Revenge Read Free

himself onto his toes.
    Watson’s face went bright red, his eyes popping out of his skinny face; he cursed at Jason and threw a punch. Jason ducked and spun around on his left leg and carried out a full roundhouse kick that made contact under Watson’s chin. Watson’s head jerked back. His teeth clacked together, and he fell on his back. He must have bitten his tongue because blood started to pour from his mouth. Andrew walked forward. Watson was quick to get to his feet and ran at Jason, swinging wildly with his fists. Jason stood firm and blocked each blow with his arms. He then counterpunched Watson, catching him square on the nose.
    Again, Watson cursed at Jason, blood running from his nose. He picked up a chair and swung it in Jason’s direction. Jason ducked, dove to the floor on his hands, and spun his legs around, sweeping Watson’s feet. Watson’s legs were thrown into the air, and he fell heavily on his back. Jason pounced on his prey, landing with his knee in Watson’s chest. He threw four incredibly fast punches to Watson’s face and climbed off him.
    â€œHmm, some improvement to your face now,” Jason joked. A roar of laughter went up from the other boys who started to gather around them. They went quiet and moved back when Andrew slowly approached.
    â€œShrimp, you’re pretty good. What form of karate do you practice?” he asked with arms folded.
    â€œThe name is Steed. Jason Steed. If we’re to be roommates, you need to know that. I practice tae kwon do.”
    Andrew nodded and studied Jason while in deep thought. He ruled juvie—no one had dared speak to him like this before. He watched Jason walk back up the metal stairway and then focused his attention on Watson.
    â€œYou are pathetic. You let a little kid do that to you. You’re an embarrassment. I can’t be seen going around with you. Find yourself some new friends,” Andrew shouted at Watson, who was trying to get up from the floor with one hand while the other hand held his bloody nose.
    â€¢ • •
    Andrew waited until it was bedtime before he returned to his cell.
    â€œYou’re still here then, shrimp? I thought I told you to get out. Just because you kick the stuffing out of Watson, you think you can ignore me?” Andrew said in the doorway of the cell.
    Jason ignored him. He sat on the bottom bunk, picking his feet. Andrew slowly entered and stood in a fighting stance, glaring at Jason.
    â€œI told you my name, Andrew. It’s Jason, not shrimp. You’re Chinese. Do you want me to call you ‘takeaway’?”
    Andrew glared and raised his top lip. He was about to attack Jason when the cell door slammed and Jason heard two bolts being drawn across.
    â€œNight, lads. Pleasant dreams. Good luck, blondie,” said the prison guard. Jason could hear the guard’s footsteps fade into the distance. Suddenly, everything was silent. He was alone with Andrew.
    Andrew looked at Jason. He was bemused by him. This little pretty boy did not seem to have a care in the world and was not threatened by him.
    â€œI don’t get it. You not only move into my cell and kick the stuffing out of Watson, but now you call me ‘takeaway.’ Do you have a death wish? Have you any idea who I am?”
    Jason stood up. He looked up at Andrew and forced a smile. “I’ve no idea why they put me in with an older boy or who you are, and I don’t really care. Don’t blame me for being put into your stinking cell. I’m not a shrimp. I’m just younger than you. We can either fight it out or we just make the most of it.” Jason held out his hand.
    Andrew ignored it and walked over to use the toilet, cursing under his breath. He didn’t speak. They got undressed and climbed into their bunks. Jason was shaking; he was still nervous. George told him that Andrew and his father were ruthless. If Andrew wanted to strangle him in the night, he