Val pulled her hand away and tried to put as much force into her words as she could. "You need to leave."
Raymond took a couple steps back and held his arms up, trying to show he didn't mean any harm. "I completely understand where you're coming from," he said, his voice calm and measured. "This has to be very alarming for you. Confusing, even."
"No shit." Val's eyes flicked over to Reuben, still sitting on the couch, staring at the two of them. Guilt and fear were written on his face.
Did he let Raymond in here?
"Would you like a glass of water?" Raymond asked. "Or maybe tea?" He still wore that same kind, supportive smile.
"I can get my own, thanks," Val replied drily. "I do live here, after all."
Raymond chuckled. "Yes, that's true. Still, I do feel awful about intruding like this. The least I can do is offer something to you."
Yeah, the smile really says "sorry."
Val sighed.
Still, he's probably not going to leave unless I talk to him. Might as well hear him out so he'll get out of my face.
"Sure, tea's fine."
"Reuben? Could you get the lady of the house some hot tea?"
"Yes, Mr. Hawthorne." Reuben finally rose off the couch and walked towards the stove, off to the side of where Val was standing. "Val, where do you keep your cups?"
"I'll get it for you," Val said. "Raymond, take a seat."
"Of course."
As Raymond walked back towards the couch, Val went up to Reuben. She opened a cabinet and handed him a mug. "Reuben, what the
fuck
?" she whispered.
"I know," Reuben said. "Look, it'll make sense soon, just..." He sighed in frustration. Val could see how he wanted to tell her more, but for some reason he seemed unable to. Like something was holding him back from coming clean about why he and Raymond were here.
The whole situation was setting off nothing but red flags. Val knew that staying here was almost certainly a bad idea.
But... I've known Reuben for years. He's always been reliable. There has to be something else going on; he wouldn't just lead me into a trap.
"Alright, fine," she said. "I trust you."
Reuben inhaled sharply. He turned his face away from Val's and filled the mug up with cold water. He held it in his hand, and Val watched as it started to steam, and then boil. Sure enough, when she looked up at his face, she could see the glow in his eyes, the faint embers burning in his pupils. "You know I have a stove, right?" Val smirked.
"Yeah, but this is cooler." Reuben cracked a wry grin, but Val could tell he was still troubled.
Whatever. I just wanna get these two out of here.
She walked over to the living room and leaned against the wall. "So, what's all this about?"
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather have a seat?" Raymond asked. "This is an awfully nice couch, I have to say."
"Don't push your luck," Val replied tersely. "If I wanted to, I could dump you out on the street before you even knew what hit you."
"I'm sure you could." He didn't seem phased at all. "I came here to discuss the situation regarding the woman known as Madame Blanc."
Val gasped.
Oh, God, of
course
it's about her. Why didn't I see it coming?
"I know you're well aware of what I told the police after the incident a few days ago," he continued. "And I also know you're not stupid. The self-proclaimed boyfriend of a woman Team Rainbow is investigating, suddenly signing on to be a sponsor? It's natural to be suspicious of me."
"There's also the fact you're in my apartment," Val noted. "Uninvited. And I seem to remember you agreeing to hold a meeting with me in the office?"
"Yes, well, I'm afraid my circumstances have changed over the past few hours."
"What circumstances? Don't tell me you're broke or something?"
Raymond laughed. "Oh, goodness, no. I'm far too clever to make a mistake
that
serious."
Val heard footsteps approaching, and saw Reuben walking up to her with the mug of tea. His body language was calm, but he looked afraid of something.
"Ah, perfect timing," Raymond said. "Set Val's tea on the table, Reuben."
"Yes, Mr. Hawthorne," said Reuben. He did as Raymond requested and took a deep breath.
"Now," said Raymond, "restrain her."
Val blinked.
Did he just say-
Reuben moved swiftly, hooking his right arm under Val's and sliding behind her. His right arm went around her neck, holding her head in place without using enough force to restrict her airflow. He wrapped his left leg around hers, keeping it from moving around. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
Val barely heard him over the sound of her heartbeat pounding in her ears. She thrashed around wildly, trying desperately to break free of his grasp. "Let go of me!" she shouted.
"I can't." Reuben choked on his words. His hands trembled.
"Stop crying, Reuben." Raymond stood up and slowly walked towards them.
"Y-Yes, Mr. Hawthorne," Reuben sniffled.
Val's first instinct was to portal out of the room, but her mind was racing too fast. She couldn't focus on any one spot to escape to. "Help!" She cried. "Somebody, please!"
"No one can hear you, Val." Raymond stepped closer. "The board paid good money to have this apartment soundproofed. Hell, they even bought out this entire floor, just to ensure your privacy and security. A very wasteful expense, in my opinion."
Val glared at Raymond. "What the fuck are you up to?"
"I'm not about to tell you. Not while you're being so unreasonable."