Epilogue - Mariano (3)

Riri is still protesting as I take out my phone and call Boots who answers on the first ring. "Clear the back door and bring the car around. We're leaving." There's no way I'm letting her walk through the madness downstairs with all the booze and tobacco in the air.

Riri is still whining that I'm being dramatic as I pick up her purse from her desk, take her hand and walk her out of there. We go out of the club through the back door, passing by as little chaos as possible. And once we're outside in the cold night air, I breathe easier.

I'm about to usher her toward the backseat of the SUV when she stops and pulls on my hand. "I want to walk for a bit."

My brows draw together. "There's pollution."

"What pollution?" She looks around. "There are barely any cars around and there are no factories nearby."

I clear my throat. "Noise pollution."

She snorts. "Oh, please. I live and breathe Delirium for years now. What noise?"