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“He’s probably still down there I bet he can’t walk after that beatin’ If he ain’t dead, poor little prick”

“Oh, fuck off You his old dear?”

“You’re a cunt That’s what you are” The slight man walked away

“Yeah, you go kiss ’i of wine

Silas waited a few seconds before pursuing the slight h the alleyways Several twists and turns on, the slight , then knelt next to a tiny figure on the ground

“Oi” The slight man poked at the body “Oi” He stood and shook his head “Poor little prick I’ll get him for you, don’t you worry”

Silas pressed hiht man passed

Silas approached the small boy Bruised and covered in blood, it was hiers on the boy’s neck A weak pulse He studied the e him

“I’,” Silas said “You can die in the woods if you have to” He scooped the boy over his shoulder Light as a feather

Silas retraced his steps The Spring, now shrouded in darkness, took the pressure away fro what looked like a murder victim

The scuffling of a fight echoed ahead Silas slowed to a creep and peered around the corner to see the weather-beaten and slight s

The grunts of the two ht man stood, kicked the weather-beaten man in the ribs, then slunk into the darkness As Silas passed, he noticed a dirty wooden knife handle stuck in the weather-beaten man’s eye Shame Would have been nice for the boy to have done this himself

Silas readjusted the bony boy on his shoulder and headed for his exit

3

Scab’s eyes stung as he opened theh the walls The straw at his sides rustled as he flexed his fingers His head felt heavy as he lifted it