Sooner or later, the emotions would catch up with her, and I planned to be the one to hold her when they did.
“The Red Cross placed Mrs. Dixon in a hotel while her apartment is being repaired.”
The news tightened my chest. I’d spoken to the woman on the phone. She’d never once mentioned the fire had impacted her. Instead, the elderly woman had focused on Shanna’s well-being, and the cat.
I moved to Shanna’s side. “I have her number in my cell. We’ll pay her a visit before we head home.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.” Beth Hall, according to her name tag, looked me over, twice.
“Enzo Marchionni.” I extended my hand. “Did any of the firefighters on the scene mention seeing a cat?”
Ms. Hall gave me a wide smile and a weak handshake. “As I was telling Miss Isaac, no animals were rescued from the fire, but I’d be happy to contact the men on duty and ask.”
“I’d appreciate it.” I stared until she got the hint and picked up the phone.
Shanna inched closer to me. “She didn’t offer to call when I asked.”
I whispered, “I suspect it would have been the other way around if you’d spoken to a man.”
“I doubt it.” She pressed her tiny form against my side.
I held her for what seemed like hours while Ms. Hall did her thing. Despite our close proximity, an uncomfortable silence hung in the air between us. “I apologize for losing my temper in the car.”
She sighed and eased away. “I can’t talk about this right now.”
“I understand.” I didn’t understand. In fact, I wanted the entire argument behind us as quickly and efficiently as possible.