Page 17 of Smoldering Nights
"Okay."
He nodded and opened his door.He meant to open hers and help her out of the truck, but she beat him to it and met him on the sidewalk in front of his truck.He still moved slowly.He opened the entry door for her and pointed to the camera above the pool tables."That camera there is focused on the door."
Izzy looked up at the camera and nodded.He held his hand out toward the hall, and she preceded him to his condo.Before he unlocked the door to his place, he pointed to the corner near the ceiling."That camera is focused on this door."
"It sure looks like you're prepared."
He grunted."Yeah.Security and all."
"Right."
He pushed the door open and let her enter before him."Just past the living room, the door on the left is the spare bedroom.Feel free to take that room.I'm in the one at the end of the hall.The bathroom across from the door to your room is yours."
She nodded."I do need to get some clothes.Any chance I'll be able to get into my apartment today?"
"I'll call Trey and see if they will allow it and if they think the building is safe."
"Okay.
He pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed Trey's number.He watched Izzy look his place over.She'd already been here briefly, but now she seemed to take more stock in it.She neared the window facing the parking lot and noticed the sensors on the corners.Pride flowed through him as she seemed comforted by his level of security.
Trey answered on the first ring."Mitch."
"Izzy is wondering if she can get inside her place to get some clothing."
"Yeah.The fire department has cleared the structure for safety.The fire was contained to the very back of the greenhouse.The windows up front had the rocks tossed in, and the Molotov tossed into that window only burned the very front of the inside of the building.It'll take some work to rehab it, but structurally, it's sound.Mostly cosmetic damage."
"Thanks, Trey."
"No problem.I'll keep you posted on any of our findings."
"Roger."
He pocketed his phone and glanced up to see Izzy staring at him.She was a pretty woman.Her long blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail today, but even pulled back, it suited her.
"Trey said you can go in.The building is structurally sound.Are you ready to go now?"
"Yes, please.I'm so anxious to see how much damage there is."
"Okay.Let's go over now."
She nodded and softly padded to the door.Mitch pulled it open and waited for her to pass him.He could smell her fresh scent, and that sent a thrill through his body.
As they exited the vehicle at Petal Pushers, he heard her exhale a deep breath.She was steeling herself for what she was about to see.They both stepped on the front porch, scorched flowers hung from the broken window.The strong smell of burnt wood hung in the air, and the dampness of the wood from the fire hoses emitted an aroma that reminded him of putting out a campfire.
Izzy unlocked the front door and stepped inside.Water covered the floor, and many of the plants had been blown off their display shelves either from the fire or the water hoses.Izzy picked up a few of them and tried standing them up.
"This will take a few days to clean up," she mumbled.
"It will.But we'll find help," he offered.
She turned to him and smiled.
Taking another deep breath, she moved toward a door at the back of the room."This is the entrance to my apartment."
He followed her up the stairs, grateful his rib didn't bark with every step.The apartment was cute.Decorated in pretty colors, mostly pastels and grays.Everything up here smelled of smoke, and the ash from the fire found its way up, too.
Izzy stood quietly, looking around at the mess, a lone tear tracked down her cheek.
