Page 78 of Perfect Assumption

“I’m taking her home, Carys. She needs to be in her safe space when we talk.”

Carys turns towards me. I nod. “That’s a good idea.” A great one actually.

“Then both of you, go.”

Ward steps aside to let me pass. “I’ll meet you at your desk in just a few minutes. I drove in today because we’re expecting snow.”

“We are?”

He nods. “They’re uncertain about the amount, but it should be okay.”

* * *

Close to two hours later,we’re curled in front of the fireplace, watching the television with a frown on both of our faces. “I’m glad I have a two-car garage.”

“You know, if I realized the storm of the century was coming, I wouldn’t have demanded we drive out here.” Ward’s words are regretful.

I flutter my hand at him to be quiet. “Three to four inches of snowan hour? That can’t be right. What the hellisthundersnow anyway?”

“Glad you asked, Sam.” The newscaster answers my question. “Thundersnow is essentially the same thing as a thunderstorm. Thunder and lightning happen, the same way they do during a thunderstorm. But the air layer closer to the ground has to be warmer than those above it, but still cold enough for it to snow.”

“So, Judy, you’re saying it will snow as much as it could rain?”

“That’s right. People with overhead power lines should take steps now in the event of an emergency. Gather flashlights, extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-cranked radios. Charge all of your cell phones or any emergency devices which require charging. Ensure you know where your first-aid kit is and have easy access to it. And above all, be safe getting home. We know a number of you are commuting right now. Get to your loved ones safely.”

I click off the television before facing Ward. “I think you’d better stay here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Ward, I’d be devastated if something happened to you on the road. We’ll figure it out.”

He’s pushing buttons on his phone before he holds it up to his ear. “Tell me you both are at home with Ben.” He pauses. “Good. No, I’m going to stay here.” He lets out a sigh. “I’m certain that Angie isn’t going to make me sleep in the car. I’m positive that she has a guest room if nothing else, Carys.”

I nod as I jump up and begin to head for the back deck. I stop short as I hear the first crack of thunder. “Ward,” I cry out frantically.

“Listen. I have to go. We need to get things ready here. Touch base when you can. I love you.” He turns to me. “Tell me what you need me to do.”

“Upstairs bedroom on the left. It was my grandparents’ room. There’s sweatshirts, sweatpants, socks. Get whatever you’re comfortable wearing that was my grandfather’s.” I pant as I bring in the first load of logs.

Grimly, he takes the load from me and begins to stack it next to the fireplace. “Right after I help you. We don’t have much time to waste.”

I’m about to argue when we both jump due to the light that flashes across the sky. Then small white flakes begin to fall. “God, I hope that suit didn’t cost as much as the press reports.”

“Doesn’t matter at this point, does it?”

“Not really.”

“Get a move on, Angie. I have no idea where you keep anything.”

Right. We have bigger issues to worry about right now than the cost of Ward’s suit. We need to worry about sheltering in place.

Thirty

Angela

Has Ward Burke gone missing, or is he just trapped under the snow with some lucky woman? If so, I’d like to say what we’re all thinking. Bitch.

— Jacques Yves, Celebrity Blogger