Bloody Noses & Crack'd Crowns

Chapter 25

I DO NOT OWN THIS STORY. All credit goes to TheWeaverofWorlds on ao3

Bill went home on Thursday.

The house stood silent as a grave when Robert pulled up to the front, the others were still at school.

"What happened last week can never happen again," Robert said. It was the first time he had spoken since leaving the hospital.

"Y-yes sir."

"You children have foolishly risked everything which we have built. And the hospital bills, you owe me quite the small fortune." Robert paused. "That is why I have decided to put you in the ring tomorrow night."

Bill's mouth went dry. "What?"

"Don't gape at me, shut your mouth."

Bill could hear the click of his teeth as he forced his jaw closed.

"You must earn your keep. And based on the little stunt you pulled last Saturday it would appear you are eager to fight."

"My injuries –"

"You should have thought of that sooner. You have been selfish, Bill." Robert's fingers drummed on the steering wheel, the only outward sign that he was losing his patience. "You have quite the debt to pay back, and I should think you will enjoy doing it. I think you will be thanking me, come Friday."

Bill glared at Robert. "Let my b-brother go, and I'll do anything you w-want."

Robert's fingers tightened around the steering wheel, going white, he turned to Bill a wicked light burning behind his eyes. He was a man at on the edge, and it would be smart of Bill not to push him. "That is not how this works, Bill. You have no power here. You will obey me, and be good. And if you do you get your pain meds. If not, I will withhold them, and the withdrawal will have you begging for mercy. Georgie's punishment is for actions already done. Don't make things worse."

Bill stared back at Robert, he didn't want to show weakness, but already a dull ache was returning. His body was craving the release that only medication could bring, and this was only the tip of the iceberg. He knew the longer he was off his meds the greater the withdrawal symptoms would become. He wasn't sure he would make it through Robert's plans without something to dull the pain. He looked at his lap.

"Good boy. Now go to your room. You need your rest. And depending on if you are good or not, I may or may not let you out for dinner."

Bill bit back any retort and began the long walk to his room. Inside, the house felt dark compared to the bright overhead lighting of the hospital. Bill felt as if he were drowning in the gloom. He looked out his barred window and wondered if he could ever truly be free.

–

Eddie couldn't help but be excited all day. He knew Bill would be home, and despite whatever Robert had planned, Eddie always felt safer when Bill was around.

"He's coming home today, right?" Beverly asked at lunch.

Eddie nodded.

"Forecast?" Ben asked.

"Sunny!" Eddie couldn't help but smile.

"We haven't heard anything," Mike corrected, but no one seemed to hear him. They were all too excited that Bill would be back soon.

"Hey, I got you something," Richie said to Eddie.

Eddie looked curiously at Richie, the others turned to another conversation to give them some privacy.

"You said Robert took away your radio," Richie said, pulling a small ham radio from his bag. "So I bought you a new one, so you can keep us up to date."