As he headed down the dimly lit corridor, Tom regretted what he had said.

The door to the medical station was jammed again, and only after putting his weight on it did it finally open.

“Tomâ€?

“Came to grab a smoke. You got any?â€?

Adrian fumbled through his pockets before pulling out a damp and crumpled pack of cigarettes. “I only have one leftâ€?.

“One’s all I needâ€? Tom said with a smirk.

Adrian was not smiling.

Still, the cigarette pack switched hands.

“So, you told the kid didn’t you?â€? Adrian didn’t wait for the answer to get back to cataloguing the medical supplies.

“Yeah. I told him they asked for him personally.â€?

“Jesus H. Christ, Tom. Might as well have handed him his death sentenceâ€? Adrian’s bedside manner was in full force.

“He’ll come with us either way. At least now he knows what will be waiting for himâ€?

Tom knew this was a lie. He’d gotten the call. He knew what was at play and what everyone’s role was. This was Jacob’s death sentence. Plain and simple.

Still better than the mine.