Page 15 of Backdraft
"I'm going back now. Did you want to join me?"
Shannon looked at the time. "Really? Now? The scene will be there tomorrow morning you know. They won't release it until they get the go-ahead, so tomorrow will still be good."
I thought about it. "Okay, you're right. But early, okay?"
"Okay, early. Where are you staying?" she asked as she pulled on her jacket.
"At the Courtyard." I threw a quick glance at Tyler, but he had his back turned to us.
"Okay, I'm the B&B. We could have dinner somewhere in between."
"You know what? If we're going to the scene early, I'd rather get back to my room and sleep. I'm bushed."
"Aw, party pooper. Fine, we'll go tomorrow then."
We agreed, and I closed up my kit, ready to go. I felt Taylor’s presence and glanced at him.
"Drea." My name on Taylor's lips sent a delightful thrill down my spine. "How about we connect tomorrow? I can let you know when the reports are done."
"Yes, good idea." I took a card from my wallet and handed it to him. "Here, so you don't have any trouble reaching me."
Our gazes lingered.
"Thanks." He put the card in his wallet.
I was finally able to pull my eyes away and hitched my bag on my shoulder.
We all walked down the hall to the exit, and Taylor held the doors for us. I gave everyone a smile.
"Okay, talk to you later."
I stepped past Taylor and followed Shannon out to the parking lot, careful not to look back.
"Okay, is there something going on there I need to know about?" she asked me as she tossed her gear into the trunk of her car.
Wow, that was the million-dollar question, and I did not have an answer for her.
Chapter Five
Visiting the scene this morning hadn’t revealed any further discoveries, and I was able to determine the cause as non-suspicious, electrical. Such a shame, and very tragic for the family. I was looking forward to meeting Shannon for dinner. Something that I hadn't done in ages. I was excited to go out even if it was a little unnerving being in a new place.
But stepping outside my comfort zone was what it was all about, like coming to Oak Creek. I'd been ready to move on from where I was. I never seem to stay long anywhere, and I was okay with that.
As I drove over to the pub, I thought about the cat. Cinder. That's what I’ll call him if I end up keeping him. Keeping him would be a commitment though, which was something I usually shied away from.
I drove my truck into the pub’s parking lot and was surprised that it was so full. I found a spot off to the side under a tree and made sure I locked my door.
Music spilled out into the parking lot. It was loud but had a beat that already seeped into my soul. I like dancing, especially to the blues. It really got the groove going in me, but it usually took a few drinks to get me on dance floor.
Why? I wasn't shy. At least, I didn't think I was. Dancing wasn’t the same as karaoke. To be up there singing all by myself made me cringe. With all eyes on you, I just couldn’t do it. Good on those that good, but me? There was no way anyone could get me up to sing.
The door slammed shut behind me, and I blinked to adjust my vision to the dim lighting. The place was packed, and I felt like every eye was on me.
I threw a glance around the room, looking for Shannon. A waving hand caught my eye, and I smiled. It was just like her to find a table in the middle of the room where she could be seen.
"Great spot you got here," I said as I slid into the seat across from her.
She laughed. "I knew you'd love it. Even if you don't know anybody in town, you can bet they know you. You might as well let yourself be seen.”
