Forsaken World (Book 1): Innocence Lost by Thomas A. Watson Read Free Book Online

in case she wants to know where we got money from.”
    “Okay,” Ian said as Jason came back in, pulling a t-shirt on then putting on a polo shirt.
    “Keep the ladybug occupied because she could ruin it. I have my cellphone if you need me. If Mom and Dad call, tell them I was tired after lifting weights and went to bed,” Jason said, walking over to rub both boys’ heads, ruffling their hair. “Thanks, guys. I called over to Carrie’s and told ladybug to come home. After she’s inside, I’m gone.”
    They both nodded as Jason walked out. “Let’s get the food on the table so we can keep Allie in the kitchen while he pulls out, and she can’t hear his car,” Ian said.
    “We can turn on the CD player in the kitchen,” Lance said, running toward the kitchen.
    They put the food on the table and had the table set when they heard the front door open. “Allie, come eat!” Lance said, pouring glasses of tea.
    Allie skipped in wearing her smile. “Where’s Jason?”
    “He’s tired after his workout and went to bed, so we are in charge,” Ian said, leading her to her chair. “After we eat, you can sit and watch us play.”
    “Really?” Allie bounced on her toes, clasping her hands. They usually ran her off because she asked questions about the games as they played.
    “You bet, ladybug,” Lance said, sitting down. “We’ll even let you play some.”
    “Oh boy, this is great,” she cried out, jumping in her chair as Ian went over and turned on the CD player, filling the kitchen with Beethoven’s Fifth. No one heard Jason leave as they sat down to eat.

Chapter 4
    It was ten o’clock as the two sat playing with Allie between them. “Why don’t you just call in your airplane, Lance?” she asked. Lance’s character danced across the screen, dodging bullets.
    “Because I haven’t earned it,” he said as someone shot him with a rocket. “Damn newb got me with the rocket launcher.”
    “Moth—” Ian started to shout then looked over at Allie’s innocent face staring at the screen. “Yeah, he just got me too.”
    “Let’s double-team him,” Lance said as they respawned.
    “Ian, why are people popping fireworks?” Allie asked.
    “What?” Ian asked, dodging a rocket.
    “Firecrackers outside,” Allie asked.
    Lance looked up as he killed the rocket newb. “I don’t hear anything,” he said, looking back at the screen.
    “It’s far off, but I hear someone popping firecrackers,” Allie said, watching the screen, mesmerized by the action. “Ian, there’s a guy behind that truck!” she shouted, pointing.
    “Hello, newb,” Ian shouted, launching a grenade.
    “Oh man, you blew his leg off!” Allie cheered. When the game ended, they left the chat room and headed to the kitchen. “Can I have some ice cream?”
    Lance opened the freezer. “Why of course, madam.”
    Ian walked over to the cabinets. “Would you like it served on a platter, madam?” he asked, pulling out a bowl then bowing to Allie.
    “Oh yes please,” she clapped.
    They fixed her a bowl of ice cream then grabbed some snacks for themselves and carried them back to the den when Lance froze and looked at Ian, who was also frozen in place. “Did you hear that?” Lance asked, and Ian nodded.
    “Yeah, that’s the firecrackers I was telling you about,” Allie said, sitting on the couch. “Can I have my ice cream now please?”
    “Of course, madam,” Lance said, putting the serving tray on her lap. “Allie, don’t spill it; we’ll be right back with the strawberry syrup.”
    They both walked out of the den to the front of the house. “Lance, that was a gunshot,” Ian said, turning off the living room lights.
    “I know. It sounded like it was near town,” Lance said as another gunshot went off. “That one was further.”
    Ian moved about the front of the house, turning off the lights. “Well, let’s not let anyone know we are here.”
    “What if that makes the rioters come here with the house looking empty?”