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I looked up at him, wondering what he was thinking. He was so kind, always watching for me. "I can handle it. I'm pretty capable."
He grinned. "Ok, I won't argue. Just make sure you lock your door and call if there's any trouble."
It was nice for a change to have someone believe that I was capable of taking care of myself. I wasn't used to it but knowing that Drako saw me that way made me feel stronger somehow.
As I climbed into my car, I spotted the man who had approached me earlier leaning against his vehicle, smoking a cigarette. He glanced up at me and gave me a quick smile. I drove off without acknowledging him, heading towards the motel. I knew I should give the man a chance, but I couldn't help feeling like I was being watched. I didn't understand why it bothered me so much. It wasn't like I was afraid of him or anything. I just wanted to be left alone.
On the drive to the motel, I tried to figure out why I'd reacted the way I had. I didn't understand why I'd been so uncomfortable with the man's presence. He hadn't done anything to make me feel nervous. Maybe I was just tired. Sleep hadn't come easy since my father's disappearance and I was starting to think that Grayson might be right. There was no sign of my father in Shadow Crest. I hadn't seen him anywhere or found any clues that he had been there recently.
Maybe I was just imagining things or jumping to the wrong conclusions. Or maybe I was just worried that he'd never return. My dreams were filled with images of blood and death, and I wondered if they were connected to whatever happened that night. All I knew was that I couldn't keep searching if I was in the wrong place.
I pulled into the parking lot of the motel and ran across the street to grab a bagel and coffee from the convenience store. I went to the room first to put my stuff inside and then headed back outside to sit on the porch. As I drank my coffee, I stared up at the sky, hoping to see some sign of my dad, but it was still and quiet.
I finished eating and walked back to the motel, stopping once I reached the entrance to check my phone. There was a text from Grayson.
Hey Scarlett. Are you there?
I typed a reply and then waited anxiously for a response. When I received a second message, I smiled.
I'll see you in a minute.
I closed my eyes and let out a slow breath. I wanted to tell him that I was fine, but I didn't think that would be very convincing. He'd followed me to Shadow Crest to protect me and that meant something to me, even though I would never tell him that.
I locked the door behind me and set my purse on the dresser. I placed my keys in their usual spot next to a box of tissues, grabbed my laptop from the desk, and then headed toward the bed. I decided to leave my cell on the charger while I worked.
While checking my email, I heard the sound of the door unlocking from the outside. I glanced up to see Grayson standing in the doorway, wearing a pair of black sweatpants and a t-shirt.
"Where did you get a key to my room?" I asked with a smile.
He flashed a smile back. "I asked the front desk to give you a spare. I told them I was a friend. I figured it might come in handy."
I smiled. "Thanks," I said sarcastically as I sat on the edge of the bed.
"How are you feeling?"
"Pretty good." I shrugged. "A little tired, but otherwise I'm doing great."
"Any more break-ins?" He asked, looking around the room.
I let out a sigh, disappointed but not surprised.
"No. Everything has been quiet."
Grayson nodded. "Good. Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"Why did you decide to come here?" He sat down next to me. "You know how dangerous it is and you had no proof your father was even here. Why take the chance of getting hurt?"
The truth was that I hadn't thought much about the risk. I hadn't considered the danger until he'd pointed it out. I just knew I had to find my father, and something was pulling me to Shadow Crest. Even though I didn't know why I was there, I knew I had to be there. There was something I needed to do.
"I don't know," I said, running my fingers through my hair. "I just had this feeling, like I was supposed to be here."
Grayson nodded. "That happens sometimes. Sometimes you just know. I've had those feelings before. It's a sense that something big is coming. Like a storm."
I searched Grayson's face for signs that he was mocking me and failed to find any. I cleared my throat and looked down at my feet. "Have you ever been in one of these storms?"
"Storms?" Grayson raised an eyebrow.
