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I nod.
“And Ruby’s also been making noise about the church and city refusing grant money to help support single moms.”
I nod again.
“Well, she’s on some shit lists for that, but she’s also being lauded as inspiring to others.”
I look at Henry. He’s staring at Scarlett.
“So, a woman who knows Ruby from the bar has decided to leave her abusive husband and reached out to Ruby for help.Ruby invited her and her young son to come stay at our house until the woman can get her legal stuff in order and figure out a plan.”
"No," Henry says firmly.
Scarlett frowns up at him. "She’s not asking for permission, Henry. From me or you. She was just informing me.”
“Why do you need to go home then?" Henry asks, his tone challenging.
Scarlett shrugs. “I know the guy. We went to high school with him. He’s definitely not a good person. I am afraid he’s not going to let his wife and son leave peacefully. And I’m afraid he’s going to blame Ruby directly."
"So she’s not safe," Henry says.
Scarlett grimaces. "That’s what I’m worried about."
"Then I’ll go."
We both stare at Henry.
"You’re going to go to Emerald? And you’ll do what? Protect Ruby?" Scarlett asks.
"Yes." Henry looks around the room. "I’m trained for this, for fuck’s sake. She couldn’t have better protection. It makes perfect sense.”
"Except that she doesn’t want to see you anymore," Scarlett points out.
"This isn’t about that. She needs to be safe. We both know we’re not going to talk her out of doing this. So I need to be there to make sure she’s all right."
"But—" Scarlett starts.
"Even if you did go, you will not be as good at protecting her as I will," Henry says. “And if you and Mariah go home, there are two more people for this asshole to threaten and potentially hurt.”
My gut tightens at that.
“You two stay away until we get this woman and her kid settled. I’ll be there to be sure they’re okay. And Ruby, of course.”
“It makes sense, Scarlett,” I say.
She frowns. "What about Cian?" Scarlett asks Henry. "I thought you always had to be with him."
Well, there is that.
"He’s got you now,” Henry says.
Scarlett stares at him. "What?"
"You can keep him from doing anything stupid."
"I…" She looks from him to me, then back to him. "I was thinking more of the keeping him from being assassinated thing."
"He can’t be anywhere safer than here in Cara," Henry says. "And when you go to the US, Jonah will be with you." Henry turns to Linnea and Jonah. "Right?"