Page 105 of The Firefighter's Fate

“How can I trust you, senator?”

“I swear... I swear on my life...”

“Ah, good. That’s a promise you’re sure to keep. You know what that means, Senator. If you do break that oath, then I’m coming for your life.”

He nods.

He’s got it.

I finally pull him back inside and drop him on the carpet. Looking down at his pants, I can see that he’s wet himself.

“Clean yourself up, senator. We’re leaving, and you’ve got to continue your meeting. Can’t have you losing any precious business for your citizens on my behalf.”

Father answers the phone immediately.

“Connor? What is it?”

“The fire situation is all sorted,” I say.

It’s the only thing I have to say to the man.

Father immediately understands what I mean.

“Is it?” he asks. “For sure?”

“Yes, it is. All sorted.”

“Good. I’m proud of you, son. Come for dinner next week at my residence in New York,” he says. “There are things we need to say to each other. Things to finally iron out between us. I need to apologize to you, properly.”

I take in a long breath.

“Let’s set a time,” I reply. “No matter what... I’ll be there.”

53

EMBER

We turn the corner, and I finally see the cabin. And it’s like my heart finally relaxes.

This is peace.

We’re back... in our safe, secret place. No one can find us here.

It’s just us.

After Connor pulls over outside the cabin, I struggle to hop down from his pickup truck. I’m okay, but I still find myself out of breath so damn fast since the fire. The doctors at the Penmayne’s elite hospital restricted me from doing a lot of things, but I will happily ignore most of them. I want to live my life not in fear, thank you very much.

“Let me help you,” Connor tells me, darting around to my side quickly. His voice is full of worry.

It’s sweet of him. I like this caring, concerned side of the big man.

“It’s okay,” I reply. “I don’t need you carrying me around. I can do this myself. I want to do this myself.”

“If you’re sure, Ember.”

“I’m totally sure, Connor.”

“I’m here if you need.”

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