Page 46 of Serving my Dragon
Juan’s expression darkened. “Never had a chance. Despite being arrested on drug charges, by the time I’d returned from dropping you off, they’d already been released.”
“What?” I exclaimed.
“It must have been a large bribe because they were in custody less than an hour. Someone with deep pockets didn’t want them talking. And no, I don’t know who paid. Probably the same person who flew them out that same day on a private jet.”
“So, they’re gone.”
“Aye.”
“Why bring us supplies then? Shouldn’t we return home?”
“No.”
I stopped walking and it took a moment before Juan paused too. “Why not? If those men who attacked us have left, then there should be no threat.”
“Because while they left, the family is being watched.”
I frowned. “I thought you said everything was fine.”
“Nothing’s happened, but we’ve spotted drones in the skies over all of our homes. Yours included.”
“Someone is still trying to locate Kayleigh,” I murmured, which led to me exclaiming, “Were you followed?”
Juan snorted. “As if I would allow that. Fear not. I shot down the one watching me before heading out.”
I rubbed my bristly jaw. “How long before they give up?”
A roll of the shoulders accompanied Juan’s, “I don’t know.”
“I can’t stay here forever. Without work, I have no money to pay the bills. The rent on my office will be due.” Not to mention the payments for the loans for my equipment, utilities, and more.
“Don’t worry. I’ll find a way to cover them.”
“I am worried because while it is rather nice out here, it is isolated.” And I’d never admit it out loud, but I missed my mother. As we continued walking, I added, “I’m a little concerned by the fact my phone doesn’t work out here.” I’d turned it off to preserve the battery.
“You have to drive a fair distance before you can pick up a weak signal. Who do you need to call?”
I almost said Mama, but changed it to, “We still haven’t managed to get in touch with Kayleigh’s friend, Sally.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. The woman is most likely being monitored. For all I know, our calls and messages are being spied on as well.”
“Hacking our phones? Do you know how insane that sounds?” I exploded. “I don’t understand why anyone would go through so much trouble given Kayleigh remembers nothing.”
“Whatever she witnessed must be bad because I agree, simply knowing dragons exist doesn’t seem like a good enough reason.”
We reached the truck and my brows lifted at what I saw in the back. “Is that a solar panel?”
Juan grinned. “It will be needed for the mini-fridge and laptop I brought. Thought you might be bored so I downloaded some movies for you to watch.”
“Thanks.”
My gratitude faded as carrying the goods meant strapping the fridge to my back for the trudge back and then maneuvering it down those slippery stairs. We’d cleared most of the foliage from them but they remained treacherous. Another trip had me wearing coiled power cords as the solar panels would have to be mounted where they could get sun, meaning not anywhere close to the cave entrance. Still, the effort proved worth it given the excitement by Polly and Kayleigh.
That night, the four of us feasted on Mama’s homemade empanadas and watched a movie. Juan left in the morning with a promise to return soon with more stuff.
A week went by, then two. Juan came by three more times, each visit bringing us more things to make the citadel more comfortable. Rugs for the floors. Another solar panel. An air fryer. Toiletries. Baking supplies. Clothes. The place felt more and more like home.
While a part of me wanted to return to my house, I had to admit we weren’t living badly. I missed Mama and my extended family, however, living with Kayleigh, making love to her every night, seeing how she lit up whenever she saw me—and I saw her—made me happy in a way I’d not expected, or even known I needed.
