Page 52 of Smoke and Fire
My throat tightened at the thought.
A text message popped up with Dahlia’s name attached. Seconds after I tapped on it, a video began to download. So soon? It was barely nine in the morning. I couldn’t tell if it was a good sign or a bad sign.
Her immediate smile set me at ease. She wore her hair down around her face, like usual. Her dark eyes had a sleepy look in them, as if she’d just gotten up. The background of the coffee shop was visible behind her strong shoulders.
I tapped the play button.
“Hey! Just wanted to send you a quick update. I checked the social media group last night and couldn’t find any trace of Katrina posting recently. Her last post that I can find was a few months ago, but it was in response to a question about book twelve. Doesn’t mean she’s not posting about Jess elsewhere, but I can’t see it from your profile if she is. I also finished book eight at like four in the morning.”
She sent me a stern look, and I laughed.
“I need more sleep, thank you very much. Anyway, I’ll keep an eye on things here and update you. If presumed-Katrina pulls anything crazy, I got yo’ back.”
She giggled, then her face softened ever-so-slightly.
“Please be safe. Don’t do anything stupid out there. The voluntary evacuation arrived late last night via an alert, like you said. I'm not going to leave this place yet, but I probably will prep after work, just in case. Thanks again.”
The video ended.
After it, she’d sent another message.
Dahlia:Let me know if text messages are easier when you're out.
GIF
A short clip of a woman chewing her fingernails and looking uncertain followed. I had to stop myself from writing a too-emphatic NODONTEVERSTOP response.
I typed out a quick:
Bastian:Videos are great. Thank you for keeping an eye out.
It felt too impersonal and a bit standoffish, but whatever. Just as I clicked the phone off to save battery, a call came through. My neighbor, Mrs. Cortez. I answered it, ducking my head as the truck pulled onto the highway.
“Hello?”
“Bastian? Oh, thank heavens. Listen, I’m so sorry but I broke my hip when I fell in the shower last night. I can’t watch your cat, I’m in the hospital up in Jackson City.”
Her voice cracked, like she was about to cry.
Awkward.
“Oh. No problem. Hope you’re okay.”
“I left the key on the nail like always, and I called around to find someone else to help but no one is answering. There’s enough food for a few days. I—”
Her teary voice started to cut out. We still had over a week left out here, so I couldn't leave Psycho to herself that long.
“Don’t worry about it, Mrs. Cortez,” I said. “I’ve got someone that can cover it. I hope you feel better soon.”
Mrs. Cortez started to break up as the buggy sped away.
“You . . . sure? I . . . find . . .”
“Thank you Mrs. Cortez. I appreciate you letting me—”
The call cut out as we sped toward the dark plume in the distance. I typed out a quick message to Dahlia, even though I wasn’t sure she’d get it.
Bastian:Care to save my ass again? My neighbor busted her hip and can’t take care of my cat, Psycho. Just need someone to check the food, water, and litter box. Key hangs on the doorframe.
