I turn to Niko. “Hudson and I are going to ride with the girls back to the mansion. Go with Luca and keep us covered as we drive.” He hesitates, but then tells the other three to follow us.
Luna takes the driver’s seat. I’m not sure whether my presence will help or harm, so I take shotgun. Jules and Hudson crawl in the back with Pippa. Even though every cell in my body wants to be back there making sure she is okay.
No one from the bar follows behind us. We drive slowly with three other cars surrounding us for security.
Jules has given Pippa a sip of water, and she tells Pippa to swallow something.
“Stupid implants,” Pippa mumbles. “I didn’t want to be found.” She’s still slurring, but her regularly fiery demeanor is secure.
“You know better than to turn off your phone,” Jules says.
I catalog theimplantcomment along with thesisterscomments. I’m unsure if these are drunken ramblings or if they mean something more.
“I can’t do it, Jules. He’s gonna recognize me.” She’s nearly whining.
“Shh, let’s get you home,” Jules soothes, but Pippa repeats herself a few times.
“We’re taking her to the clinic. I already texted Eva to get the Doc to the house.”
Luna thanks me.
“No. I don’t want to,” Pippa murmurs.
“Oh well, Janey. We gotta get you checked out. Did you take anything?” Hudson asks.
“I don’t take drugs!” she almost yells.
“Okay, I believe you,” he says softly.
“Don’t believe me, I’m a liar. I lie about everything,” she mumbles.
I glance at Luna. She’s looking in the rearview at Jules.
Okay.I don’t want anything to be wrong with Pippa, but maybe loose tongues will open some doors here.
“Who is going to recognize you?” I probe.
That earns me a glare from Luna.
Jules clears her throat.
Hudson silently scolds me with a scathing look.
“Magnus. I mean, maybe he won’t. It’s been so long. My hair was different.”
“How long?” I ask.
“Enzo, enough,” Jules warns.
“No, we should tell them. Who cares anymore?”
“Pippa, sweetie, let’s just get you home, okay?” Jules assures her.
“Maribel? I don’t want to go home to that stupid island ever again!” Her voice rises with panic. She starts moving in the back seat. “Why would you take me back there?”
Luna curses and takes a deep breath.
“We aren’t taking you there, Pippa, just to see Doc. We have to get you checked out,” Jules tries to soothe her.
