All Lost Things

Book 3 of the Killian Kendall Mysteries

By Josh Aterovis
Copyright 2026

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Blurb:

Killian Kendall’s life is in flux — graduating high school, starting a new job with a private investigator, and reeling from a breakup. He barely has time to settle in when his ex-boyfriend calls with a desperate plea: prove his new boyfriend didn’t brutally murder his father with an axe. The victim was abusive, the evidence damning, and the accused is evasive, but something doesn’t add up. As Killian digs deeper, he finds himself caught in a web of lies, manipulation, and violence. Solving the case may clear a name...or cost Killian his life.

Author Note: All Lost Things is the third book in the Killian Kendall Mysteries, which began with Bleeding Hearts. While this book can be enjoyed without having read the previous installments, if you have not read the first two books in the series, you may encounter some spoilers.

Reader’s Advisory:

Reader Advisory: All Lost Things contains depictions and discussions of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, child abuse, murder, trauma, and mental health struggles. While some sensitive content is discussed rather than shown graphically, the novel explores difficult and emotionally intense subject matter throughout. Reader discretion is advised.

Author Bio:

Josh Aterovis is the award-winning author of multiple LGBTQ+ novels blending mystery, romance, suspense, and the supernatural, including seven novels and multiple short stories in the acclaimed Killian Kendall Mysteries series. His work explores themes of identity, chosen family, grief, healing, and queer resilience, often centering flawed but deeply human characters navigating extraordinary circumstances. Known for emotionally grounded storytelling and vivid atmosphere, Josh’s books have earned a devoted readership among fans of queer fiction and genre-bending narratives.

In addition to his work as a novelist, Josh is an immersive theater creator and producer with Submersive Productions in Baltimore, Maryland, where he develops original, site-specific experiences that blur the line between audience and performer. His storytelling across both page and stage is driven by a passion for creating meaningful, transformative experiences that invite audiences to connect, reflect, and imagine new possibilities.

All lost things are in the angels’ keeping, Love;

No past is dead for us, but only sleeping, Love.

At last.

~Helen Hunt Jackson~

Blood was everywhere. It spattered the walls, pooled on the floor, even dripped from the ceiling. The metallic stench choked the air, so thick it seemed to cling to the skin. It was hard to believe all of it had come from just one body — but the scattered limbs and fragments confirmed otherwise.

The killer stood still for a moment, taking in the scene. A deep, unsettling satisfaction stirred in their chest. Some distant part of their mind recognized the wrongness of the feeling, but it didn’t matter. Their heart thudded with a rush of adrenaline, equal parts fear and elation.

What now?

The simplest option would be to walk away. Leave the mess for someone else to find. It could be days before anyone noticed. The person that the bits and pieces had once comprised was not the sort anyone would miss, or if they did, it would only be to appreciate the fact that he was absent. The thought of someone stumbling upon the grotesque display was tempting.

But tempting didn’t mean smart.

Even the most careful killer could make mistakes...a fingerprint, a fiber, something unnoticed. If the TV shows were even half right, then the forensic investigators could practically work magic. No, this couldn’t be left behind. It was too risky.

Fortunately, the killer had a plan.

Gasoline splashed across the floor, cutting through the coppery stench with its sharp, acrid bite.

The fire would take care of the rest.

Chapter 1

Kane gripped the dashboard in fear — whether real or feigned, I couldn't say with certainty.

"Killian, will you slow down?" he wailed.

"We don't have time to slow down. We're running late."

"And we'll never get there if you have an accident and we die in a fiery explosion."

I glanced away from the road long enough to give my little brother a skeptical look. "You watch too much TV."

"Okay, so cars don't generally blow up in real life, but still, you have to admit we'll be even later if you rear-end some poor, defenseless old lady in a Buick."

I was a little edgy after oversleeping and being violently awakened by a disturbing nightmare, but I had to smile at Kane's comment. And he claimed I was a drama queen.

"What's got you in such a weird mood, anyway?" Kane asked. "You never sleep through the alarm."

"Whereas you do on a daily basis."

He shrugged. "Yeah, so that's not unusual for me. What's your excuse?"

I frowned and shook my head slightly. "I had a nightmare."

Kane suddenly became serious as he studied my face carefully. "The same one as before?"

I shook my head. "Those seemed to have stopped finally. This one was even worse."

"Tell me about it?"

"I'd rather not." He made a face. "Later, maybe. Right now, I just want to forget it."

He nodded. "Are we picking up Asher this morning?"

Some days we picked up my boyfriend and some days we didn't. It all depended on our schedules. "Why do you think I'm rushing?"

"So that means you both have to stay after school?"

"Yep. I have play practice and Asher has Rainbow Alliance." We were doing The Laramie Project for our spring play, which was a really big deal for our high school. There were only eight roles, but I got one — and not just because I was openly gay. A couple of the other guys auditioning for the part were gay as well.

Kane sighed. "I guess I'll go to Rainbow Alliance then." He attended the gay/straight alliance sporadically as a straight supporter. One of the guys who went religiously had a crush on him, though, so Kane — one of the least homophobic people I'd ever known — eventually got tired of fending off the guy's persistent romantic overtures and had been avoiding the meetings. "So, how are rehearsals going?"

"You know what they say — the worse the rehearsals, the better the show."

He gave me a cynical look. "They actually say that?"

"They do, but I think it's just supposed to make us feel better. It's not really working. Opening night is only a week away, and I'm nervous as hell."

I picked up my cup of coffee, and Kane eyed it hungrily. I didn't usually drink the stuff, but I figured I could use the caffeine boost that morning. Kane, on the other hand, was hopelessly addicted. He'd already finished his own.

"Forget about it," I said warningly.

"Oh, come on. You don't even like it."

"You've had enough. It'll stunt your growth."

"Is that what happened to you?"

I rolled my eyes. "Here come the short jokes."

"You started it."

As I set my coffee back in the cup holder, Kane made a dive toward it. I tried to snatch it back, and a brief tug-of-war ensued. The game ended when the hot liquid sloshed over the side and onto Kane's lap. He let out a howl and released the cup, causing me to splash myself.

With all the distraction, I failed to notice the car sitting at the stop sign in front of us. However, it got my full attention when it brought us to a sudden, bone-jarring, metal-crunching halt. We hadn't even been going that fast, I'd hit the brakes after the first coffee spill, but there was still enough of an impact to deploy the airbag. The safety device exploded in my face, scaring me as much as the actual accident.

I punched the bag down and checked on Kane. He was white as a ghost, but otherwise unscathed. I then turned to see what I'd hit and groaned. There was an older model, faded yellow Buick growing out of the front end of my own car. Kane's earlier joke about running into an old lady in a Buick suddenly seemed like a prophecy.

I sighed. "Do me a favor and call Adam."

"Sure, give me the dirty job," he grumbled.

"Kane." My voice was sharp. "Not now. Just call Adam and tell him I need him." Adam was our dad, Kane's biological and my surrogate. He'd taken me in when my own father kicked me out upon discovering I was gay.

I drew a deep breath and stepped out of my car. By now, the Buick's driver-side door had swung open and a tall, thin middle-aged man had emerged. At least he wasn't a little old lady.

"Are you okay?" the man asked me. He was in his late fifties or early sixties, with short-clipped, battleship gray hair and a clean-shaven face. Judging by his hairstyle and state of extreme physical fitness, I guessed he was probably retired military or a cop.

"I think so," I answered as I took in the crumpled front end of my beloved car. The front bumper had been shoved down and the hood had buckled from the impact. With the exception of a pair of busted tail lights, the Buick didn't appear to have a scratch. "I'm so sorry. I spilled coffee and got distracted. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Wish I could say the same for Bessie."

My stress level jumped several notches. "Bessie?"

"Bessie," he said with slow deliberation, "was my trusted companion of twenty years. We've been through a lot together. It's hard to believe it could end like this."

I stared at him in horror, feeling as if I might throw up at any moment.

He chuckled. "Don't pass out on me, kid. Bessie is, or rather was, my car."

I felt lightheaded as relief washed over me. "Your car?"

"Yes, my car. Speaking of cars, I'm assuming you have insurance on your little windup toy there."

"Yes, sir!" Something about his military bearing made me want to salute. I dove back into the car.

"Is he mad?" Kane asked, his hand over the phone.

"Well, he's making jokes, so I guess he's not that upset," I answered as I rummaged through the glove box for my insurance card. "What about Adam?" He held up the phone, and I heard Adam's voice squawking hysterically. I made a face. "Better you than me."

It took me a few minutes to figure out which card I needed. By the time I returned, the man was waiting for me, business card in hand. He passed it to me in exchange for my information.

"You know, you can do all that through the app, these days," he remarked.

Duh. Of course. I was so discombobulated that I forgot all about the insurance app. I glanced down at his business card while I pulled out my phone. Shane Novak, Private Investigator was embossed on the card in neat, black lettering, and under that, a phone number and address.

"You're a private detective?" I was unable to keep the note of awe out of my voice.

Novak gave a grunt. "Sure am," he said distractedly as he poked at his phone. "Don't get too excited. It's nothing like it is on TV." He straightened up and looked me over from head to toe. "You're the famous Killian Kendall, huh?"

"Famous?"

"You're the kid that shot and killed that serial killer a couple of years back, aren't you?"

"What? Oh. Um, yeah." I wasn't used to people recognizing me on the street.

"I followed the story at the time. Interesting case. You handled yourself pretty well for an amateur. Not many kids your age would have had the guts to do what you did."

"Uh, thanks?" I was unsure of the proper protocol when someone compliments you on killing another person.

"Does your app scan?" he asked as he handed me back my insurance card.

"Uh..." I'd been so distracted by meeting a real, live private eye that I'd forgotten all about the app. I quickly pulled it up and tapped on the button that read "Had an accident?" As a matter of fact, I had.

I found the screen to exchange insurance information, and, sure enough, there was a scan option. I quickly scanned the QR code on his phone, then the app started asking me questions about the accident.

"Alright, that all I need," he said, pulling my attention away from the demands of the insurance app. "It was a pleasure getting rear-ended by you, Mr. Kendall." He pumped my hand once and turned toward his car.

"Wait! Don't we have to call the police or something?"

"Not unless you want a reckless driving charge. It's doubtful they'd even do anything, since no one was hurt. I'm not going to sue you or anything." He looked down at the back of his car, currently buried in the front end of mine. "I probably won't even file a claim."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. Bessie is older than you are, and you're going to have enough headaches with your insurance company. You don't need the police involved. Trust me. I was a cop for thirty years."

"But your car—"

"My car is fine. I was just teasing you about her dying. She's going to outlive me. Built like a tank. They don't make 'em like this anymore."

I must have had a dubious look on my face.

"Okay, here. Watch this." He climbed in behind the steering wheel and turned the key. After a few sputters and an asthmatic wheeze, the Buick roared to life. He got out, leaving the engine running. "Don't worry, she always sounds like that. Unless you want me to hang around, I should get going. I'm late for an appointment. If you need anything, just call me. My number's on the card I gave you."

I nodded dumbly, and we shook hands again. He got back into his car and pulled away from mine with a metallic screech, leaving a trail of broken glass from my headlights. He waved and then drove off. I turned to Kane, who had climbed out of the car in time to catch the end of my conversation with Mr. Novak.

"That went a lot better than I would have expected," he said.

I nodded. "He looked kind of scary, but he was really nice."

"A lot nicer than he had to be, considering you slammed into him."

"I didn't slam into him! I wasn't going that fast." Kane cast a pointed glance at the front end of my car, and I sighed. "Do you think it's totaled?"

He shrugged. "Beats me, but one thing is for sure. Dad is going to freak when he sees it. You'll be lucky if you ever drive again."

My stomach knotted up at the thought of Adam's reaction. He was a great guy and more of a father to me than my real dad ever was, but he tended to be a little overprotective.

"What did he say when you called him?"

"Well, after he stopped speaking in gibberish and I convinced him neither of us had critical head injuries, he said he'd get here as quickly as possible."

"Let's hope he doesn't have an accident on the way, then we'd only have Steve's car for transportation."

Steve was Adam's partner. He was an architect and worked in a town about an hour from where we lived. If we were dependent on his vehicle, things would get very complicated.

"Way to think positive there, Killian," Kane commented dryly. "Shouldn't you call Asher and let him know we're running a little later than planned?"

"Oh my God! I forgot all about him!"

I pulled my phone out of my pocket as Kane went to examine the damage to the car more closely. I called Asher's cell phone, but he didn't pick up, so I disconnected and called his home phone. His mom answered. "Hi, Mrs. Davis. This is Killian. Is Asher there?"

"Hi, Killian. Actually, you just missed him. Marcus took him to school."

Marcus was Asher's older brother. He lived at home and went to one of the local colleges. On mornings when I couldn't pick Asher up, Marcus drove him. However, I was certain Asher and I had agreed the night before that I would pick him up this morning.

"Oh. Was he mad?"

There was a long, rather pregnant pause. Mrs. Davis was one of the sweetest ladies I'd ever met. She loved me to death and hated it when Asher and I fought, which lately seemed to be more and more often. "He did seem a little upset. He said something about being late for a test."

"I'm sorry. I had an accident on the way there."

"An accident! Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, and so is Kane. And the other driver. It just made us even later than we already were. I'll explain to Asher when I see him at school."

"Okay, sweetheart. I'm sure he'll understand when he hears what happened."

At least one of us was sure.

Adam pulled up behind my disabled vehicle just as I slipped the phone into my pocket. He was out of his car before the motor had even completely cut off.

"We're fine—" I broke off as Adam grabbed me in a rough hug.

"Are you sure you're okay?" His voice was thick with emotion.

"Ahm fahn." My response was muffled by my face being mashed against his shoulder. "Weally," I added for emphasis.

He released me from the bear hug but held me by my shoulders at arm's length to look me over.

"Hey, I'm okay, too, just for the record," Kane deadpanned.

Apparently satisfied that I was unhurt, Adam let me go and repeated the hug and inspection process with Kane. Once that was out of the way, he turned his attention to my car. "Oh my God," he whispered. He sounded as though he might cry.

"We're okay. Nobody got hurt," I reminded him.

"Yeah, it looks worse than it is," Kane chipped in.

"Our insurance premiums are going to skyrocket," Adam moaned.

After we finished taking dozens of photos from every angle for the insurance app, a representative from the company called. Adam took over as the policy holder, for which I was grateful.

After several minutes, he hung up. "They dispatched a tow truck to assess the damage," he reported. "They advised us against driving the car since the front bumper was pressed against the tires, assuming it would even start. They also said there could also be additional damage to the frame or the engine."

"Do you think it's totaled?" I asked him.

He took a long look at the car. "Probably."

"I'm sorry," I said in a small voice, feeling a little like I could cry.

Adam patted me on the shoulder. "Kane told me it was mostly his fault, but no one is in trouble. I'm just glad you're both okay. Cars can be replaced. You boys can't be."

By the time the tow truck arrived and Adam finished dealing with the insurance company, Kane and I had missed most of our morning classes. Adam dropped us off at school, and we visited the office to get excused absences. I didn't run into Asher until the final period was over, and we only had a few minutes before we had to be at our respective after-school activities.

"Asher!" I called as I caught sight of his retreating back from the opposite end of the hall.

He stopped and waited for me to catch up, but he didn't look happy about it. His usually silver eyes were a dark, stormy gray. "Asher, I've been trying to find you all day."

"Well, here I am. We have to keep this quick. I'm running late. In fact, I feel like I've been running late all day, starting with this morning."

"Ash, I'm sorry about that. I overslept, then got into an accident on the way to get you."

A startled look softened his expression. "Is everyone okay?"

"Yeah, no one got hurt, but my car got busted up pretty badly. They had to tow it off."

He frowned again. "I'll call Marcus to pick us up."

"Adam can—"

"I'll call Marcus. I have to go. I need to be there before the meeting starts. I am the sole president, you know. Besides, don't you have play practice?"

I sighed. This had been a sore spot between us ever since I decided to step down from my position as co-president of the queer/straight alliance we co-founded to focus on drama during our senior year. I hadn't thought it would be that big of a deal — Rainbow Alliance was running smoothly, and Asher knew acting was important to me — but apparently it was a big deal to Asher. It was months later and he was still pouting about it.

"Asher—"

"Oh, and would a phone call have killed you?"

"I did call, but you didn't answer. Then I called your house and your mom said you'd already left. Asher, I'm sorry. Really."

He deflated a little. "Yeah, to be fair, I did see your call but I ignored it because I was pissed that you were late."

"Well, I'm sorry. I should have called you sooner."

"You're sure you're okay?" When I nodded, he said, "We'll talk more later." He turned and quickly walked away.

True to his word, Asher had called his brother. Marcus was waiting for us in the parking lot when we got out of school.

"So, Killian, I hear you wrecked your car," he said conversationally as I slid into the backseat with my boyfriend. Kane had called shotgun.

"Dude, you should have been there," Kane started in enthusiastically. "It was awesome! He just plowed into that guy's rear end."

Marcus snorted and twisted around in his seat to face Asher and me. "Bet that was a first for you, huh, Kill?"

"Ha ha, very funny. I'm glad everyone thinks my accident is so amusing."

"I fail to see the humor in it," Asher said grouchily.

"Big surprise," Kane muttered under his breath, and Marcus guffawed.

Asher's eyes narrowed. "What?"

"Nothing," Kane sang merrily. He and Asher hadn't been getting along any better than Asher and me for the last few months.

"So how'd Rainbow Alliance go?" I asked Asher. It was a measure of how desperate I was to distract him that I broached this touchy subject.

Asher shrugged. "It was okay."

"Okay? It was great," Kane crowed. "Marco has a new crush so he barely noticed I was there."

Asher rolled his eyes. "We had a new kid today. I talked to him a little after the meeting while we waited for you."

Play practice had run a few minutes longer Rainbow Alliance.

"He's a grade behind me," Kane added. "He's a little weird."

"How so?" Asher asked.

"Stays to himself, kind of quiet."

"He seemed really sweet." Was it my imagination or did Asher sound a little defensive?

"He probably just seems quiet because he can't get a word in edgewise when you're around," Marcus teased. Kane laughed good-naturedly.

"Is he gay?" I asked Asher.

"He said he's not sure, but I think he probably is. I don't think he's ever told anyone before. It took a lot of courage for him to come to the meeting."

"It takes a lot of courage for anyone to attend the meetings." Even though our school had become a pretty accepting place since Asher and I came out publicly the year before, it still had its share of bigots and loudmouths.

"That's why Rainbow Alliance is so important!" Asher was suddenly impassioned, coming out of his funk for the first time that day. "Our school needs this group. It makes us visible. Who's going to take over next year after we graduate? Nobody has stepped up or even shown any interest in being president. Brandy's already made it clear she doesn't even want to be vice president again next year. Nobody else has any leadership skills."

"Do you have to be gay to be president?" Kane asked.

"No." Asher sounded guarded. "It's a gay and straight alliance. Why?"

"I could be president."

Asher snorted. "Right."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kane demanded.

"Like you could take things seriously long enough to be the president."

"I could! And I'd do a damn good job."

"You don't even come to half the meetings."

"I'd be there if I was president."

"What if some other poor guy got a crush on you?"

"Poor guy? Marco texted me naked pictures of himself. That's like sexual harassment. And I was never even mean to him. I just...avoided him whenever possible."

"That's my point. You can't avoid people if you're the president."

"You avoided Trish when she decided she was bi and wanted to be in a three-way relationship with the two of us," I pointed out. Probably not my best move, judging by the nasty look Asher shot me.

"That's different. Trish is clinically insane."

"Look, if you don't want me to be president, just say so," Kane challenged.

"I don't want you to be president," Asher snapped back.

"Fine, but when Rainbow Alliance folds next year, don't blame me."

A tense silence fell over the car until Marcus couldn't handle it any longer. "So, uh, anybody want to see a movie this weekend?"

"No!" Asher, Kane, and I chorused loudly. Finally, something we could all agree on.

No one made any more attempts at conversation for the rest of the drive to our house. Asher didn't even say goodbye when I got out of the car.

"What got up his butt?" Kane asked as Marcus drove away. He smirked. "We know it's not you."

"I'm really not in the mood, Kane."

That was another sore subject — one that too many people around us knew about. Even though we'd been dating for almost two years, Asher and I had never had sex, at least not actual intercourse. We'd fooled around, done other stuff, but for some reason, I just didn't feel ready to take that next step — much to Asher's chagrin. "In case you haven't noticed, this has not been a good day."

"Sorry."

Kane sounded sincere, so I gave him a break. "Asher's been mad ever since I decided to step down as co-president of the Rainbow Alliance. He keeps saying he's over it but then he brings it up again. It seems like all we do anymore is fight."

"Maybe it's just sexual tension," Kane suggested impishly.

"You never let up, do you?" I started toward the door.

Kane followed me inside. "Sorry, sorry. I just couldn't resist."

"You don't help things with the way you purposefully bait him."

"Again, can't resist. He's such an easy target. He never used to be that prickly."

"Are you guys bitching about me again?" Adam asked with a smile as he stuck his head out of the den. He worked from home and used the den as his office.

"No, we're bitching about Asher this time," Kane answered as he started up the stairs to our shared bedroom. "But you had a fifty-fifty chance."

Adam's brow furrowed. "Something wrong?"

"Just the usual," he called back. "Asher's a jerk."

"What happened?" Adam asked me.

I dragged my backpack past Adam and into the den. I usually did my homework there while Kane did his in our bedroom. "Asher was mad that I didn't pick him up this morning."

"Even after you told him about the accident?"

"He said I should have called. Technically, he's right. I mean, I did call and he didn't answer, but I should have done it sooner."

"You were in a car accident. You'd think he'd cut you a little slack."

"There hasn't been much slack lately."

"Is he still mad about that whole Rainbow Alliance thing?"

"Yeah. Actually, it seems like he's mad about everything these days, especially if I don't do exactly what he wants me to do."

Adam ruffled my hair. "Relationships have their ups and downs. You guys have had pretty smooth sailing since things settled down after..."

I nodded. "I know. I just wish things could have stayed like that."

"Nothing ever stays the same, kiddo. Consider this a test of your commitment to one another. If you pull through, your relationship will be stronger than ever."

"And if we don't?" I asked, hoping he'd tell me I had nothing to worry about.

He gave me a reassuring smile. "Then you'll find someone even better."

That wasn't the answer I was looking for.

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