A few miles and several passed grandma drivers later, I catch a glimpse of a white Ford truck with a familiar emblem on the tailgate. I release a sigh of relief and begin to slow. He’s pulled over onto the shoulder. Not the safest place for him to be on these narrow roads, but it’s better than him driving under the influence.
I pull over, getting as far off the street as I can to avoid any unfortunate dealings involving Justice’s baby. I’m pretty sure if I got even so much as a scratch on her, he’ll have my head. Ransom has left the vehicle, but has good sense enough to lean up against the passenger side door. I wait until the coast is clear and hop out into the sweltering desert sun. There are no trees or shade for miles. And with Ransom’s bellyful of pills and whiskey, he could easily suffer from dehydration.
“Ransom!” I call out, jogging over to him. “What are you doing out here? What happened to you?”
He slowly looks up at me from his spot in the dirt and shrugs his hunched shoulders. “You want me gone. I’m gone,” he slurs. His eyes are glassy, his face is ghostly pale, and it looks as if he’s struggling to stay upright. I crouch down beside him and put an arm around his shoulders to steady him. His skin is slicked with sweat and clammy, yet cool to the touch.
“No, Ransom. I don’t. Not like this. I know everything now. I confronted Tucker. I don’t know what all of this means, but we’ll be ok. All right? I’m sorry if I hurt you. You have to know I never meant it.”
“No, you were right,” he drawls, trying to shrug me off. “Your place is with him. You should go be with him, H. I’m no good.”
“Don’t say that, Ransom. You are good. You’re so good for me. And you and me . . . we’re good for each other. Or at least we can be.” I cup his face in my hands and turn it to face me. His gaze is unfocused, his pupils dilated, and his mouth is slack. I don’t even think he can see me right in front of him. If we waste any more time out here, he’ll lose consciousness. I can’t wait for Justice and Tucker to get here. I have to get him in the car and blast the AC. Tucker is a lying sack of shit right now, but he is a doctor. He’ll know what to do.
“Come on. We can talk about this back at Oasis. I need you to push yourself up so I can get you to the car. Ok? Can you do that for me?”
He does something that looks like a nod of his head, but ends up slumping forward, pressing his full weight on me. I struggle to get him upright again, but my meager 128 pound frame is no match for his six feet, four inches of hard, lean muscle. Still, I have to try. I can’t leave him out here in this condition. He looked to me to save him, and I’ll be damned if I let him down.
With nothing but adrenaline and desperation, I somehow get Ransom on his feet. He stumbles the entire way to the car, but thankfully doesn’t give in to gravity until I open the door to the Porsche and maneuver his long legs inside. It would have been easier and closer to get him into the truck, but the sports car is much faster. Plus, there’s no way I could justify leaving a car like that on the side of the road.
I’m buckling a nearly unconscious Ransom in when he lifts a hand to gently brush against my cheek. His eyes are mere slits and his lips are dry and cracked. Still, he manages to lucidly utter those three little words that will aid in the undoing of my marriage. Those three words that I’ve felt but hadn’t found the courage to say out of respect for the man I once thought was the perfect husband.
I quickly retreat from his lap like it’s on fire, and shut the door. I can’t go there right now. Not when there is still so much left unsaid. So much we all need to discuss.
Is my marriage over? I don’t know, but considering the mistakes we’ve both made, it probably should be.
Do I still love my husband? Of course, even though I hate him right now, I’ll always love him.
Do I love Ransom? Yes, I do. In the way a little girl loves a stray, mangled cat. Fiercely and fearfully.
I’m so preoccupied by my discovery that I don’t realize how far into the road I’m stepping, nor do I take notice of the speeding car that is driving dangerously close to the shoulder. But as the side of the car clips me with enough force to send me flying twelve feet into the air, launching me several yards away into oncoming traffic, I think about that movie, and the bloody irony of this very moment.
There’s a reason why the broken ones stay broken. When they pretend to be mended, their glue never truly gets the chance to dry.
Chapter Thirty-one
Breaking News: Ransom lead singer, Ransom Reed, has been involved in a gruesome accident in Arizona. Although foul play is not suspected at this time, authorities are investigating.
Ransom Reed, playboy rocker, refuses comment when asked about a tragic accident involving his publicist, Heidi DuCane. Rumors indicate that the two were romantically involved, however, sources deny the claims, calling them “outlandish” and “despicable.”
Justice Drake, client of Heidi DuCane, released a rare statement about his colleague and friend, saying the accident was a “truly horrific event” involving “a loving, devoted wife and confidante who would do anything for her husband and friends. And it is truly heartbreaking what has happened.” Justice’s girlfriend, and speculated soon-to-be fiancé, has organized a prayer vigil in honor of the DuCane family. Heidi’s husband, Tucker, is asking for prayers and privacy during this time.
Rock star Ransom Reed has reportedly checked into a rehab facility upon the wake of the brutal accident involving his publicist. While he is not known to have been involved, sources close to the band have reported that he is “not handling it well.” His camp has requested support from fans and press during this sensitive time.
The much-anticipated Hostage World Tour featuring bands Ransom, Fall Out Boy, and Panic! at the Disco has been postponed due to the recent events leading to Ransom Reed’s rehabilitation stay. While there is still no known history of substance abuse, rumors swirl around the lead singer’s involvement in a serious car accident just months ago.
Fans rally together in support of Ransom Reed’s continued recovery. After his release last week, he was in good health and good spirits. “Mental illness is not weakness,” the twenty-five-year-old stated at his recent birthday party, where he shared smiles with bandmates and close friends. “Being able to confront your demons, and seek help for them . . . that is the true example of strength.”
Tour dates for the Hostage World Tour have officially been announced, slating the concert series’ kickoff for November in Copenhagen. All three headlining bands are looking forward to playing for fans in Europe, Australia, and select cities in Asia, and hope supporters are forgiving of the delay, stemming from Ransom Reed’s rehabilitation. However, with the release of Ransom’s new album, We’re All Mad Here, going platinum in a week, we’re guessing that cities across the globe will be sold out within days.
HBO will be documenting the upcoming Hostage World Tour, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the band Ransom. The tour will end with a show in London that will also be aired as part of a special on the premium cable network.