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

this,” Mark sighed, “He bolted out of here before Thomas could let us know what happened to stop him.  I’m going back in. Oh, by the way Reddica,” he called over his shoulder, “that was a sweet fall you took before graduation today.” 
    Jessica winced.  Thomas snickered.  “Not nice, Mark!” she yelled after him.  Looking at Thomas she moaned, “I hoped no one had noticed.”
    “Well it was a little hard not to, but you were very graceful.”
    “Thanks a lot, you’re about the fifth person to tell me that.”  Looking around the deserted yard, she asked,
    “So Ray got away?” 
    Thomas nodded.  “He was probably drunk before he got here. I saw him peel out of the parking lot just as I made it ouside.  I hope he doesn’t kill somebody.”
    “My mom was killed by a drunk driver.”  She blurted it out without thinking and now she felt embarrassed.  Jessica never talked about her mother’s death.  She talked about her mother all the time, but never about her death.  Looking down at her shoes, she rubbed her toe in the grass.
    “I’m sorry,” Thomas gave her hand a squeeze.  “I knew…, but I didn’t know how.”
    “I didn’t mean to say anything; I don’t normally talk about it.”  Feeling uncomfortable, she stared out at the deserted street.  To her relief, Thomas changed the subject. 
    “How did you know Jennifer was in trouble back there?”
    “I didn’t know it was Jennifer in trouble, or exactly what was wrong.  I just knew…or rather felt there was a problem.”
    “Yes, but how did you know?  Are you clairvoyant or something?”
    “Well…um…uh, something like that.”  How could she tell him the cat had told her the girl was in trouble?  Or that it told her exactly where to look?  She didn’t understand it herself.  Seeing a psychiatrist was looking more and more appealing with each passing hour.
    He seemed to accept her answer.  “Since you’re going to the U, and so am I, would it be all right if I look you up in the fall?”
    Her mood brightened immediately.  “I’d be wounded if you didn’t.” 
    A police cruiser pulled up to the home and for the next thirty minutes Thomas, Jessica, Jennifer and Mark’s mom gave statements.  After the policeman left Mark suggested, “Hey everyone, we’ve got karaoke.”
    “Can you sing?”  Thomas asked.
    “Not really, but if he’s got ‘I will Survive’ then I’ll give it a try.”
    “Have you seen the alien version of that on the internet?  It’s great when the chandelier smashes her right when she gets to the chorus.”
    “It’s not a chandelier, it’s a gigantic disco ball.”
    “Oh, yeah.”
    With the karaoke, the party took off again.  Even Jennifer, after being tended to by Mark’s mom, joined in a group effort and seemed to have a little fun.  Part way through an off key rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond Thomas’s watch alarm went off.
    “Twelve-thirty already?” He looked at his watch in disbelief.  “I need to go, still gotta pack.”
    “I’ll go too,” Jessica said.  “It’s been a long day and I promised Jennifer I’d give her a ride home.” 
    Mark accompanied the three to the door.  “I’m glad you came, Jess.  Thomas would never have come if you hadn’t have said yes.”  He turned to Jennifer.  “Sorry about Ray.  If, uh, you ever need help, you can call me.” 
    “Thanks.” Jennifer blushed.
    “See ya, Tommy…told you she’s hot.”
    Thomas turned several shades of red, but laughed good-naturedly.  “In the fall, Marko.”  Holding out an arm for each girl, he asked, “Shall we go ladies?”
    When the three reached Jessica’s car, Thomas first took Jennifer to the passenger side.  After helping her in, he walked Jessica to the driver’s door.  “We should have done this sooner.  It’s just that school, sports, work...I just…” 
    “I was pretty busy, too.”  She rescued him.  “I’m looking forward to the