The Protector of Esparia (The Annals of Esparia Book 1) by Lisa M. Wilson Read Free Book Online Page A

bite of his pizza.  “I did pretty well in our German classes, so there’s Berlin, and finally England for Dad to do some genealogy.  We’ll be home the week before college starts.”  He took a long drink of his water.
    “Sounds exciting.  My summer vacation started today and ends Monday when I go fulltime at the vet clinic.”
    “Are you going to school this fall?”
    “Yep, to the U in Seattle.”
    “That’s where I’m going.  In fact, Mark and I are rooming together.” 
    Suddenly college seemed more enticing than ever.  She wanted to say something clever, but a large bite of chewy pizza crust stopped her.
    On the other side of the patio, a Siamese cat darted out from under some blooming lilac bushes and jumped from the stone retaining wall onto the concrete patio.  The feline sprinted across the courtyard, dodging its way around several slow dancing couples.  When nearly to the open sliding doors, the animal stopped, twitched its ears and fixed its yellow eyes on Jessica.
    “Thomas, look at him.”  She pointed to the large cat.  “What’s he up to?”
    “What makes you think he’s up to something?”
    She barely heard him.  Her concentration was on the tom.  He meowed twice.  “Something’s wrong,” she murmured.  “I know this sounds crazy, but a girl’s in trouble.  There.”  She pointed to the clump of bushes from where the cat had emerged.
    A muffled scream, barely audible above the music, was heard.  “Did you hear that?” Jessica asked.
    “Yeah, I did.”  Thomas stood up.
    Moments later, tearing out from the bushes, came Ray.  He leaped to the patio and collided with two couples while crossing to the game room.
    “Something’s very wrong,” Jessica repeated.
    Thomas headed for the bushes with Jessica close behind.
    Through the shrubbery, at the base of a large pine tree, lay the crying girl from the jeep.  She was curled up in a ball.   Streaks of wet mascara ran down her cheeks.  The blackened tears mingled with blood that oozed, unchecked, from the side of her mouth.
    Jessica knelt next to the hurt girl.  She placed her hand on her head and stroked her hair.  Thomas helped her to a sitting position, allowing Jessica to cradle her.
    “What’s your name?” Jessica gently asked.
    “Jennifer.”
    “What happened?” Thomas asked through clenched teeth.  His eyes held compassion for the girl, but his mouth was tight, in a grim line.
    “Ray’s psycho.  I’ve only gone out with him a few times….thinks he owns me.  I’m terrified,” she sobbed.  “I had to do something, I just had to.  He flipped out.  I tried to run, but…” 
    Thomas seethed, “Ray crossed a line.”
    Jessica agreed.  “He’s probably high.”
    “You okay if I leave you?”
    Jessica nodded, then caught his hand before he turned.  “Thomas…”
    “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.” 
    Left to themselves, Jessica helped Jennifer to her feet.  They pushed through the bushes and walked around the oblivious dancers to the game room.  While they were heading to the bathroom, Mark’s mom stopped them. 
    “What on earth happened?”
    “Her date got abusive,” Jessica answered.
    Sliding her arm around Jennifer’s waist, the older woman took charge of the situation.  “First of all we need to call the police.  No one gets away with this behavior, especially at my house.”  Having been relieved from duty, Jessica went in search of Thomas.
    She found him out on the front lawn talking with Mark.  “…temper.”  Mark said.  “Got into lots of fights when we were kids.”  He shook his head, “I always hoped he’d grow out of it.”
    “He needs help.”  Thomas added.
    “Hey,” Jessica called from the front door.  The two young men turned.
    “How’s Jennifer?” Mark asked.
    “Your mom’s taking care of her.  She’s calling the police.”  Jessica walked over to them and Thomas took her hand in his.
    “Yeah.  Ray can’t get away with crap like