Page 92 of Anchor Point

“You too… Santa Daddy.”

I walked out of the room right as my phone rang in my pocket. I answered and slid it to my ear to hide my burning cheeks.

“Mac. It’s Childers.”

“Hey, man,” I greeted my old friend. “Thanks for returning my call. How’s it going?”

“It’s good. Things are good.” The hesitation in his voice told me otherwise.

We’d met years ago in the service and then reconnected in the fire academy. He’d since gone on to run the academy, and we met for drinks every time I went back. We didn’t talk often, but once a part of the brotherhood, those ties ran deep.

“You don’t sound okay. What’s going on, Hal?”

“I’m at my wit’s end. One of my instructors is leaving to head out west and join a search-and-rescue team. None of the applicants are qualified, and I feel like I’m spinning my wheels, again.”

I could feel his frustration through the phone.

“Who’s leaving?” A tiny seed of hope sparked. The reason I’d called him in the first place was to feel out the situation at the training academy. I was grasping for solutions.

“Bohannon. Did you ever meet him?”

I reached my truck and climbed in, noting that I still had time to make it to Olivia’s hearing. Regardless of what the mayor was calling it, this council meeting was going to be a hearing about Olivia.

I focused on Childers. “Bohannon? Tall guy? Had a thing for jumping out of planes?” I recalled taking a CPR recert class from him.

“Yeah, he’s going out west to fly search-and-rescue missions. I think it’s so he can just get his kicks for jumping out of perfectly good aircraft. But what do I know. He’s also had some trouble at home lately. Anyway. It’s been hard as hell to find a good replacement for him.”

“I hear you, brother. What can I do for you?”

“I don’t suppose you know of anyone who’s certified that might be interested in teaching?”

It was hard enough trying to find people to work in the fire service. The long hours, lack of pay… not many people wanted to work a career where you were away from home every third night. Not to mention all the bullshit that came with dealing with some crappy people from time to time. I couldn’t imagine what the pay as an instructor would be, but I was sure it wasn’t much.

I glanced at the clock, time to head out. “Maybe. I’ll think on it and let you know.”

“Sure. You aren’t interested, are you?”

I swallowed thickly. “You know, I would be… but I’d have to give up my retirement plan. I’m so close… and the training center would mean a pretty hellacious commute.” I voiced my concerns, even though I’d originally called to see if he did indeed have a place for me.

“I get it. It’d be hard to leave knowing I only had a few more years.” He heaved a beleaguered sigh.

“But I’ll give it some thought,” I said as I rang off.

I drove to city hall, forcing the conversation out of my head. Right now, Olivia was my focus, and I wanted to be there to make sure the mayor didn’t come down hard on her.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Olivia

Cathy knocked lightly on my office door. “It’s two o’clock.” The solemness in her voice did nothing to alleviate my trepidation.

I spun the ring on my finger and drew a breath, searching for the confidence I knew I’d need to face a room full of men who had it in for me. That was unfair. There was only one or two who might be gunning for me. But in such a small town, who knew which pockets might be lined.

On that chipper thought, I faked a smile. “Don’t be so glum, Cathy.” Truth was, I needed her support.

Mayor Smith had announced a called city council meeting. My actions, or inaction, the night of the courthouse fire were being called into question.

Or maybe it was that Mac hadn’t let go of me after taking down the arsonist-slash-kidnapper and had needed to have me within arm’s reach. Or the fact that he’d stood there in front of everyone with his arm around my shoulders, kissing my temple, lingering there as if he needed to breathe me in to remind him that we were all right.

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