“It’s fine. I’m still very warm.” She snuggled into her seat to get a little more comfortable.
“Good. I can’t have you catching a cold, wife.”
They were about five minutes into their trip back home when Hope asked, “I wonder if the new housekeeper has arrived already.”
“Let’s call your mother.”
“Sounds good.” The rain continued to pelt down as they drove, slowing their drive back.
“Call Mom.” The Bluetooth dialed the number on the dash.
“Hey, Mom. Did Ms. Rhoades show up?”
“Yes. She’s in the kitchen, preparing for tonight’s meal. What time will you be back?”
“Great. We’ll be there soon. We’re already on the road, but the weather’s a little rough. How is it holding up over there?”
“It’s storming hard. Be careful. Ethan’s having fun with Grandma. Oh shit.”
“What? What’s wrong?” Gage sped up, wanting to get to the house faster.
“The power just went out.”
“Damn it. The emergency generators should kick on any second.”
“Oh good. They just did.” Grace released the breath she had held.
“Good. We’re about twenty minutes out. See you soon.”
He ended the call on the dash. “Ugh, this isn’t the best way to welcome a new employee.”
“Well, if she’s from around here, she’ll know it’s common. Don’t freak out, my love. We’ll be home soon.” He squeezed her hand that he held in his as they continued through the storm.
About five minutes from the house, they reached a winding turn, and with a loud pop, their tire blew out. Everything happened so fast as the vehicle skidded on the slick road, sending the vehicle careening into a guard rail and flipping over into a ditch.
“Ah,” Hope screamed out before she hit her head on her window.
“Hope. Hope,” Gage cried out as he unbuckled himself. Gingerly, he undid her belt and pulled her just outside the vehicle without jostling her.
“Gage,” she whimpered, her voice weak as her head bled on him.
“Stay with me.” He reached for his phone, but it was pointless because his vision was blurred as the rain and blood poured.
Denver had slammed on the brakes when he saw their truck skid, coming to a sliding stop about ten feet from where their ride went into the ditch. They saw what happened and had a terrible feeling.
“Hope, Gage,” Denver shouted, rushing toward them as Mike was on the phone to the police, calling for an ambulance. Just then another bullet whizzed through the air, hitting Denver in the shoulder and sending him backward on the pavement. Undeterred, he drew his weapon and aimed in the direction of the shot, firing three rounds.
Movement through the trees allowed the expert marksman and Marine to find and hit his target. The quick fall of the man sent Denver in his direction, but it was too late. The shooter jumped into a beat-up truck and sped down the road. He stumbled back to their vehicles to see Mike assisting Gage with Hope.
“Sorry. He got away,” Denver panted, completely out of breath. Sirens could be heard in the distance even through the heavy rain. Even with the rapid response, Gage felt like it was taking forever to get Hope the care she needed for her and their son. “Hang in there, my love.” He kissed her temple, holding her as best he could without moving her too much. He knew there could be serious and permanent ramifications of doing so. A squad car and an ambulance pulled up to the scene along with a fire engine.
“Who needs attention first?” the medics shouted, running along with the firemen.
“Over here,” Denver said, pointing down at Hope who had lost consciousness.
Gage hadn’t been doing much better. The only one uninjured had been Mike. He had pulled out the medical kit from their trunk and treated Denver’s shoulder. It was a flesh wound, but it still needed a few stitches. The firemen shooed him away so they could take care of Denver while the two medics worked on the Gibsons.
Through a gravelly voice, Gage called out, “My family, Mike! Get to them. Keep them safe.” He then returned his attention to Hope, who they were prepping to move.