Poison Me by Cami Checketts

against the pain. He wanted to fight the darkness, stop the pain, but he couldn’t. He was helpless. He couldn’t even cry for help again.
     
    ***
     
    In her left hand, Ruby carried an arrangement of fresh flowers she’d picked from one of Michael’s flowerbeds. Technically, they weren’t Michael’s flower beds, but she always thought of them that way, and he never turned her in when he was working the soil and caught her snitching. Earlier today, when she carefully chose her bouquet, she knew he was watching from a respectable distance. She’d bent forward as far as she could without toppling, displaying her positive attributes to their full advantage.
    She sighed at her immature longings. If only she could tell Michael how she really felt. But the secrets were buried too deep, and her love for Michael was one more sacrifice to the tangle of lies that made up her life.
    The fingertips of her right hand trailed along the smooth wall of the hallway, dipping every now and then to avoid the expensive artwork displayed at perfectly measured intervals. A few more steps and she’d reach her cousin Richard’s door. She smiled. He’d love these flowers. His vision was nearly gone, but his sense of smell was strong. This bouquet of roses, spearmint, and lilacs should perk him up.
    She raised her hand to knock, but the door swung open. She squinted into the dusky room and came face to face with the tall hero of her fantasies. “Michael?”
    He blinked at her, not answering. He turned to stare at something in Richard’s apartment, then pivoted back to face her, his eyes solemn.
    “Oh, Rubes. Not you. Not now.” Michael shut the door to Richard’s room, then grabbed Ruby’s shoulders and steered her away.
    “What are you doing? What do you mean ‘not you’?”
    Michael blew out a long breath. “You are not going in there.” He inclined his head towards Richard’s door.
    “What? Why not?” She planted her heels in the thick carpet, trying to stop Michael from dragging her farther down the hall. “I’ve brought Richard some flowers I picked earlier today. This is the first chance I’ve had to visit. Richard will love—”
    Michael spun to face her and grabbed both of her elbows. “Ruby, Richard is dead.”
    She froze, praying she’d heard wrong. “What did you just say?”
    Michael sighed. “It’s true, Rubes. He’s gone.”
    Ruby broke from his hold and rushed toward Richard’s door. The flowers slipped from her hand onto the dark pink carpet, and the vase bounced but didn’t break. Michael caught her from behind before she reached the door handle. He grabbed her by the waist and turned her to face him.
    “Let me go!” Ruby felt tears threatening.
    “No way. You aren’t going to see him like that.” The anguish in Michael’s gaze burned through her.
    “I am going to see him. He’s my cousin.”
    “I know that. That’s why you’re staying here with me.” Michael wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.
    “Let me go.” Ruby pounded against his grip. “I don’t want you around. I don’t need you.”
    He grunted. “Too bad, because you’re staying with me.”
    “Let me go this instant.” Her demand sounded weak even to her ears.
    Michael tightened his hold. “No.”
    Finally, Ruby gave in and leaned into him, drawing from his comfort and strength. She did need him.
    Her mind raced with questions. What had happened to Richard? Had he died a natural death, or had he been murdered too? Who would want to hurt such a kind, frail man? How could something like this happen? Who would be next?
    Michael rocked her like a small child. “I’m sorry, Rubes.”
    She sighed and burrowed deeper into his chest. He smelled of the warm earth and happier days. “I’m sorry too,” she said. “I know he was a good friend of yours.”
    Michael nodded against the top of her head. “Since grade school.” Long seconds ticked by. Then he cleared his throat and said, “I know he was miserable