Page 3 of Corrupt Idol

She wanted to get back to the hospital as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, rush hour was in full swing, which meant she would have to take back roads that would prolong their time together. Hell.

“You’re going to have to talk to me some time,” he said.

She planned to show him how little he mattered to her, to show how much she had changed, but the moment she saw him, her voice deserted her. He made her feel small, vulnerable, insecure. She thought years on her own would magically fix her, but in his presence, she reverted back to her teenage self and hated herself for it.

“Have you seen her?”

The question snapped her out of her inner turmoil. An image of Lynne passed through her mind, wiping away the past and putting her solidly in the present. “I have.”

Her voice was small, but steady, and could be heard over the wind whistling through the cab.

“How’s she look?”

Her eyes burned. “Not good.”

“How long are you staying?”

Her lips compressed. She didn’t want him to know, but Dad would probably tell him anyway. “I’m moving back.”

When she didn’t receive a response, she glanced at him and wished she hadn’t. He had taken off his cap, revealing slicked back hair that was in disarray now. He was cleanly shaven, revealing his strong jaw, generous lips, and straight nose. She hoped he’d be covered in scars or had his nose broken at some point. No such luck. Unfortunately, he appeared unmarred. He had always been a big guy, but now he was larger than life. He was so broad, his shoulders branched across the console and nearly touched hers.

Her friends had drooled over him. He was a great athlete and particularly talented at football. Many had pegged him as a future NFL player. He shocked everyone by going into the Air Force instead. Lynne begged him not to, but nothing would sway him. He was determined to follow in his late father’s footsteps. She counted her lucky stars the day he announced his decision at the dinner table. She hadn’t been quick enough to conceal her joy. He made her pay for it later that evening.

“What about college?” he asked.

She returned her attention to the road. “I dropped out.”

“Why?”

She was surprised the steering wheel didn’t bend under the force she was exerting. She had a death grip on the damn thing. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I was wasting time and money.”

“And now?”

“I still don’t know.”

“So, you’re moving home.”

She nodded and waited for more questions, but he didn’t voice any. She should have been grateful that he didn’t push, but the silence was worse. The radio was still going, but it didn’t cut the tension in the car. They passed cows and horses in pastures as far as the eye could see. She should feel safe and comforted by the familiar scenery. Instead, she felt as if an invisible clock was ticking. Being near him made her feel claustrophobic, as if she could step on a landmine at any second. Minutes passed and she pressed more heavily on the gas pedal while she diligently searched for cops who liked to hide along this long stretch of highway.

“Pull over.”

She whipped her head in his direction. “What?”

“Pull over,” he said again.

She stared at him for a heartbeat. She couldn’t read his eyes since they were covered by sunglasses, but she didn’t need to. His tone had changed and despite the years they had been apart, she knew what he wanted.

“No.”When he reached for the wheel, she slapped his hand. “No, Jesse.”

Her smack didn’t deter him. He took hold of the wheel and started to steer her toward the right side of the road.

“Stop!” she shrieked.

“Get your foot off the gas before we crash,” he rapped out.

“You’re going to kill us!”

“You will if you don’t do what I say.”

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