Page 27 of Oleander

“We’re pretty slow out here,” said Theo Jackson. “Honestly, it’s a great job. We’re able to connect more with the neighbors, get in our workouts, make sure the equipment is in good shape, all the things you can’t do at a busy city station.”

“I’m glad it’s going well for you,” said Eric.

“Where are we going?” asked Rod.

“I want to see if any of the neighbors saw flames or smoke that night or early morning. We also want to see if they have cameras that could have caught something. We need a timeline, Rod. We have to figure out how all this works together.” Rod nodded as they drove to his new cottage, thanks to Ms. Martin. They parked in the driveway, then walked to the neighbors.

Most were like Dorothy. Retired, elderly, and living alone or with their spouses. Three were single parents. A single father with a son in high school and two single mothers, one with a seven-year-old daughter, and one with an eight-month-old boy.

A few of the neighbors had doorbell cameras, but the angle was all wrong to see the Martin home. They were thrilled to know there was a firefighter living in the home now, and everyone welcomed Rod to the neighborhood.

The last house was the single mother with the eight-month-old. She looked tired, as if she hadn’t slept and both men apologized for the intrusion.

“Please come in,” she said waving them into the house. “It’s a mess. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” smiled Eric. “I remember those nights of staying up with our son.”

“He’s got his nights and days mixed up and it’s killing me. I write computer code from home, so I’m forced to work mostly during the day when he’s sleeping but that means I don’t get any sleep.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, you didn’t come to hear me whine. What can I do for you?”

“My name is Eric Bongard and this is Roderick Sutton. He now lives in Ms. Martin’s home. He’s also a firefighter at the local station.”

“Oh, that’s good to know,” she said smiling at him. “Welcome.”

“Thank you,” he said as her son screamed to be picked up once again. She started to stand and actually fell back into the sofa. “Let me.”

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“I’m sure. I’ve had a little experience with babies. I think your little guy is teething,” he smiled picking him up. He stepped into the kitchen and grabbed a clean wooden spoon from the canister next to the stove. Turning it around, he placed the handle end near the boy’s mouth. The little guy immediately starting chomping down on it.

“Oh, my God,” she whispered with tears in her eyes. “He’s quiet.”

“For the time being,” laughed Rod. “You’ll need something long-term. Iced teething rings always work, even foods like carrots can help.”

“Whiskey works,” smirked Eric. “At least that’s what my mother used.”

“We don’t use whiskey much any longer,” laughed Rod. The infant closed his eyes, while still chomping on the wooden handle. The grateful mother had tears in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t even introduce myself,” she said shaking her head. “My name is Gracyn Scott. That little devil is my son, George.”

“Nice to meet you, George,” whispered Rod smiling down at the baby. Eric stared at him with the baby in his arms, then back at the exhausted mother.

“Gracyn, is your husband here?” he asked. Eric knew damn good and well she was single, he was just testing the waters for Rod.

“Oh, I’m not married,” she said calmly. “George was a happy accident with an ex-boyfriend. We’d been dating about a year and even though I was on birth control, surprise!” They all smiled and she looked down.

“There’s nothing to be ashamed for,” said Rod. “It’s obvious you’re a good mother.”

“Is it? Because most days I feel as though I’m rowing a boat upstream and I’m losing the battle. The house is a mess, the dishes are in the sink, I need to get to the grocery store, and I can’t do any of those things when I need to finish my work.” She let out an exhausted sigh, shaking her head.

“God, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” he smiled. “I tell you what. I’ll make you a deal. Help us with this and I’ll watch little George while you run your errands.”

“You can’t be serious,” she gasped.

“Very serious,” said Rod. Eric leaned back in the chair and grinned inwardly.

“What is it you need help with?” she asked.