ANDREW was reading emails in the office. Phone and email service appeared to be back up. The plows would soon follow. And after that, they would all be gone. He didn’t want to torture himself about it anymore. He had had enough of torture. This was fresh and new and exciting. It didn’t need a dark cloud hanging over it. He put it out of his mind.

He got up and left the office. He was making his way down the main hallway to the kitchen when Abby came out of her room.

“Hey.”

“Hi.”

“Everything okay with your dad?”

“Yes. All good. He was just letting me know about the arrangements the insurance company just made for the SUV.”

“Okay. Will you need any help?”

“Actually yes. Can we go talk in the kitchen? I could use a drink of water.”

“Sure.” He held her hand as they walked. He was already missing her, and she hadn’t left yet.

There was more movement around the house, so the rest of them were up and about.

“Let’s tell them about John first. And actually, I’ll need to fill them in about the SUV too.”

“Sure.”

She checked in the living room. Ruth and Barb were sitting near the fireplace, reading.

“Hi ladies,” Abby greeted them.

“Hi Abby,” they said almost in unison.

“Where’s Rob?”

“In the kitchen,” Ruth answered. “Oh and thanks for breakfast this morning. Those omelets were so tasty.”

“You’re welcome.”

Andrew turned to her. “I’ll get Rob, and bring you some water.”

“Sure. Thanks.”

“What’s going on?” Barb asked when Andrew left.

* * *

ABBY had a seat in her favorite armchair. “We have a few updates. Most of them good. We figured we’d tell you all at once so we can all agree on the plan.”

“Is it about John?”

“Yes, and a few other things. Hang tight. Andrew’s getting Rob.”

“Cool,” Ruth answered.

“So how was your night?” She asked them both.

“I slept like a baby,” Barb replied. “It’s amazing how stressful situations make a girl tired.”

“Well it’s good that you’re rested. How about you, Ruth?”

Ruth seemed embarrassed by the question at first. Her eyes looked away furtively, and her voice was faint and shaky when she finally spoke. “Good. I slept well.”

“Nice.”

Andrew came in with Rob just then, and an armful of bottled waters.

“So what’s going on?” Rob asked.

She let Andrew relate John’s condition to them. They had a lot of questions, but were all thankful and comforted he would eventually be fine. Afterward, she let them all know about her dad’s call, and the options for getting the rental. It wasn’t a surprise that Barb was the first to voice her concern.

“Two or three more days here? And up to a week if they deliver the car? This can’t be happening. No offense to you, Andrew. I appreciate your hospitality, really I do. And I’m glad we had a place to stay. But I’ve got to get to campus in two days or I’ll miss my first midterm. This professor is a real son-of—I mean a real piece of work. I emailed him to let him know we were stuck, and he replied. He said I can add the weighting to my finals. That won’t work at all. His exams are brutal, Abby. Ask Ruth.”

“I’m in the same boat, guys,” Ruth agreed. “We both have that professor. I mean, the roads aren’t plowed yet, so we realistically can’t be thinking of leaving. But as soon as they do clear them, we should go to Carson City and pick up the rental, and head out right away.”

“How about you, Rob?”

“Me? I’m good. I’ll miss a few assignment deadlines, but this is my final two semesters. I’ll live. I’m more interested in finding a job out in San Fran when it’s all over. A few B grades won’t kill me. I can stay and wait for the car to be delivered here. That’s if you’re up for having us, Andrew. I didn’t even think to ask.”

“Yes of course. You all can stay as long as you need.”

“Thanks Andrew.” Abby needed to let them all know where she stood. Everyone including Andrew. “I’m kind of in the same boat as Rob. I’m missing some seminars, but it won’t affect me very much for a few more days. A week may be a problem for me, though. I have a hospital placement that starts next week, and I can’t miss it.”

“We’re also forgetting, some of John and Trina’s things are still here, and some are in the SUV,” Rob reminded them. “Who’s going to get those things to them?”

Abby hadn’t thought about that yet. “I’m not sure. Trina may need some of her things there. But if John’s released and can complete his physical therapy close to college, his things may be better off there.”

Andrew spoke up. “I can get their belongings delivered to the hospital or John’s parents. Don’t worry about that part. Can I make a couple of suggestions to add to the options?”

They all nodded.

He took a deep breath. “Okay. To me it sounds like the priorities in order, are first, get all your belongings from the SUV, right?”

They agreed.

“Next is to get Barb and Ruth to San Francisco by tomorrow night, so you’ll be ready for your exams. Am I still on track here?”

More nods.

“The towing will take care of itself. And John and Trina’s things are easy for me to take care of. All that’s left is getting the rental in either Reno or Carson City, for Rob and Abby to get back by the weekend. Yes?”

They all gestured in agreement.

“So how about this? It’s not quite noon yet. There’s lots of daytime left. Rob, you and I can go to the SUV on the ski-doos. I’ve got the firewood trailer. It’ll fit everything that’s inside the vehicle right?”

“Yeah it will. But with what happened to John, is it safe out there?”

“Come on, man. Of course it’s safe. None of the predators in this area make moves during the day. You know this, right?”

“Yeah, man. I was just making sure. Sure. I’ll go. Good plan.”

“So all of your things will be here and out of the SUV today. You can leave Trina and John’s stuff here. I can easily get those delivered wherever they want it. Next are Barb and Ruth. If the plows don’t come by tonight, I’ll get the two of you back to Reno by chopper, and you can get a flight from there.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Ruth spoke up. “Really, I think we can just study harder for finals.”

“I insist. It’s not a big deal.”

“No really, I can’t. Look guys, I have a fear of flying okay? I just can’t do it, Andrew. I’m sorry.”

Andrew looked toward Abby, and ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

“Well how about this? If the plows come by early tomorrow afternoon, you and Barb can take my Jeep and drive to San Francisco.”

“That could work,” Barb said. “Right Ruth?”

The two of them seemed to be getting along much better, since John’s accident.

“Sure. Yes, I can help drive.”

“Well if that’s the case,” Rob added, “I’ll go with Ruth and Barb. How will we get the car back to you?”

“I’m sure I’ll fly out there sometime soon. I’ll just drive back. If I need to, I’ll get a service to bring it back. But I won’t. I’ve got enough cars out there.”

“Hold on. That would leave Abby to drive out alone,” Rob realized.

He looked over at Abby again. So far, the plan sounded good to her. It also gave them more time together before she had to leave. She liked the sound of that. She nodded so he would go on.

“I’ll drive with her,” Andrew suggested. “She has to pick up her rental, and it’s in the opposite direction from where Barb and Ruth have to be in two days.”

Everyone seemed to mull it over, but looked agreeable overall. Rob stood up and answered first. “Sounds like a smart plan to me.”

“I’m game,” Barb agreed.

“Me too,” said Ruth.

“Then I’m in too,” Abby answered.

“Okay great.” Andrew seemed satisfied when he got up and started walking to the hallway. “Rob, let’s suit up now. We can get your things and be back in less than two hours. That’s long before it starts to get dark. And when we unload, we can replenish the firewood.”

“Great.”

Abby followed him. “I’ll get my car keys.”

“We’ll finish up in the kitchen,” Barb said, nodding at Ruth. They got up and proceeded to the kitchen.

The doorbell rang before Andrew and Rob were ready. Abby was the first to get back with her car keys. She looked out the window from the living room. A smaller snowplow—the ones that private service providers attach to their tow trucks—was clearing snow in the front driveway. That probably meant the roads had reopened.

Andrew returned from the back and answered the door. Abby saw his reaction to the plow working out front.

“Good morning, Mr. Carrington.” It was one of the men who had given Andrew a ride into town a few days before.

“Good morning. I see you’re already at it out there.”

“Yes sir. I knocked to check in, sir. We wanted to make sure you’re doing well.”

“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well sir,” the man cleared his throat, “while we were on our way here, we saw a dead mountain lion up the road, and a blood trail leading here. We just wanted to make sure.”

“Thanks for checking. I’m fine. One of my guests was attacked. He’s been airlifted to Norton Memorial. So no need to worry.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Yes it is. So how are the roads out there?”

“Pretty good now. All the highways have reopened now, and the main roads are mostly finished. A few of these back roads are still snowed in. You’re fine though, sir. It’s clear to Reno or Truckee from here, if you need to head out.”

“Thanks. How about over to Broad Oaks?”

“It’s been cleared. Oh, would you by chance know the people who left their disabled vehicle over there?”

“Yes. They’re my guests.”

“Very good, sir. The Lake Tahoe Sheriff’s department asked us to keep an eye out. There were a lot of stranded vehicles that night of the blizzard. They’ve been doing a headcount, to make sure no one got stuck out in the elements.”

“Let them know it’s all clear. There were six passengers. Two are at Norton Memorial. The other four are here. The owner’s insurance company should be moving it in the next couple of days.”

“All right Mr. Carrington. Well, I’ll get out of your hair now. We’ll be finished clearing out front in a jiffy. Have a good afternoon.”

“Actually, can you hold on a second? I’ll be right back.”

Andrew left the door ajar and came to Abby. “You heard all of it, right?”

“Yes. So I guess it means…”

“Yes. I can’t say I’m happy about it, but I understand you all have to leave. Listen, as the guys are here, how about I get them to tow your car here? It’ll save us the trek to unload it, and it’s not much of a difference for the insurance company’s towing service to come get it.”

“Sure. I guess that could work. I’ll call my dad and let him know.”

“Before you do, let me say this before my selfishness get the better of me.”

“What is it?”

“I won’t deny I want you to stay as long as I can have you, Abby. I do. I think you know how much I do. But you all got here together, and you should leave together. It’s the right thing to do. If they’ll tow your car here—and they will if I ask—I think it’s best if I drive you all back to Reno. You can pick up your rental and get Ruth and Barb back. You can leave John and Trina’s things here or drop them off at one of their parents’ place. There’s still more than enough time to make it to San Francisco before dark. How does that sound?”

It was happening so fast, Abby wanted to resist at first. His earlier suggestion gave her a few extra days with him. This plan gave her no time at all. This plan sucked, but Andrew was right; it was the smart thing to do.

“Sure. We’ll do it. I’d like to stay, but you’re right.”

“It’s settled then. Let me tell the guys outside.”

He started for the door but walked back to her and held her in his arms. “I want to see you again. Soon. I can come to you. Is that okay?”

“Yes. Me too.” She wished it could be different. Time was not theirs anymore. She leaned into his chest. She took an extra few moments to soak in his embrace, breath in his musky smell, and then let him go. “Okay you go tell the men outside. I’ll let the rest of them know.”

They left the living room. Andrew stepped through the front door again as Abby headed for the kitchen. She updated Ruth and Barb, who were ecstatic, and went to look for Rob. He was fine with the plan too. The three of them went upstairs to tidy up their rooms, and get their belongings packed. Abby headed to her room to do the same. She was the only one feeling somber about leaving—well, she and Andrew.