The Lost One (Lost Series Book 1) Read Free

me. It actually looks like they enjoyed the show.
    “ Oww, you bitch!” he yells, while clutching his nose. I don’t think it’s broken, but it is pouring out blood. Man that makes me feel much better seeing him in pain. I nearly laugh in his face, but think better of it. It was a dumb thing to do, but I feel so much anger toward him, and he deserves every bit of pain that comes his way.
    “Don’t you ever speak to us again, and you have no right speaking about Abby at all. It’s your fault she is gone!” I yell at him as my mother grabs my arm, pulling me out of the courtroom doors. “You may have got off today, but we know the truth!” I continue yelling at him.
    “Stop, Melodi, you’re going to make things worse. Abby wouldn’t want you to be like this,” I hear Mum say as she finally gets me out the doors and into the parking lot before I can do more damage.
    We walk to the car in silence. I see Dad waiting for us near the car, pacing, anger written all over his face, his eyes glazed over with hate. I have never seen him looking so outraged in all my life. I look at Mum and see she is fighting off tears. I wish there is something I can do to take away their pain.
    “I’m sorry, Mum. I know I shouldn’t have done that; something in me snapped and it just happened.” I grab her, stopping her from walking any further. I pull her to me, wrapping my arms around her. We stand there for a short time, holding each other, giving the support we both need right now. Dad comes over, joining in on the hug, and supports Mum and me while we cry. He always tries to be the tough one.
    Mum pulls me out at arm’s length, looking at me with a mischievous smile on her face. She has red eyes and blotchy cheeks, but there is a little shining light in her eyes. Looking toward Dad, she says, “You would be super proud of the punch she just gave that lowlife, honey.” She gives a sad chuckle, which sets me off giggling. Dad looks surprised and confused; then pulls me into a Dad bear hug, laughing. It feels good to be smiling and laughing with Mum and Dad again. I know it will take a while to get over our loss, but we have each other.
    “Wish I could have seen it,” he beams proudly.
    We let go, walking to the car. “I love you, Mum and Dad.”
    “We love you too, honey. We’re always here for you, no matter what. We need, more now than ever, to stick together.” Mum says, taking my hand giving it a light squeeze.
    Someone standing near us clears their throat. “Excuse me, Mr and Mrs White?” We all turn and face a police officer standing before us. My heart sinks. Oh, gosh, that punch has come back be bite me on the arse. I look to Mum and Dad, who look concerned, as I’m sure I do too.
    “Yes, that’s us,” my dad says formally. “Can we help you?”
    The police officer looks really nervous; I can see small sweat beads forming on his brow. He looks young, maybe too young, to be a police officer. Perhaps he is a newbie. He has a strong build, about six foot tall, jet black hair, and bright green, sad but kind, eyes. Maybe it isn’t to do with my incident.
    “Ah…yes, I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. I—” his voice catches as though he is on the verge of tears, and he clears his throat, “—I knew Abby. I met her one day at the park. I was doing my normal rounds and I saw her sitting there alone…crying. I approached her and noticed bruises on her arms. We got talking and I tried to get her to put a Domestic Violence Order out on this guy and she said she would. I even gave her my number if she ever needed anything. I’m terribly sorry I didn’t do more.” He hangs his head in shame. Each word spoken is low and touches my heart.
    I am on the verge of tears and my mother has tears streaming down her face, but Dad stands tall and walks over to the young, handsome police officer.
    “What’s your name, son?” Dad asks.
    “Blake Johnson, sir.” His voice shakes from emotion, or