Chapter 8
Jackson got home at eight o’clock, listlessly ate his takeout dinner and settled in with some education journals. He stayed current on innovations in his area to improve Pathways.
Because it’s all you have. All you’ll ever have.
The sound of his doorbell brought him from his recriminations. Who would be visiting at this hour? He got up and pulled open the door.
Before him stood Caleb Shepherd.
His heart rate went from zero to sixty. “Is Maisy all right?”
“Yes. This isn’t about her.”
His pulse rate calmed. “What’s this about?”
“Joe Romano’s crew is fighting a fire close by. Joe’s in trouble. I know he means something to you so I came here to tell you before you saw it online or TV.”
Jackson froze. Joe? Joe ? The only friend he had. Not only a friend but his savior. “Um.”
Caleb put a hand on his arm. “I’ll take you there.”
“Okay. Let’s go.”
“Get your keys.”
He locked up, followed Caleb to the driveway and got in his car. After they started moving, Jackson asked, “How do you know about this?”
“Annie called me. Mick Thomas had phoned Diego. I tried to contact Maisy and she didn’t answer. Nobody seems to know exactly where she is.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Jackson saw the ugly black smoke before they arrived. They drove into the large parking lot, away from the fire trucks. The warehouse was decimated.
Jackson and Caleb rushed to Diego and Annie who were standing watch. His heart galloped in his chest. Helpless, he stuck his hands in his pockets.
Radios blared but he couldn’t make out any words.
Diego said, “Come on, let’s get a bit closer.”
He walked up front like an automaton. Mick Thomas caught sight of them and crossed to them. The chief’s face was grim. “Romano was working in an area at the far west side. They got a heat signature and Joe rushed into a side room. The victim and Romano were in a section where they keep gasoline, turpentine and acetone that the firefighters didn’t know were there.”
He swallowed hard. “To make matters worse, several timbers fell, blocking the entrance, and pinning Joe’s leg, so he’s immobilized. Right now, he’s communicating by radio. The other person in there is unconscious.”
The world dimmed. The place could blow at any minute.
Joe Romano could die.
* * *
Maisy had ignored her brother’s calls. She was driving around, trying to banish the images from last night of her and Jackson making love. Finally, she stopped at a convenience store for a bottle of water. When she got back in the car, something made her check her voicemail. One from Caleb.
“Maisy, Joe Romano is trapped in a fire. Long story how I know. You told me how much Joe means to Jackson. I’m heading to his house to take him to the fire. You should come to the scene.” He left an address.
At first, she couldn’t move. Then she remembered the course of events after Denzi died. Jackson had literally fled to Joe, his friend who knew what he was going through. If Joe died…she put the car in drive then tore out of the parking lot. She tried not to imagine what Jackson might be feeling because it wouldn’t be good.
When she arrived, she parked next to Caleb’s car and jogged up to the scene. The night was filled with the loud hum of the trucks and shouts coming from personnel. The fire was out and the smoke diminished. There was still a lot of activity. Catching sight of Caleb, Annie and Diego, and Jackson, she crossed to them.
She touched his shoulder. “Jackson.”
He turned to her. His eyes were bleak and his face…tortured. She threw herself at him. He didn’t hold her at first then he grabbed onto her tightly. When he drew back, she took his hand.
Caleb moved in close to her. “Joe’s trapped like I said on the phone message but they lost communication with him.”
It was worse.
They waited.
* * *
The updates were spaced out:
“A specialized fire crew which has every extrication tool available has arrived at the scene.”
“It was darker inside. Black smoke is toxic.”
“The Hazmat team considers the warehouse a risk to anyone who enters. They’re calling a Mayday.”
* * *
That was it. Jackson couldn’t stay here any longer. He let go of Maisy’s hand and stumbled away. She caught up to him. “You can’t leave your friend.”
“There’s no hope.”
“There’s always hope. You owe it to him to be here. What if he gets rescued and you’re gone?”
“What are you doing here anyway?”
“I came for you. I thought I could offer you some comfort.”
“Up for a mercy fuck in the bushes?”
She moved in close. Cupped his face. “If you’re trying to scare me away, it won’t work. I’ve been thinking about you non-stop since I left Pathways. I almost called you several times. I came to your office twice, then chickened out of coming inside.”
“What do you want , Maisy?”
“I want you.” She looped her arms around his neck. “I love you, Jackson. I’m not letting you go.”
Caleb interrupted them. “Hey, you guys, there’s more news. Chief Thomas is coming over.”
They crossed to the group. Thomas’ face was neutral. “They got him out! The Hazmat guys didn’t obey the Mayday. Joe’s well-liked in the department.”
Jackson bit the inside of his jaw. Again, he turned to Maisy. This time he took her into his arms. His entire body deflated.
* * *
Fully clothed, both Jackson and Maisy kicked off their shoes and fell onto the big bed in his bedroom in his house. She’d never been to his home before. Jackson turned to his side and faced her. “I’m glad he’s safe. Dear God, I’m glad. But I don’t want to care about him this much.” His eyes were moist. “Or you.”
She cupped his cheek. “Do you want to live your life estranged from everybody?”
“I’ve done it for years.”
“What about the future?”
“I want you too, Maisy. I love you…”
She smiled broadly. “That’s good to hear. But you’ll have to connect with me. Truly connect.”
A couple of tears fell and he swiped them impatiently. “Then I’d be completely susceptible to you.”
She decided to go all in. “And our three kids.”
“Kids. Lord, I’d never survive that.”
“You would.” She grasped his shoulders. “You will , Jackson. I’m going to fight for you. I’m not letting you go. And I’ll get what I want. It would be easier on us both if you agreed now.”
“I…want…to…” The words croaked out.
“Then do it for me. Have a little faith.”
Jackson buried his face in her neck. Inhaled her. “All I can say is I’ll try.”
“I’ll take that. We’ll have to talk about counseling.”
“Later.” She didn’t realize he was nuzzling her neck in a totally different way. His hands went for the buttons on her shirt.
She grinned. “Much later. Much, much later.”
* * * * *
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