The Protector of Esparia (The Annals of Esparia Book 1) Read Online Free

Tonight’s the big night.  We’ll all be there.  Rachel’s been counting the days.  My granddaughter’s very excited about being your roommate this fall.”
    “What would I do without Rach?  You have no idea how I’m looking forward to the ‘U’.”
    Sophia smiled, a twinkle of mischief in her brown eyes.  “Since you’ll be off on your own, how about a cooking lesson this morning?”
    “Oooh, no.”  Jessica gave a hearty laugh.  “So that’s why your’re here.  Good try, Sophia, but you know how that stovetop hates me.  So does the blender, the mixer, and the oven, but I think the microwave and I get along okay.”
    “I had to try.  I promised your Grandma Gaylee I’d make an effort to teach you more than just noodle soup.”
    “But I like noodle soup.”
    Sophia chuckled.  “I think while I’m here I’ll tackle that front room closet for you.  It’s quiet at home today and I need a project.”
    “Well, okay.  But be careful.  The closet isn’t a priority.”
    “Yes, I know, but my home’s in good order and your closet’s been bothering me since Christmas.”
    A soft meow caught Jessica’s attention.  Sneakers sat patiently by the kitchen door.  “No, you can’t bring me a mouse today.  You know I hate those things, but thanks anyway.”  She opened the door and the big tomcat bounded outside.
    The sound of Sophia humming an old polish tune drifted into the kitchen.  It was a happy sound that made Jessica smile.  She glanced at the calendar next to the kitchen phone.  The gladness faded when she read the current date.  Ten years ago on Saturday.  One trip to the grocery store and their lives changed forever.  Maybe that was why she had dreamed of death.  “Oh, Mom, I miss you so much,” she whispered.  Now she had only her father and her grandmother left.  Thank goodness for Sophia and family.  She left the kitchen and walked down the hall toward the stairs. 
    At the end of the hall, in the front entryway, Sophia was busily cleaning out the coat closet.  Jessica paused.  “What’s Jacob doing today?” she asked.
    “Hubby’s off to a small remodeling job.”  Sophia frowned at a stray glove in her hand. 
    “I’m glad he’s better.”
    “So am I.  I don’t know what we would have done without your father.”  She smiled at finding the glove’s mate.  “He never sent us a bill.  I can never do enough to repay him for his kindness.”
    Jessica smiled.  “That's exactly how we feel about you.  I feel spoiled with your maid service keeping the house so clean.  And wow! From what Grandma says, I could be speaking Polish right now.”
    “Escaping without Gaylee would have been like leaving my sister.  I’ve decided to have a big party in August, to celebrate our fortieth year here in the United States.”
    “I love parties.  If you need help planning, just let me know.”  The grandfather clock next to the closet chimed.  “Oh, no!  Is it eight already?!”  Jessica glanced at the timepiece. 
    “School?”
    “No, my run!  Melissa and Clarice are going to kill me if I'm late again.”
    “Like father, like daughter.”

CHAPTER 2
     
    Plans
     
     
    Jessica plodded up the driveway and shuffled through the kitchen door.  8 am was late for a run, but her friends wanted to sleep late and everyone forgot how hot June mornings could get.  After two hours in the morning heat, she was dog-tired.  She went straight to the sink, turned on the cold water, and leaned under the faucet to take a drink.  She felt her muscles screaming for a cool shower and then fifteen minutes of relaxation in the built-in sauna downstairs.  Strains of Elvis Presley came from the stereo system in the living room.
    “I’m back,” she called as she headed for the basement stairs.
    Sophia poked her head into the hall.  “Hello dear.  I’ve just finished the closet.  Did you have a nice run?” 
    “Yeah, I did and now it’s sauna time.”
    Sophia