Page 33 of Fighting for Tawny

“I miss you, too. We’ll be heading to fire camp soon.”

“I know. You’ll be safe, I promise.” Finnigan raised his voice at the sound of footsteps. “That’s very good, Ms. Westfall. The proper way to handle a chemical fire, which burns differently from, let’s say, a wildfire, is to treat it with other chemicals.”

“Thanks, Smith. Your explanation helped a lot.” Tawny smiled as she left him to join Yolanda and Terrin.

Once the class thoroughly explored the fire truck and handled the equipment, Finnigan and the other two firemen left to return to Station 92. Tawny’s heart hurt as she watched them drive away. She found it difficult to breathe now for an entirely different reason.

Yolanda touched her shoulder. “Wow. You and Smith have the hots for each other.”

Tawny let out a half-strangled laugh. “Do you think he’s hot?”

“Smokin’. But forget him, Ginger. Men like him don’t fall in love with women like us.”

“Only in a Hallmark movie?”

“Girl, definitely not in a clean and wholesome Hallmark movie. When was the last time you watched one about a convict?”

At the end of the day, Moira announced that they were ready to move to the fire camp located in Chino Hills. “Our primary purpose is to support Cal Fire, cutting fire lines and trees, if necessary, and using fire hoses. We also help rescue people. If you’re adept at handling drones, that might be your job.” She read a list of rules and explained that any infraction could land them back in prison.

“Listen to Captain Finnigan.” Warden Stoltz stepped into the classroom. Everyone sat up straighter. “This is your opportunity to train for a worthwhile career and do something positive with your lives. Success in the program means early release. Do not make me regret choosing you as the first class to restart the fire program.” His lips curled into a smile, but his eyes held no hint of sincerity. “Good luck.”

Tawny gazed at the other women. Their faces reflected their skepticism and outright dislike of the warden.

“Thank you, Warden,” Moira responded to cover the silence.

He nodded and left with a final glance at Tawny.

“Ladies, a bus will be here after breakfast to transport you to the camp. You can bring one bag of personal things with you. Rest well tonight, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

Tawny waited until the others were out of sight before she gave Moira a quick hug. “Oh, my God! Thank you for today.”

“I couldn’t stop Marcus. And Commander Mattox agreed because he would only be away for a few hours.”

“Seeing him was just what I needed. But due to my surprise, I forgot to tell him to check into Wendy Corrigan’s relationship to Director Dickinson. He told me she’s his niece, but I don’t think that’s true.”

“I’ll pass the information along to the team.”

“Thanks, Moira. See you tomorrow.”

“It’s too bad you already have a career, Tawny, because you’d make a great firefighter.”

She grinned, and they saluted each other.

Before breakfast the next morning, Tawny stuffed a pillowcase with her journal, pen, penlight, a deck of well-worn cards, a few slim paperbacks, and snacks. Nervous apprehension curled in her stomach. Today marked the beginning of the end for Stoltz, Whitcomb, Cohen, and Jones. She couldn’t wait to bring them down.

When she entered the cafeteria, a pall hung over everyone. She went through the line and made her way to the table she usually shared with Yolanda and Jo. As soon as Tawny set down her tray, Jo leaped to her feet and hugged her.

Tears pooled in Jo’s eyes. “I’m never going to see you again, am I, T?”

“Not true. When I’m out for good, I’ll have my lawyer look into your case, Jo. I swear I’m not leaving you behind. Trust me.”

“I do. I trust you. You’re the only person who’s ever given a damn about me.”

“Me, too,” Yolanda added. “I wouldn’t be going to fire camp without Tawny having my back.”

Their honest affection for her warmed her heart, but guilt settled like a hard rock in her gut. Tawny hated to deceive these women who trusted her.

“Okay, let’s eat. We don’t know what the day holds in store for any of us.”

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