Page 11 of Inflict

He knew it wasn’t a good name, but he had picked it.

That counted for something.

Evelyn’s smile grew even wider. “I like it.”

Then, Connor had an idea. One that he wasn’t sure he entirely liked, as it meant he might not get to see Kitty as often as he did now, but it would mean the kitten would be safe and warm all winter, and even longer. Forever, maybe.

“You can have him,” Connor said quietly.

Evelyn looked up from the cat, her eyes sparkling at him. “Could I?”

Her dad was not like his—he was a nicer man, and he’d never said a word when he’d sometimes seen Connor playing with Evelyn. He also knew it was Evelyn’s dad who bought her all the new and pretty things she always seemed to have, so he didn’t think there would be much of a fight if she brought Kitty home and wanted to keep it.

“Yeah, he likes you,” Connor said.

“What about the others?” Evelyn asked. “I can’t take all the kitties home, Connor.”

He’d worry about the others.

He just didn’t know how.

“It’s okay,” he lied.

Kitty would have to do.

Evelyn would love him, Connor was sure of it.

That was enough.

Evelyn smiled brightly, leaned forward, and planted a kiss right on his open mouth. Connor wasn’t sure what to do, so he just stood there, looking like a dense lad.

“I love you, Connor,” she proclaimed.

He blinked, unsure of that word and its meaning. Sure, he had heard it before, but never directed at him.

“Are you sure?” he dared to ask.

Evelyn glanced up at the sky like she was considering what he said. “Pretty sure.”

Well, okay then.

“Connor! Where are you, lad?”

Connor leaped a good foot away from Evelyn at the sound of his father’s shout, his heart leaping into his throat as he stumbled to get farther away. “Go home, Evelyn.”

“But—” She looked down at the kitten. “Won’t you say goodbye to Kitty?”

“Connor!”

“Go,” he said, before darting out of the woods, not once looking back.

Evelyn would listen.

She was smart that way.

• • •

His father had a new maid—Missy, was her name. He’d heard Sean call her that a few times, but never when he thought Connor was close enough to hear. He wasn’t entirely sure what happened to the last maid, but one morning, she hadn’t left him his juice on his nightstand, and he knew she wouldn’t be waiting in the kitchen with food.