1
Jack continued to heave. He was so sick, his head pounded painfully. His heaves left him gasping and teary eyed.
The door to the cell opened and a silvery light came in and shone on Jack. The man saw Jack, face down gasping and heaving.
He had food on a plate and he set it down next to Jack and knelt down. He rolled Jack to his back and got his arm under his head. His body was trembling and he whimpered. He held onto the older mans shirt with white knuckles.
The sandy haired man looked at him with clear and glassy eyes, begging him to help him. He hung onto him like he was the only thing keeping him alive.
Man-"Eat."
Jack shook his head and buried his head into the warmth of the mans shirt.
The man cradle his head and lifted the stew he had brought in. He got a spoon full close to Jacks mouth and rubbed some on his lips, trying to get him open up and eat.
Jack knew that if he ate it would give him something to throw up, he knew that was why they were feeding him.
Man-"Are you just going to starve until the stuff I gave you where's off?"
Jack felt his stomach tumble and he expected the man to drop him back on the floor and back up but instead he held him tighter, rubbing his back almost comforting.
Jack coughed and leaned into the man for support.
Man-"I know what happen, you didn't kill our consul, it does not matter who ordered the attack, you shouldn't suffer.
He held Jack tight as he dry heaved painfully. Jack gripped the man tight, hoping for even a little relief. The man rubbed the back of Jack's head gently.
Jack began to sob into the mans shirt.
Man-"Don't cry Jack."
He rocked him slowly trying to comfort him before Cheng found out about him helping Jack.
Jack blurted out a bunch of random words between sobs.
Man-"Don't talk Jack, rest."
Jacks heaves eased and the man set him back on the ground, disgusted with himself for giving in and helping Jack, but also pleased with himself for doing something he knew was right.
Jack got his breathe and looked at the man leaning over him. The man that had hurt him daily had just cradled him in his arms and comforted him.
Jack-"Why?"
His voice was horse and raspy for not being used.
The man was surprised to hear his voice, he never heard it before.
Man-"I know it was right, but if Cheng ever finds out, me and you will be in the same boat."
Jack-"I wont say anything."
Man-"Good, im glad."
Jack felt his stomach tumble and he heaved only once this time.
Man-"So Jack, back in America, what was your story?"
Jack looked at him, confused.
Man-"Did you have a family?"
Jack-"A daughter, Kim."
Man-"She must miss you."
Jack shook his head, no.
Jack-"I don't think she is very happy with me."
He wanted to ask why, but thought second.
They heard people coming down the hall and the Man thought quick.
Jack looked at the food, he knew what he had to do.
Jack-"Do it."
The man looked at him and grabbed the bowl and whispered in Jacks ear.
Man-"Im sorry."
The door opened and he forced food into his mouth.
Man-"Eat you stupid fuck!"
Cheng-"That's enough for now, rest him for an hour."
The man threw the spoon aside in anger.
Cheng walked away and as soon as he was sure he was gone he picked up Jacks head and used his sleeve to clean his face that was covered in thick stew.
Man-"You okay?"
Jack nodded and the man whipped a tear from his eye.
Jack-"What is your name?"
Man-"Im not full Chinese, im Connor A.K.A. Li."
Jack-"I call you what then?"
Man-"Which ever, your American so you should pick Connor."
Jack nodded, he still was not 100 sure he could trust this man, but he didn't have much of an option.
Connor sensed he was unsure still and nodded.
Connor-"I don't expect you to trust me, but I will help you when I can."
Jack nodded, what else could he do?