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The one who always showed up to clean up my messes.

“Sweetheart, I left you alone as requested, and this is how I find you?”

“Code red.” I smile through the pain.

The jerking of my arms has only reminded me that I am hanging by them…still.

Sherry moves forward, shoulder checking Orzo out of the way. “Romaine, I would have done this decades ago if I didn’t think your brother would use it as an excuse to destroy this town. But now he’s dead.” She presses down on the panel.

“Stop! There’s someone else who has the poison! He’s going to distribute—”

“I don’t care. We will figure it out, without you.” Sherry’s voice remains level as she continues holding the button down. As I raise up completely away from the vat.

As his screams begin.

As they end.

As I finally make it close enough to the ground for Reuben to tug me the rest of the way down, unhooking me and cradling me in his arms.

Orzo and Kale move to flank us, their concerned gazes intense as I let everything process.

“So it’s true,” Sherry titters, breaking through and staring down at me. “Take tonight sweetheart, but Cin, we need to talk.” Her hand comes out, pinching my chin.

“What’s going on?!” I ask her accusatorily.

“I’m your maternal grandmother,” she drops before releasing me, allowing Reuben to drag me closer into his hold.

I should be upset. Demand answers. But I'm exhausted, overwhelmed. My shoulders are stiff and sore. And I just want comfort food.

“We will clean this factory up,” Sherry tells us. “Take her to your home, keep her safe. I will be there in the morning. Orzo and Kale, you two stay with me for now. I will need the muscle. And Kale, you will need to take the steps to fall into your father’s role. We will discuss when Benedict gets here.”

“No,” Orzo snaps. “I’m not leaving her side. Not after that.” He rounds on her.

“Orzo, just listen to her. Everyone is dead now. Reuben can get me back, and I’ll be there waiting for you.” I reach for his hand, taking it.

I know better than to argue with Sherry.

“Not everyone.” He doesn’t look at me. “There’s still this poison out there and whoever has it.”

“Reuben needs to speak to her. Alone,” Sherry persists.

Reuben adjusts, his muscles rippling under his shirt, and I get a lungful of his intoxicating scent. “Stay with Kale. That’s why she wants you here, to keep him safe as Benedict makes his decision.” He raises me up and doesn’t wait, marching us away.

Neither Orzo nor Kale stop us.

But when I look over his shoulder, I find neither take their eyes off of us either.

***

Showered, changed, and in Reuben’s bed, I finally allow my brain to process.

For my body to relax.

To make the fight or flight instincts dissolve into the ether.

Reuben stands against the door, his arms folded as he stares at me.

“Come here?” I ask, patting the bed beside me.