Page 22 of Too Much Heat

“What’s wrong?” Romano stood in the doorway, leaning against the jamb. The stance pulled the firefighter T-shirt tight across his chest.

She swallowed back her reaction to his presence. “The chief ordered me to his office as soon as our shift ends.”

“Interesting.” He came fully into the room and sat on the bunk across from hers. “I got the same call.”

She stilled. Then, “Do you think it’s about us going to my house yesterday?”

“No. He understands family issues. He went through a messy divorce and missed a lot of work.”

She leaned over. Said quietly, “We embraced, Joe.”

“First off, it was a comforting hug.” His face reddened a bit. He knew as well as she did he’d reacted to her nearness. “In any case, how could he know about that?”

She shrugged. “He couldn’t.”

Joe checked his watch. “I’ll let you get back to chores. We have two more hours.”

She hated uncertainty.

Reaching out, he squeezed her arm. He’d never, not once, touched her at work. “Try not to worry, Lara. You haven’t done anything wrong.”

“I’m afraid of getting blamed for whatever it is and you as my officer would be there to take instructions.”

“I’d know that ahead of time. And I haven’t heard that you’ve done something wrong. He’s probably checking we’re all getting along on the shift. Don’t buy trouble.”

* * *

Stella said, “Captain Romano, the chief will see you and Firefighter Swanson now.”

When they walked into his office, the chief gave them a searing look. “Sit down.”

No greetings. Not a good sign.

Hansen was a big man and kept himself fit. But he never seemed to like Joe and Joe didn’t know why.

“It’s been brought to my attention that you two are involved in a sexual relationship.”

Joe scowled. “It’s not true. Who reported that?”

“I’m unwilling to reveal the source.”

“Itisn’ttrue,” Lara said, her eyes fiery. “I’d never be so stupid to let that happen.”

Well, she didn’t have to sound so horrified about sleeping with him.

“Word is you got a sub for her and you two took off in the same car. Were gone a long time.”

Lara came to the edge of her seat. “Yes, sir, we did that. My husband needed help and I was too upset to drive.”

His face blanked. “You’re married?”

“Yes.”

He looked to Romano. No crack in his demeanor. “I’d be surprised ifyoudid something so stupid, Romano, especially if you’re hoping to get that promotion to battalion chief.”

“You’re right, sir. I wouldn’t.”

“I put Swanson with your group because I thought you were immune to women.”

---