All Your Firsts Without Me

by L.M. Terry

I was getting ready to head out the door when David’s partner, Giles, pulled up in my driveway. My heart dropped to my stomach and I had to hold the doorframe to keep myself upright. He was pretty choked up as well, so we kept the exchange short. He asked me to sit with him and his wife at the service. I hadn’t planned on going. I mean, I guess I didn’t think I should. But Giles told me David was adamant I be there. He was great. The best of the best. One of those guys you meet, and you know instantly he is an honorable man. Our first meeting was a little awkward. I contacted David not knowing he was married to April. I had been one of the lucky few who had received an advanced copy of her memoir from her publisher. The story of the girl in the basement. I thought reading it would help my obsession, but all it did was dump fuel on the fire. So, I set out to find her. I got nowhere. That was when I decided to find the officer who found April locked in the basement. When I finally got a number for him, I was ecstatic. I was sure he would be able to help me find her. He agreed to meet me at the White Glass Lounge. When he arrived, I told him my story, told him who I was and why it was so important to locate her. April was my muse, and I needed her. I still need her. Looking back, I’m surprised he didn’t punch me in the nose first and ask questions later. He listened quietly, and then he smiled. I poured my heart and soul out to this man, and then he told me April was his wife...