The moment my fingers brushed the fabric of the coat, I knew it was expensive. She handed it over so casually, and a wave of emotion hit me—gratitude tangled with guilt. I had come here with a calculated purpose, yet she responded with nothing but kindness and concern.
“Ma’am, this coat is far too valuable. I can’t take it,” I said.
“It’s just a coat. There’s no such thing as ‘too valuable,’” she replied, her voice calm and steady, her easy dismissal of material things only deepening my guilt over my intentions.
But I couldn’t back out. If I didn’t follow through, Hayden’s life—and mine—could be at risk. I stood frozen, unable to move or speak, just staring at her.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, noticing the shift in my mood.
Pressing my lips together, I finally introduced myself. “Mrs. Drago, my name is Keira Kay.”
She nodded slightly. “I know.”
Her response surprised me. Before I could ask how, she explained, “I’ve seen your photo before.”
That only added to my confusion. She sat on the edge of the bed and continued, “Some time ago, my son expressed interest in pursuing you. Naturally, I looked into you. But the moment I saw your photo, I knew he didn’t stand a chance.”
So that was how she knew. Her kind, approachable expression made it easier to breathe. I took a deep breath and said, “I came here because I need your help.”
“Well, sit down and tell me,” she said, patting the spot next to her.
Before meeting her, I’d imagined she’d be distant and aloof, someone with an untouchable elegance. Instead, she was warm and approachable, a complete surprise. I didn’t overthink it—I sat beside her. Sometimes, being close helps close the emotional…
“I’m here to ask for your help to save my life,” I said bluntly. I didn’t hold back, laying out the mess I was in and the danger Hayden was facing.
When I finished, I looked her in the eye, every ounce of my sincerity on display. “If Mr. Drago and Cole can’t get what they want, they’ll make me—and the thing they’re after—disappear. You’re the only one who can protect me.”
She had a string of prayer beads in her hands, rolling them between her fingers. Her face stayed calm, her expression unchanging, even as I spoke. She wasn’t shocked. She wasn’t surprised. It was clear she knew what her husband and son were capable of. She couldn’t stop them, so she’d chosen to live a life of quiet reflection, perhaps as her own way of atonement.
“I’ll help you,” she said, her words simple and firm, without a hint of hesitation.
“You don’t even want to know what I’m asking?” I asked cautiously. The protection I needed wasn’t something she could offer with just a conversation.
She smiled faintly. “I know. Whatever you need to do, I’m fine with it.”
Her quick agreement caught me off guard, and guilt crept in again.
“Mrs. Drago, I wouldn’t resort to this if I had any other choice.”
“There’s no need to explain,” she said. In the dim room, her face seemed to glow—not from light, but from the calm and serenity she carried.
For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. Then she asked, “Just tell me when you need me to leave with you.”
Her readiness to cooperate so willingly made me feel small—manipulative, even.
“Mrs. Drago…”
“You don’t need to feel burdened. This is my way of atoning. I don’t want their sins to grow any heavier.” But as she spoke, a shadow of sadness crossed her face.
There was nothing I could say to comfort her. Thorsten and Cole’s wrongdoings were undeniable.
When I didn’t respond, she nodded slightly. “If it’s convenient for you, why don’t you stay here with me? That way, we won’t lose time. And while you’re under my watch, they won’t dare make a move against you.”
“Thank you,” I said quietly, my voice filled with genuine gratitude. It was all I could manage.
“It’s late. Go rest,” she said, pressing the coat into my hands again.
I stepped out of her room, and the cold night air immediately wrapped around me. As I approached my own room, a sudden, distinct sensation washed over me—the feeling of being watched. I stopped in my tracks and turned.