decorating his body. I’d seen the fear behind his eyes in the bar bathroom when I’d hardly been able to talk him into saving himself.

Dodger tossed the few bags of supplies we’d bought on the floor beside our packs. Tyler announced he was taking a shower. Willow lay on the far bed, scanning the television directory for something to watch. When Dodger joined her, I went and sat beside Leo, who was alone on the second bed, looking unsure where to put himself.

I handed him the bag of goodies I’d gotten for him at a shop on the corner.

“I bought you more candy. I thought you might be getting low.”

His eyes lit up as he dug through the brown sack finding packages of Starburst, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, and Pop Rocks.

I didn’t know anyone who got more excited over sugar.

“Thank you. I’ve never had these,” he said as he read the Pop Rocks package.

“They’re fun. You’ll see. Thought it might cheer you up.”

His smile faded as he set the candy aside and went back to staring at his hands. “Willow thinks I should call my father and tell him what happened.”

“What do you think?”

He picked at his nails, his face pinched with worry. “I don’t know. I’m scared.”

Nail picking turned to hand wiping. The action grew manic in a matter of seconds until I placed my hand over his and stopped it. “The blood’s gone, Leo,” I whispered. “It’s gone.”

He paled. “I feel it sometimes. I washed it off, but it’s like it’s still there. It itches and burns.”

“I know.”

“I’m not a violent person.” Leo lifted his head, his expression begging me to understand. “I didn’t want to hurt him.”

“I know that too.”

“It doesn’t feel real. It feels like an awful nightmare I can’t wake up from. I still see it when I close my eyes. I can hear him yelling.”

A burst of laughter erupted from the other side of the room. Leo startled. We both glanced at the pair on the bed.

Dodger and Willow had found a movie and were sprawled on their stomachs, watching it. It was a comedy that had Dodger giggling and snorting. Willow elbowed him and rolled her eyes like the notion of comedy was ridiculous, but there was a lightness to her features she couldn’t hide.

They were giving us as much privacy as they could in the small room, and I appreciated it. Willow peeked over on occasion, checking on Leo. For all that she could come across as cold and uncaring—aloof—she’d developed a soft spot for our new friend.

We all had. For someone who’d experienced more of the world than all of us combined, Leo was the one who was lost.

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