“Who are you?” Jared asked.
“Theo, of the SFGG.” He saluted, then climbed up on top of the tank and used another bag of powder from his pouch to seal the door shut.
“The SFGG?” Mina asked.
“San Fran Godmother’s Guild at your service. Constance and the others are already on the bridge trying to control the situation.” He laughed and jumped down to run to another tank, disabling it just as fast. “Hey,” he shouted from the top. “I think I know you. You’re the Grimm.”
“Yes,” Mina answered.
“Then if you keep going forward,” he gestured with his hand, you’ll meet up with our leader. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
“Thank you,” Jared answered pushing ahead.
“Are you going to disappear on me?” she asked him.
“I’ll try not to.” He looked over his shoulder. Taz had retreated and was following them along the water line. “She’s taken back to the water. I think I’ll last as long as she has the strength.”
“I hope. I guess that’s the best answer I’m going to get.”
“Yep.” He reached out and grabbed her hand, and they ran together. She stumbled once or twice, and he helped, pulling her along after him. “By the way, I like what you’ve done with your hair.”
She blushed. “It’s apparently a family trait.”
“You should keep it.”
“I think I have to.”
He laughed and squeezed her hand again.
Theo was right. They soon met up with a large group of onlookers, who were really a group of Fae. It was easy to spot the one in charge. He was tall—impossibly tall—towering over seven feet, with a voice that carried easily. His arms and hands were like giant mallets, and he flung them around as he gave orders to his guild.
“It’s Strong Arm,” Jared said in surprise. “I thought I destroyed his guild long ago, but leave it to him to rebuild again. Think metallurgist—or, um, you would call them blacksmiths—but Fae.”
To his side, she saw Constance. Next to Constance, she saw a face that made her cry out. “Charlie!” Mina ran forward, pushing through the crowd.
Charlie’s eyes lit up. He flew off the podium and ran to jump into her arms.
“You’re safe,” she cooed, struggling under his weight. “And you’ve grown!” She laughed and put him down. Nan and Brody were on Charlie’s heels, and Nan was the second to wrap her in a hug. “Oh, it was terrible. The Reapers grabbed us at the pier but…” Nan stopped talking when she saw Jared. “You!”
Brody leaped in front of her and grabbed Mina, pulling her behind him.
Jared’s jaw ticked with anger, and he squared off in front of Brody. “Take your hands off of her, before you lose them.”
“No,” Brody growled, doing his best to be intimidating.
“Brody, wait.” Mina looped her arm through his and met his eyes, pleading. When she turned to look at Jared next, she swallowed. His gaze was locked on her arm holding Brody’s. He was about to let someone have it. Mina quickly let go and stepped in front of Jared. “He’s okay.”
Now it was Jared’s turn to pull her behind his back and keep her out of Brody’s reach.
“I won’t let you hurt her,” Brody threatened. He crossed his arms over his muscular chest.
“I’m not going to… ever.” Jared’s voice dropped low.
“If you do, I’ll kill you. Whatever it takes.” Brody eyed Jared, and something passed between the two boys. A silent conversation.
Jared squinted.
Brody raised his chin.