Page 37 of Serving my Dragon
“Why does it seem like you’re all enjoying this?” I muttered.
“Nothing like a little danger to keep a man young. Come, let’s see what my crazy sister tried to pack in my truck.”
Pretty much everything in the kitchen and linen closet, as it turned out.
As Mama explained, they could easily go shopping. We couldn’t. They’d even cobbled together some bags of clothes.
After much hugging—where Mama might have cracked a rib—we set off. Me in the front and Kayleigh in the back with Polly.
Juan waited until we’d gone a few miles before saying, “So, who’s going to tell me more about the lizard.”
“How rude. I’m not a lizard. I’m a dragon,” Polly huffed.
“Dios! You really do talk.”
Chapter Twelve
“I told you Pollita could talk,” Matias exclaimed.
“It’s one thing for you to claim it another to hear it,” the one called Juan stated.
I’d yet to decide if I liked the man. Referring to me as a measly lizard. The insult burned, especially since people kept repeating it. How could they not sense my greatness?
“How come you’re not in more shock? I mean, even when I told you earlier I’d found a dragon, you didn’t seem too surprised.”
“I’m not because there have always been rumors about Misti having a dragon hibernating in its depths.”
“What rumors?” Matias exclaimed. “How come I’ve never heard of them?”
“You most likely did but dismissed them. I, too, wondered about the veracity of stories passed down by my grandmother and hers before that. Scoffed at their talk that Misti would one day birth a mighty beast.” The old fella’s gaze met mine in the rearview mirror. “It’s smaller than expected.”
“Because I’ve not yet achieved my full size,” I hotly retorted. “And before you ask, it will be another molting or two before I get my wings.”
“Interesting, and I want to know more, but first, tell me how you came to find Pollita. And leave nothing out.”
The humans discussed me, which I approved of even if they lacked the reverence they should have for one of my kind. By the end of their retelling, the grizzled old man—who despite his rudeness had shown himself to be wily—grunted.
“So now we know the real reason why those people are after Kayleigh. They don’t wish the news of the dragon’s existence to become common knowledge. You’re sure they don’t know Pollita survived?”
Matias shrugged. “By their own words, that’s what they believe.”
“That’s good, but at the same time, I am concerned by the fact they are quite intent on ensuring Kayleigh doesn’t remember and speak of what she saw or heard.” Juan went quiet for a moment. “If they fear being exposed then it is because they have something more to hide.”
“You mean the fact they’re killers and probably don’t want to be arrested?” Matias replied.
“Bah. Those men we fought were American. They could have easily left Peru and avoided prosecution. Not to mention they were correct in that any mention of dragons by Kayleigh would have been mocked and led to the authorities disregarding her claims of attempted murder.”
The old man proved more perceptive than Matias, who appeared confused, so I helped my servant grasp what Juan meant. “I am probably not the only dragon they’ve sought out. Could be they have imprisoned others or know where to find them. Identifying them, or who they work for, could lead to their entire dragon stealing operation falling apart.”
“Smart girl,” the old man praised. “I would also add, how did those people know you’d be hatching? Even the volcanologists had no idea Misti would blow and yet those poachers came prepared. Knew they’d find you. How?”
“Could be they visit all active volcanoes,” Matias hypothesized. “If dragons hatch during eruptions, then it would make sense they scout each and every one.”
“Possible, and just one of the things I will ask of those bastardos who came after the family.” Juan’s tone deepened. “By the time I pay them a visit in jail, they should be eager to spill everything they know.”
“Why does it sound like you’ve got something devious planned?” Matias asked.
“I don’t yet, but I will be calling in a few favors to ensure those gringos are ripe for questioning by the time I return.”
