"Fine. You win. Here's your antidote."
Violet's voice was like ice. She held the small vial out, her eyes tracking Ruby's every move. Ruby didn't blink; she stood her ground, one hand steady on her weapon, the other hovering over the detonator's timer.
"Drop it. Gently," Ruby commanded, her thumb grazing the red button. "Move toward your son. One twitch, one 'heroic' mistake, and I press this. Trust me, Violet, nothing would make me happier than watching this floor turn into a crater with both of you on it."
As Violet knelt to place the vial on the dusty floor, the heavy oak doors of the chapel groaned open. Nancy burst in, chest heaving, her eyes wide with terror.
"What are you doing here?" Ruby barked, her focus momentarily splintering.
"I heard the shots... I couldn't just leave you!" Nancy panted. Before Ruby could stop her, Nancy lunged forward, snatching the vial from the floor to keep Ruby from having to lower her guard.
