Page 109 of No Place Like Home
“I think so.” Cade looked back at Rosalyn, who was clearly protesting the rest of the exam. The paramedic standing next to Sanders planted his hands on his hips and pointed out something Cade couldn’t fully catch about “falling ten feet.”
“She was just shaken.”
“I would be too. I think we all are, watching that.” Noah shook his head. “I’ll have nightmares.”
“No kidding.” Cade’s heart still throbbed with residual panic.
And worry that they still hadn’t resolved things between them. He watched as Captain Sanders snatched his walkie-talkie from his belt and held it to his ear. Then he dropped the oxygen meter back into the medical bag and exchanged quick words with the paramedic. They grabbed their gear and rushed off, leaving Rosalyn alone on the risers.
Strange. Cade stepped forward. Maybe now that she’d had a short break and time to catch her breath, she’d listen to him. He could tell her the whole story about her financials, convince her to stay in town a few more weeks. Rest.
Reconnect.
“Cade.” Owen huffed up behind him, bending over and bracing his hands on his knees. His theater makeup had smeared dark circles under his eyes. “You’ve got to come right now.” His mouth pinched into a grim line. “There’s an emergency.”
twenty-six
Orange flames licked the night sky.
Cade stared at Bayou Beignets, completely engulfed in fire. Streams of water shot onto the blaze, which greedily consumed everything in the charred building. Clouds of black smoke billowed away from the residue, drifting toward the starless sky as the fire truck’s strobe lights flashed.
Cade drew a deep breath of smoky air and immediately regretted it. He turned his face into his elbow and coughed. Firemen soaked the roofs of the shops next door with more hoses, calling caution to the crowd pressing against the barriers constructed on the road.
“What happened?” He didn’t expect Noah or Owen to have an answer—they’d been there as long as he had—but the question begged to be asked. They’d just been there the night before.
Noah’s face was drawn, arms crossed as he stood beside Cade on the sidewalk, apart from the crowd. “They don’t know. Chief said it started during the circus.” He exhaled. “Thankfully, no one was there.”
Cade released another cough. “Does Zoey know?”
Noah pointed. Cade followed his gesture to a spot in the shadows, where Zoey stood silhouetted against the fire truck headlights with Linc. Her face was burrowed into his wide shoulder, and he cupped the back of her head, as if to prevent her from turning around to watch. Smoke cut through the air around them.
Cade’s heart twisted. Poor Zoey—watching her shop burn while the entire town lingered. Even now, Madame Paulette tried to question Captain Sanders while the man balanced a hose on his shoulder. Mrs. Peters and Trish also pressed against the roadblocks, though he suspected, judging by Mrs. Peter’s bossy frown and Trish’s flirty smile, it was for two very different reasons.
“I’m gonna go attempt to help with crowd control.” Noah rolled his eyes in the direction of Madame Paulette. “And I’ll let you know if I hear anything on the cause. Do you need to get back to Rosalyn?”
He should. But would it look bad to the town if he abandoned the emergency, as mayor-elect? Did Rosalyn even want to see him? “I’ll stick around for a bit, see if I can do anything.”
She wouldn’t just leave, right?
“I’m sure Dad will be here any minute if he’s not already.” But he didn’t see his father in the lingering crowd.
Cade shoved his hands in his pockets as a new worry occurred—were people going to want refunds? Rosalyn had been a featured performance and had barely had a chance to do a single skill before the entire event shut down.
And would she be able to perform tomorrow night for the final show?
Not that she owed it to him to stay. He’d been a jerk, as Linc had candidly pointed out.
Someone tapped his shoulder. “Excuse me.”
Cade turned.
The middle-aged man who had been sitting with Trent stood before him, sympathetic eyes peering beneath thick brows. He had to be six-foot-three. Trent stood to the man’s right, wearing his trademark sunglasses and blazer.
“This a horrible time for introductions, but I’m Marc Oliver from WiseNet Productions.” The taller man extended his hand. “You know Trent.”
“Yes, of course.” Cade shook his hand. “I appreciate you coming.” He gestured to what remained of Bayou Beignets. “I’m sorry your visit worked out like this. This isn’t our best night.” Though it was certainly going worse for others. His gaze darted back to Zoey, heart dropping.
“Things happen. This is a shame, for sure.” Marc stepped back as a chunk of burnt roof fell into the building. Heat surged and fresh ash rose into the sky. “I will say, I think Magnolia Bay has a lot of potential.”
