Page 269 of Her Reluctant Hero
Chapter Fourteen
Where the hell was Peyton? The bodies had been returned to camp and loaded on the waiting hearses to go to the morgue, where they’d be prepared for the journey home. They’d pulled away, but Gabe still hadn’t seen any sign of Peyton.
She’d promised to wait for him, and on the ride down, all he could think of was letting her take him into her arms, letting himself forget.
Instead, he went to the showers to wash the scent of death from him. He didn’t want even that to touch Peyton.
When he emerged, the camp was overrun with reporters. Maybe she’d run into someone she knew and was off catching up. Did she have reporter friends? Did that mean he’d have to make nice to them too? He made his way through them, but they didn’t give him a second glance. They were awaiting the president’s arrival. He’d almost forgotten. He saw Jen coming out of the command tent and picked up the pace.
“Jen, do you know—”
He stopped short when a tall, lean-faced, casually dressed man ducked out of the tent behind her. Several dark-suited men, out of place in this filthy camp, materialized between Gabe and the tall man, their expressions severe.
Through the wall of Secret Service agents he saw Jen roll her eyes.
“He’s fine. He’s Gabe Cooper, crew boss of the Bear Claw Hot Shots.”
The President of the United States, Karl Hutchinson, studied him through narrowed eyes. “The man who saved those little girls from the camp.”
Gabe straightened in response, concern for Peyton temporarily forgotten. The man was taller than he appeared on TV, but just a regular guy. The unreality of meeting the man face to face, on his own turf, had him off balance, an uncommon experience. How did the president know about the camp, enough to relate his name to it?
He cleared his throat. “Yes sir, though, you know, I had my crew.”
The president inclined his head. “Still, it took a great deal of bravery. I’d like to shake your hand.”
The Secret Service wall parted infinitesimally so the president could reach through without Gabe causing injury. Gabe glanced at his perpetually dirty hand, rubbed it on his equally dirty fire pants and clasped the president’s hand. Despite himself, he felt a thrill at shaking hands with the most powerful man in the world. He was pleased to note it wasn’t a wimpy handshake, either. This man understood what hard work was. Gabe was glad he’d taken the time to vote for him.
“I’m sorry, sir, but how do you know me?”
Hutchinson grinned. “It wasn’t easy to recognize you without all the soot on your face, but you’re big news, son. All over the television.”
Gabe cast a look at Jen. “You’re kidding me.”
She shrugged.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen TV,” he explained to the president. “I guess it’s just as well, if I’m the best thing on it.”
Hutchinson laughed. “I admit, it’s not saying much, but it’s a good thing for the people of America to see the hard, dangerous work you do.”
“It’s hard even when it’s not dangerous.” Gabe took a step back, ready to be alone. “I apologize for intruding, sir. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
“Don’t rush off on my account,” the president said good-naturedly.
Startled by the invitation, Gabe damn near tripped over himself. “I’m...ah, I’m sure your time is very valuable, sir, and Jen here has a lot to show you.”
“Gabe just came back from the recovery of the dead firefighters,” Jen said, not aiding in his escape.
The president sobered, the corners of his long mouth turned down. “Ms. Sheridan mentioned how close the firefighting community can be. Were they friends of yours?”
Gabe nodded, not wanting to discuss this. “Two were, sir.”
“I’m very sorry to hear that.” Thing was, he seemed sorry.
“I appreciate it.”
“Actually we were just getting ready to fly over the fire,” Hutchinson said. “Are you up to joining us? I’d like to get your take.”
Gabe looked back at Jen again, hoping she would send him off, any errand would do. Just what he needed, to toss his cookies all over the president of the United States.
