Chapter 15

“All right?” Percy asked him. “I mean, ready?”

Les nodded and Percy put a hand under one elbow. The doctor put her hand under the other. Les came slowly to his feet, wincing.

“Steady does it,” said Bev. “That’s a lad.”

Les didn’t speak.

They made their way through the living room to the tiny bathroom off the kitchen. “I’ll leave you here,” Bev said at the door. Take all the time you need.”

Les leaned his hands on the sink and looked in the mirror. “Shit,” he said.

“It’ll heal,” Percy said uncomfortably. He didn’t know what to say to comfort him.

“Yeah,” Les said. He turned stiffly, fumbling with his flies.

Without being asked, Percy helped ease his jeans down his legs. He knelt on the floor as Les grasped the basin behind him and slid them off over his feet. Les wasn’t wearing any underwear. The jeans were disgustingly stained, crusted and dark. Percy avoided looking at them.

“Throw them out, Perce,” Les said.

Percy nodded.