Anonymous: Prequel: The Anonymous Chronicles

By Angela Prusia

Life on the run came with a whole set of rules.

• Trust no one.
• Always have an escape plan.
• Show no fear.

Then there was the alias.

She hated the thought of changing her name. Mama had chosen it to commemorate a tower in a castle from her honeymoon—years before alcohol turned her father into a monster. Long before she and Mama and the baby had to flee for their lives.

But if survival meant losing her identity, she would become anonymous.

The girl without a name.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CreateSpace
• Release date: Aug 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781393166160

Book preview

Anonymous

Prequel: The Anonymous Chronicles

Angela Welch Prusia

Anonymous

Prequel: The Anonymous Chronicles

Copyright © 2018 by Angela Welch Prusia

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author.

Summary: She hated the thought of taking an alias for her name. But life on the run came with a new set of rules. If survival meant losing her identity, she would become anonymous. The girl without a name.

Cover: Fernando Wilson/crowdspring.com

Photo: Soroush Karimi/unsplash.com

Contact the author: www.angelawelchprusia.com

Also by Angela Welch Prusia

_______________________

BRAiN RIDE

Late Summer Monarch

Tandem

Nameless

Faceless

Fearless

For Dad & Mom

Your countless acts of anonymity have shaped me.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Sneak Peek

A Note from the Author

Acknowledgments

Anonymous

Prequel: The Anonymous Chronicles

Chapter One

August 2007

She woke up with a start. Lulu sat on her haunches, pawing her at the sound of the whimpers coming from the crib. The floor killed her back, but what choice did she have? She had to stay in the nursery to keep the baby safe.

Good girl, she whispered, patting the cocker spaniel’s head. The dog never left her side.

She had to keep her sister quiet.

Crying agitated their father, so she hid in the shadows. She and Lulu guarded the baby, always alert to his drinking binges.

He was too unpredictable. Too dangerous.

Mama didn’t know she stayed in the nursery every night long after bedtime. For the last six months—ever since her sister’s birth—she’d slept in the closet, the door slightly ajar, waiting until their father lumbered up the stairs after the only bar in town closed.

Everybody loved him at Jake’s Bar and Grill. Their father was a crowd favorite, known for his generosity and money. Buying rounds for the regulars won many friends.

Like clockwork, his heavy tread echoed through the quiet house, chilling her blood. Lulu tensed beside her. Their father swayed, cursing as he knocked against a wall downstairs.

The baby whimpered again.  

Shhh, she murmured to her sister, hurrying to the crib. She’d been an only child for ten years. Becoming a big sister had filled an empty place in her heart.

Moonlight illuminated the tiny face as she reached into the crib and inhaled the sweet smell of baby lotion. She nudged the mobile over the bed, springing the friendly animals to life, their happy shadows dancing on the wall. The giraffe was her favorite, but the monkey and the elephant were equally adorable; hopefully they would quiet her sister.  

Sissy’s right here. She lifted the baby, being careful to hold her like Mama taught her. Perfect lips curved into the faintest smile. She never knew how much she could love something so little.

It’s okay, she cooed. I’m right here.

Kenzie looked up at her, eyes big and trusting. The baby had no reason to fear the monster . . . yet. She would do everything to keep her sister’s innocence. Even if it meant nights with little sleep. Keeping the baby safe was worth the bloodshot eyes, worth the chuckles from the other kids when she fell asleep at her desk.

She tucked a doll under the blanket as a precaution. He never came into the room. Just stood at the door and stared into the room. The plastic lump would look like a body, especially since alcohol clouded his mind.

He reached the top of the steps. She had to move fast or risk getting caught. His anger had worsened since the birth.

They slid into a dark corner, pressing against the wall. Lulu padded next to her feet, a silent reminder that they weren’t alone. She prayed the baby wouldn’t make a sound.  

The stench of alcohol reached her before his frame darkened the doorway. Their father was lean and athletic, the catch of the small town. A recent family picture captured the high school sweethearts voted most popular couple and their adorable daughters. The perfect family. Only the careful observer could see the fear which shadowed Mama’s striking blue eyes. The picture didn’t speak of the horror behind closed doors.

He didn’t move from the doorway. Their father stared into the darkness for several long minutes. Was he haunted by something unseen?

She dared not breathe.

Each second ticked by in agony.

The beat of her sister’s heart reminded her of the blip on the ultrasound machine when she went to the doctor’s office with Mama. The news made Mama glow.

He’d erupted at the news, calling Mama horrible names. Accusing her of ugly things. His jealousy only increased as the bump in Mama’s belly grew. He was convinced the baby wasn’t his, even when the DNA test proved otherwise.

Their father never wanted the baby, making her question her own existence. Was she a mistake? An accident he regretted? Is that why their father was an alcoholic? The questions pounded her brain, bringing doubt to her worth.

She didn’t know what was worse. His drunken rages. Or the silence which followed.

She wanted to tell her cousin, Allie, but she was too afraid of him. They’d been best friends since they’d been born 12 hours apart; they shared everything, including their birthdays. They even looked similar with their smattering of freckles and long hair. Hers was the color of milk chocolate while Allie’s hair was the color of dark chocolate.

Keeping the secret from her cousin was hard. But what if Allie told Aunt Jenny, and her aunt confronted their father? If he hurt the baby, she’d never forgive herself.

He shifted his weight, cursing under his breath like a madman.

For a brief second, she feared he would stomp into the room. But their father turned on his heels and stormed down the hall. She didn’t even want to consider what he’d do if he found the plastic baby doll in the crib.

She let out the breath she’d been holding. Her sister had fallen asleep in her arms.

He’s gone, she whispered to Kenzie, brushing her eyelashes against her sister’s cheek in a butterfly kiss. You’re safe now.

She tiptoed across the room and leaned over the crib, her hands still trembling. Exhaustion hit her, but she wouldn’t leave until she was certain her sister was safe. The late nights were killing her ever since summer vacation ended, but she had to protect the baby. Lulu rested her head on her paws, patiently waiting.

Kenzie’s eyes fluttered open but closed again as she stroked her perfect head. Wisps of fine hair tickled her fingers. She would hum a lullaby, but she couldn’t sing like Mama.

I’m here for you, she promised, kissing her fingertip, then touching Kenzie’s cheek. Always and forever.

She would die defending her sister. The monster would never hurt Kenzie.

SHE SAT ON HER HANDS to still the tremble, her legs twitching under her desk. The other fourth graders were outside playing tether ball or Four Square. Their laughter seeped through the windows, reminding her of the fun she was missing.

Her teacher closed her lesson planner and walked around the front of her desk, the heels of her brown boots clicking against the linoleum.

Is there something you want to tell me? Ms. Patterson took a seat across from her, the scent of Crayola markers mingling with her musky perfume. Stubborn red paint clung to her favorite teacher’s cuticles.

She stared at the grainy pattern on her desk, unable to look into those deep brown eyes. The color reminded her of river rocks before the sun kissed them dry.

It’s not like you to miss an assignment, Ms. Patterson spoke again when she kept silent. And you keep nodding off in class.

Disappointing Ms. Patterson was the last thing she wanted to do. She’d fallen in love with her quirky teacher the first week of school. What other teacher would organize a bull frog race for a math lesson on graphing—even at a small country school? She and Allie found a brown-speckled guy they brought to school in an ice cream bucket full of murky pond water. They’d come in second place, right after Monster, the granddaddy of all bull frogs.

I’ll do better; I promise. She bit her lip, hoping things would be different now that Kenzie slept through the nights, only waking occasionally.

You know you can tell me what’s bothering you, right? Ms. Patterson leaned closer. I want to help you.

She nodded, glancing toward the classroom across the hall. Mama would be stepping into the hall any minute with her kindergartners.

Is it something at home? Ms. Patterson followed her gaze. Is that why your mom seems so sad lately?

Her brain screamed for help, but the words wouldn’t leave her mouth. Would anyone even believe the awful truth? Her father had the whole town fooled with his charism and charm. He never morphed into the monster out in public.

Mama’s door opened, bringing excited voices and the sound of little feet scuffling into the hall. The kindergarteners had recess; it was time for the fourth graders to come back inside. She breathed a sigh of relief. The questions were over. For now.

We’ll talk later. Ms. Patterson walked toward the door, swinging it open for her classmates.

She slunk into her seat, but it was too late. Mama saw her. She might have avoided Ms. Patterson’s questions, but Mama would have her share at home. She would not be happy about the missing assignments. The late nights spent in Kenzie’s room would have to end.

If only she could disappear.

MAMA HAD TO PICK UP the baby from daycare, so she had to walk home alone after she finished her missing work.

She dragged her feet, rehearsing what she would say to Mama.  Every excuse fizzled in her head. Mama would see behind every lie.

Rounding the corner, the sight of his black BMW in the driveway made her stop mid-stride. Her father was never home this early in the afternoon. Had Mama called him about her missing assignments? She cringed, imagining his wrath.

The front door swung open before she could consider her options. He stormed outside, an angry scowl on his face. She backed into the trees. A branch bit into her flesh, drawing blood, but she hardly felt the sting. Avoiding his path was safest.

He peeled out of the driveway and took off down the street. Tinted windows hid his face, but she didn’t need to see his eyes to know he needed a drink.

As soon as it was clear, she hurried for the house, the hair on her arm prickling. She heard Kenzie’s cries first, then saw the overturned lamp. Papers spilled from Mama’s school bag, scattered across the floor.

Can you unbuckle Kenzie? Mama rocked the car seat with her foot, trying to comfort the baby. She kept her left hand close to her body. It looked strangely limp.

Are you hurt? She rushed toward Mama. What happened?

I just fell on my hand. Mama winced in pain, her hair spilling out of her clip. A little ice, and I’ll be fine.

She narrowed her eyes. Was Mama covering for him? She couldn’t dwell on the little voice nagging at her conscience.

Your hand looks bad. We need to get you to the hospital. She lifted her sister in the car seat. Can you drive? Do you want me to call Nana?

Mama shook her head. Don’t bother your grandmother. I can drive with my good hand.

She grabbed the keys and helped Mama with the door. Kenzie was hungry, so she hurried back inside for a bottle and the diaper bag. By the time, she returned to the car, Mama’s hand had swollen to twice its size. Her questions had to wait. Between the pain and driving one-handed, Mama didn’t need any more distractions.

Thankfully the ER wasn’t crowded. By the time she changed Kenzie’s diaper, they were admitted.

Genevieve, the doctor exclaimed when he saw Mama sitting on the exam table. Please tell me my son isn’t responsible for this.

Mama smiled through her pain. The doctor’s son was one of the orneriest boys in Mama’s class. My own clumsiness is to blame.

She shot Mama a look, but Mama ignored her.

My foot got caught in an electrical cord, and I fell over our lamp.

I’m guessing you tried to catch yourself. The doctor examined Mama’s swollen hand. If he suspected anything, his face didn’t register concern. We need to get x-rays, but a fracture may not show until the swelling goes down.

She choked back a groan, knowing better than to contradict the whole lamp story. The entire thing made her sick.

When the doctor asked Mama if she felt safe at home, the two chuckled as if the question were absurd. Her father and the doctor were golf buddies after all.

You know I have to ask. Doc rolled his eyes. Our standard questions don’t consider small town life where everyone knows everyone’s business.

She bit her lip so hard, she drew blood. The metallic taste was easier to swallow than the lies. Why wouldn’t Mama admit how bad things had gotten at home? The monster was a mean drunk.

Mama and Doc talked another ten minutes before the x-ray tech showed up and helped Mama into a wheelchair.

I don’t need a chair. Mama’s protests faded into the background. I can walk.

Hospital policy. The tech pushed the chair out the door, a mischievous grin crossing his face. But there isn’t a speed limit if you want a wild ride.

Was she jumping to conclusions, or did Mama’s laughter sound hollow? If only she could read through the doctor’s notes, but he’d logged out of the computer.

Kenzie squirmed in her arms, so she bounced her on her hip while they waited. Too bad the baby couldn’t talk. Then her sister could tell the doctor exactly what happened. But then again, maybe it was better that Kenzie was oblivious.

The x-ray revealed a break in Mama’s hand, so the doctor sent her home in a brace with instructions to get a follow-up appointment with her regular doctor.

She skimmed over the dismissal instructions, but there was nothing that implicated her father. Not one word that he caused the break.

Good thing the drive home wasn’t long. Mama barely got inside the door before the pain meds knocked her out completely.

She covered Mama with a blanket, wondering how he could be so cruel? Husbands were supposed to love their wives and protect their families.

Not terrify them.

Kenzie cried, and her own stomach growled.

So much for getting her homework done. She had a baby to feed and supper to prepare.

Something told her it would be another long night.

Chapter Two

Mama’s cast extended from her fingertips past her wrist, halfway to her elbow. The hot pink color was popular with her students. Their names crisscrossed the cast like graffiti on a bathroom wall.

Look at how good they’re writing their letters. Mama beamed at the kindergarten scrawl, even though several of the letters were flipped in the opposite direction. They’ve learned so much since school started.

She’d heard the lamp story so many times, she started to doubt herself. After all, she hadn’t seen the monster hurt Mama. He’d stormed out of the door before her arrival. But if Mama really had a clumsy moment, how did that explain the other bruises over the years or the scar on Mama’s hip?

And what about the flowers? Why had the monster given Mama a dozen roses the next night and taken her out for a fancy dinner? Was it a get well gift or a guilt offering? The evidence she wanted to deny could no longer be ignored.

Are you even listening to me? Allie waved a hand in front of her face, making her blink. Her cousin’s long hair was braided down her back. The strap on her overalls had fallen off her shoulder.

Uh, sorry. She shifted on the cafeteria bench. Her hamburger and fries were cold on her tray. Sleepover, right?

My house or yours?

She bit her lip. They hadn’t had a sleepover since Kenzie’s arrival. She couldn’t keep making excuses without Allie getting suspicious. Besides she missed hanging out with her cousin. Sleeping in the hayloft was their favorite. Moonlight streamed through the window as they sprawled out on their sleeping bags and played Chinese Checkers, pigging out on popcorn and Nana’s chocolate chip cookies.  

How about mine? She swirled a French fry through her ketchup. Leaving Kenzie for the night wasn’t an option.