All Chapters of Losing the Lonely: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Koa     “Understood,” I said into the phone. I was standing in the parlor of Lara’s home surrounded by Orion, Crown, Kala, Ryan, Xan, Sean, Rain, and Shantel. This past week was difficult for all of us. Each in a different way. Orion because he was in love with her and blames himself for not anticipating the dangers. Crown because he cared for her and can’t believe he and his team couldn’t track Lara. Kala because, well, just like me, we failed at protecting her. This is our job and we failed. Ryan and Xan because this was their mother and they loved her. She was their whole world. She raised them. Taught them. Love them. Cared for them. And she did it mostly on her own. Sean because they have a bond, but that bond wasn’t romantic in any way. Rain because Lara was like a mother to her. And Shantel because they have been friends for such a long time and they loved each other. The anxiety and worry reflected on all our fa

Koa We scouted the surrounding area of the parking lot and met near a thicket of trees. “Listen up. Kala and myself will head in first. Crown, right behind us,” I began then got interrupted by Ryan saying, “no I’m going in first.” “That is not a good idea,” I answered. “You gonna stop me,” he squared up to me. I love this boy and I will protect him, even from himself. “You are also my charge, so yeah, I will stop you,” I replied reminding him that I am not one to mess with. We locked eyes, but eventually he backed down. “Fine,” he muttered. “I’m going in,” Orion stated. I looked at him and nodded. “We don’t know what we are walking into. This place looks empty, so be on guard,” I said. “Crown, did we find out whose car that is,” I asked. “I know whose car that is,” he stated. “And,” I said as I cocked my eyebrow. “I’ll take care of the owner,” he said then looked at Shantel and said, “be prepared to run a IV drip on Lara. I have medication in my pack.” “Um, ok,” she responded look

Crown     “Lara,” my whisper was low and full of question. “Yes,” she answered softly. “Do you remember what happened before we came into the room,” I asked her, hating that I needed to have this conversation with her. We failed her. I blame myself. “We don’t need to do this now,” Orion’s voices cut in with urgency. “We need to know,” I whispered tersely. “No,” Orion argued back keeping calm. “It’s okay,” Lara said looked at Orion then looking at me. “I think I was brought here after they drugged me at the restaurant. I was kept here for maybe a week, but I wasn’t drugged the whole time. There was a woman here who brought me food. I know I shouldn’t have eaten it, but I got hungry. Then, for the last 2 nights he lit an aphrodisiac candle or something aroma therapy. I didn’t realize what was happening until later,” Lara relayed what she could remember. “And what happened when we broke into the room,” Crown prompted her. “Nelly was here. She said she was on

Mr. GreenDinner was already being placed on the table when we entered the dining room. Purple Gardens maintained a full staff whether I was on the property or not. I preferred consistency. An unused residence did not need to appear unused. “Dinner is ready, sir,” Taryn said as he gestured toward the table. I acknowledged him with a slight nod and took my usual seat.The Hunter chose a chair that provided an unobstructed view of both entrances to the dining room. I noticed the movement but made no comment. His inability to completely relax was understandable. The woman sat near him. Not directly beside him. There was one chair between them. I found myself noting the distance for no particular reason. Taryn sat across from me. “You both should eat while everything is warm,” Taryn said pleasantly. The Hunter looked at the food before looking at the woman. She gave him a slight nod. Only then did he begin serving himself. Interesting. “You require her approval before eating?” I asked. Th

Mysterious WomanOrion’s shop was already open when I arrived. I remained across the street where I had a clear view of the entrance. I had been here twice before, and both times the man eventually appeared. I did not know his name. I did not know why he came here. I did not know why he knew me. I only knew that when he called out to me outside the Greens building, whatever name he used belonged to me. That certainty was becoming increasingly irritating.A delivery truck pulled in front of the shop, temporarily obstructing my view. I adjusted my position. The movement was instinctive. So was noticing the man standing approximately twenty feet behind me. He was pretending to look at his phone. Poorly. I continued walking. He followed. I crossed the street. He crossed. I entered a small café. He remained outside. Amateur.I purchased a coffee I had no intention of drinking and exited through the rear door. Three minutes later, I was standing behind him. “You should improve your surveilla