Page 27 of Burn for Me
“Gray, hi. How’s it going?”
“Good, thanks. How are you feeling?”
“Quite a bit better actually. Thanks. It’s done me the world of good having my mom over and just spending some time together. Like we used to do.”
“That’s great. I’m glad to hear it.”
“So, what are you up to?”
“Well, that’s actually why I’m calling.”
“That doesn’t sound good, Gray.” Worry was clearly in Kitty’s voice.
“I don’t know if you’ve been following the news about the fire out at Silvermine.”
“Yes, I heard it’s been burning for days. But I haven’t seen or heard any news today.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty much raging out of control at this point. All available manpower has been allocated to helping fight it. I was due to join the crew earlier today, but we got called out to a local fire.”
Gray heard Kitty’s quiet gasp. “I thought you didn’t do that anymore?”
“No, I’m not on active duty anymore. But I am a volunteer. I only get called up in cases of emergency, like now. We are seriously short-staffed at the moment. All fire stations in the peninsula are running on skeleton staff.”
“Please just be careful, okay?”
“I will. But I didn’t call to upset you. I needed to hear your voice. Make sure that you were all right.”
“I’m fine, Gray. I need you to focus on staying safe, not worrying about me. Mom’s here with me, keeping me company. In fact, we decided she’ll stay here with me tonight and then I’m going to pack some things and go stay with her for a few days.”
“That’s great, honey. I like the idea that you won’t be alone. I don’t know when I’m going to be getting off duty here. Once we finally manage to get this fire out, I’m going to have to go back in to start my investigation. So it gives me peace of mind knowing you’re with her.” Looking at his watch, Gray swore. “I’ve got to go, honey. My break is up.”
“Please promise me you’ll be careful out there, Gray.”
“I promise. I have you to come home to, don’t I?”
“Yes. Just make sure that you do. I miss you.”
“I miss you too, baby. Take care and say hi to your mom for me.
“I will do. Bye, Gray. Come home safe.”
Swallowing down the last of his now cold coffee, Gray climbed out of his truck and headed back into hell.
* * *
Wasn’t it magnificent?They had outdone themselves this time for sure. Flames danced, reaching higher and higher. Now all they needed to do was get him into the building. Then they could get rid of him. They needed to get rid of him. He was all that stood between them and their love. She would see he was nothing but an obstacle if they could just get him out of the picture. Without his influence, they would get their sweet girl back, and she would see that they were meant to be together. How to get him inside? How? How? Hitting a hand against the side of their head repeatedly, they continued to mumble under their breath. Stopping suddenly, they realised — that’s it! Cackling softly to themselves, they set about the business of getting rid of the competition.
Chapter Eleven
Finally,they had the blaze under control. They’d managed to get hold of the manager of the company to find out what chemicals had been stored on site. Knowing what they were dealing with, they’d been able to use the correct chemicals to combat the fire and would have it out completely in no time at all.
When the last of the flames were, indeed, doused, a cheer went up. The men were tired, hot, and thirsty. And ready to call it a day. Clean up started, and Gray, along with two others, headed for the building to assess the situation on the inside.
“Guys, stay sharp. We don’t know what structural damage there is, but with the intensity and duration of the fire, there will be some. Be careful in there.”
The other two acknowledged him before making their way into the building and splitting up. He headed towards the back of the building to have a look at what they’d been told was the main storage area. He suspected that was where the fire had originated from.
Every few minutes, they’d each check in over their coms to keep tabs on each other and so those outside would also know where to look for them should anything go wrong. Gray had started on one side of the back area and steadily had been working his way across when he spotted movement out of the corner of his eye.
