Page 40 of Destined to Fight

He grumbled out an “uh huh,” making it very clear that he didn’t agree.

“I’ll check and let you know about Christmas, okay?”

“Sure. Anything else new with you besides this opportunity?”

She closed her eyes, wishing she could say more. “No, that about covers it.”

“Uh huh.” He paused, letting his knowledge of her hiding something sink in like any good parent would. “I’m glad you got a phone. It’s not safe out there, and you need a way to call for help if something happens.”

Kelly started to tell him nothing would happen and then remembered the past few days. Anything could happen.

“I know, Dad. I’m careful.”

“Right. Your curiosity has never gotten you into trouble.”

Oh, you have no idea.

“I am your daughter.”

He laughed. “Yes, you are.”

There was a long pause. She didn’t know what else to say. There was so much she wanted to tell him, and he would think she was insane if she mentioned any of it.

“I’ll call you tomorrow to let you know about Christmas.”

“Sounds good. I’ll talk to you later, kiddo.”

“Bye, Daddy.”

She pressed the icon to disconnect the call and threw herself back on the bed. Maybe Fabian would have some advice on talking to her dad without lying to him. And then there was the whole Christmas thing. In her mind, she’d still had a little time to figure it out, but in reality, there wasn’t time. Asking Kade to fly her back to Dallas for Christmas was out of the question. There was no way for her to pay him for a plane ticket, and the cost of one trip in that jet of his had to be more than the cost of the average car.

Her dad was going to be so disappointed that she couldn’t make Christmas dinner. There were not many people whose opinions mattered to her, but her dad was one of them. He had always supported her, even when he knew she was making a mistake.

To avoid dwelling on the situation, she got up to find Ginna so they could begin studying. No one was in the dining hall, and she didn’t want to venture down to the training room. Remembering the pool room, she decided to head that way. If no one was around, she could at least sit and enjoy the natural light.

She walked into the room and noticed the chairs she and Fabian had sat in earlier. She sat down in one And was about to lay her head back and close her eyes when she realized Siri sat at the other end of the room.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were here. I can leave.”

Siri waved her hand in dismissal. “Don’t be silly, my dear, this room has space for the both of us. Is now a good time for our talk?”

“Sure. All I have left for the day is studying with Ginna, and I haven’t seen her.”

“I can hear her on the phone down the hall. She can find us when she is ready for you. Why don’t you come down here and sit with me? That way we’re not talking across the room.”

Kelly did as Siri asked, curious to see what this talk would entail. It seemed strange that Kade’s mom would take such interest in her.

“Would you like anything to drink or eat? I can have Brodric fetch something for you.”

“A cold water would be great, thank you. But I can get it myself.” She hated asking someone else to do something she was perfectly capable of.

“Nonsense. Serving others makes him happy. He is here by choice; nothing binds him to us.”

Kelly just nodded. What could she say to that?

Siri dove right in. “You must know that I have no issues with you; however, I need you to know the situation you are getting yourself into.”

“I appreciate your concern, but Fabian and Kade have filled me in.”

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