Page 14 of Serving my Dragon (The Dragocracy Chronicles #2)

Chapter Ten

My initial reaction at hearing the police had come, seeking Kayleigh? Disappointment, because obviously someone had finally reported her missing despite Juan’s claim the police hadn’t kept a record of my call. Guess that meant she’d be leaving soon.

Then paranoia hit and I thought of Juan’s claim someone wanted to keep Kayleigh quiet. It led to me asking Tío Santiago quietly in Spanish, “Were they real cops?”

“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.”

My lips twitched in amusement. “You mean poor scammers. Mama is not one to be bossed around, even by the police.”

“If they weren’t real cops, who were they?”

“I don’t know, but until we figure out what’s going on, we’ll be staying elsewhere. I’m taking us to my aunt and uncle’s place. Mama is on her way there and Santiago is contacting Juan to figure out our next move.”

Kayleigh bit her lip and I could predict what she’d say next. “You should drop me off. I don’t want to bring trouble to your family.”

I snorted. “My family would disown me if I abandoned you. This is nothing compared to some things we’ve had to deal with. I should add, this wouldn’t be the first time we’ve helped someone disappear for a bit.” My in-and-out-of-jail second cousin, Luis, came to mind.

“First thing in the morning, I’ll try and call my bank. Maybe I can get them to wire me some money so I can get out of your hair,” she stated.

“Call if you want, but you aren’t going anywhere alone. It might not be safe and I don’t want anything happening to you.”

“This is so frustrating. I wish I could remember what happened. Why would anyone be after me?”

I revealed my recent theory. “I think this has to do with Polly.”

“Polly?” She sounded confused. “Why would you think that?”

“You said the clerk mentioned those other folks you were staying at the hotel with might be biologists. And that he even specified that they had a cage. Polly spoke of some people trying to trap her in?—”

“A cage! Goodness, maybe there is a connection. But there’s one thing that makes no sense.” Kayleigh’s hand on my thigh tightened. “Why would Sally and I have been with them in the first place?”

“Maybe Sally can shed some light on that when you manage to get through to her.”

“I hope so,” she muttered.

When we pulled into my aunt and uncle’s place, not a light shone. I circled around to the backyard and parked beside Santiago’s Toyota. We entered through the kitchen door and I stopped dead at the sight of a gun pointed at my head.

“You made it.” Santiago lowered the weapon.

“Expecting someone else?” My dry reply.

“Just being careful.”

“Where’s Mama and Pollita?”

“Living room. What’s up with the lizard, though? Your mama refused to leave it behind. Never thought I’d see the day she’d cuddle a scaly reptile.”

Me neither, but here we were.

“Carm is not too happy she brought it into the house,” my uncle added.

“Polly won’t be a problem,” I murmured. More like hoped. I trusted my family, but the fewer people who knew about the dragon, the better.

The house was softly lit, the lamps dimmed. The shutters had been latched over the windows, the drawn curtains blocking anyone from seeing anything, even light, from outside.

“Mama! Are you okay?” I rushed to my mother and dropped to my knees to clasp her hands.

“Fine, mijo. Those people weren’t interested in me. They were after querida.” Mama spoke in English so Kayleigh could follow.

“So we heard.” I scrubbed a hand over my face. Then more quietly asked, “Did they see Pollita when they came to your house?”

“No. Why?”

“Just wondering. Where is she?” I asked, not seeing her around.

“I put her to bed. She is, after all, only a baby and needs her sleep.”

I kept forgetting that Polly had only hatched in the last week or so.

“So much concern over a lizard,” Santiago scoffed, entering the room with my aunt who had a tray with snacks and drinks.

How to explain Polly wasn’t just a reptile? I couldn’t until I knew more about the situation with the fake cops. “Have you spoken to Juan?” I asked, grabbing the beer my uncle offered me. Kayleigh accepted one as well and took a long swig.

“He’s working on finding you a spot to hide. Says you should be ready to move in the next few hours.”

I grimaced. So much for getting any sleep.

Kayleigh was the one to venture a timid, “Could it be we’re overreacting? We don’t know those people meant me any harm.”

“They pretended to be policia and broke into Matias’ house,” Mama reminded.

It led to Kayleigh sucking her lower lip in a way I found much too interesting given the situation.

“I don’t want anyone to get in trouble over me.”

“Bah,” Mama scoffed. “As if we would let criminals intimidate us. You should get some rest before you have to travel. Matias, you know where the guest room is.”

I led Kayleigh to the chamber where Polly slept nestled in a basket lined with a blanket.

“Why is your family so determined to help?” Kayleigh asked. “They barely know me.”

“They like you, and if I am to be honest, they enjoy the drama.”

Her nose wrinkled adorably. “I don’t.”

“Hopefully we can get through to Sally in the morning. More than likely she’s got your passport and credit cards, which means we’ll be able to find a way to get you back home and away from what’s happening.

” Assuming Sally wasn’t also in trouble.

I still hoped the situation was more innocent than it appeared.

“Leave you—” Kayleigh stuttered, before she quickly added, “and Polly to deal with those people alone?”

“If you’re not here, no reason for them to come around,” I stated.

“True.” Her lips turned down.

“I thought you wanted to go home.”

The lift and fall of her shoulders showed uncertainty. “I do and don’t. I wasn’t lying before when I said I like it here if I ignore the whole, I lost my memory and there’s people after me bit.” She laughed. “It’s like I am living my own telenovela.”

“Maybe I could come visit you,” I said before I had a chance to stop myself.

The beaming smile almost melted me. “Would you really?”

I nodded.

“Then it’s a date.”

My heart swelled at her obvious pleasure at my offer. “Good night, Kayleigh.”

“Sweet dreams, Matias.”

I left her in the room with Polly and returned to the living room.

Mama frowned. “Why are you not sleeping?”

“I will soon as I grab a blanket for the hammock.”

“Why would you sleep in the yard?” Santiago queried, looking perplexed.

“Because Mama will be sleeping in the other guest room and I’m too old to share a bed with her,” I explained as if that weren’t obvious.

“Dios, you’re dumb sometimes,” my uncle exclaimed. “Why aren’t you in bed with the Americana?”

“Because we’re not together like that.” Although, we’d come close before the interruption.

“It’s like he wants me to never have the joy of grandchildren,” Mama lamented.

“Are you sure he’s into women?” whispered Carmelita.

“What is wrong with you?” Santiago threw up his hands. “Beautiful woman who likes you and you’re being?—”

“A gentleman?” I arched a brow.

Mama reached over and patted my hand. “Sometimes, mijo, you’re a little too polite. I blame myself.”

“We told you to stop being soft with him,” grumbled my uncle. “A man his age shouldn’t have to be told what to do with a pretty woman.”

“You think she’s pretty?” Carmelita had a tone that signaled a brewing storm.

“Not as beautiful as you, of course.” Santiago managed a rapid save.

“Hmph.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I’m going to sleep.

” I grabbed the knitted blanket hanging over the back of the couch and headed to the yard, the evening air cool but not uncomfortable, especially once I wrapped myself in the fabric.

The hammock swayed slightly as I lay in it, staring at the stars.

Was I an idiot? Should I have joined Kayleigh in bed?

Would she have protested? Probably not, given what we’d almost done.

But at the same time, nothing could have happened with Polly in the room.

It was one thing to indulge sexually in front of a household pet that didn’t have a clue, another to possibly end up with vocal complaints or worse, a critique at a crucial moment. My manhood might not survive.

The gentle sway of the hammock put me to sleep despite the turmoil of the day.

I woke suddenly, though, and couldn’t have said why.

Dawn had yet to light the sky, and clouds had moved in while I slumbered, hiding the stars.

A slight tilt of my head showed the house dark, but then again, I wouldn’t see much with the shutters and curtains drawn.

Snick.

The noise froze me for it sounded like the slide of a shoe. Was someone in the yard?

“Are you sure she’s here?” someone whispered in English.

“The dentist’s car is parked over there, and she’s supposed to be staying with him,” replied someone else in a low tone.

“Don’t know why we’re even bothering tracking her down,” grumbled the first man. “According to the doctor at the hospital, she doesn’t remember anything.”

“For now. Her memory could come back anytime, and the boss said we can’t have that happen.”

“Not sure why it matters. The whole reason for this trip died when that fucker fell off the cliff. Even if the woman recalls what she saw and heard, people will call her crazy the moment she opens her mouth and says the word dragon.”

I almost fell out of the hammock. So this was about Polly, only they didn’t know she lived, meaning I had to make sure things stayed that way.

“This is all Blake’s fault,” grumbled the first guy. “Bringing his new girlfriend and her best friend along on the mission like this was some vacation,”

“At least Sally knows to keep her mouth shut. That chubby friend of hers, though…” commented the second.

“Yeah, she shouldn’t have gotten in the way. Pity the fall from the cliff didn’t finish her.”

I couldn’t believe how much these murdering idiots were revealing.

“Well, she won’t escape this time.”

“Never thought I’d end up having to kill someone,” muttered the first. “This wasn’t what I signed up for.”

“Not directly, but we always knew it might come to that. It’s why they pay us the big bucks.” Ding. The slight chime had the guy huffing, “Duke and Pascal have the front covered. Orders are to zap anyone who comes out a door or window and toss them back inside.”

Odd instructions that made sense a second later as a smell hit me.

Smoke.

They’d set fire to the house!