Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
When I was nine, my world got turned on its head. My parents decided they couldn’t make it in this little town, so they packed me up and moved me to the city. I was a mile away from my Nana and devastated. My one safe haven had been ripped away from me, and I was left to fend for myself in the grimy world my neglectful parents had thrust upon me.
For two years, I didn’t see or speak to my Nana, but when I was eleven, I snuck to a neighbor’s kid’s house and called her. From then on, we spoke every Wednesday after school. She even sent me cash through the mail so I could buy myself food and necessities that my parents habitually failed to provide for me.
As the years passed, Nana became less talkative. Her health was failing more each year, and I was desperate to get back to her. She needed me now, and it was high time that I tried to repay her for everything she’s done for me.
I begged my parents to let me go back to her, but they said I belonged with them. They still needed me so they could work the social service system for a living.
Now, eighteen and legally free of them, I’ve come back to care for Nana, and not a moment too soon. If she had been alone when this man broke in, she would have had no way to protect herself. He would have robbed her blind and maybe worse, but I don’t want to think about that now.
Those thoughts are the very reason I can’t keep from crying. It’s my first night here, and I feel like I brought my bad luck with me to my Nana’s front door.
My mind races with possible scenarios. I could buy a gun and learn how to use it. What about an alarm system and cameras? I suppose I need an income before I can spend money on any of those things.
Wait, can I even get a job outside the house now? I don’t think I’ll ever be comfortable leaving Nana alone after this. I’m deep in my own head when I hear the Sheriff say something. His voice blows like a summer storm through my head, momentarily clearing the clouds of despair that reside there.
“Miss, you’re safe now. I promise. I’m not gonna let anything happen to you.”
He crouches down in front of me and looks into my eyes. He takes my shaking hands and holds them in my lap. “I’m Sheriff Luke Larson. I need you to tell me what happened here tonight. Every detail you can think of. The more information we have, the better.”
His hands are so big that mine disappear in his grip. I must look like a toddler compared to him.
“I was helping Nana to bed when I heard a crash down here…” I begin but the idea of reliving this makes it hard to breathe, and I think I might pass out.
“Easy. Just look at me and take a breath.” His low, deep voice comforts me, and I square my shoulders.
“Okay, I’m sorry. I’ll try.”
“Let’s take a step back, sweetheart. Tell me your name.”
“Lori. My name is Lori Delaney.”
“Alright. It’s very nice to meet you, Lori. How long have you lived here?”
“I left town with my parents about ten years ago. I just came back today. I’m here to care for my Nana.”
He flashes the sweetest smile, knocking out my breath. “Not the best homecoming but welcome, Lori Delaney. I’m glad you’re here. I hope you plan on staying.”
“Thank you,” I mutter as I search his eyes for any signs of malice, but there don’t seem to be any there. I’m not used to this kind of sincerity, and experiencing it for the first time is putting me at ease. My father raised me not to trust a man in uniform, but the handsome sheriff is quickly winning me over.
“How old are you, Lori? This is a big responsibility for a little girl like you.”
“I’m eighteen. That makes me an adult, right?”
“Yes, that makes you an adult. Now, I have to ask, was there anyone who may have taken your departure poorly? A boyfriend maybe? Anyone who might have followed you here?”
“No, I swear! Nothing like that,” I blurt out and instantly wonder why I’m being so defensive.
“It’s alright. I’m not accusing you of anything. It’s just that this is a pretty sleepy town. Things like this just don’t happen here. It feels like the work of an outsider.”
“Well, I didn’t bring any trouble here with me. I promise.”
“You don’t strike me as the type of girl who intentionally gets in trouble. You seem very sweet and devoting yourself to taking care of your grandmother at your age makes you an angel. I just need to cover all of the bases.”