T – Thunder

This is a serialized story – be sure to read in order: from A (afterthought) to Z (zealous).

“Who knew you could cook like that? I’m ready to take on the world now.” Nash put his fork down and rubbed his stomach.

Courtney laughed and picked up her dishes, putting them in the sink. “It was boxed mac ‘n cheese. I don’t know about the whole world, but I feel more ready to tackle our problem. We still need to find a way out of here. Do you have any idea how long we’ve been gone?”

“Not really.”

“To me, it feels like days but who knows?”

Nash picked up his dishes and took them to the sink. “Based on my hunger and thirst, I’d say it’s only been a few hours.”

“Few?” Courtney snickered. “I’d guess it’s been more than eight which means it’s dark out now. How about we get some sleep before we try to figure out our next step.”

“Smart. Guess that’s why you’re so successful.” He sat on the sofa and propped his feet on the coffee table. “What made you decide to become a P.I. instead of joining the police department?” He tapped on the sofa beside him. “Sit, the dishes can wait. As a matter of fact, why should we even do them? We’re the ones trapped here.”

“You’re right.” She stopped putting water into the sink and dropped down on the sofa.

“Put your feet up. C’mon, no one’s gonna know.”

She slipped off her shoes and sighed. “How about a foot rub?” She pivoted and plopped her feet in his lap.

“I remember doing this when we were in school. You were waitressing while I was playing in the band. I got to sit at the drums but you were on your feet all night.” He massaged her feet, one at a time, while she moaned.

“I remember those days well. Ever think about your music? Do you still play?”

“Hey, I asked the first question. Why not a police force?”

Courtney sat up and put her shoes on. “I guess I got tired of the good-ole-boys networking. I attend the police academy after college, but washed out. One instructor took me aside and referred me to Denton Shearer, a retired P.I. He sponsored me while I took the classes needed for my license and let me join his firm until I was ready to go out on my own.” She lay back smiled. “Your turn…”

“I often wonder where I would be now, if I would be happier, if I had stayed with music instead of going to law school.”

“Do you keep in touch with the others? The band members?”

He shook his head. “No, too painful a reminder of what might have been.” He yawned and  stretched his arms over his head. “You take the bed and I’ll sleep here, on the sofa.”

She yawned in return. “I guess it’s time. Let’s just hope no one else shows up overnight. This whole thing has gotten out of hand but I’d too tired to analyze it. Tomorrow is a new day.” She laughed. “That’s assuming it is night out there.”

He nodded. “Yeah. Assuming that. Good—” They both jumped as a huge boom startled them.

“What was that? Sounded like an explosion. Are we going to get buried in here?” Courtney was near tears.

Nash pulled her into a hug. “No, it sounded more like thunder. Maybe that means we are close to an exit. Are you okay? Do you want to stay together tonight?”

She sniffed and nodded. “I can sleep sitting on the sofa with you. Thank you.”

To be continued…