Page 31 of Saving His Sunshine

“Thanks, man.” I bump his fist before glancing at Dacen. “Thanks. And thank your uncle too, brother.”

Dacen jerks his chin in acknowledgment before climbing in the truck with Banks. Tony climbs in behind them.

I head back inside the bakery, catching Emmett’s eye across the room.

“What’s up?” he asks. Emmett and I have been close since he joined the department last year. He’s our arson investigator and a damn good dude.

"Can you keep an eye on this shit?" I ask.

He gives me a solemn nod. "Yeah, man. I got you."

"Thanks," I mutter, striding toward the kitchen, needing a minute to get my head on straight. But the damage in here is just as bad. The fancy blast chiller Heidi was so excited aboutis dented, cooling racks are bent, and baking trays are scattered across the floor. Her convection oven is broken.

I run a frustrated hand through my hair, grateful as hell Heidi didn’t see the damage in here last night. It would have broken her completely. I know fuck-all about baking, but I know this equipment was fucking expensive. Her insurance better cover all of it.

I pull out my phone and dial Don Waters' number, not giving a single fuck that I snooped through Heidi's paperwork to get it. I'd do a helluva lot worse to keep her safe.

"Hello?" Don answers on the third ring.

"Hey, Don? This is Alessandro Banger with the Silver Spoon Falls Fire Department." I quickly introduce myself. "I met you briefly atSassy & Sweeta few days ago."

"Right. You were there with Heidi."

"Right. My girlfriend." I'm not in the mood for small talk. I’ve got too much shit to do today, and this is important. "Someone broke into the bakery last night and did some damage."

"How much damage?" he demands. "Is the building okay?"

I narrow my eyes, instantly annoyed. Typical fucking landlord question. But fuck his building. Heidi’s entire world is crumbling. "The building is fine," I bite out. "Heidi's equipment isn't."

"That's a shame. She's a good kid." He pauses. "Why are you calling me?"

I arch a brow even though he can't see it. "Because you're the landlord?"

"Her insurance would cover the damages, Alessandro, not me."

No shit. I take a breath, trying to rein in my temper. "I'm aware of that. I'm calling to ask about her lease."

Another long pause. "If you're asking me to let her out of it..."

"No, of course not. What the fuck?" I scrub a hand down my face. Is he usually an asshole, or am I just in a bad fucking mood? "I'm asking for a copy of it, Waters. I want to install a security system, but I need to make sure it won't violate the terms of her lease."

"You expect there to be more trouble?"

Do I? The question gives me pause. I don't want to make things worse for Heidi by causing problems with her landlord. And I have a feeling telling him the truth will do exactly that. "Expect? No," I hedge. "But she's important to me. I want to know she's safe here."

He sighs heavily. "Look, I appreciate your position, and I empathize with her, but I've already let her make too many changes to the building. The goddamn walls are pink and glittery now. If you install a security system, it's one more thing I have to pay for if her business doesn't make it. I can't have that."

Red flashes across my vision. "It won't cost you anything, Waters," I growl. “I’ll be the one paying for the system.”

"I've heard that before, Mr. Banger. But if her business fails, there’s nothing to incentivize you to keep paying for it. And given the situation, I’m not convinced her business will make it. My answer is no. Have a good day. And tell Heidi I'm sorry about the situation over there."

The line goes dead.

I drop the phone on the counter beside the sink, cursing violently. She needs a goddamn security system. But if that greedy prick won't allow it, I'll install cameras. They aren’t permanent, and Don Waters can kiss my ass if he doesn’t like them.

I pick up the phone again and call Heidi, but it rings several times before her voicemail picks it up. Christ, I hope that means she's still sleeping. After last night, she needs it.

I hang up and shoot her a text.