Carter shook his head. His fatherly instinct had kicked in and all he wanted to do was help Levi. “I don’t mind. I just want to make sure that you’re going to get the help that you need. Parker will be alright. He won’t understand what’s going on. My car is right there.” He pointed at the Charger that was parked near by. He walked him over to the car and leaned him against it. “Let me grab a something to put on the seat so there’s no blood and I’ll help you in.” Running over to his trunk, he opened it and pulled out an old blanket. He closed the trunk and put the blanket on the front seat and let the seat back as far as it would go. “Come on, be careful.” He said, helping him to lay back in the seat. Carter buckled him in and closed the floor before getting in on his side and starting the car. “Try to stay awake, okay?”
Levi felt embarrassment seep in. He hated having to rely on anyone else. All his life, he’d had no one to look out for him, but himself, so accepting the help, wasn’t easy. Particularly when he was wary of others intentions. He barely knew Carter, but the man had a son and that had to count for something. Surely. Helped to the car, he nodded and rested his forehead against the back window as silent tears rolled down his cheeks. He was in agony and humiliated. Remaining in Brighton was no longer an option. Word would get out he was back and he’d be as good as dead anyway. “Thanks...” he whispered shakily when the other returned to help him into the seat. He lay down, being mindful of his sore leg and favoured his ribs as his eyes fell shut and more tears escaped. “I will.”












