Page 31 of Serving my Dragon
“They were dressed in uniform, but…” Santiago paused. “The outfits didn’t fit well and they didn’t have any names on their chests.” An oddity since identifying badges were usually stitched to the shirts. “Also, I didn’t get the impression they were Peruvian as the one who spoke did so with a heavy accent.”
“How do you even know they went by my place looking for Kayleigh?”
“I was leaving your mama’s place when I saw them coming out of your house. I knew you weren’t home because Lola said you’d gone to meet Juan and your car wasn’t in the driveway.”
I’d texted Mama on the way over to let her know I’d stepped out and she’d replied saying no problem, she’d keep Pollita overnight. “They broke in?” I exclaimed, leading Kayleigh to eye with me concern and mouth, “Everything all right?”
I attempted to give her a reassuring smile and murmured in English, “I’ll explain in a moment.” Then switched to Spanish for my uncle. “What did they say when you confronted them?”
“The taller one claimed they were looking for your guest and asked if I knew her whereabouts. I told them I had no idea if anyone was staying with you.”
“Did they have a warrant?”
“Seeing as they went into your house, I asked, but they never showed me one. They kept insisting they had the right to enter as they believed Kayleigh might be in danger.”
“Danger of what?”
“They wouldn’t say. They kept pestering me to reveal her location. I played dumb and said I didn’t know who they were talking about but they’re aware you have a woman living with you since they found feminine things in the guest bedroom.”
“Those could belong to anyone,” I muttered.
“That’s what I said. Then they went down the street to your mama’s house.”
“What?” The car swerved as shock jolted me. “Is she okay??”
“I’m okay, mijo,” Mama stated loud enough for me to hear. “And I have Pollita.”
A relief.
Santiago chuckled. “You would have been proud of your mama. She asked them for their official identification which they wouldn’t produce. They tried acting tough, but Lola said she wouldn’t answer anything until she called Hernandez to verify them.” Mama’s uncle had retired a few years ago at a fairly high rank from the Policía Nacional del Perú. “At that point, they knew we were onto them and took off.”
“But they know where I live and could return,” was my somber reply.
“They might come back, but they won’t find anyone since I’m taking your mama to my place.”
“If they’re watching, they’ll follow.”
“As if I’d go there direct. I’m taking a very complicated route.” Santiago chuckled. “I’ve also got Manuel trailing further behind, ready to cause trouble if anyone shadows us.” My cousin’s husband probably relished a chance to mess with fake cops.
“If they knew Mama’s address then they will most likely be able to track down the entire family,” I commented.
“Already thought of that. I’m going to call Juan right after we hang up. He’ll know what to do.”
He would. Juan could call upon darker connections to help with our disturbing situation because people dressing up like fake police took things to a level beyond my ability to handle.
“I’ll be at your place shortly,” I stated.
“Be careful.”
I hung up and Kayleigh put a hand on my leg before asking softly, “What happened?”
I glanced at her, wanting to lie because I knew how she’d react. “Some fake cops showed up at my place, looking for you.”
Her mouth rounded. “What makes you think they’re fake?”
“Santiago says they lacked a warrant, proper identification, and more or less ran away when Mama said she’d have to check them out before answering any questions.”
“Oh no. They harassed your mom.” Kayleigh’s hands covered her mouth and her eyes widened. “This is all my fault. Poor Lola.”
