Page 24 of Backdraft
"And that was how my day started. Flat tire and keyed truck."
"Nope, definitely not a way to start the day."
"Agreed, the tire was slashed, and this was obviously deliberate."
He looked at her surprised and concerned. "Really? You think so?"
She nodded. "It’s possible. And it wouldn't be the first time."
"I didn't realize that your line of work is that dangerous."
He held the door open for her, and she climbed in. "Oh, it can be. If it's arson, I have to go to court and present my findings. Some people don't like it, but I figure people who start fires need to be caught and put away."
He pointed to the scratch. "Maybe report it to the police?"
She gave him a sharp look. “Of course, I need to get an occurrence number for the insurance.”
“Good, I feel better for you already. Take care and watch your back.”
She smiled at him, and Taylor liked how it made him feel. It was a good feeling. He wanted to see her again, only next time for longer.
"Don't worry, I always do."
Chapter Seven
While driving over to Wags & Whiskers, using my GPS, I replayed the conversation Taylor and I had over our morning coffee. So far, we hadn't really touched on Denver. I wondered if we did, if it would set off some kind of explosive episode.
Because Denver had definitely been fiery. I blew out air from my pursed lips. Yeah, we'd have to talk about it eventually. Part of me was excited, and the other part was a little scared.
Not frightened, but… What…? Scared we wouldn't be able to keep our hands off each other? Scared he'd reject me? Scared he had a family?
"Just stop," I told myself and glanced at the navigation screen to double-check I made the right left turn. I had other things to worry about.
Like the cat.
I finally was able to check up on him and looked forward to seeing the little guy. I always had a bag of dog food in the truck, because I come across dogs at scenes often. The food helped to coax them out, and in other cases, I'd feed those that needed it. I didn't like to see the strays at scenes. I wished I could bring them all home with me and it hurt my heart that I couldn’t.
I pulled onto the street and drove slowly, reading the street numbers. It wasn't hard to find Wags & Whiskers. The sign outside was easy to spot. I parked the truck on the street in front of the house and walked up to the business. The sign said come on in, and so that's what I did.
Mel called from the wash station. "I'm back here. Come on through."
I did and smiled when I saw she was bathing a huge sheep dog. It looked like both of them were getting a bath.
"Yeah, this guy's a bruiser. But I love him," Mel said. "He comes in fairly regularly to keep himself looking so handsome. You must be Drea?" She rolled right from one subject to the next, and I felt energy just pouring off her.
"Yep, that's me. Thanks so much for taking care of the cat. And I'm sorry I couldn't get by sooner." I wandered over a little closer to the station but was careful since I didn't want to get wet from the spray. I didn't have a change of clothes and need to do laundry.
"Pssft, don't worry about that. He's fine, little scared, and he was dirty, but I bathed him?—"
"You bathed him? Isn't that kind of a dangerous escapade to do?"
"Don't worry. I suited up." Mel laughed. It was infectious, and I found myself laughing along with her. "Oh yeah, some cats are teddy bears for bathing, and others are hellcats. This guy was a hellcat. I have suitable attire to protect myself from teeth and claws."
"I'm sorry if he gave you a hard time, but thank you."
She nodded her head in the direction of a doorway. "Go through. He really is a sweetie."
I nodded and took a step to the door she indicated. It was a lovely room that overlooked a very nice backyard. I glanced around and found the black cat curled up on the back of the chair in front of the window. I walked over to him, and he opened his eyes. Not very wide, just enough to see I was approaching. He yawned, and his ears vibrated back with the force of the yawn. His front paws stretched out, exposing some very serious nails.
