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

Edwin found a chair, and as soon as he sat down, his eyes began to droop. He needed to keep himself awake. At least until he had a chance to speak to Carson. Then he could find a corner somewhere and curl up. There were weights tied to his ears and his eyelids, and they dragged his head down. Every time he felt his chin touch his chest, he jerked up again, like a mostly broken marionette.


The twelfth or thirteenth time he jerked himself awake, he saw the doctor—what was his name?—leave Carson’s room. He looked to be several miles away, like a man walking past the narrow opening of a very long tunnel. Edwin forced himself to his feet, ignoring the dark lines around his vision, and stumbled his way back to Carson’s room. One short conversation. That was all he needed. Then he could let himself sleep.


“You really do look like shit,” Carson greeted.


“You’re not looking so hot yourself.”


“Dr. Simpson said I can go home tomorrow.”


Chapter 80