Spoilt by Joanne Ellis Read Free Book Online Page A

worst fear, that Elle was gone
forever.
    Oh Elle where are you?

    * * *

    It’s now time for her to say goodbye to her life. Nothing
personal, Blondie, but I need to make it perfect.
    Will she fight like Libby or will she accept it like Kate? She
is feisty this one so I guess she’ll fight to the end.

    * * *

    As I thought, she fought death. She kicked and hit out as far
as her restraints would allow until she gurgled her last breath. I
know this one will hurt her and she will understand loss. Just like
my loss.
    She will soon know what it’s like to have nothing, like I had
nothing. She would never have known what it was like to wear old
dirty clothes that were too small and have everyone laugh. To
understand how it feels to eat little and always be alone. To have
a father who hates you and a mother who left you. What it’s like to
live in the worst house, in the worst neighbourhood.
    She never had to do anything for what she had. No, not Daddy’s
Princess.
    I cannot wait to see her blood flow but I have to wait, more
to rehearse on yet. I can hear the next one now in the other room.
She’s awake and calling for help. There is no-one here to help you,
Lindsay.
    Now I need to take Blondie to her final resting place. When I
come back, I’ll have to start on you, Lindsay. Listen to your first
screams and see how much of a fighter you are. Scream all you want,
just like the others because no-one can hear.
    Ah, there she is sitting out on the balcony. Is she wondering
about her friend? Well she is watching the night sky now too just
like you but unlike you, Blondie’s eyes are sightless
forever.

Chapter 8

    Gone
    Thursday

    The sound of the phone woke Lucas from another restless night.
He bolted upright and rubbed his eyes before grabbing the
phone.
    Oh shit, what now? “Hudson.”
    “ Well he lives.”
    “ Morning, Carrie. It is morning, isn’t it?” he grumbled,
picturing his sister on the other end of the phone, her auburn
chin-length curls bobbing as she spoke, the same hazel eyes as his
own filled with concern.
    “ Yes, grumpy, it’s just after seven. I haven’t heard from you
for a week and was wondering if you were still with us.”
    “ I’ve been busy.”
    “ All work and no play, little brother.”
    “ Yeah I know but this case has been tough and we’re getting
nowhere fast.”
    “ Are you ok? I saw the news and was wondering—“
    “ I’m fine,” he cut her off.
    “ Ok, Lucas, but I know how hard this must be for
you.”
    “ It was a long time ago, Carrie. I can handle it. I believe
I’ve told you this too many times before.”
    “ You know, I can’t help it. I worry about you.”
    “ You don’t have to, I’m all right,” he replied his voice
softening. “How are the kids?”
    “ Same as always. Mabel lost another tooth. Tommy decided he
could fly again so he took a leap off the kitchen bench and split
his head.”
    “ Ouch, is he ok?”
    “ Yeah he’s fine, just like his uncle.”
    “ Ha ha, I miss them. I promise I’ll do something with them
soon, when this case is over.”
    “ They miss you too and I’ll hold you to it.” Not finished
grilling her brother she continued. “So, what else is bugging
you?”
    “ Nothing.”
    “ No fooling me, brother, spill.”
    “ Ah, ok, I let someone get to me yesterday and didn’t do my
job properly.”
    “ A girrrl,” she taunted.
    “ Shut up.”
    “ That’s not like you. She must have been
something.”
    “ Look it was nothing. It won’t happen again.”
    “ There is nothing wrong with letting someone in Lucas. Nathan
and the kids, they’re the best things that have ever happened to
me, you know that.”
    “ Yeah well that’s you. My job keeps me busy. I don’t need
anything else.”
    “ Oh Lucas …”
    “ Carrie, I’m fine. Please, it really is alright.”
    “ Very well, I’ll leave you alone.” She paused. “For
now.”
    Lucas laughed. “Thanks for your concern but I gotta get up and
go to work.”
    “