They remained in that alley longer than anyone intended.
No one told them to move.
No one rushed them.
Marybeth stayed kneeling beside Reya until her tears ran dry and her hands stopped shaking. Iyisha could not tell how much time passed. The sun had shifted by the time boots approached again.
Waldo.
He slowed when he saw them. His eyes moved over the scene quickly, assessing, then settled on Reya.
"It's done," he said. "They're all contained."
He stepped forward as if to lift Reya, but Marybeth tightened her hold.
"I'll carry her," she said.
Her voice did not tremble this time.
Waldo hesitated, then nodded once and stepped back.
Marybeth gathered Reya into her arms. It looked impossible at first, but she adjusted her stance and stood, holding her like something precious instead of lifeless.
"There will be a public execution," Waldo added quietly to Malcolm and Iyisha. "The rest of them."
Marybeth sniffled. "Can I bury her myself?" She cut him off.
