The Opening Line

CONTENTS Disclaimer Warrior Creek Are Back Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Chapter 42 Chapter 43 Chapter 44 Chapter 45 Chapter 46 Chapter 47 Chapter 48 Chapter 49 Chapter 50 Ronnie Acknowledgments Warrior Creek Playlist About the Author Also by Nikki Ashton Other Authors at Hudson Indie Ink Copyright © Nikki Ashton 2023 All Rights Reserved © The Opening Line Published by Hudson Indie Ink www.hudsonindieink.com This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it wasn’t purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. All Rights Reserved © This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referred to in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorised, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. Cover design – LJ Stock of LJ Designs Edited by – Anna Bloom Proofed by – Vicki James Formatted by – LJ Stock of LJ Designs Image by – Marx Chavez Model - Matheus You’re not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth. And you never know who needs your light, your warmth and your raging courage. ALEX ELLE For all the survivors in this world. DISCLAIMER Please note that there are subjects mentioned in this book which some people may find upsetting. It should also be noted that the counselling process used may not be that which is recognised by all therapists, but a variation for the purposes of this story. WARRIOR CREEK ARE BACK The big news coming out of the music industry today is that Warrior Creek are finally going on tour. Their Hell & Back Tour was delayed for six months due to drummer Joey Farrow breaking his arm in a freak accident at the home of the band’s manager, Ali Bennet. As it was inconceivable to tour with a stand in, their time on the road was delayed. Now they are ready. It’s been two years since the death of frontman Beau Bradley’s wife and son, who were credited for being his inspiration and drive to make music. After the tragic loss of his family, Bradley became a virtual recluse but remained close to the other band members. It’s that closeness and his relationship with single mum, Simone Addison, which have been cited as the reasons for his revitalised interest in music. Once Bradley was back on board, it was all systems go with plans being made CHAPTER 1 ELLIOT Sitting in the darkness of my kitchen, I wondered about the nagging thought that had suddenly decided to hang around in the back of my mind. It constantly tapped a big index finger against my brain saying, ‘Hey, remember me?’, but I had no idea what it was. Something about it, though, told me it had the power to make my world tilt and take the air from my lungs. I felt an impending doom like a cold fog wrap itself around me, warning me that the day was coming when I’d remember it all. That day would change my life forever, and I fucking dreaded it. When I heard soft footsteps slapping on the marble floor, I knew Belle had come to find me. I was so grateful to have her in my life, finally, yet sometimes I thought it’d be so much better to be alone. Alone with whatever it was that was eventually going