Chapter 45 Remington
Remington
Being away from Lainey ever since the day Cora was spotted outside the Sugar Cube has been torture for me.
I want to kidnap her and Ash, take them up to Walker’s cabin and hide out.
I know that is completely insane and impractical.
We also can’t let the threat of one crazy semi-stalker rule over our lives.
Lainey is handling all of this way better than I am.
She works at home as usual; takes care of our growing, rambunctious puppy; goes to see Kendra, Jess, and Sutton; and seems perfectly content.
I insist that she take pepper spray with her everywhere, especially when she takes Ash on his daily walks around our neighborhood.
When I asked her how she could be so calm about everything, she simply told me that with me she has never felt more safe, even with Cora looming over us.
And fuck if that didn’t make me feel like Superman.
I want to be that for her always, her safe space.
I am going to take a page out of her book and try to focus on the good, what is actually in our control. Right now that is planning the perfect engagement.
“Eli!” I yell through the gym. He has a catchy pop song on repeat, trying to time his latest jump rope video.
“Rem!” he shouts back at me, a shit-eating grin on his happy face. “What’s up?” He pauses the blaring music, taking a drink of water.
“I need a favor.” I lean on the wall, crossing my arms.
“Sure thing. What is it? A kidney?”
“Not this time,” I laugh. “But it is a very important job. Need you to hang on to Lainey’s engagement ring for me. Mr. Angelo called me this morning to tell me it’s ready.”
“Yes! That’s awesome, man. When are you going to pick it up? Want me to go with you?” His happiness for me and Lainey is so real. I know he is honestly excited to help me make this memorable and special for her.
“That would be awesome. I was thinking we could go on Friday. I want to try and stay out of Lainey’s way while she is working. We could hit the gym, grab lunch, and then go pick up the ring?”
“Sounds like a plan.” Eli clasps my hand and yanks me into a half hug.
“Get off me, you are all sweaty.” I shove him.
He just laughs and tries harder to jump on top of me.
Fire alarms blare throughout the station rousing us all from sleep. I spring from my small bed, quickly marking the time on the nightstand clock—two a.m.
Fuck.
Bodies rush to the equipment lockers, and we all dress hurriedly, yet methodically.
Each movement of the process is practiced, pounded into our veins and muscle memory for moments exactly like tonight.
In less than five minutes we went from deep sleep to fully suited up for a fire and ready to be pulling out of the station.
I am driving our second truck, Eli riding next to me in the passenger seat. We are flipping on the sirens when we hear the callout over the radio.
Dispatch: Engine 26 and all units you are needed at residential address.
621 Meadow Lark Drive, suspected structure fire.
All the blood drains from my face. It takes every ounce of concentration to not slam on the brakes or throw up.
“Fuuuuuuuuck!” I scream, hitting the accelerator as all of our trucks race through the empty streets of our small, sleeping town.
I have never felt panic like this in my life.
This is not just any house.
This is my fucking house.
With my woman inside.
Ash.
My life.
Lainey.
I have to get to Lainey.