Page 25 of Backdraft
"So how are you, little guy?" Tentatively, I reached out and petted him, which he seemed to like. He pushed his head into my hand, so I felt more confident picking him up.
When I did, he put his paws on my chest and looked up at my face. He studied me, and I swear to God, the cat knew who I was. He let out a small meow and rubbed his head against my chin. I don't know if I was just being overly emotional, but I couldn't believe it when tears popped into my eyes.
I snuggled him tightly under my chin, and the fresh smell of his fur was so much better than the smoky stink from the other day when he’d cuddled into me.
"Oh, little guy," I whispered. "I'm so sorry that you were stuck in the house. But I am glad I found you. Do you want to come home with me?"
He began to purr. It was loud, and I rested my ear on his back as he crept up to my shoulder. Oh yeah, this guy is definitely coming with me. “I think I’ll call you Cinder.”
I turned and walked into the spa.
"Look at that," Mel said. "He's been very standoffish and aloof with everyone else. I bet he remembers you from when you saved him."
I glanced at her, and she gave me a soft smile, her head tilting to the side. "I think so too."
"You're keeping him, aren't you? Looks like his claws have hooked your heart." She must’ve noticed the expression on my face and the telltale signs of tears I’d just wiped away.
"Oh yeah, I think so. But I'm in a hotel right now, and I can't keep him there. I don't know what to do."
"He's welcome to stay here as long as you need, and you can come by anytime and see him. I have no problem with that whatsoever."
"That's very kind. Thank you."
It was the only logical choice at the moment. A niggle of worry took root in my belly though. That meant I'd have to find somewhere more permanent to live. I looked down at his sweet face. His eyes were closed, his nose was wet, and the purring coming from him was loud and contented. Yeah, I think he has taken my heart.
"I will bring some food around for him."
Mel shook her head. "You don't need to. I've got plenty."
"I insist. You've been so wonderful keeping him, and I want to contribute to his care until I'm able to bring him home. Oh, and I decided his name a moment ago. Cinder."
Mel laughed. "It’s perfect. That's fine about the food. Whatever you like. Hey, I'm going to be having a barbecue, still figuring out the date, but I’d love for you to come. It will help you meet some people from around here. I throw barbecues every now and then, and it's time for another." She hosed off the sheepdog and covered him with a towel as he was about to give a great big shake. "Stand back, or you'll get a shower."
I backed up, and sure enough he shook. It was almost like a slow-motion movie. The towel came off, and great arcs of hair and water spewed around him, reflecting in the light.
My phone pinged. I shifted Cinder to my other arm and reached in my pocket for it. I looked at the message.
"I'm sorry, but I have to leave. Should I just put him back in the room?"
"Sure, he seems to have claimed the back of the chair. He loves looking out the window and chirping to the birds at the feeder. He’s welcome here as long as you need. I have more than enough space for him.” She paused. “Fire call?"
"Yes. I must be going. Again, thank you."
"Anytime. Be careful," Mel called after me.
I was excited. I'd been a bit anxious on my first call when I arrived in Oak Creek. Now, for the second one, I felt more in my groove. I put the address into my GPS and followed the instructions.
It was about an hour away, so that kind of put a kibosh on my plans to organize my office and finish up the report on the first fire. I'd have to do that later, maybe finish it in my hotel room with some takeout.
My truck was always ready for a job. I kept it well stocked with everything needed. I usually kept a go-bag in case I needed a change of clothes, or an unexpected overnight stay. It figures I had to make a laundromat visit, so I was limited on essentials this time. I never knew when a call would come and when I’d have to go or where or if there would be delays. I wouldn't know until I arrived on scene, but initial reports were this had a lot of damage and was suspicious in nature.
Honu coffee shop was along the way, and I was suddenly salivating for a pastry and big cup of jet fuel. As I rounded through the parking lot ready to give the drive-through a try, I was relieved to see it was wide enough and had no signage overhead so the truck fit. First time for everything!
I found myself searching the parking lot and looking through the windows for Taylor as I pulled into the lane.
I didn't think he wouldn't be there, but it didn't stop me from looking. Plus, seeing if he was around somehow made me feel a growing connection to Oak Creek. I knew someone, and it was a comfort, even if it was awkward.
The drive-through was quick, and I was soon rolling in the direction of the fire scene. I hadn't had confirmation if it was a fatal scene, but since it appeared suspicious, I'd been called.
