Page 7 of Burning for the Truth

“Sure thing, baby doll. I get off at seven this evening. I’ll be there as soon as I can once shift change happens. Do you need me to bring anything?”

I laugh. “No, babe, just your handsome self…I need you to walk through my door no later than seven thirty, because much later, I’ll be hangry. We don’t want that. I want to eat our supper and then have you for dessert.”

“Baby doll, I can’t wait to show you how much I’ve missed you. I won’t be late, I promise,” he says in a deep and sexy voice effectively sending heat through my body.

“You know how I feel about broken promises,” I remind him.

He laughs. “Yes, I know. Broken promises are right beside telling a lie in your book, and liars are the worst of the worst.”

“I’m so glad we have an understanding. How are things going with the investigation?” I ask suddenly serious.

“Nothing new, babe. We’re combing every piece of evidence we can, but with fire, most evidence is destroyed. We’re just waiting on him to slip up somehow. And he will, I can promise you that too.” I smile at his confidence as I get in my car.

“I hope you’re right. I don’t like all this waiting for the other shoe to drop.” I start my car as my phone connects to the radio and his voice filters through the speakers.

“Try not to worry, Bree. You go home and relax. I’ll be there as soon as I can, okay?”

“Okay. I love you, Drew.”

I can hear the smile in his voice. “I love you too, Bree.” With that, we end the call. I can’t help the feeling of dread settling in my stomach as I drive away from Dr. Barnette’s office. I know it has everything to do with this elusive arsonist.

I get out of the shower about six and check my phone after I’ve put on my favorite little black dress, the one Drew likes so much. I have a missed call and voicemail from him. The feeling of dread punches me in the gut, making me feel sick. I’m about to start supper but I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.

I listen to the voicemail. “Hey, Bree, it’s me. I’m probably going to be late. We’re on our way to a fire right now and it’s one of his, I know it. I can’t give any more details right now because I don’t want you to panic. Just sit tight, baby doll. I know you’re probably cooking or in the shower. I’m going to try my hardest to be there as close to on time as I can. Please don’t be mad if I’m late. I can’t wait to see you. I love you, babe.”

I lay the phone down and my hand trembles. Something bad is happening. I know it. I sit on the bed and stare at the wall. I don’t know how I’m supposed to sit here and wait. I go to my closet to unzip the dress. It slides down my body, then I hang it back up before sliding on a pair of jeans. Next, I grab one of my favorite vintage T-shirts and pull it over my head.

I need to get out of this apartment. I’m going stir-crazy already. I pick my phone up and call Ivie. “Hello?” she answers on the first ring.

“Hey, Ivie. Did Sterling get called out?” I ask quickly.

“Yes, he’s on his way to another fire, but he didn’t give me anything more. He simply rushed out of here like lightning was chasing him,” she admits with worry in her voice.

“Well, if it’s okay with you, I’m going to come sit with you and Aria until he gets back or until I hear from Drew. He’s on shift and going to it too. I can’t sit here alone waiting. I’ll lose my mind.”

“Come on over, we’ll be here. Be careful on your way.” I run to my bathroom to plug in the hair dryer.

“I will…be there shortly.” I hang up and dry my hair. Then I quickly send a text to Drew’s phone, knowing he won’t get it until they’re done.

Me:I’m going to Sterling and Ivie’s to wait until you’re done. I don’t wait well when I’m worried, you know that. So, text or call when you can, and you’re close to being on your way and I’ll meet you at my place. I love you.

With that done, I slide my phone in my pocket and grab my keys, purse, and gun. I lock my door and head downstairs to my car. Thunder rumbles in the distance adding to my already eerie feeling of dread.

As I drive, I can’t help the overwhelming worry enveloping me. I know deep down this is a dangerous game and we’re nothing but pawns in a madman’s master plan.

The call came out with a house fully involved. No contact with the homeowner, and her vehicle is in the driveway. No one can reach her, and she hasn’t been seen since she got off work two hours ago. Serena Lawson… It’s her house on fire.

We pull down her long drive to her two-story house to find it is indeed, fully involved. Chief Holden is frantic and shouts, “Find her, boys. She’s here. Serena’s got to be in there.” We all jump out of the tankers and engines already in our turnout gear. The patrol officers were in between changing shifts when the arsonist struck.

B shift officers Slade and Alex have been called due to the nature of this fire, and they’re on their way too. I can hear more sirens in the distance signaling an ambulance and/or police are on their way. This call is personal.

Other firefighters are pulling hoses and getting into position as we check the scene from A side to D side of the house. Chief Holden is dying to go inside with us, but he hangs back as IC, or incident commander.

We find B side of the house to be the best for entry. Our plan is we’re doing a search and rescue. I won’t think any other way. Drew and I finish putting on our SCBAs, or self-contained breathing apparatus, and grab our Halligans.

Right before we break into teams of two, with Drew and I about to make entry before anyone else, Sterling pulls in and exits his vehicle with Hart exiting the passenger side. Sterling stares at me, and I can tell he’s thinking the same thing. If she’s in there, it may be a recovery instead of a rescue. But I still won’t allow myself to think it.

I key up my radio. “Drew and I are entering from B side through a sliding glass door. It’s unlatched, Chief.” I slide open the door and Drew enters behind me, closing it back.

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