Page 1 of Corrupt Idol

One

“Why didn’t you tell me?”Violet whispered.

“We didn’t want to worry you.”

“Worry me?” She jabbed her finger at the hospital room door. “My step-mom hascancerand you didn’t think I should know?”

Dad ran a hand down his face. “We did what we thought was best.”

“I don’t know how I’m supposed to take this. She… she only has a few weeks left?”

He nodded as he sank onto a chair and stared down at his laced hands. “Lynne’s tired, Vi.”

She hadn’t seen her father in two years and in that time, he had aged significantly. The grooves in his face were more pronounced, he had put on weight, and his once gray hair was now snow white. Taking care of Lynne had clearly taken its toll.

She took the seat beside him and tried to take it all in. She landed in Texas two hours ago, unaware that Lynne had been diagnosed with cancer and was losing the battle, which is why they called her home. She stared at the far wall and shook her head. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Lynne wants us to spend as much time together as possible before she goes.”

“Of course,” she said and blinked rapidly as her eyes burned with tears.

“That goes for Jesse too.”

Her head whipped in his direction. “Jesse?”

Dad held up a hand. “Don’t start, Vi.”

“I haven’t said anything!”

“You don’t have to. The few times he’s come home, you made excuses why you couldn’t visit. Not this time. I don’t care what happened between you two. You’re going to sort it out and we’re gonna be one big happy family like the good old days.”

A cold wave swept over her as memories of the ‘good old days’ skipped through her mind. Before he turned into a monster, Jesse Sampson was her best friend, protector, hero. And then one day, everything changed. She managed to avoid him for five years. It wasn’t nearly long enough.

“Ten years, Vi.”

The warble in Dad’s voice captured her attention immediately. Her father wasn’t an emotional man. He was hard-working, religious, conservative and raised her by himself until Lynne came into the picture. Lynne made their house into a home and filled their lives with light and joy. Lynne had softened her father considerably and she had never seen him so happy. Watching him struggle to keep his emotions in check made her heart feel as if it was being shredded.

“I had ten amazing years with her. Next year she was supposed to retire and we were going to Hawaii for a month before we bought an RV and went on the road.” He spread his hands in a gesture that conveyed his helplessness. “We had so many plans and now…”

She gripped his hand and squeezed. “I’m sorry, Dad.”

He cleared his throat. “I’m glad you’re here, kiddo.”

She couldn’t stop herself from grumbling, “You should have told me from the beginning.”

“It was Lynne’s decision to keep this quiet.” He patted the back of her hand. “All that doesn’t matter now. Whatever time we have left will have to do. You’re here. Jesse’s coming in. We’re gonna enjoy the time we have left.”

She hesitated before she asked, “Does he know?”

“Yes, he had to know how serious her condition was to request leave.” Dad glanced at his watch. “Can you pick him up?”

She jolted.“Jesse?”

Hegave her a stern look. “I have to stay with Lynne.”

“But—”

“Don’t argue. Pick him up and sort out your issues before you bring him here. Lynne doesn’t need you two arguing at her bedside.” He got to his feet and dropped his keys in her lap. “He’s coming in on United. Flight two forty-three, arrives at four fifteen.”

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