Chapter 9

Trish was aware that Henry had been watching her off and on ever since they fled the Candlewick Inn and taken shelter in this godforsaken dump. She hadn't been exactly loving towards him -- hugging him one minute, pushing him away the next. She was scared for him, for herself, for all of them.

She was especially afraid for Cal and Sully who were now out there trying to bring back Cal's boat to rescue them. Trish refused to believe they wouldn't make it, although she knew one of them had been shot. Neither of them was brave and wanted to go out and possibly face that evil monster. She couldn't blame them. Nevertheless, she was glad they had gone instead of Henry.

Oh how she wished this nightmare was over and they could go back to living their lives the way they had planned. But Trish knew that even if they survived, their lives would be forever changed.

It was then that she thought about her conversation with Abby. What if Abby and Jimmy had not sneaked off together? At least Abby had that last time with Jimmy. That's all she had left, but at least it was something.

"Danny," she said quietly. "Can you please take watch at the window? I need to talk to Henry."

Danny smiled weakly. "Say no more, my friend. I understand."

Trish and Danny approached Henry, who looked at them, surprised. Danny swiftly waved his hand for Henry to get lost. Trish took Henry by the hand and as she turned, she noticed Abby watching but not seeing, yet remembering.

Trish led Henry to the cluttered area at the back of the boathouse. They were out view of the others.

"Trish, it may not be safe back here," Henry whispered, while at the same time pulling her closer and allowing her to bury his face in kisses, landing some well-placed ones of his own.

"We got company!" Danny yelled.

At first neither Trish nor Henry comprehended what they had just heard or the commotion of shuffling feet moving towards the front window, so intent were they on pleasing themselves and each other.

"Hey! Someone's coming!"

Trish and Henry reluctantly let go of each other and quickly made their way to the front window along with the others.

The sheriff's truck was heading straight at the boathouse. Those with guns cocked them, ready to shoot to kill.

"There's something on the hood," Trish said. "It's a body."

Abby moved closer to see. Her legs felt weak.

Before they could react, the truck reversed, causing the body to fall off. It was Jimmy!

The truck sped off and they rushed outside, each one praying, none harder than Abby, that he was alive.