Page 68 of The Firefighter's Fate

“It’s a small town,” I reply, guarded with my words. I can’t make out the man or his intentions at all.

“You’re correct,” he says, still regarding me closely. “It must feel very different to the city.”

“Yeah, it does.”

“And have you had any luck with Connor? Have you met him?”

This is clearly why he invited me here today. He wants an update. I’m not surprised.

“I have,” I say. “He’s spoken to me. I got to interview him.”

“Interesting,” Waylen says, pondering. “I’m amazed that you’ve got through to him, knowing his defenses. What have you two spoken about?”

“Well... firefighting. Basically.”

Waylen leans back in his chair.

“Ah, of course.”

“I’ve seen him in action,” I say. “He’s really impressive.”

Waylen is unmoved.

“He could be doing better things than just being a lowly firefighter,” he purrs quietly.

I look at his desk. There are framed photos of his family - the Penmayne boys, all much younger than they are now. I spot Connor. His arms are firmly around Spencer and Victor. They’re teenagers. They’re grinning from ear to ear. They look happy.

“He loves his job,” I say softly to the Penmayne patriarch. “He loves being a firefighter. That’s as clear as anything.”

Waylen ponders what I say for a moment, nodding.

“Connor was a really smart boy,” he finally says. “And he was very handy.”

“Perfect for a firefighter,” I reply.

There’s another long pause from the man before he speaks again.

“Do you think you two get on well?” he asks.

The man stares up at me, unblinking. I really can’t tell what’s going on in his head... what thoughts he’s processing. It’s obvious he’s a deeply intelligent man, and incredibly fortified with his mind.

I don’t know if he’s happy with my work so far.

I don’t know where he’s going with this questioning.

I shrug.

“Yeah, I think so. We’ve spoken a few times. It seems like Connor doesn’t open up to anyone.”

“You think he’s opening up to you, Ember?” he questions.

I shrug again.

“I think so.”

Waylen nods again.

“That’s good. I thought you two might get along.”

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