Page 21 of Engulfing Emma

“Make that two gurneys,” I say.

Emma and Carter are wheeled out. Emma will be okay. The stress of the situation overwhelmed her, and as soon as her body felt it was safe to shut down, it did. I’ve seen that happen many times. I’m more worried about Carter.

Paramedics Debbe and Ryan take Carter out first and then paramedics from another company wheel out Emma.

When I emerge, my entire company stands at attention, clapping for me. I shake a bunch of hands and then I’m whisked away to give my statement, like every other hostage.

Several hours later, when I’m done at the police station, I head back to the firehouse, wondering how Emma is. She hadn’t arrived to give her statement by the time I left. But I won’t check on her. I never do. I learned early on not to get caught up in the aftermath of our rescues. There are too many emotions. Too much drama. Besides, it’s better to think that everyone lives happily ever after.

But that doesn’t keep me from thinking about her.

J.D. sees me walking into the garage at the firehouse. “Go home, Cash. You’ve earned the rest of the shift off. I already called in someone to cover you.”

“You know, for once I think I might take you up on that, Captain. I could really use a hug from my son.”

The moment the words leave my mouth, I hear the pitter-patter of small feet. Then little arms wrap around my legs. Leo grabs onto me like he always does after a shift. I pick him up and hold him tightly.

“Somebody told me you might need to see him,” Bonnie says.

I smile my thanks. “Somebody was right.”

I sit on the couch with Leo on my lap.

“Truck,” he says, pointing into the garage. “Daddy truck.”

I look at the rig. “Yes, that’s daddy’s truck.”

“Your pop was a hero today,” Justin says, ruffling Leo’s hair.

Leo looks at me with pride, almost like he understood what Justin said, even though I know he couldn’t have.

Bonnie leans down behind me and wraps her arms around my neck. “Oh, my boy. Must you make everything so exciting? I damn near keeled over when your captain called and told me what had happened.”

“I’m fine, Bonnie.”

“You saved that boy,” she says.

“Carter is going to make it,” Captain Dickerson says. “He’d be six feet under if you hadn’t been there.”

“Emma’s the real hero,” I say quietly. If she hadn’t stood up for Carter, found the phone, and had the courage to call for help, he would have died.

“What’s that?” J.D. asks.

“Nothing,” I say, standing and hauling Leo onto my shoulders. “Come on, buddy. Let’s go home.”

Chapter Eight

Emma

My blanket is ripped off me, subjecting my eyes to the bright light of midday.

“Mo-om, stop it,” I say, pulling the covers back over my head.

“Honey, it’s been three days. Don’t you think it’s time to get out of bed?”

“I got out of bed yesterday.”

“Only because I refused to bring you food anymore. Come on, you can’t just lie here.”

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