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“And I’m a Red Sox catcher”

“I do” He seems serious

“Do you then?” I scoff “With a nice doggie? What was it, a camp for foolish wealthy?”

His eyes widen, just a bit I watch his gaze dip to his boots before it rises back to mine “Listen—” His full lips twist, pensive “I wanted to say I’ht”

“Youthat’s escaped the fences?”

His head bows a little lower I can see his shoulders r

ise and fall “Yeah”

“What?” I cup my hand around my ear “Can’t hear over the rain”

He looks up and says, “Yes” His voice is low and hard

I watch as he adjusts the poncho over his head, shifts his broad shoulders, curls one of his fists When I felt I’ve held hih to suit, I dise now”

His eyes flash, but the fire doesn’t burn “You need help”

“What I need is for a ship to come and carry you away”

His lips press into a thin line, and then he nods once, barely “I acted badly and I’m sorry It was…inexcusable”

“And yet you’re here, seeking…forgiveness?”

“I heard you needed help”