Page 79 of Wild Fires

“You should be at home. It's not in the evacuation zone.”

“I'm volunteering here, asshole. You know, helping people.”

“Keep your voice down. I'm working.”

He snorted. “As am I. Besides, you know how nervous Aunt Ginny gets in times of crisis. She's so dramatic. I had to fly away.”

I laughed. It was true, though no one actually spoke of it.

“How are things here?” I asked him. “Really?”

“It's all good, or mostly good. People are scared and nervous. That's understandable, but tempers have mostly remained in check. Snack packs have been passed out. Some of them are a little stale, but edible. Guess it was a good thing you made us sit around putting that shit together last year. Family bonding time my ass, but everyone's grateful for them now.”

“Good. Good. Gia convinced me to let her keep the restaurant open for her staff only. They are cooking up a feast. I'll see if she can deliver some real food here soon.”

“That would be great. Someone dropped off about a dozen pizzas half an hour ago. They didn't even last five minutes and nearly caused a riot. Didn't even put a dent in the number of people we have displaced here.”

I sighed. “I'll see what I can do.”

“Thanks. Now, how are things going out there—really?”

“As far as I know, everything is under control. The mandatory evacuation zone has been cleared. Things can be replaced, houses rebuilt. People are our priority right now. I'm making my way back over to check on things.”

“Any word on, well, you know who?”

I knew he was talking about Gracie, and it warmed my heart that my family seemed to care so much about what happened to my mate.

I shook my head. “Why do you think I'm going back there to talk to Clarence?”

He gave me a serious look and nodded.

“She's tough. She's going to be okay.”

“I know that, but it doesn't make this any easier. I just need to keep moving and stay busy.”

So that's what I did.

On my drive over, I was pleased to see the roads cleared this time. My phone was ringing non-stop, and I had to take a few of the calls. The Governor had checked in as well as the head of the transportation authority. Both had offered prayers and whatever resources we needed. The main road had been shut down to the east and west of us. All traffic was being diverted north away from the fire.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, had called for a preliminary assessment of needs.

A fire unit from Colorado had offered us a jump team to assist with the fire.

I knew that the more humans I brought into the area, the harder my job got. People were on edge enough as it was. But I also knew that I would do absolutely anything necessary if it came down to it.

I hadn't spoken with Clarence in a few hours and needed an update before making some tough decisions.

My phone rang again, and I wanted to scream. I'd been mayor of Ravenden for years now, but this was the first time that I felt the full pressure of the job. Emergencies like this didn't come every day. I supposed I should be thankful for that.

“Ryan Davenport.”

“Ryan, it's Patrick O'Connell. Heard about the crisis you’re facing and wanted to offer my personal regards and see if there was anything Westin Force could offer to help you.”

I smiled. “It's good to hear from you, and thanks. Everyone seems to be offering me whatever I want at the moment.”

“Humans,” he corrected.

“Humans,” I agreed. “I suppose you of all people understand my hesitation in accepting.”

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