Blinking rapidly, she tried to clear her vision. The bastard had really rattled her. Christ. Was it coming to this? She had no food. What made him think she had? Was he just some loony tune that picked her at random? She looked in the mirror, he was long gone, and she was very far away. She slowed the truck, and her breath began to slow down. She was trying to get her wild emotions under control.
Trish took the last turn and got off the main drag and on to her road. The houses were dark. They must have lost power again. More and more blackouts were happening. Things were becoming unstable across the eastern half of the country. She pulled into the carport. The dogs were in the house and all was quiet. She saw a candle in the window and smiled and her eyes prickled with tears once more.
Hogan made her feel safe. Trish knew it deep down and she wished that he’d been with her on the drive home. He would have killed that bastard, she was sure. Getting out, she took out her flashlight. She’d started carrying a small LED flashlight in her purse. With the rolling blackouts, it wasn’t very smart to be without. Christ, with the danger growing, she was seriously thinking about getting a gun. She’d been so busy, that she’d put it off. She couldn’t afford to do that anymore.
Walking into the house, the dogs came up to her and whined. They must have sensed her upset. They were docile. Hogan came from the kitchen, smiling. Then the smile disappeared from his face and he came forward.
“What happened? Your hair, what’s that on your face?” He asked urgently, his hands took her shoulders and he moved her into the kitchen, where there was a hurricane lamp. He studied her face and her eyes filled with tears once more. Her lips trembled.
“Some…some ass…asshole broke my window. He was trying to pul…pull me out of the truck window.” She stuttered and began to cry. She tried to be brave, but she was so upset, she couldn’t seem to help herself.
“Son of a bitch!” He hissed and he turned to the sink and got the dish cloth. It was still damp, and she felt the coolness of it as he wiped her face, wiping the blood from it. Her body shook hard and she felt him lead her to the kitchen chair. He sat her down and continued to wipe. He said soft comforting words under his breath and that made her cry harder. He pulled her up and into his lap as he took her seat. He held her for a long moment, rocking her. She let all her fear out, from the incident.
Trish had been terrified and the horrible bastard hadn’t given a shit that he was hurting her. She wiped at her eyes and laid her head on Hogan’s shoulder. She knew she should get up, but his arms felt so good around her. It had been so long since she’d been held. But she knew it was wrong. She cleared her throat and got up, she grabbed a paper towel, wiping her face. She then blew her nose, honking it loudly.
“It’s okay. I was just upset and honestly, I’ve never been assaulted. The man must have been crazy. It’s just been a really shitty day. A refugee was beaten to death, earlier today. He was jumped by a group of people, apparently, they were saying that he was taking all of their food. It is getting so crazy out there, Hogan. A fellow nurse stole my lunch. She was watching me like a crazed animal. Jesus Christ, it made the hairs on my arm stand up.” She was babbling and she knew it. Hogan got up and moved her back to the chair and sat her down.
He pulled out a covered plate and put it in front of her. He pulled the towel off and she saw an egg sandwich, with melted cheese, and smiled. Comfort food.
“Thank you, Hogan, my god, that’s perfect.” She breathed. Picking up the sandwich she took a bite. Closing her eyes, she groaned in pleasure. He poured her a glass of water and sat down beside her.
“Do you have to work tomorrow?” He asked. Trish noticed the dogs laying at his feet. Their eyes adoring him.
“Yes, but it is only a six-hour shift. I should be home before two. I’m going to call the insurance in the morning and see about getting the window fixed.”
“The news is reporting an increase in violence. Europe is sending aid, but it isn’t enough. There have been mass executions, authorized mass executions.”
Trish almost choked on the sandwich. She wiped her face and took a drink.
“What are you thinking?” Trish asked.
“There may come a time when we have to hunker down. This incident tonight may just be the start of it. Winter is settling in. With food shortages and fuel shortages, I think we’re going to see more violence and incidents like what you experienced.”
“I can’t just stop working. I have a mortgage to pay. I’m needed at the hospital.” Trish said, finishing her sandwich. She wiped at her mouth and took another drink.
“You may not have a choice. Chicago, Charleston, Boston and New York city are burning. Riots and people are going crazy. Washington D.C. is also burning. They are shooting people to quell the violence, but it is backfiring. If things get crazy in town, get back here. We’ll hunker down.” Hogan shrugged.
Both jerked when they heard a gunshot. Hogan leaned forward and extinguished the light. Going into the living room, he blew out the candle. There was another volley
