Safe Haven

by L E Fitzpatrick

  ***

  "Have a look in the glove box would you?" Frank said, still checking his pockets as he drove.

  Isobel snapped out of her reverie. She opened the glove box and pulled out an assortment of maps and knives. "No phone," she said. "Why do you want it?" As she uttered the question she realised she was probably the only person in the world who could say something like that to Frank and walk away from the conversation.

  "Just Donnie."

  "You gave him the day off didn't you?"

  "Yeah, but I wanted him to drive us, so we could celebrate properly."

  "He doesn't get a lot of time to himself, leave him be."

  Frank raised his eyebrow. "You bossing me around now?" He meant it playfully, but habit applied a threatening tone to his voice.

  Isobel knew better and ignored him. She put the things back away in the glove box and returned to looking out of the window. It was raining in S'aven, pouring in thick blankets over the city. The power was out, short fused by the lights people still insisted on having this time of year. For one night in December the city was lit up like a warzone and then bang! The world was plunged into darkness and Isobel was left with nothing but the empty road.