Page 6 of Scorched Secrets

“Not you, Faye. The arsonist.”

“An arsonist carrying out a sick grudge against me.” She couldn’t hide the bitterness in her tone. “Same difference.”

“Every firefighter goes in knowing the danger. This isn’t your fault.” He reached over to gently squeeze her hand. “Your dad would tell you the same thing.”

She didn’t agree, but arguing took too much energy. The brief adrenaline surge that had rejuvenated her when responding to the injured firefighters was fading fast.

When Colin pulled into the driveway of his childhood home, she was assailed by doubts. Why was she here? A hotel would be easier, no need for idle chitchat. With reluctance, she pushed her door open and stepped out of the vehicle. She must have been moving slow because Colin was already there, providing a helping hand.

“Are you hungry? Rhy’s wife, Devon, likes to make breakfast.”

“Not necessary. I’m more interested in sleep.”

Colin stopped at the front porch to key in a code in the alarm. As he opened the door, he called, “It’s me, Colin. I brought a guest, Faye Kimble.”

“Come in,” a female voice called. As Faye crossed the threshold, the scent of bacon, eggs, and coffee made her mouth water. Maybe she was hungry. “It’s great to see you, Colin.” A pretty, petite dark-haired woman smiled warmly. “We’re always thrilled to have guests. And you’re just in time for breakfast. Rhy is off today; he’ll be down shortly.”

“Thank you.” She nudged Colin with her elbow, hinting he shouldn’t mention her earlier statement. “Breakfast sounds lovely.”

He flashed a smile, then keyed in the alarm code again. “Faye, this is Devon Finnegan, Rhy’s wife. Devon, this is Dr. Faye Kimble, she works at Trinity as an ER physician.”

“ED physician. Emergency department,” Faye corrected. “ER is old language from when it was a single room with cubicles. We’ve come a long way from that.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Faye.” Devon gestured toward the coffeepot. “Help yourself. I made it for Rhy and Elly since I’m only drinking decaf these days.”

Faye wasn’t sure why Devon mentioned the decaf until Colin asked, “And how is our future niece or nephew?”

“He’s fine, thanks.” Devon grinned. “The morning sickness is easing a bit, which is nice.”

“He? I thought Rhy calls the baby she?” Colin teased.

“I’m right, he’s wrong.” Devon shrugged. “Either way, we’re keeping the baby’s gender a surprise until he’s born.”

Realizing Devon was pregnant only made Faye feel worse about imposing on them. Then again, breakfast had already been in the works when they’d arrived.

“No coffee for me either.” Faye took another step into the room as Colin walked over to pour a cup. “I’ve had more than my fair share while working last night.”

“Night shift is rough,” Devon agreed. “Please sit, Faye. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

“Thanks.” She dropped into the closest chair as Rhy entered the room. He smiled at her, glanced curiously at Colin, then kissed Devon.

“Rhy, this is Dr. Faye Kimble. Faye, our oldest brother, Rhy.”

“Nice to meet you.” She smiled, trying not to wish they’d tried a hotel instead. “I appreciate your hospitality.”

“Oh yes, Faye. You’re Chief Kimble’s daughter,” Rhy said with a nod. “Always happy to help a neighbor.”

“Sit down, Rhy, I have enough food for the four of us.” Devon slid food onto four plates with the grace of someone who had made a living serving others.

The men sat, Colin choosing the seat next to hers. Rhy took Devon’s hand, then bowed his head. “Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for this food we are about to eat. We also ask that You keep our family and the Kimble family safe in Your care. Amen.”

“Amen,” Colin and Devon echoed.

Faye had been caught off guard by the prayer. Her family had attended church, mostly on special occasions, but it was clear the Finnegans lived their faith daily. Oddly, she was comforted by that thought.

She expected Rhy to ask Colin why she was there, but the conversation was centered around family stuff, like Quinn and Sami’s upcoming wedding.

“You need to make sure you’re off work, Colin,” Rhy said. “I know it’s not easy to coordinate our schedules, but Quinn really wants the family to be there. Especially since Sami doesn’t have anyone to support her.”

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