Contents
Nineteen
Overview
Cal prepares for another night sheltering Trey, then is ambushed outside his home by three men. Trey fires Cal’s rifle, wounds one attacker, and forces them to flee. Cal self-treats injuries as Lena arrives with her dog and keeps night watch. Cal resolves to contact Austin in the morning, raising stakes with the Dublin crew.
Summary
Cal leaves Trey locked in his house to shop for supplies and asks Lena to help for one more night and to discreetly reassure Sheila that Trey is safe. He returns at dusk, planning how to approach Austin by posing as a retired man from the life.
Before Cal can unload, three men rush him. A bag is thrown over his head and they beat him with a hard object, likely hurls, cracking his collarbone and battering his knee and nose. Trey fires the Henry from the doorway, wounds one assailant, and then fires into the treetops to drive them off.
Inside, Trey helps Cal secure the house and tend injuries. Cal fashions a sling, ices his knee and nose, and concludes the attack was a warning rather than a murder attempt—until Trey’s gunshot escalates matters. They discuss the attackers (likely local foot soldiers), and Cal decides he must call Austin the next morning.
Lena arrives with Nellie, helps set up air mattresses, and stays despite the risk. Cal gives Trey clean clothes and sends her to bed. After lights out, Cal tries to keep vigil, but Lena takes the watch with the rifle through the night while Cal finally sleeps.
Who Appears
- Cal HooperRetired cop; ambushed and beaten at home; injured but stabilizes himself; prioritizes Trey’s safety and plans to call Austin.
- Trey ReddyEmerges with Cal’s rifle, shoots and wounds an attacker, then drives the rest off; helps treat Cal; alternates fury and care.
- LenaArrives with dog Nellie, sets up beds, stays to keep night watch with the rifle; offers practical support and wry counsel.
- Unknown assailantsThree men who ambush Cal with likely hurls; one is shot in the arm; flee when Trey fires again.
- NellieLena’s beagle; accompanies Lena, settles in the house while Lena keeps vigil.