Edwin Masters has spent his entire life lusting after one car -- a 1962 Alfa Romeo Spider 2600. When he finally buys one, it changes the entire shape and meaning of his world. The car comes with a guest, and the restless spirit is awakened by Edwin.<br><br>Cooper James, the young man who died behind the wheel forty-seven years earlier, haunts the Spider and he wants a life. He wants Edwin. So he reaches out, sucking Edwin into a deepening abyss by exploiting demons from a past Edwin can't break from.<br><br>Edwin resists, struggling against the phantom in favor of an attractive, exciting young man who wants to be with him, Carson Heston. Carson holds the key to Edwin's salvation, but every time he gets close, Cooper terrorizes him. Edwin knows he'll be lost forever if he submits to Cooper's dark promise of release and relief, but that might be the only way to save Carson's life.

On a Bruised Road

Not everybody went through withdrawals the same. Warren felt the lack of oxycodone all the way down to his marrow. He felt it in every joint. He felt it in his neck and behind his eyes. And he always cried to Edwin, begging him to make it stop. Begging him to give him a break. Edwin didn’t know how Warren went through this process again and again. Why he hurt himself like this.


“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I never…I never…I shouldn’t have…I’m sorry. God, just make it stop. I’m sorry.” His litany of apologies was cut off by a coughing fit that shook his whole body. He doubled over, half hanging off the narrow cot, his sandy blond hair covering his face as saliva, snot, and bile fell from his face. Edwin reached for the roll of paper towels on the floor and pulled off several squares, holding them at the ready.


Chapter 37