###Talk The Way Out Of Body Bags
Valeria was still smiling at them from a few feet away, twirling a red rose between her fingers like it was a dagger in a stage production of *Carmen*. The thorns left faint red lines on her fingers. She didn't seem to notice—or maybe she liked it.
"Oh, don't stop whispering on my account," she purred. "Secrets are the foundation of a healthy relationship, no?"
Charlotte forced a brittle smile. "Actually, I prefer mine without extortion or blood feuds, but thanks."
Valeria stepped closer, her heels clicking like a countdown. "Marco owes me a goodbye. A real one. You see, I've been working on closure. My therapist says it's essential for my growth."
"Does your therapist also approve of the armed entourage?" Charlotte deadpanned.
Valeria leaned in, her perfume floral and just a little… smoky. "Darling, in my family, we don't believe in emotional support *animals.* We prefer emotional support *firearms.*"
