“Time for a new cookie truck?”

“Yes, but only when I can afford it. I don’t want to take on any big car payments while I’m still paying off my condo.”

“I can understand that. Herb and I were talking about getting something newer for me when the fuel pump went out, but we decided to nurse my car along for as long as we could.”

“That’s exactly the way I feel. I’m going to hang on to this truck . . .” Hannah paused for a moment as thunder rumbled loudly overhead. With the windows up, it had been quieter, but the advantages of cool air outweighed the ease of conversation. “. . . just as long as I can,” she finished.

Lisa gave a little gasp as a blinding flash of lightning struck a tree in a nearby field. “It’s really bad out there,” she said, reaching up to cover her ears as the thunder boomed.

“That’s another reason I decided to take the back way,” Hannah told her once the volley of thunder had reached its crescendo and faded. “This road is lined with trees and lightning will hit them before it’ll hit us.”

“So all we have to worry about is a tree getting struck by lightning and toppling in front of us?”

“Right.” Hannah listened to the rain drumming on the roof of her truck for a moment and then she gave a little laugh. “That and the road washing out.”

“I don’t think that’ll happen. It’s only been raining for . . .” Lisa paused as the thunder boomed again, and then she continued, “. . . less than half an hour.”

Hannah picked up speed as they entered an open area and slowed down when the road was tree-lined again. “At least we’re not the tallest thing on the road right now.”

The two women rode in silence for a moment, safely ensconced in their metal cocoon and listening to the electrical storm raging outside. Then Lisa spoke. “I wonder if we’ll get any customers at all today.”

“My guess is not many.”

“That’s exactly what I think. Maybe we’ll have time to sit and have a cup of coffee, and talk about something besides your mother’s wedding.”

“That would be a welcome change.” Hannah gripped the wheel tightly as they passed another open area. The blinding lightning flashes and crashing thunder were unnerving. She steered to avoid a puddle that was building up in a low spot on the road and her truck fishtailed slightly. There was a sharp bend ahead and she regained control barely in time to make the turn.

“Watch out!” Lisa hollered as she saw a large branch that had fallen in the center of the road.

“Hold on!” Hannah called out almost simultaneously as she spotted the obstacle and hit the brakes as hard as she could. The Suburban fishtailed again on the loose, wet gravel as she swerved to avoid the branch and then there was a sickening thump as Hannah’s front bumper hit something on the shoulder of the road.