Fred sighed and prepared herself for what was coming. She set her pen down and folded her arms in front of her.

  The door to her office slammed open and a wild-eyed, disheveled Cymber stalked in.

  “Can I help you?” Fred said.

  Cymber slammed the door behind her. Her eyes locked onto Fred’s. “I have something to say to you and you are not going to like it. You’re wrong, Winifred. Wrong. You can justify this however you want but you are fucking up.”

  “I am?”

  “Everyone knows it!”

  “Do they?”

  “Stop answering me with questions, goddammit! This isn’t a joke. You’re destroying the lives of three people.”

  “Cymber, I love you like a daughter. But I am not having this discussion with you.”

  “Don’t feed me that bullshit. It’s not going to work.” She walked over to Fred’s desk and leaned into her face. “You’re like some senile old spider in the middle of a web, pulling threads. You don’t care who you hurt.”

  “Careful,” Fred said.

  “Oh, I’m done being careful. What is it? Are they too powerful? Are you scared they’re going to take over? Well, you know what? If you feel that way, maybe it’s time someone …”

  “Enough.”

  Cymber’s words died in her throat.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  “Your emotions are affecting everyone in town,” Fred said. “If you don’t calm down, we’re going to have a riot on our hands.”

  “Maybe we could use a little mutiny right now.”

  Fred stood. “At what point did I tell you this was a democracy? You’ve had your say, and more. Now it’s my turn. I value your advice, and Penatuka needs your leadership. But you will not challenge my authority. If you think you can do a better job, go start your own town somewhere else. I don’t know how you’ll hide from DSSA, but that will be your problem, won’t it?”

  Cymber’s shoulders slumped. “I didn’t mean …”

  Fred sat back down. “I understand why you’re upset. But you’re causing a disturbance, and I can’t allow it. What if you get Teri worked up? I need to send you away from Penatuka. I have to put some miles between you and Teri.”

  “What?”

  “You can go now and come back in a couple of days, after you’ve cooled off. Or you can leave for good.”

  “But … you know I can’t survive out there for long!”

  “You’d better think hard about this, then.”

  Tears rolled down Cymber’s face. “But all the work we’ve done with Xeke—what if he loses it again? And Ruddy isn’t ready to be on his own. It’s not fair!”

  “No, it’s really not, is it? Cymber, sometimes I have to make hard choices. Deep down, you know I’m on your side. I don’t like this any more than you do. This isn’t about you and me. This is about Ruddy, and Xeke. You’re putting your feelings for them ahead of what’s right for Penatuka.”

  Cymber winced. “That’s not …” Her words choked off in a sob. “Can I at least say goodbye?”

  Fred shook her head. “I’m trying to keep you from affecting Teri on top of everything I have to do to keep us hidden. I’m at my limit, and you know what’s at stake. You’ll get worked up again the minute you see them.”

  “I’m sorry. I’ll calm down, I promise.”

  “No, you won’t. Just go to the truck. I’ll send Dennis to drive you. We need supplies from Dallas anyway. Once you’ve sobered up and had enough time to think, you’ll be fine. I’ll see you in a few days.”

  “Please …” Cymber said. “I need to tell ...”

  “No. Ruddy’s out for the night anyway, and Xeke will understand. I’ll pass along your goodbyes. Now go.”

  Cymber hesitated.

  Don’t make me force you, Fred said. That wouldn’t be good for anyone.

  Cymber sobbed and fled the room.

  When she was gone, Fred put her head between her hands. Cymber would never forgive her for this, and she knew it.

  I hope it’s worth it, Eliza.