“Please, will you see Cap—Benjamin, even if its once, just to say you accept his apology, or to explain why you don’t think you’ll be able to help.”

Jenkins sighed, then nodded. “Okay … I’ll see if I can arrange an appointment with him tomorrow.”

Rory pressed his hands together. “Thank you.”

“Now, where am I taking you?”

Jenkins stuck the keys into the ignition, but didn’t start the car.

“My flat, it’s just outside the city, if that’s okay?”

“I can’t leave you moping outside the prison gate like a lost puppy, can I?”

“No, not when I’ve got making up to do…”

****

Rory peered out the window at Ollie’s aunt and uncle’s house. As soon as he’d gotten back to his flat, he scanned through his file on Oliver Linton and found their address. He called a cab and drummed his fingers on his knees for the entire two-hour journey.

That was as far as his planning went. He had no idea what he was going to say.

The driver spoke over his shoulder. “You getting out or what?”

“Yeah… You’ll wait?”

“As long as I get paid for the time.”

“Of course.”

The driver leaned back his chair and folded his arms over his chest. “Take as long as you want then.”

The door opened on Ollie’s aunt, she scrunched her eyes at him, then called for her husband. He appeared in the doorway ten seconds later.

“Maggie and Asher Linton.”

“Who are you?”

“I’m police officer Rory Matterson, I’m here about Oliver…”

Maggie slapped her hand over her mouth. “What’s happened?”

“Nothing, he’s fine.” Rory paused, then shook his head. “He’s not fine. He’s going mad not knowing how Leo is. His letters go unanswered, and he hasn’t had a single visitor since he’s been inside.”

Maggie dropped her hand from her mouth, then glared at Asher. “I told you we should’ve visited.”

“We’re just about getting Leo settled. Seeing Oliver will tip him over the edge.”

“You can’t cut Ollie out like that. He loves his brother.”

“We’re Leo’s guardians, he needs permission to go visit his brother in prison, and I won’t allow it.”

“Why not?”

“Leo’s barely spoken, he’s finally coming out of his shell. He doesn’t want to see Oliver.”

“Has he said that?”

“No, he doesn’t speak about him.”

“Ollie needs support in there.”

Asher shook his head. “He murdered his dad, my brother.”

“That man was abusive.” Rory murmured.

Asher lowered his gaze. “I know he could be hot-headed, he had a temper, and he used his fists more than he should’ve.”