Page 106 of Deck the Fire Halls

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ROB

Chuck’s house.Soren’s partner, his best friend.

God, please let everyone be okay.

My instinct was to go, to follow. To see if anyone was injured or needed assistance. But I was standing in Jayden and Cass’s house, at their wedding, and I was so new here. I didn’t want them to think I was being rude...

Then Jayden was in front of me, smiling, his hand on my arm. “You want to go?”

I nodded. “Someone could be hurt. I’m a doctor. I should go... I’m sorry. This was all so beautiful and such a joy to witness. Thank you for inviting me.”

He grinned. “You’re welcome.”

“I feel bad for leaving.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he replied. “Go make sure everyone’s okay.”

“Come on,” Braithe said to me. “I’ll walk you out.”

I gave a nod and went with Braithe. He basically put me in my car. “I’d like to say it gets easier,” he said. “Every time Colson gets a call out, but it doesn’t. Soren will be okay. He’s very good at his job.”

It hadn’t even really occurred to me that Soren could get injured. I’d seen many emergency service workers injured on the job over the years, but it never really...

Oh hell.

I’d never consideredmySoren could be injured.

“Tell everyone I said thank you, and I hope you like your gift,” I told Braithe. “Sorry I can’t stay.”

“I’m sure it’ll be lovely,” he said. “Drive carefully now.”

“I will.”

And I did make sure to stay under the speed limit, even though my mind kept racing, reenacting every accident that came through my ER, putting Soren in their place.

Or Chuck and his girlfriend.

I could only hope that they got out. Not only for their own sake but also for Soren’s. He’d be devastated if the worst should happen.

As I drove into town, the fire engine screamed out of the fire station, siren and lights flashing.

Soren’s on that truck.

I followed, turning onto my street. I raced into my house, grabbed my medic bag, and raced back out. I’d heard Colson say the name of the road and I had a vague idea of where it was, but I didn’t need directions. People stood in the street, all facing the same way, the red lights fading out of view.

I followed, and soon it was all I could see.

Flashing red and blue lights everywhere and a giant orange blaze against the black night sky.

I pulled off the road, grabbed my bag, and then spotted the paramedics. I felt a little foolish to think I’d be the only one there but also very relieved.

The back door was open, lights on inside, but the bed was empty.Thank god.The paramedic had a blanket around a woman who was watching the fire, her face strewn with ash and tears.

“Hello,” I said, addressing the paramedic. “I’m Doctor O’Reilly. I was with Soren and Colson when they got the call. I wasn’t sure if I was needed...”

The paramedic woman smiled at me. “Name’s Chrissie. I think we’re good for now.”

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