“Savannah, stop, it’s okay. You were dreaming.” Cole’s chest vibrates against me. “It’s okay, it’s okay.”
“Cole?” I whisper.
“Yes, baby, it’s me.”
“Cole.” I turn in his arms, sobbing into his chest and collapsing as he lowers me to the floor with him. I hold on to him for dear life until the nightmare wears off and I’m left to deal with its hangover. After a while, I finally calm. As I rest my head on his leg, his fingertips run along my arm, back and forth.
“You want to talk about it?” he asks softly.
I shake my head. Even the question brings on more tears.
“Okay, when you’re ready, then.”
After some more time goes by, I decide to ask a question that’s been bothering me. “If the house was to be attacked, is there a safe room?”
“Yes, there is,” he replies gently.
I let out a long breath.
“Under the entertainment room, there’s another level. It’s where we kept York. There are four jail cells, and beyond that is the safe room. More like a safe floor. It’s huge—the size of the kitchen, living room, and dining room combined. It’s untouchable from the outside. If we ever were to get attacked, you would use the back hallway and follow whoever is taking you down to that room, where you will stay until it’s safe.”
I shift to look up at him. “Would you come with us?”
He plays with a piece of my hair between his fingers. “The captain doesn’t jump on the lifeboat.”
A few more tears slip down into my hair. “But what if he has a reason to?” I counter, grasping for straws.
“Baby, I know it’s scary, but I’ll protect you.”
“I’m not worried about you protecting me, Cole. I worry about something happening to you.” I move to sit up, my head clogged from crying so much. I wrap my arms around my drawn-up legs and rest my chin on my knees.
“This is my job, Savi, and I’m good at it. If it means anything, I’m not scared. It’s what I do.” His mouth twists as he looks at me. “What are you thinking?”
I shrug, feeling tired, but now I’m nervous about falling asleep. “Sometimes I feel like this is one big dream. I mean, this kind of thing doesn’t happen every day. I feel like I’m stuck, helpless, and taking up the Army’s time and resources. I know this isn’t my fault, but it doesn’t make me feel less of a burden to you all.” I let out a long sigh. “I just want answers. I want to know who’s behind this whole thing. I want my life back.”
“I know you do.” Cole pulls me to my feet and lays me back in bed. He wraps his arm around me, tucking me against his side. “You’re not a burden, Savi. You’re one of the best things that’s ever happened to this house. Not just for me, but for everyone.” He moves my hair out of his way and kisses the side of my forehead. “Try to get some sleep. You’re not alone. I’m here.”
I close my eyes, counting his heartbeats until I finally pass out.
Five Days Later…
We walk hand in hand down the decorated street, strings of colored lights hanging in rows along both sides. Christmas trees stand outside every shop, beautifully trimmed with every imaginable ornament and decoration. Carolers dressed in historical costumes singCarol of the Bellsas they stand next to a hot chocolate booth. A horse-drawn carriage is pulling a family of four down the street, with sleigh bells ringing as they pass. Sue was not kidding. This town certainly is in love with Christmas. This is truly amazing. It looks like a scene right out of a Thomas Kinkade painting. I glance up at Cole, who’s looking very classy in his black wool button up coat and gray scarf. I search his face, trying to see if he’s here with us or thinking about what’s ahead.
The tension in the house has calmed down some since Cole held a house meeting the other night after dinner.
Keith could not confirm if it was Jose Jorge or not the day I thought I saw him in town.
But like Cole said, there’s nothing we can do but be prepared. He was wary about this outing, but Daniel convinced him that we have to keep on living as long as we take the proper precautions.
I had on a wig and glasses earlier, about to head out the door, when Cole stopped me.
“How do you feel?”
“Honestly, a bit funny.” I held up a piece of the wig. “I never pictured myself as a blonde.”
He smiled and pulled it off.
“I think if we’re careful enough, you won’t need this.” He chuckled adorably. “Here.” He tugged on a light pink knit hat. “That’s better.” He fingered one of my curls. “I like the sexy-librarian glasses, though,” he jokes.