on in. Has the Beria family train departed yet?”
He laughed softly. “Yes, I think so. It’s just me at the moment.”
“Good, someone rational to talk to. Come sit down. I think I remember seeing you at the fire scene, or did I dream that?”
“No dream, it really was me. I heard the call on the scanner so I broke some land-speed records and hightailed it over. Got there just as they were pulling you out. I don’t mind telling you I never want to see that again.”
He settled his long frame into a chair and she held out a hand for his. They’d been friends for years, since before she went into the academy. Maybe that’s why we get along so well, she thought. He wasn’t part of that intense firefighter brotherhood; he had his own perspective on things. He wasn’t your typical hero type, either. No, that was Antonio all the way. Thinking about Antonio made her cringe with humiliation.
Tim squeezed her fingers. “Are you okay? In much pain?”
The floodgates opened. She began to cry rivers of hot tears. “My shoulder hurts and I’m going to be out two months. Strong is really mad at me, too.”
His brow crinkled. “Why?”
She took the tissue he offered. “I disobeyed orders and stayed in the house.”
He was silent for a moment. “Oh, I see.”
“You’re not surprised, are you?”
“You do have a tendency to throw caution to the wind, Ivy.” Then he said what she most needed to hear. “It will be okay. You’ll heal and you’ll go back to doing what you love.”
She turned her tearstained face to his. The sunlight framed him, the asymmetrical smile and messy thatch of hair, outlining his strong chin. “Promise?”
He stroked her hand. “I promise. And I’ll even help you work on throwing ladders to get back in shape.”
She laughed. He was the most dismal failure at throwing ladders she’d ever seen. Stronger than she was, but not very coordinated. Ironic, since he was a gifted athlete. She often told him it was a good thing for public safety that he’d avoided fire suppression, instead becoming the fire district’s computer guru. He was a willing helper, though. As long as he didn’t start up his God talk, they got along great.
“Did you see Mitch? He brought me in.”
Tim nodded. “Yeah. I was supposed to help him with some software stuff tonight but he said he’s coming back here when he’s off to check on you.”
“He looked kinda funny in the chopper.”
Tim looked away. “Funny? In what way?”
They were interrupted when the nurse came in to check her bandages and inform them it was time to take her for a CAT scan.
Tim stood and bumped into a rolling cart in the process. “Well, I’ll just get moving then. Call me if you need anything, Ivy. I’m really glad you’re okay. I’ll pray for you.”
She almost told him not to bother, but he’d already gone.
She watched the clock and dozed on and off until almost eight, when Mitch arrived with a huge bouquet of daisies in hand. “Hey, V. How is the patient?”
“I’m okay.” She eyed his silk shirt and black jeans. “You didn’t have to get all dressed up for me.”
He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I didn’t. Actually I’ve got another thing tonight.”
“A girl?” She was hopeful. He’d been so lonely since his long-term girlfriend left him for an anesthesiologist. He could use someone to talk to and share his need for adventure.
He handed her the flowers and settled into the chair. “Nothing too wild. A college friend of mine is passing through and we’re getting a bite to eat. Charlie’s coming along.”
Charlie Gregor was the chopper pilot who flew the helicopter for Mitch’s crew. She fingered the white petals. “That’s good. Thanks for the flowers.”
“You’re welcome. Doc says he expects a full recovery.”
“In two months. What am I supposed to do for two months?”
He smiled. “Here’s an idea. Take a vacation, like normal people do. Relax, learn to knit or something.”
“I’m not a good relaxer.”
“Don’t I know it. Give it a try, it might grow on you.”
“I’d rather follow your book of rules. You’re always up to something fun.”
“Not all of us eat, sleep and breathe our jobs, V.” A beep sounded from his PDA. He checked the screen. “That’s my wake-up call. Time for me to split. I’ll come back and see you soon. Try not to drive your nurses crazy.”
“I might not be here when you come back. Maybe I’ll check out tonight.”
“Not for a few days, I think.”
“Couldn’t you talk to the doctor? Tell him…”
“No way, cousin. Lie there and take your healing like a grownup.” He stood and stretched his stocky arms. “Oh, I talked to Doug. He says it’s going to be hard to prove.”
Doug was the department’s fire marshal. “What is?”
His eyes widened. “Didn’t they tell you? I figured the chief would have let you know.”
“She isn’t even speaking to me right now.” She frowned. “Tell me what?”
“The fire wasn’t an accident. Looks like you’ve got an arsonist on the loose.”
Nick hesitated only a moment before he knocked on the door. “There is a complication.”
His boss frowned slightly. “Tell me.”
“He got out.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I made it look like an accident as you suggested. He refused to tell me where he’d put it. After he was unconscious, I used a candle and waited until it lit the place. If it was anywhere in there, it’s ashes now. The problem is fixed.” He stood his ground, flinching slightly at the frown that grew on the other man’s face.
“But there is the matter of Cyril’s friend. It’s possible Cyril passed on my merchandise to the man and he told the firefighter, isn’t it?”
Nick nodded. “It crossed my mind. Should I take care of them?”
His boss rolled his eyes in thought. “For now, concentrate on finding Cyril and do what is necessary to find out if the girl knows anything. Don’t kill her yet. It will draw too much attention.”
Nick frowned. Finesse was not his strong
