Page 2 of Deadly Obsession

She turns on the radio and tunes into a Radio 4 drama that she listens to whenever she needs to unwind. That’s her hint for me to shut the fuck up.

I lean my head against the cold window. I don’t sleep but silently watch the bright lights disappear and think about the gorgeous man I met.

The passing landscape changes as time goes on. The motorway melds into winding country lanes, with sharper corners and fewer headlights. A layer of fog hovers over the empty fields beyond the narrow tree-lined roads, adding a layer of mystery that wouldn’t look out of place in a Stephen King story.

“Jesus, Dais!” I gasp, gripping the seat and hanging on for dear life as we fly around a bend. “Are you trying to kill us?”

“Sorry,” she murmurs, slowing again. The lanes are so thin that only one car can fit at a time. She checks the clock. “We’re halfway home.”

Somewhere along the way, my eyes flicker shut. Then, a giant force slams into the side of the car. I’m jolted awake, hoping—praying—this is still a dream, but Daisy’s piercing scream makes the hairs on my neck stand.

The airbag explodes into my chest, winding me instantly. I struggle to breathe as my ears ring from crunching metal and branches hitting the windscreen.

Everything moves in a fast, confusing blur.

We speed down a steep hill off from the road.

We’re on our side and rolling.

The car tumbles, cracking with each crashing turn.

Our only working headlight illuminates a tree in our path ahead. I grab the wheel and try to swerve, but it’s too late.

We don’t stop.

The bonnet bends around the trunk with a sickening shriek, forcing us to a halt.

“Daisy,” I croak, turning to her. She can’t hear me. My chest heaves with breathing in panicked bursts. “Daisy!”

She doesn’t answer. Her head hangs lifelessly. A shard of glass is wedged in a gash on her forehead. My entire body aches, but I muster all my strength to put two fingers on her neck. She has a pulse. It’s slow, but it’s there.

What happened?

Did we hit a deer?

Did she take a corner too quickly?

My instincts kick in. I shakily undo my seatbelt and brush away the tiny glass diamonds filling my lap from the shattered window. I reach for the door handle and push it open.

I have to get help.

You can do this, Ive.

It’s now or never.

My muscles scream as I launch myself from the vehicle. It’s no “Great Escape.” I flop and roll through the gap with no elegance.

The ground breaks my fall. Branches tear at my knees, but I crawl and claw through the dirt. An adrenaline rush gives me the push to stagger to my feet. I’m only wearing one heel, so I kick it off. I focus on one thing: pulling Daisy from the wreckage.

I hold the car for balance and grapple my way around it, using the full moon to guide my path. When I reach the boot, the damage is apparent: a considerable dent. An animal definitely couldn’t have caused it.

Through the trees, a bright, white light shines directly at me. Am I dying? My hope rises as I see the outline of a figure.Is it him?For a split second, I think it is. My delusion allows me to believe that Freddie will be my knight in shining armour, until…

“Bring her to me,” a familiar voice orders.

My stomach drops. We won’t be saved. If he’s here, I’m in hell.

Four men approach. Their combat-style boots crunch through the undergrowth as they march down the hill, dressed in black SWAT-like gear.

---