One That Came Back Read Online Free PDF Page B

the table. “I have some good news.”
    “Would you like anything?” Emily’s mom got up, ready to make a plate of food for him.
    Justin waved his hand. “I’m fine, thank you. I’m on my way home now. I won’t be here long. I want to catch up with Angela before she heads into work.”
    “So what’s the good news?” Emily suddenly wanted something to look forward to, anything to get her out of the house.
    Justin shook his head. “It’s crazy. All the charges against you have been dropped.”
    “That’s wonderful,” enthused her mother.
    “How?” Emily stared at him, trying to process what he meant. “Why?”
    Justin smiled, pleased to have surprised her. “The DA said he looked over the case. Apparently, with the little evidence there was, it was easy to see that Evan was trying to make your life difficult. He’s dropped the theft charges, and because of what he termed ‘an overzealousness to prosecute’ dropped the traffic charges as well.”
    “Isn’t that unusual?” For all the stress and anxiety she’d been through the past while, it didn’t seem like the case would be dropped that easily. “It’s all dropped? Just like that?”
    “Just like that.” Justin laughed. “I’m not going to question our good fortune. Neither should you.” Justin stared at her, his eyebrows raised. “Hey! Be happy, Emily. We won!”
    Emily could easily imagine why Justin would be happy. With this miraculous ‘win’ he’d look like a legal god to his employers. She knew she sounded bitter inside her head. Her father’s outburst a moment ago continued to stew in her mind. It seemed to take the tarnish off of what should feel good. She also missed Luke. She wanted to know where he was and if he was okay. She forced a smile. “I am glad. Sorry, if I don’t show it.” She rubbed her forehead. “I think I’m just still groggy from the anti-anxiety pills.” Or whatever they were.
    Justin stood. “Now be ready at eight sharp Monday morning. I’ll pick you up for your hearing on the restraining order against Evan. While we’re at it, we’ll get back your bail money.”
    “Aren’t you going to be here for Sunday dinner?” Emily’s mother suddenly came back to life.
    “Of course.” He winked. “Wouldn’t miss it.” He kissed his mother-in-law-to-be's cheek and slapped Emily’s father’s shoulder on his way out.
    “Good night, son,” said Sam Dougherty warmly. He walked Justin to the door.
    Seeing how her father was with Justin made Emily’s heart sink. He apparently thought of Justin as a son—the son he always wanted. She was happy for Justin, but at the same time knew that Luke would never measure up to those standards. He hadn’t back in high school and he never would now, even with a successful business and real life. Luke didn’t stand a chance. Maybe they didn’t stand a chance.
    With her father out of the room, Emily carried her half empty plate to the kitchen and told her mother she was going to bed early. She faked being exhausted and headed back upstairs.
     
     
    Emily woke the next day before her parents were up. She checked her phone, just like she had checked it a hundred times the previous night. There was still no message from Luke. She was worried. It had been days and he hadn’t made any effort to contact her. She wanted to know how Helen was doing but didn’t have Gibs’ number, and Luke hadn’t replied to her texts.
    She sighed, frustrated already and not even out of bed yet. Her phone beeped, warning her that the charge was low.
    Had Luke been arrested that day? What happened? Emily used what precious battery was left on her phone to do a Google search, trying to find a news report or a follow-up, but there wasn’t much information. She found one article on the shooting.
     
    Gang Violence Hits Westfield
     
    Five unidentified victims lost their lives in a shoot-out on the residential street of Carmel Street Friday evening. Police have given no details, citing this