Page 85 of Stepbrothers

She smiled at his promise. It wasn’t his to make. But his conviction made her feel a tiny bit better. “What shall we do while we wait?”

“Let’s cook. Like I said, he’ll be starving when he gets home.”

“Yes, and it will be something to do other than watch this.” She jerked her head at the TV. “It’s too scary. All these images, they’re fighting hell.”

“What shall we make?”

“Chili, it’s a specialty of mine.”

“Good plan. And you have your interview on Monday, right? Perhaps we can go through some questions you might get asked.”

“I’d like that. It’s a long time since I’ve had an interview.”

“And I interview people a lot, so hopefully I can help.”

She smiled up at him. “Thank you. What would I do without you?”

“You don’t have to do without me, without either of us.”

It was dark by the time Hugh returned.

Clarice and Parker had eaten their meal.

“Hugh.” Clarice leaped up from the sofa where she’d been snuggled up with Parker and trying to follow the gist of a movie. She ran to him and flung her arms around his shoulders.

Relief swamped her as he held her close, his arms vises around her.

“I was so scared.” She breathed in the scent of smoke and soot. “What if something had happened to you?”

“I’m okay.” He buried his face in her hair and seemed to sag against her. “Just exhausted.”

She pulled back and cupped his face. “Was it bad?”

“Yep, the worst, but it’s been beaten back from the gas depot. It’ll be fully out by morning.”

“They’re still there?”

“Yep, some crews have come from Berkshire to take over.”

“Glad you’re home.” Parker squeezed his shoulder. “We’ve cooked.”

“Good, I’m starving.” His eyes were red-rimmed. A streak of black was smeared over his right cheek, and his stubble dotted with ash. “But I’ll shower first. There were too many guys at the station. I couldn’t be bothered with the crowd for the showers. Thought I’d come straight home.”

“I’m glad you did,” Clarice said. “Because now we can relax knowing you’re safe.”

“I’m sorry to worry you.” He swept his lips over hers. “And to leave you.”

“I’m fine, Parker was here. And you have to do your job.”

He managed a weary smile, as though her words had calmed his concern for her.

“Now go shower, I’ll spoon you some chili into a bowl.” She stepped back and pointed at his bedroom.

“Thanks.”

While Hugh showered, Clarice warmed up the chili, and Parker poured them all a glass of red wine.

“You feeling better now he’s home?” Parker asked.

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