The Connor and Jessica chronicles book one : The long way home

chapter 1

Jessica hunched in the bushes watching the patrons slowly file out of the old church. As she watched each get into their car she waited for the man to emerge. Finally after all had gone she saw him emerge at last waving his last goodbyes to his parishioners. She watched him lock the door and then slide into his own vehicle to start it. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes as she watched this man, her father, longing to return home knowing she couldn't.

Richard slid into his driver's seat and put the key into the ignition. As on usual church nights he thought of her,his precious daughter missing one year. Her 16th birthday had come and gone and still no sign of her. His mind drifted to the last time he saw her. She had gone on her first date and never came home.The young man. A very good young man, felt so guilty but he told him he didn't know what happened. Jessica just disappeared from his car and he believed him. He had of course gone to the police without much luck. His heart ached for her now. He only hoped she was safe and still alive. He sighed and stifled a sob as he pulled out of the parking lot.

Chapter 2

Sun streamed into the old building bouncing off the concrete walls. Jessica shielded her eyes and turned over changing position on the old dirty mattress. Jeremy groaned a little and put his arm around her pulling her close. She smiled and shuddered. She hated his hands on her. The battery operated alarm clock they had found in a dumpster read 6 15 am. "If we're going to get a jump on the breakfast line we better get up" Jeremy mumbled. Jessica groaned and he chuckled. "you went out last night." Jeremy said, his voice was thick with accusation. Jessica remained silent. "You know how I feel about that." Jeremy said with venom in his tone" "I'm sorry". She whispered". He sat up and squeezed her face tightly. "You're hurting me" She whimpered "This is nothing compared to what I'm going to do to you if you ever disappear again. And don't think I don't know that baby isn't mine. I know where she is, I'm the one who keeps her alive don't ever forget that."He pulled her into a long kiss. She pulled away from him. He hit her hard and her nose started bleeding and she started to cry. "Don't ever forget who you belong to. "You think your going home to daddy? You're wrong. Who do you love baby?" when she didn't answer he hit her again."You Jeremy, I love you, I do."Soon he was stretched over her and when he had finished with her he pulled his clothes on as she lay crying. "You coming or not?" She just continued to cry. "Suit yourself" he said. Then he walked out the door leaving her weeping alone on the tattered dirty mattress.

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Richard poured coffee into his favorite coffee mug. It read "world's best Daddy" Again his heart squeezed inside his chest as the tears came. There was a knock at the door and Richard snapped back to the present. Connor stood on the other side, He was holding Richards newspaper, smiling. "Good morning Connor" "Good morning sir." Connor was the kid from across the street. He and Jessica had grown up together. Richard sighed. "No Connor no news" Although his smile fell some he said. "Actually sir I came for my mother. She was kind of wondering..." Richard pulled his wallet from his pocket and took out a small stack of bills. "I'm so sorry about this" Connor said looking truly ashamed. "Not your fault son" With that he thanked Richard and headed off. Richard took a deep breath and his heart ached for the boy. Only 16 himself and he was the only man of the house to an ailing mother who needed constant care. Not ailing in the traditional sense of the word, drink had gotten ahold of her many years before and never let go. Connor's father had left when Connor was only 5 leaving all the responsibility to his son. He pushed the door closed and said a silent prayer for the boy.

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Connor stepped off of Richards porch and sighed. "Where are you baby?" I'm trying to find you I really am. He thought of their last night together. How could he not be there when she needed him. He should never of picked up Jonathan. He knew better. "This is my fault" He said out loud. "I know I promised you Jessica but I have to go the police now or you and that baby may never come home