“That’s sweet of you…..that you consider that she is worried for you…..wonderful.”

“…..This last job….this is… the last job….I don’t need a cut…..you keep it….do what you have to do….I don’t need the money…”

“Shane I can’t…”

“Just stop ok…stop……here is my cell number….don’t call before ten……”

“She needs her beauty sleep…”

“Funny….you are funny……jealousy doesn’t become you Carmen….don’t start…..”

I drove home and tried to think of a way to not lie to Trish…..

Home.

 This wonderfully quiet place on a wonderfully steep hill. Trees, nature a wonderful escape. When I pull into the driveway I was thankful that her car was not there. She was not home and I had time to cook something for her and not talk about this thing that was about to happen.

I walk to the garage and fuss about for the toolbox. I notice that it’s too small and won’t hold one gun let alone two. I search around. I was getting frustrated and began throwing things all around. There was cursing involved, bad words and such. Her voice startled me. I was standing in the mess I made, boxes and debris and such. The guns where not in her line of site she offered to turn the light on so I could see better.

“……..I thought I heard you I was in the tub…..here let me switch the light on so you can see honey….”

“No….no its ok…..I was done anyway….where’s your car I thought I was on my lonesome….”

“Shane…..what a day……….come here I need a hug…..”

I jumped over the mess and noticed she was trembling…she never trembled with out her clothes on. Now in the light I could she had a split lip and cuts on her forehead. She was hiding it under her hair.

“Trish….what happened…….are you ok?”

“Yeah…..I got into a accident coming home….I wanted to surprise you…..I got the part……and I was so happy and…I got cut off on the freeway…and I cut a tire and went for a spin……I was lucky……the car is wrecked…..”

“Hey….sit down…. I’m here, I’m gonna take care of you….come on.”