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“Rival, maybe. But they won’t protect you if it comes to that. Cane closes ranks, and you, Jackson, aren’t within those ranks.”
“What does that mean?” I whisper to Jackson. I thought we were here to find safety, but that doesn’t sound like any kind of assurance. Jackson doesn’t answer but looks towards Landon.
“Do you have a better idea, Landon? Because I’m here for that. Anything. I blew up my world because it was the right thing to do to save the girls from what Cortez had planned.” He looks at me and Miri. “And I’d fucking do it again. That’s got to count for something.”
“Landon?” Willow stands to take his hand. “He rescued them. Imagine if it were me, or Persephone. They need our help.”
With that comment, Landon’s face hardens, but Willow doesn’t cower or back down.
“Don’t ever joke about that,” he snaps. “Besides, I’m not idiotic enough to get into bed with Cortez.”
“And I suppose the Canes are innocence and a fucking delight,” Jackson mutters.
The room falls silent, and what was just a frown on Landon’s face turns murderous. Jackson rolls his eyes, and eventually, having glanced again between Miri and me, Landon begins to pace the room.
“Jackson, isn’t there someone else?” I ask. An unease at the future grows bigger by the second. From what I can pick up, we’re running from one bad situation right into another, and Miri looks just as worried.
“He has no other choice. And if it were up to me, I wouldn’t provide any assistance. But,” Landon looks at me, “I will speak to Logan and ensure that you have a safe place to go. Hideout or do whatever. The request won’t include your protection beyond what their name and reach affords you. For many, that will be enough to mark you off-limits, but this is the Cortez family. If they do come for you, then you’ll be on your own.”
It sounds like the worst deal, and fear races in my blood, but Jackson jumps up and offers his hand to Landon before I can pull him back down. He doesn’t say anything, but they shake.
“You won’t hear from us again,” he states. “Thank you.”
He grabs my hand, but Miri looks lost.
“Wait, just a minute, Jackson. Where are we going?”
“I’ll explain in the car.” He walks towards the door, and I turn to look at Miri. She’s crying in the doorway, her body trembling. I look at Willow, who spots Miri and goes to console her.
I’m torn.
Jackson or Miri.
Forcing her to endure God knows what else, risk everything again, and with no certainty we’ll be okay? All through this, her protection was my priority. It still is, and I’m not sure if I can offer that to her anymore. Jackson said we’d have to do everything he said to keep us safe, but I want more than that for my sister. Hearing the plan agreed with Landon doesn’t give me any confidence. I can’t leave Jackson, and I don’t want to, but am I selfish to drag my baby sister along for the ride?
“Willow.” I rush to her. “I have no right to ask this, but please, can you keep her safe? Not me, just her. Because I have no idea who Jackson is taking us to, and Miri doesn’t deserve this. I have to do what’s right for her. She’s been through so much, and I can’t put her through more if there’s a safer way.” My voice breaks, my eyes streaming with hot tears, as I race through my plea.
“I… I don’t know. Landon, he’ll…” Her eyes are wide and startled.
“Please,” I beg, taking her hands in mine.
“Naja?” Miri’s voice holds a lifetime of questions.
“You said you wanted to stay, even if it was just a joke, but I worry we won’t be able to keep you safe.” My words run together in our language. “I love you, Miri, and I need you to be safe.”
“What’s going on?” Landon’s voice stifles us all.
Jackson turns back from his exit, noticing we’re not with him.
“Naja, let’s go,” he calls, but I don’t move.
“This wasn’t part of the deal, Reed,” Landon bellows, looking at Miri and Willow.
I take a step back and leave Miri next to Willow. She nods at me, a silent promise, and the relief she offers is everything.
Willow pulls Miri closer to her. “She’s just a child, Landon. We can’t abandon her.”
“Well, her sister is.” He levels his glare at me.
