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But Cinnamon pulls back as Bran pukes, looking up at us.

“Try to make them puke it up!” Olive shouts through the mic. “Help them!”

The rest of her band and security moves through the crowd.

I am on high alert, attempting to find a familiar face. Part of me wants to investigate, to find the answers. But I am attached to Cinnamon. And I won’t be leaving her side.

She looks up at me, with glassy eyes. “It’s not over.”

68

The Last Course

Cinnamon

The people drop one at a time until ten have hit the floor.

They writhe and seize up, and I know the green blood will be found.

Bran shudders beside me. The only one I was able to save.

I look at my men.

Orzo. Reuben. Kale.

And then I look at the bodies.

At Bran covered in vomit, his breath rattling out.

He almost died.

This can’t be a coincidence.

My gaze dashes around the venue looking for a familiar face. For the source of the laced drugs.

Sherry’s words circulate.

You can escape this life.

Olive stares down at me from the stage.

She’s safer if I make this choice.

And that is what propels me towards my choice.

Orzo catches my gaze, I can tell he sees my intent.

That he will stop me. That he won’t understand.

“I love you, Orzo!” I shout at him. “All of you!”

The words freeze Orzo in place.

Unfortunately, love isn’t enough to fix this.

Before my men can try to stop me, I turn towards the exit.

I run as far and fast away as I can.