Chapter Fourteen #3
“Nor—” Fallon’s voice cracked on her name.
Composure returning quickly, her tone flattened, and she gave a curt nod.
“Nora.” Her hair was as short as Nora’s had once been, and she ran one hand through it in a gesture that Nora guessed implied uncertainty.
“I’d ask what you’re doing here, but it’s pretty obvious it’s the same old shit. ”
The words, even more than the tone, pierced her, and Nora took a step back. Fallon turned to the blonde. “Maris, please make sure everyone is geared up, and tell them I’ll be there in a few.”
As the blonde moved away, after cutting her eyes at Nora in passing, Tyler shuffled forward, waving in his boyish way. “Hi, Fallon. Remember me?”
Fallon blinked, and the tightness in her face softened. “Oh my God. Tyler, is that you?”
“Yeah. I’m all healed up from the last time you saw me.”
“Healed up and grown up, I’d say.” Fallon came down the steps, her gaze fixed on him.
They met and hugged quickly. “Listen, I don’t mean to be rude, but this isn’t a good occasion for a visit.
” She gave Nora a quick glance. “I’m sure you’re aware there’s a fire nearby, and we’re going to be involved in making a break somewhere close to town. So if you’ll excuse me—”
“We’re going with you,” Tyler said, excitement in his tone. “Nora’s going to take pictures of your crew, and I’ll be helping with…whatever.”
“I don’t think that will be possible. We’ll be on an active, potentially dangerous perimeter. It’s not a place for tourists.”
Nora stiffened. She held back the retort that came to mind regarding her past chainsaw skills. Instead, she said, “That will be up to the ranger, won’t it?”
Fallon’s expression darkened, but she made no comment. As if summoned, a uniformed man stepped through the door and onto the porch. He looked to be about five inches shorter than Fallon and moved with the puffed-up manner of some men who were insecure about their height.
Nora took advantage of the moment. Favoring him with her most professional smile, she nodded cordially.
“Hi, I’m Nora Palmer, press photographer for the Arizona Star.
My managing editor thinks the work by your Women’s Plus Crew will make a great story, so my assistant and I would like permission to ride along.
” The ranger stared at her, cocking his head as if she was speaking a different language.
“I’m sure the SCC would be pleased to have your team presented in a favorable light, which I assure you will be my intention. ”
Fallon snorted, and the ranger’s eyes narrowed. “You have a problem with this, Monroe?”
Nora couldn’t remember ever hearing anyone address Fallon by her last name.
Obviously, the leadership style here had changed, but Fallon had evidently become accustomed to it, as she answered coolly.
“I do, sir. It’s extremely unwise to have civilians in an unstable situation such as what we have right now. Perhaps tomorrow?”
“This goddamn—” The ranger broke off for a second, scanning Nora’s body before starting again. “This godforsaken fire better be out by tomorrow.” Fallon shook her head at the idea, but he wasn’t watching her. “But it would probably be best if you rode with me, Miss…”
Nora pretended she didn’t realize he’d already forgotten her name. “Normally, I’d love to take you up on that, Mister…” From the corner of her eye, she could see Fallon hiding a grin as she turned the tables on him.
The ranger descended the steps with his hand out, obviously intending a congenial greeting, but faltered. Short man syndrome? Nora speculated as he played off the outstretched hand by adjusting his hat. “Ranger Nick Richards,” he said, throwing back his shoulders.
“Ranger Richards, for authenticity, it’s best if I ride with the crew. We don’t want anything to look faked. That’s the worst thing we could do.” When his brow furrowed, she added, “I’m sure you understand, given all your dealings with the media.”
“Yes, of course. But there could be circumstances—not likely, mind you—but we would need to be prepared on the odd chance that your safety could be an issue.” He stroked his chin as if grooming an invisible beard.
“Monroe, issue our visitor a radio so she can contact me in case of an emergency.” Nora kept her smile in place as his gaze lingered on her breasts.
“Rest assured, I’ll drop everything and come to your rescue. All you have to do is call.”
“I’m deeply grateful for your cooperation, Ranger Richards.”
“It’s my pleasure, Miss…”
“Palmer.” Fallon spat her name into his pause. Nora couldn’t tell if she was disgusted by the ranger or upset that she and Tyler would be coming along with the crew.
“Right,” Richards said slowly. He glared at Fallon. “Keep in mind, you’ll be responsible for Miss Palmer’s well-being while she’s with your crew. And you’d better have them over here geared up and ready in”—he looked at his watch—“fifteen minutes, or I’ll find someone who can.”
Nora watched as he made his way carefully up the stairs before slamming the door. When she looked back, Fallon had her face to the sky, mumbling words that sounded something like “Not again!”
The ranger’s directive wasn’t at all what she’d anticipated, and Nora would’ve apologized to Fallon if she thought it would do any good. Instead, as Fallon turned her back, Nora wondered what to do about the swell of emotion at seeing her again. And at seeing her walk away.