Page 5 of Dragon's Code

“I’m sure.”

As I get back into bed, knowing that I’m going to have to leave here sooner than later, I try to enjoy the bliss of not being near my parents. Kashton comes in with coffee and a brown paper bag that no doubt has pastries in it.

“Hey you,” he says. “How are you feeling?”

“Okay,” I lie.

Kashton scoffs, “No, you’re not. But that’s okay. You will be. I brought some necessities.” He hands me a coffee.

I can smell the spicy scents and know that it’s a pumpkin spiced latte. Autumn is one of my favorite times of year and the autumn drinks make it all the better.

While we’re enjoying our breakfast the Sheriff and Officer Frank come into my room. Kashton’s arm around my shoulders tightens a little.

“Miss Miller,” the Sheriff says, “we believe we found the men that took you.”

I sit up a little, my back ramrod straight. “You did?”

“They’re all dead.”

I frown and shift in my bed. “How?”

“It appears there was a fire. We’re investigating. I brought some pictures if you think you can handle it. I would like to confirm we found the right people.”

I nod my head slowly.

Kashton threads his fingers through mine and gives me a reassuring squeeze as the Sheriff turns his phone screen to me. I inhale sharply when I see the cabin I was held in. Or, what’s left of it.

The small area had a few cabins, and I think six or seven men were staying there. Hurting me. I lost count though.

The cabins in the photo are charred, and there’s a corpse in the center of the pictures. I recognize it instantly and know it’s the right place.

“That’s it,” my voice croaks and Kashton squeezes my hand tighter. It keeps me centered, anchored, and present instead of slipping into the nightmares I’ve been having every time I close my eyes.

The Sheriff takes his phone away and steps back. “I don’t know about justice, but at least you don’t have to be worried that they’re going to come after you again.”

“Thank you, Sheriff. I know I washed up on your town and caused you a lot of paperwork.”

He gives me a soft smile. “I’m glad we found you, Miss Miller. Make no mistake about that. And I hope you make your father pay.” With a shake of his head, he adds, “I have four daughters, and I’d do anything I could to get them back if someone took one of them. No parent should choose anything over their children. I’m sure karma and God will make sure he gets what’s coming to him.”

I give him a small smile, just glad to see the men who hurt me won’t be able to hurt anyone else.

Kashton stays with me all day and all night until I’m finally able to walk more than a few feet. He rents us a car and he drives me back to the city, where he helps me get an apartment and all new furniture, clothes, everything I might need. Including some extra heavy-duty locks on my doors and windows. The apartment office didn’t seem to bat an eye at my fake credit score or fake ID.

I’ve even got an appointment with a lawyer, so I can get emancipated.

Our last night together before he has to return to Brazil, we’re sitting on my new purple couch, hanging out, watching movies. We binge way too much junk food, and pass out cuddled together in my bed.

The next morning he wakes me up with a gentle nudge. “I have to get going. My father is pissed and is threatening to disown me if I don’t go home.”

On my new end table, there’s a to-go cup of pumpkin spiced latte and a brown bag, no doubt carrying a coconut custard danish, my favorite pastry. I sit up and wrap my arms around him.

“Thank you so much for coming. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you. I will repay you every penny you’ve helped me out with.”

He scoffs, “No you won’t. It was my pleasure. Trust me, my father hoards treasure like a dragon. The family fortune won’t even notice.” Then he pulls something out of his pocket. “I found this while I was shopping the other day. Close your eyes, and hold out your hand.”

I do as I’m told. I feel the cool sensation of something being dropped into my hand. “Can I open my eyes?”

“In one moment.”

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