Quantum Leap - Double or Nothing by C.J. Henderson

Author:C.J. Henderson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Sam slid his key into the front lock of Ward Ralston’s home. He turned the knob and then pushed the door quietly, trying to enter without anyone noticing. He was shaking and nervous. His insides were tied in knots, stomach cramps brought on by a fierce attack of guilt.

Not that he had not enjoyed himself at the Stop On Inn—he had, more than he had ever thought possible.

The delightful brunette had seen to that. Sam Beckett’s problem was, however, that he had in the past always been able to stand pretty firmly on the rock-firm strata on which he grounded his moral standards. And now that foundation had begun to feel more like sand than granite during the drive back up to Portland.

He could rationalize his actions, had in fact been doing that, but nothing made it less reprehensible. For that one night, he had let Wade Ralston dictate his actions.

Had been Wade Ralston, with no concern for anyone other than himself and his own needs. Had been, in fact, a selfish, cheating bastard.

Sam reached up to straighten his cap. It was one he had found in the truck’s glove compartment—a bright orange baseball cap marked “Jack’s Gun Shop.” It sported a picture of a broadly smiling skunk, which was just appropriate enough to make Sam put it on. It was how he had felt, arguing with himself while he drove home, trying to drown out the sound of his condemning thoughts.

Betty’s not my wife, he said in self-defense. If Ward sleeps with someone else it’s cheating, I didn’t make any vows. Only he had, of course. He had vowed to do a better job with Ward’s life than Ward had done. Well, you’re off to a fine start then, aren’t you? he sneered.

Finally, by the time he had made the turnoff for Portland, the small battles had begun to kindle a temper within him he had never felt before.

“Goddamnit,” he roared, banging his fist down brutally against the dashboard. “Leave me alone! Just leave me the hell alone.”

Why? So you can sneak in and let her see the fact that you’ve cheated written all over your face? Why not just pull over and get a bottle?

“Leave it . . .” Sam snarled.

That would be better, don’t you think? After all, you want to steal Ward Ralston’s life, then go ahead—steal it all. Get drunk and go home and slap everyone around a little.

“Stop . . .”

Go on . . . do it. Prove you’re a real man for once, Sam. Drinking, screwing, fun stuff. A little wife abuse, some screaming at the kids . . .

Sam’s right foot slammed down on the brake, hard, and his knee locked painfully. He swore loudly, the truck shimmying to a halt around him. Car brakes squealed behind him, but he did not notice anything except the relentless voice berating him. Holding his throbbing head, he pleaded, “Just leave me alone.’’

Several of the motorists who had been forced to stop by his sudden braking had gotten out of their cars.

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