Patrick dug into the bottom of his bag for his old cigarettes and lighter. He only even indulged after taxing days. It was far too late for anyone to catch him in this darkness. So, he leant against the car and smoked one.
Shelagh got out of bed having heard the car pull up a good few minutes ago. She tiptoed past the children's rooms and down the stairs. In her dressing gown, she stepped out the front door and down to the car. She stood and watched her husband smoking for a moment. His shirt was covered in blood, jacket folded on top of his bag. After a minute, she walked and sat next to him.
"I know I shouldn't," he said softly.
"By the state of you, I'll let it go."
Patrick blew out a puff of smoke and caught her eye. He saw the wanting and held out the Henley for her. Shelagh's eyes sparkled. She indulged in one puff before handing it back. The relaxed sigh she released caused a chuckle to leave him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple. She sunk into him as he finished his cigarette.