Chapter 101 Head of the Family
Dakota's P.O.V.
Three hours. That's how long it took for them to clean Ari's wounds. They were finally able to sedate him once they saw the depth of the burns. He's in a room now, asleep with his dad at his bedside while I check on everyone else.
Mom texted me Sarah, Noah, and Xavier's room numbers. They aren't as bad as Ari, thank goodness. It still hurts knowing he got wounded like that because of me, not only from saving me but also because it's most likely that I was the target. Galdino made sure everyone was in the same unit and close together. He's being very quiet, and I have a feeling he's already having people look into who did this. I bet he can be scary. I like that because right now, I'm ready to scare the shit out of people. I reach Sarah's room first and knock on the door. She's awake with her parents at her side when I peek my head in.
"Can I come in?" Courtney won't meet my eyes, and Bobby looks disappointed when he turns away from me. Sarah smiles, though.
"Yes, come in and talk some sense into them. They want me to move back home because they say it's too dangerous for me to be at the compound." I look at Courtney and Bobby. I wonder what they would think about her staying at Galdino's. It's probably not the best time to mention it.
"Honestly, I agree with them. I'm thinking of not going back for now either. This was too close. We need to be careful until we know how someone got past security and into the garage." Sarah looks upset, but Courtney and Bobby look relieved. I glance at Sarah and raise my eyebrows at her so she won't say anything else right now. I'll tell her about Galdino's offer once her parents are gone.
"How are you feeling?" I ask while taking her hand. She has a few scratches on her face, but she's on her back and not her stomach, so that's a good sign.
"I'm fine. They said the blast gave me a concussion and knocked me out. I'm only being kept for observation. How are Noah and Xavier?" She bites her lip when she says Xavier's name. Is there something going on there? Again, I'll ask later.
"I'm going to check on them now. I'll come back and let you know." I kiss her forehead and head out the door.
"Dakota, thank you." I turn to Courtney in confusion.
"For what?" I ask her. She smiles slightly.
"You have always been more mature and level-headed than anyone I know, so I already know you've got a plan to find out who did this. I may not be a Kondrati, but I hope they burn in hell." I wink at her.
"You are all Kondrati’s. Don't worry, they will burn in hell when I get through with them." I walk out and go to Noah's room next door. When I peek in, he's sleeping, so Dina and Gavin come out to the hallway.
"How is he?" I ask them. They both hug me tight.
"He's okay. All the excitement just wore him out. You and Ari were closer to the blast. By the way, congratulations on Ari. We spoke to Galdino, and I think we have all come around to see that they're not all bad." I giggle as Dina hugs me again. We have always been close because of Noah. I helped him a lot when he was younger. Sometimes, I was the only one who could calm him when he got worked up.
"Thanks. They're both good men. Even Noah likes Ari, and that's saying a lot." Gavin and Dina laugh.
"Yeah, we caught that. He hasn't stopped talking about him. I guess Ari knows something about the computer system that Noah uses, and they talked about it earlier today while you were in a meeting. Noah is so excited to have someone who speaks his language," Gavin says while looking in at Noah. I didn't know Ari knew anything about computers, although we haven't talked much about our interests.
"I'm glad he has someone to talk to about that stuff because I'm lost when he tries to tell me. I'm going to check on Xavier. Let me know if you guys need anything." I kiss them both and go to Xavier's room. He's awake and alone. I walk in and shut the door. If nothing else, I feel like I can trust him. He wouldn't have volunteered to drive us if he knew there was a bomb in the SUV.
"How are you feeling?" I ask him. He has bandages around his right arm, and the rest of him is covered, so I can't tell what other injuries he has. His face has areas with stitches but no burns.
"I'm okay, considering what happened. I should have checked the SUV. I'm sorry, Dakota. I let you down." Tears pool in his eyes, and I gently place my hand over his left hand, which has no bandages.
"It's not your fault. None of us thought anyone could get past the gate and into the garage. How do you think it happened?" I ask him.
"I don't know. I have been racking my brain, but we keep everything tight around there." He glances away, and I already know what he's thinking. I'm thinking the same thing.
"How about someone from the inside?" He looks at me.
"I didn't want to say that, but it's the only thing that makes sense. I still don't know who, though. How is everyone else?" I know who he's really asking about.
"Ari is the worst. He has second and third-degree burns on his back. Noah and Sarah are okay. Is there something going on between you and Sarah?" I sit back in my chair, and his face gets a little red. I guess Sarah and her mom have more in common than cooking.
"I have been too scared to say anything to her because I was worried someone like her wouldn't even talk to someone like me. I'm just an idiot security guard, and she's a goddess." Oh, someone is in love.
"After her parents leave, I'll bring her to your room for a visit. Xavier, you know her dad works as a security guard for my parents. I don't think she sees you as a security guard." I stand, and he smiles at me.
"Thanks." Before I leave, I have one more thing I want to talk to him about.
"When you're healed, I want you to be the head of security. I don't trust anyone else right now. We're all going to stay with Galdino, and I want you there too while we try to get answers, okay?" Xavier's eyes widen, but he nods.
"I'm the youngest and newest at the compound. Are you sure you want me?" I pat his hand.
"It's time for a new team. I'm changing the security team as soon as I find out who the rat is," I tell him.
"Okay, then I accept and offer my help."