“What about the baby dragon, Mr. Patrick? What happened to him?” Kimmie asked.
“The poor thing tried to knock me out with a big blast of hot air. It didn’t work, as you know. I was able to calm him down after telling him the story about Father Dragon that I just told you. Knowing a thing about what dragons need, I gave him directions to a lake where he could find all the fish he needed. The beast promised to come to Destiny when it grows its wings.”
“A real dragon is coming to see us. Really?” Juan stood up, as did all the other orphan boys.
“Yes, really. It might be twenty or thirty years, but he’s coming.”
Everyone stood, applauding like mad. This was the best rendition of Patrick’s account ever.
“Mark your calendars, my fellow Destonians. A dragon will one day come to our town. I’ll be gone, but you better be ready. They need us more than you know.”
The lights dimmed.
More applause.
“Keep your eyes up to the heavens. They’re coming.” Patrick waved and took a seat in the big chair center stage.
All the kids ran up to him with a million more questions. Sam and Ethel helped the kids form a line. In Destiny, Santa Claus had to take a backseat to the Dragon Master this time of year. Luckily for Sam, who played St. Nick at the O’Learys’ Christmas party, he got to enjoy the adoration of all the children then.
“Wow, that was amazing,” Phoebe said.
“He outdid himself this year for sure.” Lucas saw Mitchell’s band take the stage. He only had a few minutes to talk before the music would make it hard to hear. “What do you need to talk about?”
Ashley leaned forward and gave Phoebe a stern look. “Tell him everything, boss. All of it.”
“I’ve got this, Ash.” Phoebe sighed. “How about refreshing my drink for me?”
Ashley didn’t look convinced. “You’re only trying to get rid of me so you can sugarcoat the gravity of the call.”
Phoebe traced an X over her perfect breasts. “Cross my heart. I will tell Lucas everything. I would like to talk to him alone for a second.”
“Oh.” Ashley smiled. “I see. I will be happy to refill your drink. How about yours, Lucas?”
The girl had spunk. “Thanks, but I’m still working on mine.”
“I’ll be back and will want an update.”
“Go,” Phoebe said. “Now.”
Ashley saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
As she trotted off, he turned to Phoebe. “What’s Ash concerned about? What’s happened?”
“I’m not sure I should involve you, Lucas,” she stated firmly. “This is my problem not yours.”
He clenched his jaw. “Phoebe, don’t do this. Whatever I can do to help, I will. Talk to me.”
She sighed. “Might as well get right to it.”
“Yes, you should.” He could sense the worry in her, which didn’t sit well with him. She was a strong, capable woman. Whatever had her anxious, he wanted to know. “Tell me.”
“The stalker called again. He got my new number.”
Son of a bitch. His entire body tensed. “When?”
Phoebe fidgeted with the hem of her ballet skirt. “Right before the party. I’m sure the guy is harmless.”
He doubted that. “I thought Jason was on this weeks ago. Why hasn’t he found the fucker?”