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Pippa
Pippa blinked her eyes open and winced. Even in the dim light, her head hurt.
“She’s waking up, Papi.” Her sister’s voice made Pippa flinch.
“Mija, here, have some water.” Her father’s gentle voice soothed her before a plastic straw met her lips.
Pippa drank the cold water down her parched throat. Her voice came out raspy. “Where am I?”
Lady’s head rested on her thigh. Pippa reached down to pet her soft fur.
“The hospital in Shattered Cove,” her sister answered.
“How are you here?”
A beat of silence passed before her father spoke. “We got a call from Mason that you were attacked.”
Pippa’s eyes opened. Her family’s faces were still fuzzy, but they were clearing up. “I was attacked?” Was that why her body felt as if she’d been in a car crash?
“You hit your head. And by the time the paramedics got there, you were in the middle of a status epilepticus.”
She closed her eyes. A prolonged seizure that lasted more than five minutes was considered one of the more dangerous types that, if not treated, could end in brain deficits or even death.
“Is the baby okay?” She pressed her hand to her belly. Tears burned her eyes. She wanted this little bean. She’d do whatever it took to be the best mother she could be. This baby deserved everything she had to give. She could be enough. She’d figure it out, even if that meant asking her family for help. Even if it means leaving the bookstore for a little while.
“The doctor said they’d do an ultrasound when you woke to check and make sure everything was okay.” Sophia’s hand slipped into hers and squeezed.
Pippa looked at her family. “How did Mason know I was attacked?”
“He said he’d been monitoring your security setup. He got notified that the alarm went off. He got there before the police did. They have the young man in custody who admitted to assaulting you.”
Mason had the alerts sent to his phone all this time?
“Who was it?” And why couldn’t she remember!
“A boy named Peter.”
“Peter? From the church? But why?” None of this made sense.
“Glad to see she’s awake.” Bently’s voice drifted in from the doorway. He walked inside her room. “How are you feeling, Pippa?”
“I’ve got the headache to rival all headaches.” She forced a laugh and winced.
His eyes filled with sympathy. “I know a little something about concussions. I wanted to let you know we have the man who attacked you in custody. He’s admitted to the vandalism and the threatening letters, as well as assaulting you. I’ll wait until you feel a little better to get your statement.”
“I’m not sure how much help I’ll be. I only remember working in the store this morning.”
“You mean yesterday morning,” her sister said.
Pippa turned her head. “I’ve been out a whole day?”
“In and out. You’ve been sleeping a lot, but you needed the rest.” Sophia rubbed her arm soothingly.
“I better go. I’ll be back tomorrow for a full statement.” Bently nodded goodbye and left the room.
Pippa’s head swam with all the information, but one glaring question rose above all others. “I need to know if the baby is okay.”
Sophia rose to her feet. “I’ll let the nurse know you’re ready. Papi, you should come with me to stretch your legs and get some coffee. You’ve been by her bed the whole time.”
