“Jenna’s there?”
“That she is.”
“How did that happen?” I asked, not hiding the edge in my tone.
“She called me earlier tonight because you forgot to send her the time and place for our get together and weren’t answering your phone.”
Probably because I was comatose from the sun.
“Helpful friend that I am, I sent her directions to the Blue Pepper. Aren’t I so nice?”
“The bestest friend of a sister ever!” Jenna yelled from the background.
I fought the urge to bang my head against the nearest tree and started walking faster. Connor floated over the trail, his passage silent as we headed for the car.
“Is she drunk?” I asked.
“She’s had a few, but I wouldn’t say she’s drunk.”
Gwyneth appeared up ahead.
“This is low, Caro,” I growled. “Holding my sister hostage to guarantee my attendance.”
“A friend does what is needed to make sure their bestie doesn’t forget she has a life outside of work.” Her voice lowered. “And that other thing I won’t speak of.”
“Are you talking about her illness?” Jenna asked. “I already know about it.”
“Do you now?” Caroline asked, sounding amused.
I heard Jenna’s agreement as I reached the car.
Caroline came back on the phone. “How very honest of you, Lena. I’m so proud.”
I got in the car, Connor doing the same on the other side.
“You know I couldn’t tell her the truth,” I snarled.
“I do.” Caroline sobered. “I’m happy you’re trying to bridge the distance. I know how hard it is given your situation.”
Some of my irritation faded.
“She shouldn’t be there. It’s dangerous.”
“She’s safe. I promise,” Caroline said, sounding serious. “Dahlia assures me her customers will behave, and I’m keeping an eye on her.”
I relaxed a little bit.
If Dahlia said that, I believed it. No one who frequented the Blue Pepper was stupid enough to get on a Djinn’s bad side. She had the power to back up her promises. Along with the magic to hide any incidents that might burst a human’s fragile illusion that they’re the most evolved species on the planet.
Accidents happened though. Particularly around the supernaturally inclined.
Caroline was a glaring example of that.
The sound of something breaking came. It was followed by cheers and a sigh from Caroline.
“I suggest you hurry,” Caroline ordered. “You know what happens when the harpies get bored. They may decide to hang your sister from the ceiling by her feet.”
A click came as Caroline hung up.
