Page 105 of Letters to the Lost

“Yeah baby, there was another one,” I tell her.

Our promise not to hide anything from one another is still fresh. It feels like we can’t catch a break, even with Jane gone Autumn is still being targeted.

How can she ever truly be happy when she feels like she can’t ever live her life?

Autumn lets out a shuddering breath, I watch as she steels her spine and stands straighter.

“What does it say?” she asks.

“Not as angry as the other ones have been,” I tell her as I pull the crumpled note from my pocket.

‘Soon Little One.”

Three words.

That’s all it takes to have Autumn rip herself from my arms and dash to the bathroom. Rushing after her, I get to the door as she retches into the toilet bowl. Nothing comes out though, she’s not eaten anything for at least two days. Holding back her hair, I rub my hand up and down her back. Attempting to soothe her.

“He’s coming for me Atty. He’s coming for me, and I don’t know if I’m strong enough to face him,” she says as she pulls back, sitting on her heels.

Any worry I had at her retreating into herself is evaporated when I look into her now determined eyes.

“You are Pumpkin. You are the strongest person I know.”

“I need Dominic,” She suddenly declares.

“Why?” I question. I won't ever deny her if she needs one of us over the others, but I am curious.

“You and Zander have taught me to protect myself with a gun and self-defense. I need Dominic to teach me how to kill someone.”

Chapter 40

Autumn

“Your dad's home today,” Atlas tells me.

“Really?” I say surprised, unable to hide my excitement.

It’s been weeks since I’ve seen him. I thought for sure that he would have been home more now that Jane is dead but now the notes have started with the gifts from Charlie, he’s out looking for another threat to me.

As if one wasn’t enough.

“Yeah, Pumpkin. He should get home in an hour, but I don’t think he’s back for long.”

“How long is he back for then?” I ask, my tone giving away the disappointment I’m feeling.

“Maybe a day. Two at most,” Atlas sympathizes as he watches my excitement deflate, “I’m sorry Pumpkin,” he apologizes, his large arms wrapping around me and pulling me against his chest.

“It’s ok. I’ll just spend some time with him before bed like before,” I say.

I know things were tense between us before, but I want to try to make an effort with him to build our relationship again.

He’s barely been home, too busy looking for Charlie.

Jane before that.

I can’t even remember the last time Dad slept in his own bed.

“That’s a good idea, Princess,” Zander says from the doorway.

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