by Dana Mentink
“Come on, V. Open up those green eyes. You can do it. Imagine we’re back in the country and I’m about to whip you at hide-and-seek. You never won once in our entire childhood, remember? And then there’s pinball. I can beat you with one hand tied behind my back. What do you say to that?”
Mitch Luzan’s face swam into view. Curly black hair, thick eyebrows, sardonic smile on his chubby face. Even though she was immobilized except for her arms, strapped from head to toe to a backboard, the sight of him brought her comfort.
“That’s ’cuz you cheat.” Her voice came out as a croak, muffled by the mask.
“Well, that’s better.” He used a small light to check her pupils. “Imagine getting a call to come and transport a victim and finding out it’s you. And to think I tried to get out of this shift.” He shook his head and checked her IV. “That was pretty dumb, letting yourself get buried. I thought they trained you hotshots how to prevent stuff like that. What happened to the big bad invincible Beria?”
She tried to answer but succumbed instead to a coughing fit. Pulling off the mask, she waved away his hands. “What’s broken?” she finally managed.
“Well, if I had to make a diagnosis right now I’d say we’re looking at collarbone and shoulder damage, a concussion, possible internal stuff and a burn or two.”
She grimaced at the list. “I’m fine. Just banged up.”
He leaned over to put on his helmet for the landing and zipped the jumpsuit, which strained to cover his stomach. “Tell you what, V. How about you let me be the flight nurse, because I am an excellent one after all, and you just work on doing the patient thing for a while? That will be a challenge for you, I know, Miss I Gotta Be in Charge of Everything.” He began to radio information to the hospital.
There was an edge to his voice. She looked closer and noticed dark shadows under his eyes. She hadn’t seen him for months even though they lived only two towns apart. He was closer to her than her brother, in some ways, until recently.
Ivy closed her eyes and sighed. She was too tired to ask where he’d been the past few months, in too much pain to wonder about the haggard cast to his face.
She tried to replay the accident but could only get to the point when her personal distress indicator went off. The guys must have pulled her out before the place went up. Or maybe they’d gotten the roof ventilated and knocked down the fire. Not knowing the details was killing her.
She strained her eyes to find Mitch and pump him for info, but he was busy prepping the equipment that would follow her into the hospital. As the helicopter roared in for a landing, she let herself sink back into darkness.
People moved in and out of her consciousness. Dressed in white or green scrubs, they checked every detail, cleaned every abrasion and treated her with tender care in spite of her exclamations of pain. Vaguely she was aware of a doctor peeling off his gloves and announcing that he would brief her colleagues waiting in the hallway. That brought her around.
She opened her eyes to find her shoulder strapped firmly to her body. When she tried to sit up, a lancing pain drove her back to the pillow. A shower of sparks danced across her vision. Gingerly she felt the bandage stuck to her forehead and another taped over the burn on her neck.
Battalion Chief Strong appeared, Jeff next to her. They were both sooty, tired, their faces lined with worry, turnouts streaked with black.
Jeff’s smile was huge as he grabbed her hand. “Man, Ivy. You scared me. I thought you were done for. That place was cooking.”
She tried to return the smile. “Did you pull me out?”
He nodded. “Eventually. I didn’t know you were gone until your alarm sounded as I headed out the front door. I went back in and the rescue crew followed me. We found you under a pile of junk. Took all three of us to get the stuff off you, and I was nearly out of air by that time.” His expression changed. “What happened anyway? I thought you were right behind me. I told you we were leaving. Didn’t you hear me?”
She coughed. “I stopped to check the last door.”
He frowned. “Ivy…”
Chief Strong touched his arm. “Jeff, go get me some water, will you? I feel like I swallowed a sock.”
Jeff gave Ivy a nervous look and squeezed her hand before he left. “I’ll tell the rest of the guys you’re okay.”
Strong waited until he was gone before she sat heavily in a chair. Her hair was plastered against her head where her helmet had weighted it down. She smelled of smoke. “I’m glad you’re going to be okay.”
Ivy saw the warring emotions on the woman’s face and knew there was more coming. “Thanks, Chief. Was anybody else hurt?”
She pursed her lips. “No, and that’s a lucky thing, isn’t it?”
Ivy swallowed. “Sure.”
“Did it occur to you when you disobeyed my orders to evacuate that you were being reckless and stupid?”
Ivy bridled. “I was doing my job. I didn’t hang out in there to have a party or anything.”
The brown eyes flashed. “You were doing what you decided your job was at that moment. I gave you a direct order, and last I checked, I outrank you. You risked the lives of the people who dragged your behind out of there and you had absolutely no right to do that.”
Her cheeks felt hot. “There could have been someone inside. Did you find anyone?”
“No. The house was empty.”
Ivy’s stomach clenched at the thought. It had all been for nothing. They’d gone back in for her. What would she have done if one of them hadn’t made it out? Because of her, all because of her.
They both sat in silence for a minute. Strong sighed deeply. “This isn’t the time to get into it. We’ll talk when you’ve recovered. Doc says you’re out at least eight weeks before he’ll reevaluate you.”
“Eight weeks? Uh-uh. I’ll be back before then. There’s no way I’m staying out two months.”
Strong got to her feet. Her tone masked a current of fury. “Ivy, you will stay out until that doctor gives me a written note telling me you are one hundred percent mended. Then you and I will have a long debriefing session about this fire before I let you back on my crew.” She walked to the door and turned. “Thank goodness you’re okay, Ivy. I would sure hate to be the one who had to tell your mother that you weren’t. She’s outside. I’ll send her in.”
Her mother.
The thought hit her like a slap. It wasn’t the first time she wondered how her mother felt about her chosen profession, especially after what happened to Sadie. She’d never said a word to discourage Ivy’s career choice, as much as it pained her. It must have been awful for her mother to get a call that her surviving daughter was caught in a fire.
Guilt gave way to another emotion. An anger swelled up inside her and spilled out.
Two months away from the station? Maybe more than that if things didn’t heal right. She punched her good hand into the blankets. “Well, God? What are you doing up there? You are supposed to take care of your children,” she hissed at the ceiling. “Look what happened to me. And what about Sadie? Haven’t we had enough in this family? You’re nothing like a father.”
She quickly wiped the tears away at the sight of her mother barreling through the door. Juana Beria took one look at her and burst into hysterical sobs, tears running down her plump brown cheeks.
“Oh, Mama. Please don’t cry. Anything but that.”
Her mother’s tears continued, unchecked. “When I think…When I imagine…”
Ivy closed her eyes. “Please, Mama. Don’t.”
It was messy, emotional, and the whole situation left Ivy completely exhausted.
“I brought you some clothes. The doctor says you’ll be here for a few days. I’ll go to your apartment and get you some more things, a nightgown and some books to read. I’ll bring them first thing in the morning after you’ve rested,” Juana Beria said, her round face still damp with tears. She looked to her son, who had joined them. “Roddy, you’ll take me, won’t you?” Though she h
ad a license, Juana refused to drive anywhere since her husband had passed away five years prior.
Rodrigo, Ivy’s brother, patted his mother’s hand. “Sure, Mama, sure. I’ll pick you up in the morning. We can bring her stuff over and then I’ll take you home. Let’s go.” He shot Ivy a look of aggravation that made her smile. Anything that upset Mama was something to be avoided at all costs, and Ivy had done her share. With Ivy laid up, Roddy would shoulder the emotional burden of the latest family drama for sure.
She’d owe him, and he’d definitely collect on the debt. When the room was empty, she tried to sleep. The pain in her shoulder wouldn’t let her. She wished she could take a shower and wash away the acrid smell that clung to her hair and skin.
A small tap sounded on the door. The tall, brown-haired man stood hesitantly, his wide shoulders filling the doorway. Tim poked his head in. “Hey, Ivy? Are you awake?”
She sighed, feeling like smiling for the first time since she’d entered that burning building. “Hi, Tim. Come on in. Has the Beria family train departed yet?”
He laughed softly. “Yes, I think so. It’s just me at the moment.”
“Good, someone rational to talk to. Come sit down. I think I remember seeing you at the fire scene, or did I dream that?”
“No dream, it really was me. I heard the call on the scanner so I broke some land-speed records and hightailed it over. Got there just as they were pulling you out. I don’t mind telling you I never want to see that again.”
He settled his long frame into a chair and she held out a hand for his. They’d been friends for years, since before she went into the academy. Maybe that’s why we get along so well, she thought. He wasn’t part of that intense firefighter brotherhood; he had his own perspective on things. He wasn’t your typical hero type, either. No, that was Antonio all the way. Thinking about Antonio made her cringe with humiliation.
Tim squeezed her fingers. “Are you okay? In much pain?”
The floodgates opened. She began to cry rivers of hot tears. “My shoulder hurts and I’m going to be out two months. Strong is really mad at me, too.”
His brow crinkled. “Why?”
She took the tissue he offered. “I disobeyed orders and stayed in the house.”
He was silent for a moment. “Oh, I see.”
“You’re not surprised, are you?”
“You do have a tendency to throw caution to the wind, Ivy.” Then he said what she most needed to hear. “It will be okay. You’ll heal and you’ll go back to doing what you love.”
She turned her tearstained face to his. The sunlight framed him, the asymmetrical smile and messy thatch of hair, outlining his strong chin. “Promise?”
He stroked her hand. “I promise. And I’ll even help you work on throwing ladders to get back in shape.”
She laughed. He was the most dismal failure at throwing ladders she’d ever seen. Stronger than she was, but not very coordinated. Ironic, since he was a gifted athlete. She often told him it was a good thing for public safety that he’d avoided fire suppression, instead becoming the fire district’s computer guru. He was a willing helper, though. As long as he didn’t start up his God talk, they got along great.
“Did you see Mitch? He brought me in.”
Tim nodded. “Yeah. I was supposed to help him with some software stuff tonight but he said he’s coming back here when he’s off to check on you.”
“He looked kinda funny in the chopper.”
Tim looked away. “Funny? In what way?”
They were interrupted when the nurse came in to check her bandages and inform them it was time to take her for a CAT scan.
Tim stood and bumped into a rolling cart in the process. “Well, I’ll just get moving then. Call me if you need anything, Ivy. I’m really glad you’re okay. I’ll pray for you.”
She almost told him not to bother, but he’d already gone.
She watched the clock and dozed on and off until almost eight, when Mitch arrived with a huge bouquet of daisies in hand. “Hey, V. How is the patient?”
“I’m okay.” She eyed his silk shirt and black jeans. “You didn’t have to get all dressed up for me.”
He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I didn’t. Actually I’ve got another thing tonight.”
“A girl?” She was hopeful. He’d been so lonely since his long-term girlfriend left him for an anesthesiologist. He could use someone to talk to and share his need for adventure.
He handed her the flowers and settled into the chair. “Nothing too wild. A college friend of mine is passing through and we’re getting a bite to eat. Charlie’s coming along.”
Charlie Gregor was the chopper pilot who flew the helicopter for Mitch’s crew. She fingered the white petals. “That’s good. Thanks for the flowers.”
“You’re welcome. Doc says he expects a full recovery.”
“In two months. What am I supposed to do for two months?”
He smiled. “Here’s an idea. Take a vacation, like normal people do. Relax, learn to knit or something.”
“I’m not a good relaxer.”
“Don’t I know it. Give it a try, it might grow on you.”
“I’d rather follow your book of rules. You’re always up to something fun.”
“Not all of us eat, sleep and breathe our jobs, V.” A beep sounded from his PDA. He checked the screen. “That’s my wake-up call. Time for me to split. I’ll come back and see you soon. Try not to drive your nurses crazy.”
“I might not be here when you come back. Maybe I’ll check out tonight.”
“Not for a few days, I think.”
“Couldn’t you talk to the doctor? Tell him…”
“No way, cousin. Lie there and take your healing like a grownup.” He stood and stretched his stocky arms. “Oh, I talked to Doug. He says it’s going to be hard to prove.”
Doug was the department’s fire marshal. “What is?”
His eyes widened. “Didn’t they tell you? I figured the chief would have let you know.”
“She isn’t even speaking to me right now.” She frowned. “Tell me what?”
“The fire wasn’t an accident. Looks like you’ve got an arsonist on the loose.”
Nick hesitated only a moment before he knocked on the door. “There is a complication.”
His boss frowned slightly. “Tell me.”
“He got out.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I made it look like an accident as you suggested. He refused to tell me where he’d put it. After he was unconscious, I used a candle and waited until it lit the place. If it was anywhere in there, it’s ashes now. The problem is fixed.” He stood his ground, flinching slightly at the frown that grew on the other man’s face.
“But there is the matter of Cyril’s friend. It’s possible Cyril passed on my merchandise to the man and he told the firefighter, isn’t it?”
Nick nodded. “It crossed my mind. Should I take care of them?”
His boss rolled his eyes in thought. “For now, concentrate on finding Cyril and do what is necessary to find out if the girl knows anything. Don’t kill her yet. It will draw too much attention.”
Nick frowned. Finesse was not his strong suit. “What should I do if I find out the girl really does know? Or Moe?”
A slight smile crossed the boss’s face. “If necessary, I’m sure you will prove resourceful enough to handle it.”
Nick returned the smile and closed the door behind him as he left.
THREE
Ivy endured the remainder of the evening with bad TV, worse food and people trailing in and out feeling sorry for her. What’s more, she began to feel sorry for herself.
“I went into that building, risked my life and my career for nothing. No victim, no rescue, and come to find out it’s arson.” Probably some guy trying to collect on the insurance, though what a junk hole like that could be worth was beyond her. The futility of the whole thing pained her.
When the doctor came in
to see her in the early morning, she pounced. “I want to go home.”
He looked over the top of his glasses. “A few more tests, I think. A day or two to rest.”
“No. I want to get out of here now.”
He sighed. “I’m not going to tie you up and keep you here, Ms. Beria. It’s your health. If you want to go, go, but it’s against my advice. Come back on Tuesday for a recheck of those burns. Keep your shoulder immobilized and stay out of trouble.”
“Right.” She grabbed the hospital phone and dialed Tim’s number.
“I’m going home today. Can you give me a ride?” After a quick call to her mother to fill her in, Ivy pulled on her clothes.
Tim watched with an amused grin as a nurse pushed a mortified Ivy in a wheelchair out to the curb. He opened the passenger-side door for her.
She dove out of the wheelchair before it stopped rolling and hopped into the truck, buckling up gingerly around her injured shoulder. “Thanks for taking me home.”
“You’re welcome, but I’m still not sure it’s a good idea. Your mother has another plan.” He was careful to keep his eyes on the road as they continued on.
She stared. “What are you talking about?”
“Your mom called and told me when you got out to bring you to her place so she can take care of you.”
“You have got to be kidding me. Did she think I would go for that?”
“No, but she made me promise to ask.”
Ivy laughed. “You can’t say no to my mother, can you?”
“She reminds me of my mother. Every time I go over there she tries to feed me.”
“That’s a good sign that she likes you.”
“Nah, I know she does that to everyone from the mailman to the pest-control guy.” He waited a beat. “Antonio called, too.”
She blinked. “I’ll bet he’s having a ball in his new department. Heard through the grapevine he and Denise Williams are an item now.”
