Page 53 of Homecoming

“Sorry, did you say something?” Mary-Lou frowns.

“No,nothin’. Ignore me,” Digby smiles. “I just have to go check on my steak, but I’ll be right back.”

“Momma, will you relax?” Amy smiles.

Her mother gathers her thoughts, fanning herself with her hand. “Frank, put your tongue away,” she frowns as her husband stares at Kat.

“Kat, I’m Frank,” he smiles. “Your eyes are so goddamn gorgeously green... Sorry I… I didn’t mean for that to come out—that was supposed to stay in my head. You know what? I’m gonna go get myself some more beer. Please, excuse me.”

“Sorry. Daddy’s a little nervous and he’s also very tired.He’s part of the volunteer fire crews and has beenup most of the night fighting the fires on the road behind the ridge.”

“The wildfires? Oh yeah, I heard about that on the news. Wasn’t there a big one along that road?”

“They’re not wild,” Frank sighs as he steps back into the conversation. “The fires are not wildfires.”

“Daddy, don’t. Not today.”

“Sorry, what do you mean?” Kat frowns. “Please, if you have something to say, then feel free to say it.”

Riley clarifies, “Frank and other firemen don’t believe the fires are because of the heat.”

“So, what then?” Kat questions.

“He thinks they’ve been started deliberately.”

“Riley, I don’t think… Iknow. I just can’t prove it. Given decades of experience with fires, I know.”

“Daddy, please… don’t go into this today,” Amy sighs.

“No, she’s right. We should enjoy the party. Don’t take any notice of a tired old fireman. Let’s celebrate. I’m gonna join the men over there and grab myself one of those steaks.” He smiles at Kat. “It was very nice to meet you.”

“What’s going on with that? Is what he said true? Would someone really start the fires deliberately?” Kat frowns.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Frank, he’s… well, he’s a bit… you know. Reads a lot of conspiracy theories and stuff. He thinks the fires were started deliberately because someone wants to buy the land.”

“But why would someone who wants to buy land set it on fire? That doesn’t make any sense. Burned wasteland is worth nothing.”

“Exactly.” Riley sighs loudly as Amy nudges him. “But you can’t build on the land as it is. Something about a bird that nests there—it’s a protected species, but Frank’s theory is if you burn down the habitat and get rid of the birds… the land just becomesburnedwasteland, and they can buy it on the cheap. He thinks that’s why the interested developers started those fires.”

“But that’s crazy. They’d do all that just to buy land? They should realize how dangerous that is—with the commune being so close. If the wind were to change direction… No, I can’t believe anyone would do that. Surely he can’t believe anyone would do that? You’d have to be a monster to want to do that.”

“I think you’re right, but that’s Frank’s theory.” Riley turns his back on Amy. “Kat, he’s truly a nice guy but sometimes his theories are just, you know, a little crazy.”

“Sure. Look, I’m going to get some juice and something to eat. And in case I forget to say—congratulations to you both. Amy, it was lovely to meet you. I’m sure you and Riley will be very happy together.”

“Thank you, Kat,” Amy smiles. “Knowing how close you and Riley are, it really means a lot to us both that you were here today. This engagement won’t change anything between you.”

“Thanks, that means a lot—Riley means the world to me. He’s a very special man, and I’d trust him with my life, so please take good care of him. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to check on the boys.”

Kat grabs Noah’s hand as they walk towards the rest of the team at the grill. “Do you believe what Frank said about the fires?” she frowns.

“I don’t know,” Noah shrugs. “But he seems to know what he’s talking about, and those firemen certainly know their stuff. If they say the fires are deliberate, personally, I’d believe them. I have noticed there’s been a lot more people around up on the mountain—strangers and far more poachers than therehaveever been. And I don’t mean the ‘kill to eat’ kind either—these were the ‘hunt for fun’ type.”

“But that’s terrible and dangerous with the commune so close.” She shakes her head and sighs. “Noah, do you want a beer or juice?”

“Oh, I’ll have some beer—I’m getting to like the taste now. Though, I was thinking once the cabin is finished, I might make us a batch of mountain dew and we could re-enact that night by the fire.” He smiles and quicklylooksaround beforehebrushes a kiss on her lips.

Kat grins and grabbing her arms around his neck, embraces him in a more passionate kiss.

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