Page 4 of Smoldering Nights
"Thank you.I will."
She moved toward the driver's seat, realizing for the first time that she was a bit sore herself.Nothing like Mitch, of course, but the day's activities were taking their toll.
She started her van and turned her head toward Mitch."Where do I take you?"
Mitch grinned."I live in a condo at the Barracks."
"Oh.That's cool."
She put her van in drive and slowly pulled out of the parking lot.She was careful not to jostle Mitch too much; he had to be sore with a cracked rib.After turning right out of the parking lot, she slowly drove toward Main Street.She felt like she could run faster than she was going.But Mitch's comfort was more important than her getting her customer list prepared.She had to keep reminding herself of this.
After a few minutes, Mitch said, "I won't break.You can at least go the speed limit."
"I'm being careful."
"And I do appreciate it, but this is more painful than hitting a bump or two."
She scrunched her nose up, then took a deep breath."Okay."She sped up to the speed limit, which on this road was thirty miles per hour.Her stress level came down a bit; more to be grateful for.
They pulled into the lot at the Barrack's Condos, and he pointed to a spot toward the end."I usually park there."
She navigated the lot and parked her van.She quickly hopped from the van and rushed around to the passenger side to help Mitch out.
He had the door open and one foot out of the van when she rounded the side.She stood by helplessly as he scooted and maneuvered himself from the seat.As he began walking toward the door, she was unsure if she should follow him or just go home.She bit her bottom lip as she watched him walk stiffly to the entrance.Then she heard him say, "You coming in?"
"Yes."She shook her head and followed him inside.
Two pool tables were in a common room.There was a long counter and a microwave on it.Some food racks with popcorn bags, packets of salt and pepper, and a few other items were lined up on top.He continued down the hallway.At the end of the hall, he pulled his keys from his slacks pocket and unlocked the door.He pushed it open and stood back to let her enter first.
She stepped into a clean, neatly decorated living room.The large glass window to her left called to her, and as she looked out, she was amazed to see the length of Main Street in front of her.
"What a great view."
"I know.It's what drew me to this place.It also drew Mason here.I bought this from him when he moved in with Carley."
"That's nice."She turned, and the open concept room allowed her to see into the kitchen.With a groan, Mitch sat at the table to the right.His laptop and a small work area were set up near the end.
"If you need something to drink, please help yourself in the fridge."
Moving into the kitchen, she opened the refrigerator and pulled out two bottles of water.She twisted the cap on one, then the other, and took them to the table.
He winced as he leaned over his laptop.He looked pale, tight-lipped, clearly in pain, but stubbornly ignoring it.The soft blue light from the screen washed over his face, highlighting the dark shadows under his eyes.
She swallowed hard, folding her arms as a knot tightened in her stomach."You should be in bed."
"Could say the same about you," Mitch replied, eyes fixed on the video footage.
He was right.She needed a nap and a hot bath.But her mind wouldn’t shut off.Images of her ruined nursery, scorched stems, and shattered windows wouldn’t stop looping.Not to mention the guilt.
"I keep thinking about everything," she admitted, moving closer."The orders I’m going to miss.My dad’s legacy.It’s all just...falling apart."
Mitch didn’t respond right away.Instead, he tapped a few keys and paused a frame."See that?Someone is moving through the alley.Hood up, face down.Timing’s too perfect to be a coincidence."
Izzy squinted.The screen showed a blurry figure barely distinguishable from the surrounding shadows.Her skin prickled.
"That’s who did it?"
"Don’t know yet.But they were there right before the blast.That’s not nothing."
