Page 14 of Too Much Heat

He handed her his keys. “Wait for me in my car. I’ll tell Gabe how to handle this.”

He walked out back where the guys were playing football. Their WFD navy T-shirts were damp due to the heat. “Swansonand I have to leave. I’m not sure how long it will take. Gabe, you’re in charge. Call the BC and tell him you need a sub for her.”

“Sure, Cap. You okay?”

“I am.”

He found her sitting in his Civic. He slid inside and started the engine. Address?”

“55 Elmwood Street.”

He knew the streets of Westwood like the back of his hand. He started to drive. Her house was only five minutes away, but she didn’t talk so he took his cue from her and stayed silent. When he pulled up to the modest Cape Cod, she bolted out the side door. Taking note of the cop car running out front, he followed her.

She jogged to the porch. The screen door banged behind her after she hurried into the house. Joe caught up to her and went inside.

She’d stopped at the couch. “No, please, don’t hurt him,” she said.

One policeman held Sammy by the arms. He said, “La-ra. La-ra.” He seemed scared to death.

“We aren’t going to hurt him,” the officer told her. “I assume you’re the homeowner. Your aide here said he attacked her.”

She sent a brief, disgusted glance at the aide. “Look at him,” she said to the police. “He couldn’t attack anyone. He can barely stand by himself.”

Joe noted the guy was thin to the point of scrawny and didn’t have much control of his legs. The police were supporting him. Lara turned to the aide. “Did he hurt you, Mrs. Johnson?”

“No. But he was going to. I couldn’t control him and I was afraid.”

To the police Lara said, “I’m here. I’ll take care of my husband.”

Joe’s mouth dropped.Husband? She had ahusband?

The guy glanced over her shoulder. “Hey, Joe. Are you staying with Ms. Swanson? Not sure I want to leave her alone with him.”

“I’m staying, Jim.” Though he had no idea what was going on.

Lara crossed to them and removed her husband from the cop’s grasp. She hooked one arm around his waist and put the other around her neck. “Come on Sammy, I’ll get you to bed for a nap.”

The police let them go.

Joe asked, “Is she in trouble, Jim? She’s a firefighter, an upstanding member of the community.”

“No, of course not. But she shouldn’t leave him with an aide anymore or at least get ones that are stronger than the woman today.”

“I’m sure she’ll do the right thing.”

Jim said, “I have to write up the call, but nobody’s in trouble. With us, at least.” He nodded to the closed door. “I’m afraid your colleague has her hands full.”

“So I see. Thanks, both of you.”

He noticed the aide had not left. “Are you waiting for something?”

“She owes me for the whole day.”

“How much?”

“$100.”

Joe took out five twenties and gave it to the aide. Then she walked out the front door. He dropped down on the couch and waited for Swanson to come out.

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