Page 209 of Forever Never
“This is the Chief.”
Remi felt Brick tense next to her as a text came in on his.
Tension replaced the relaxed vibe in the room.
“Pick me up on the way,” Darlene said, pushing out of her chair and squeezing her husband’s shoulder.
“What’s wrong? What’s happening?” Remi asked, reaching out to clasp Camille’s hand.
“It’s a fire,” Brick said as he rose, giving her hand one last squeeze. “The Grand Hotel.”
He followed Darlene out of the room.
“I can’t leave her unprotected,” she heard him say to her mother.
“I know. Call Brice. No reason she and White should get any sleep tonight if we’re not.”
Brick swore, and Remi heard him taking the stairs two at a time.
Darlene was on the phone again, and everyone else stepped out onto the porch. The Grand Hotel was around the bend and uphill, but there was an eerie glow in the night sky.
“This has nothing to do with Warren,” Remi reassured Camille. But her friend didn’t look so sure.
“Dad,” Brick, in uniform again, poked his head out of the door.
William stepped inside, leaving the door ajar. Remi waited a beat and followed. They had their heads together in the dining room.
“This is a big ask. She’s the most important thing in the world to me, and I don’t trust the feds. I need you to keep her safe—both of them—until I get back.”
William nodded solemnly. “I’ll do whatever it takes. You and Remi have something real and right. I won’t let anything happen to her. I promise you that.”
Remi’s eyes misted when Brick squeezed his father’s shoulder.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Turk’s here with the car,” Darlene said, opening the front door.
Brick spotted Remi in the hallway.
“I can’t leave until they’re here,” he said.
Her mom gave him the nod. “We’ll see you up there then.”
William followed her back out, leaving Remi alone with Brick.
Both of the island’s fire trucks screamed past the house, followed by the ambulance.
Her heart thumped.
“You have to go,” she told him.
“I can’t leave you.”
“You’re not leaving me alone. There is a house full of people here. You’re needed out there.”
The island fire department was well-equipped but not to battle what could easily become a 4-alarm blaze. Every available hand was needed to save the landmark. The beginning for so many happily ever afters.
Gripping his arm, Remi looked into those worried eyes. “Go.”
