Page 20 of Backdraft
He wondered if she still was as wild and passionate as when he knew her. She'd been very professional when he'd seen her at the fire scene and at the postmortem today.
Was she in a relationship now? Married? Have kids? Taylor was surprised at the mild pang of jealousy, which made no sense at all. How could he be jealous over someone he'd only spent a few days with years ago. Yet here he was thinking about it.
They would continue to cross paths, both for this fire and future ones, and he didn't want there to be awkward tension between them.
One thing he did know, he wouldn't be able to look at her and not remember their weekend together. He finished the last of his beer and tried to recall the subject matter of the conference. His was medical, but hers…
Then he remembered.
She was on an explosion and blast course. He'd been quite impressed.
Taylor chuckled. Their weekend had definitely been explosive.
Chapter Six
The next morning, desperate for a coffee, I was looking forward to heading out to a recommended coffee shop. Apparently, the pastries were to die for and the coffee was like being transported to Hawaii. I was just about salivating for a cup.
Honu was the name. Apparently, it meant turtle in Hawaiian, and the beans came from Hawaii. I hurried across the parking lot, feeling much like a pack mule with all my bags slung around my shoulders.
I had so much on my mind that all my thoughts were in chaos. If I was planning on staying here, I had to find somewhere better to stay than the hotel. Even though my costs are covered, I simply couldn't have more than a few nights here. I have to find somewhere else less hotel-y. Maybe the B&B Shannon was staying at? I’d ask around for some suggestions, but so far nothing had turned up.
Reports on the fire were still coming in, and I had a load of paperwork to do. But, I needed to fit in a drive to Wags & Whiskers, which wasn’t far from the hotel. I was eager to see the little guy and give the kitty a snuggle. I’d stop by tomorrow.
The day was already warm and I puffed out a breath, then stopped dead in my tracks.
"What the…" I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
I pulled the straps of my bags over my head and dropped them by the passenger door. My plans for the morning had taken a sudden turn.
Coffee.
Go to the office.
Check for reports.
But now I had this to deal with.
Last night, after my dinner with Shannon, I'd parked the truck under the light closer to the main entrance, figuring it would be safer there.
Apparently not.
I crouched down to look at the tire. It was fine yesterday and today it’s flat. I pressed the tire with my fingers and found a big slice. Someone had slashed it. Who on earth would do such a thing? And why?
There was some etching on the side of the truck as well. A chill ran down my spine. Had this been random, or targeted?
I swore under my breath, stood, and glanced around the lot to see if any other vehicles were vandalized, or if anyone sketchy was lurking close by. I'd learned that offenders liked to hide and watch the reaction of their victims. I wasn't going to show my defeat. No way would I give them that satisfaction if they were still watching.
I knew the damage had to be reported. The keying wasn't really bad, but still…and the tire!
I unlocked the truck, put my gear inside, and went around to the back to pull out the spare tire. I really couldn't believe this was happening right now.
The spare was a full-size, no donut for this vehicle. And it was heavy. I’d taught myself to change a tire years ago, because you never know when you might have to. And I wasn't about to be a helpless female.
Only I hadn't done it on a big 4x4 dually. It might prove to be a little more challenging. I leaned the tire against the fender and placed the jack beside it. As I expected, it wasn't easy. I decided to call roadside assistance and was advised they'd be here in about twenty-five minutes.
I put my phone back on the seat, absolutely craving that coffee I’d promised myself. I ran my fingers over the etching in the paint and leaned back down to see if there were any words.
"Having a bit of trouble there?" a male voice said, and a man came around from the back of the truck.
