Page 136 of Cruel Steps
Other people had gathered outside now, listening to Holden as he told them what to do. I watched in amazement, admiring Holden’s calm demeanor in a crisis. I wanted to rush out to him, but he’d told me to stay here.
“They’re almost there, Emerson. How are you doing?”
“I’m okay. There’s people out there now.”
“That’s great, Emerson. The EMTs will be there soon and can give your boyfriend medical attention. When the police arrive, it will be safe to head out there. They’ll want to get your information about what happened. You said someone was to blame?”
“Yes. I’m supposed to call Detective… I forgot her name, but I have a card.”
“You can give it to Officer Smith when he arrives, and he’ll notify the detective.”
“Okay. Thank you.” Emergency vehicles pulled in, jumping right into work. I watched as they efficiently and confidently took control, slowing my heart rate. “They’re here. They’re putting out the fire and placing Colter on a gurney.”
“You did great, Emerson.”
“I didn’t do anything,” I mumbled.
“Yes, you did. You called and got help while keeping yourself safe. If you’d run out there, you might’ve gotten hurt and help wouldn’t have arrived as quickly.”
“Oh. I, um, didn’t think about it that way.”
“We all have our parts to play. It doesn’t diminish the others.”
“Thank you. That makes me feel better.”
“You’re welcome. I’m going to release you to the professionals on the scene.”
“Bye.”
The line went dead, and I stared at the scene below like a spectator far removed. Numbness had seeped into me, and I watched above myself as I pulled on my shoes, pants, and grabbed my bag before locking the door. The noise greeted me when I stepped out of the apartment corridor. The smell of burnt rubber and metal permeated the air, and I returned to my body, no longer able to stay detached. I pulled my shirt up to cover my nose, and my eyes watered from the smoke. Wafting my hand before my face, I tried to dissipate it.
“Wildcat!” Holden shouted. I turned, searching for him. When I spotted him by the police officer, I ran to him and threw my arms around his middle. He held me tight, and my face smashed into him. He smelled like smoke, and I hated it.
“Colter?” I asked, pulling away to search for him.
“Being transported to the hospital.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “Is he okay?”
“I don’t fucking know. I’m scared, Wildcat.” Holden’s eyes watered, and I squeezed him tighter.
“Once you finish, you can head to the hospital to check on your friend,” the officer said.
“Oh! Wait.” I dropped my arms from Holden, but he kept his hold on me. I pulled my bag around and pulled the card out of my pocket. “911 said to tell you to notify this detective.”
The officer took the card and scanned it. He grabbed the walkie on his shoulder and spoke into it. Holden pulled me closer. His body shook, so I tried to give him some of the comfort he’d given me. I rubbed his back in soothing circles and breathed in deep so he’d match my breathing. The operator had been right. I might freeze in a crisis, but I could do this.
“Detective Jennings said she’ll meet you at the hospital. You’re free to go.”
“Thank you,” I said, taking the card back. Holden took my hand and led me over to his truck. He lifted me in the seat and buckled in my seatbelt before he cursed.
“Fuck. Get out, Wildcat.” His hands fumbled as he tried to undo the seatbelt he’d just fastened. His breathing increased, his movements jerky and forced.
“What’s wrong, Holden?” I unfastened my belt, and he scooped me into his arms and moved us away from the truck.
“Not safe,” he mumbled, carrying me back to the officer. “Officer Smith!”
“Something wrong?” he asked.