Fall Into Darkness Read Free Page A

die in a motorcycle crash would change the course of the tragedy. He’d sold his bike, and the three of them had breathed a sigh of relief. Until two weeks later... His car broke down and a friend gave him a lift on his motorcycle. That had been the last time they’d seen him alive. The friend survived, but Stan had died.
    Seemed fate didn’t like to be fucked with.
    Ashley didn’t want to be here when her aunt started dating again. She didn’t want to answer those questions and have Viv judging every man by the amount of time he had left on earth. Her aunt deserved to fall in love and not worry about when her husband would pass.
    A knock on the door brought both women back to the present.
    “Your ride to the airport is here,” Viv stated as she headed to the front door and swung it open. A burst of cold air whisked through and chilled her. Viv had asked a friend to give Ashley a lift since she couldn't go herself. Viv pointed at the two large suitcases by the front door. “These go.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Ben flashed a smile at Ashley, and she wanted to strangle her aunt. After he grabbed both bags and headed back out to his truck, she turned to Viv.
    “Really? He’s my ride? It was unfair that you asked him to do this,” she chided, feeling slightly guilty for being so firm with her aunt.
    “Oh Ash, you know Ben still has a thing for you and he’s a nice guy.”
    “Right.” She donned her heavy winter coat. “He left me, remember? I seem to recall his parting words were “You’re a freak Ashley, and I want nothing to do with you.””
    “He made a mistake. Give him a chance,” Viv urged. “Maybe you two can work things out, and then you can come home.”
    Ben appeared, his large frame blocking the light coming through the doorway. “Um, we should probably go if you’re going to catch your flight.”
    She gave her aunt one last hug and glanced around the room. The Christmas tree stood in the corner, its glass ornaments reflecting the colored lights that still twinkled. It reminded her of when she was a child. A time when she’d actually been happy. She would etch this scene in her memory forever. “I’ll let you know when I arrive. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” She would ignore her Aunt’s comment about coming home. It simply wouldn't happen.
    “I know you will baby girl. You’re stronger than most.”
    Ashley walked out the door and didn’t look back, wanting to remember Viv with a smile and not tears. She allowed Ben to open the truck door for her and scooted inside. They only had to make polite small talk for an hour then she’d be free. Finally free from ever having to look any of them in the eyes again.
    With her hands in her lap, she fidgeted while staring out the window and watched tiny flakes fall from the sky. Thankfully, the forecast hadn’t called for more than flurries.
    “You gonna ignore me the entire trip?” Ben asked.
    “Was my intention.” What the hell did he expect anyway? He’d dumped her and broken her heart, but she was over him and saw no need to rehash the past.
    “Look, I’m sorry for what I did. I was young and stupid.”
    “So you’re saying you’re now smart? Did the Navy do that for you?” She couldn’t stop the tinge of sarcasm in her tone. Okay, maybe she was still a little bitter.
    “Ouch. I guess I deserve that. Seriously though.” Ben shifted in his seat. “Alaska? I’m not sure that’s a smart idea.”
    “I don’t recall asking your opinion.” She finally turned to face him, but only so she could glare.
    “Maybe not, but I’m giving it anyway. Look, I still care about you and I wish you’d give us another chance.”
    She rolled her eyes.
    “Tell ya what. Take some time in Alaska, then how about I come up next month? We can rediscover each other.” He grinned.
    She wanted to reach over and punch him in the face, but that would cause an accident and delay getting to the airport. She was desperate to leave. “Don’t waste your