Page 124 of Redemption
“No, I know who the better man is here, and it’s not you. Now, if you’ll excuse me—”
“Actually,” Theo says with a smirk, “I think I’ll accompany you. Consider it training.”
I grit my teeth and ball my fists, knowing there’s nothing I can say. Technically, as fire chief, he outranks me on the scene.
He’s close on my heels, following me to the two waiting women. They are no longer giggling, which should be a relief, but the way they stare at Theo and me with a mischievous glint makes me want to run in the other direction.
“Ethel. Muriel. How are you ladies today?”
They smile at me, pretty as a peach, as if their cars aren’t on the road bumper to bumper.
“Oh, we’re fine now that we’ve got some eye candy to look at. Two for the price of one,” Ethel says, knocking Muriel in the ribs with her elbow.
“Ow, you old hoot. Your elbows are sharp. Eat some carbs. No man likes a bony lady. Ain’t that right, Mr. Fireman?”
Beside me, Theo’s face has turned to the color of his truck, and I have to say, I don’t regret him tagging along now. If he hadn’t, their focus would be on me.
Ethel and Muriel are known for their antics around town. To find them here in a “wreck” does not surprise me.
“Ladies, can you tell me what happened here?” I ask, pointing to their cars behind them.
The chuckling returns, turning into all-out giggles as they try to catch their breath to explain what happened.
Theo is quickly losing patience with the two women, and I’m reveling in it. I let the giggling go on longer than I usually would because I can see it getting under his skin.
“Enough,” he says, authority deepening his voice.
The giggling stops, and I step to the side, not wanting to be in the crossfire.
“What did you just say to us, young man?” Ethel asks.
She’s the more diabolical of the two. Get on her bad side, and revenge is sure to come your way, usually with a spark of Ethel fashion.
“Officer—” he pauses to read my name tag, “Miller, here, asked you a question. Unless you want him to arrest you for public disturbance, it would be advisable that you answer.”
Two sets of eyes flick my way. I throw my hands out in front of me, showing them I want nothing to do with the claim Mr. Fireman just made on my behalf.
Ethel steps forward and grabs hold of Theo’s ear, twisting. “Boy. You better watch your tone.”
I cough, trying to cover up a laugh and failing spectacularly.
Theo sputters as Ethel gives his ear another hard twist, then releases it, giving his cheek a nice hard pat before stepping back.
“Now, Hayes,” Muriel says, the more practical of the two, “would you like to hear about our wreck?”
Looking at Theo, I offer him a smug grin. “Boy would I.”
______________________
Last night was rough. After the wreck at the beginning of my shift, dealing with Theo, and several other crazies coming out of the woodwork, I was ready to come home.
But after a nap and some food, my day has significantly improved.
I’m sitting on my couch with MJ in my arms and Kota at our feet.
It’s my first night off in a long time, and I’m ready to enjoy it with my girl in my arms and my dog by my side.
“How was your night?” MJ asks as she snuggles deeper into my side and clicks through the channels on the television.
