Rose, who’d stayed with us off and on but looked more terrified of the baby than a Strigoi, watched me with amazement. “You’re kind of good at that,” she remarked. “Adrian Ivashkov, baby whisperer.”

I looked down at the sleeping baby. “I’m making it up as I go along.”

“Are you ready to tell us what’s going on?” she asked, her face growing grave. “You know we just want to help.”

“Not yet. But if we can leave when Dimitri gets back, that’d be—”

Sydney’s phone chimed with a text message. She looked surprised that anyone would be reaching out to her until she took a look at the display. “It’s Ms. Terwilliger. She’s mobilized the witches in Palm Springs. They’re ready to start searching.”

Rose stood up. “For Jill?”

“For Alicia, technically, but also for Jill,” said Sydney. “She says we can join them . . .” She looked at me uncertainly, and I could guess her thoughts. We’d made this Michigan detour because we had time to pass while waiting for things to be ready for us in Palm Springs. Having a baby in tow hadn’t been part of anyone’s plan.

Sydney, Jill, now Declan, remarked Aunt Tatiana. So many people counting on you. So many people to let down if you fail.

“I hope you’re including me in that ‘we,’” said Rose fiercely. “I’m ready to bring Jill home.”

“Palm Springs,” I murmured, still rocking Declan. “That might be perfect. We can hide him away there.”

“We can’t take a baby on a witch hunt,” warned Sydney.

I nodded in agreement. “Here. Take him, he’s asleep.”

Sydney carefully lifted Declan from my arms and looked at me quizzically as I reached for my phone. I had a bad signal too, but it was good enough to get a call out to my mom.

“Adrian?” she answered in a panic. “Where are you? I’ve been so worried, ever since that Nina girl had a fit! Are you okay?”

“Yeah . . . well, no. It’s complicated. But I need you to meet me in Palm Springs as soon as you can. I’m going there soon. Can you do that?”

“Yes . . .” she began uncertainly. “But—”

“I can’t tell you what’s going on,” I said swiftly. “Not yet.”

“I know, darling. That wasn’t what I was going to ask. I was wondering what I should do with the cat and the dragon while I’m gone?”

Good question. “Oh. Um, see if Sonya will watch them.”

I disconnected and saw that Dimitri had stepped back inside. “We’re going to Palm Springs?” he asked.

“Time to look for Jill,” said Rose.

“If you’re up for it,” I added.

Dimitri held up a car seat with one hand, which was almost comical. “We can go whenever you’re ready. Lana gave us this and swears it’s easy to install.”