Chapter 40

                                    

                                          
Charlie stood, arms crossed and a frown on her face as she watched Spawn turn back toward the window. The weight of Angel's capture loomed over the group like a storm cloud, and while Carmilla's help was significant, it wasn’t going to be enough. The Vee's had the numbers, the resources, and the territory advantage.
"Even with Carmilla’s help," Charlie said, her voice calm but insistent, "we’re still outnumbered. Valentino and the rest of the Vee's have too many resources, too many mercenaries. We need more people."
Spawn didn’t even turn around. His voice, when it came, was as cold and final as the grave. "No. We’re not dragging more people into this. This is my mess, my fight. I’ll deal with it. I can’t control what Carmilla does, but I’m not going to let anyone else suffer for a problem I created."
Charlie glanced over at Vaggie, who nodded in agreement, before stepping forward. "That’s not how this works, Al. You might think you’re the only one responsible, but we’re all in this together. Angel’s one of us, and we’re not just going to sit back while you throw yourself at the Vee's on your own."
Spawn finally turned to face her, his gaze hardened and unyielding. "I’m not letting more people get hurt because of me. I can handle this on my own."
Vaggie stepped in, standing beside Charlie. "That’s where you’re wrong. You’re not alone in this. We’ve already gotten help from people who know what they’re doing—people who’ve fought alongside us before."
Spawn narrowed his eyes, not liking where this was going. "Who?"
"Rosie," Vaggie replied firmly.
Spawn frowned, clearly unfamiliar with the name. "And who the hell is Rosie?"
Charlie stepped in, her voice soft but certain. "Rosie runs Cannibal Town. She’s... well, she’s old-fashioned. A real motherly type. But don’t let that fool you—she’s strong, and her people follow her without question. If anyone can help us stand against the Vee's, it’s her."
Spawn’s skepticism was written all over his face. "Motherly? And she’s supposed to help us take down the Vee's? What, is she gonna bake them cookies and hope they surrender?"
Charlie chuckled, shaking her head. "Rosie may seem nurturing, but she’s far more than that. She’s protective of her people, and anyone who crosses them doesn’t last long. Her kindness is only matched by her ruthlessness when it comes to those who threaten her family."
Vaggie nodded, adding, "Her people aren’t just followers, they’re family to her. And she’s fiercely protective. If she’s willing to help, we’d be stupid to turn it down."
Spawn remained silent for a moment, still processing the idea. He wasn’t convinced. "And what’s her angle in all this? Why would she risk her people for us?"
"Because the Vee's have been pushing into her territory too," Vaggie said. "They’ve been stepping on her toes for a while now, and she’s not the kind to sit back and let that happen. Plus... she’s got a soft spot for people like Angel. She knows what he’s been through, and she’s not about to let Valentino take him without a fight."
Spawn clenched his fists, staring out the window again. He hated the idea of dragging more people into this war, especially someone like Rosie, who sounded far too kind to be mixed up in Hell’s power struggles. But he couldn’t deny the reality staring him in the face. They needed more people, more strength. And if this Rosie had that kind of pull, maybe it was worth a shot.
"Fine," he said at last, his voice low and grudging. "But if this goes south, I’m taking full responsibility."
Charlie stepped forward, her face softening. "We’re all responsible, Spawn. This isn’t just on you."