Chapter One

Gradually the reality of his antics sank in. He wasn't doing it for anyone but Allen. What was once noble morphed into irresponsible rebellion. The clever journalist shriveled into the recesses of her mind. Even so, she had never suspected the truth - the drugs. Two weeks before the arrest, she dissolved the remainder of their relationship. Allen couldn't be rejected, so he belittled her intelligence, the close relationship with her family and accused her of cheating on him. Emotional hurt wasn't satisfying enough. His fist was aimed at her stomach, but she managed to dodge and catch it on her rib cage. Even so, it left a large bruise and sore ribs for a few weeks.

And yet, she had honored her promise to go with him to the party the next night. Allen had been drinking at the party a little more than usual. Uncomfortable about riding in the car with him, she had offered to drive. He had enough alcohol in his veins to believe he could drive, and too much pride to leave the party in the passenger seat. There was no reasoning with him, so she accepted a ride with her best friend, Connie. Howard had insisted on picking up his little sister that night for safety reasons. It was uncanny the way he could anticipate trouble.

The minute Howard had arrived; Allen was in his face, accusing him of stealing his girl. It was as ridiculous as it was embarrassing. Howard was a good ten years older and had far more important things on his mind - like his new position as partner at the law firm. Arguing with Allen was futile, so she simply hopped in the back seat and locked the door. Howard had to pull out slowly and gradually increase his speed before Allen let go of the car. It would have been humiliating if anyone had noticed, but no one seemed to pay much attention - probably because so many others were also drinking. Maybe friends didn't let friends drive drunk, but how did they stop them when there were so many?