Page 4 of Scorched

“I thought you did love my house.”

“I do. Just not the white in the living room. It’s too harsh with all that natural wood.”

Declan stopped in front of them at the back of the van. Alex stood on the ground, taking the things Katie handed him as they bickered. “Why are you two arguing about paint colors?”

“The walls are finally getting repaired from the shooting,” Alex said.

“And I’m moving in,” Katie interjected.

“She wants to paint the entire room a different color instead of just repainting the new dry wall the same color.”

“Have you seen his house?” Katie asked.

Declan shook his head.

“It’s all beautiful hardwoods. With white walls.”

“They’re eggshell,” Alex countered.

She rolled her eyes at him. “Same thing. My point is, the color sucks. It’s not asking much to repaint, is it?”

Declan held up his hands. “I am not getting involved in your domestic dispute. You two can work that out all on your own.” There was no way she was going to get him to pick a side. He was friends and colleagues with both of them.

She huffed. “Where’s a woman when you need her?”

Alex laughed and helped her out of the van. “You know I’m going to let you do whatever you want. Leave the poor man alone.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek.

A pretty smile spread over her face. “Fine.” She scooped her multi-colored hair into a ponytail. “So, what do we have? Dispatch said you guys found a body in the house.”

“Yeah. You two have what you need?”

Alex nodded. “Lead the way.”

Declan spun around and led them toward the burned-out structure. “Walters will lead you to the victim.” He pointed to the man in turnout gear standing near the house, his helmet tucked under his arm as he drank a bottle of water.

“You’re not going in?” Alex asked. He frowned, running an assessing gaze over Declan. “What happened? You’re standing funny.”

“The house flashed on us. Sam Reeves and I were too close and were thrown. I broke some ribs. Sam’s at the hospital with a concussion.”

“Oh my goodness!” Katie glanced up at Alex. “Who’s going to take care of Austin with Sam out of commission?”

“I don’t know, but I’m sure the police and fire departments will come together to make sure the brothers are properly looked after while they recover.”

“Damn straight. And if they’re not, I’ll do it myself.”

Alex patted Katie’s shoulder. “Down, girl.”

She huffed. “Sorry.”

Declan waved her off. He knew she had a soft spot for Austin after what they went through. “Alex is right. We’ll make sure they’re taken care of.”

“Good.”

They reached Walters. “Keith will lead you to the body and help you remove it. Watch your step in there. The floor is a minefield.”

Walters waved them forward. “It’ll be easier if we go in through the back. The victim is in the kitchen.”

Declan headed back to the truck, needing to sit. Would this call ever end?

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