Later that afternoon, while they were drinking coffee by the fire, the storm hit with a force that rattled the doors and windows. The wind that came speeding across the empty fields sounded like a screaming banshee.
“Man, that’s an angry wind,” said Duke.
“It’s gonna stay that way till at least morning,” said Rob. “We’re trapped.”
They both laughed.
“I couldn’t think of a better place to be trapped,” said Duke. “Thanks for putting me up.”
Rob got up from his chair and slapped Duke on the shoulder. “It’s a pleasure.” He collected Duke’s empty coffee cup. “Like I said, I’m glad of the company.”
“You not married?”
“Nope,” said Rob. “Not that kinda fella.”
Their eyes met as he said it and in those few seconds a kind of understanding passed between them.
Duke followed Rob out to the ki
