Page 65 of Built of Flames
Mac added a bright pink Gerber daisy to her collection and grinned at her. “You sick of people asking you how you’re feeling yet?”
Bella laughed. “Absolutely. Thanks for the daisy. They’re my favorite.”
Mac smiled. “I’d rather kick Speers’s ass for you, but they’ve got him tucked away in a jail cell. Slimy coward. Never did like him.”
Which was true. Mac didn’t have any time for people who didn’t treat others as equals. She wondered if things would have gone differently that day if Mac had been on shift. He’d never had trouble calling out anyone he felt deserved it.
“I’d rather not have you in a jail cell with him. Let the courts handle it.”
He shrugged and then turned to head out. She noticed he hadn’t agreed, but hoped he wouldn’t do anything stupid.
Bella closed her eyes and relaxed against the pillows. She wasn’t used to being the center of attention, and she certainly wasn’t used to people thanking her and bringing her flowers.
The actions of her family and friends filled her with happiness, but she was tired and more than ready for a little alone time.
When the door swung open again, she nearly didn’t open her eyes. Maybe whoever it was would leave again. Give her five minutes.
But she couldn’t be rude, so she opened them and found Kent’s father, Stephen, standing at the end of her bed.
Mitch pulled Juan Martinez into an empty room. “I want to talk to you about a couple of things.”
The Chief nodded and waited.
Mitch wiped his hands on his jeans. “I’m in love with your daughter. I haven’t told her yet, but I will if we ever get a chance to be alone.”
Juan’s mouth kicked up in a small smile. “It’s been a hell of a couple of days.”
“It has. Izzy’s life is over in Midnight Lake. She’s found a wonderful group of people there and she fits. She’s created a fire lab in one of the cabins.”
This was harder than Mitch had expected, but he plowed through. “Midnight Lake is just outside the town of Phail. Phail is small but growing. They’ve asked me to lead the creation of a volunteer fire department. They’ve got the money to buy an engine and pay me a salary. Not as much as I’m making here, but enough.”
Juan’s smile had disappeared, but he didn’t speak.
“Some of Bella’s friends are creating a security company at Midnight Lake as well. I’m going to join the team and do some basic strength and fitness sessions. And emergency first aid.”
Still nothing from Juan.
“So, I’m going to tender my resignation and move out to Midnight Lake with Bella. I wanted to let you know before I filled out the paperwork or told anyone else.”
Juan stared at him for a few seconds. “I assume Christo knows.”
Mitch nodded.
The Chief nodded as well, but his expression remained blank. “Normally, I would hate to lose you, Robinson. You’re a damn fine firefighter and team member.”
Relief coursed through Mitch. He wasn’t pissed.
Juan continued. “I want my girl happy, and you’re going to make that your life’s mission. Is that what I’m hearing?”
Mitch grinned. “It sure as hell is.”
Juan finally smiled and held out his hand. “Welcome to the family, Mitch.”
Mitch shook his hand.
They headed back into the hall, chatting about what the fire department in Phail might best spend its initial money on, when Roberto moved toward them. “What the hell did Steven Speers want? Where is he?”
Panic roared through Mitch. “Steve Speers is here?”