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As long as there was no one dead, that was a good thing. Buildings and belongings could be replaced. People couldn’t.
“You did a good thing.” He wiped his brow. “A stupid thing, but a good one.”
I nodded. It was reckless and dumb. I couldn’t deny my friend that. But when it was in my blood to serve and protect, what else could I have done? “Keep me updated.”
“We miss your sorry ass.” Walsh punched me in the arm.
“Better not say that too loud.” I fist-bumped him. “I’m out.”
“Take a shower,” Burke said. “You look like a chimney sweep.”
As I walked toward Pepper, Beau, and Lincoln, a dark car caught my eye. The lights flicked on as it eased away from the curb.
I’d seen that car at every fire lately except Ash’s. Although, had it been there and I hadn’t known to look for it? What was I missing? Maybe it wasn’t so far-fetched they were all related after all. I needed to tell Burke about the car. I needed the answers and soon, because if it was here tonight, was somebody meant to die?
Chapter Thirty-Two
Pepper
“Feel like taking a drive?”
I’d suggested cereal again, but Teague had insisted on finishing the meal he’d started. While the grill heated, he took a shower.
The meal was amazing. He really could cook, and yet, everyone had been quiet after all the excitement, and I thought that had a lot to do with the fact that we’d seen Teague in action. His siblings knew he’d been a firefighter. I knew that too intellectually. But seeing the building on fire, watching Teague rush out with a body in his arms made his job very real. He’d been a hero. But he’d definitely taken an unwelcome risk. The silence—the tension—had been palpable, though Teague didn’t seem to regret doing what he’d done. It made me wonder if we’d ever just have a relaxing night sometime in our future, as we’d certainly experienced our fair share of crazy since we’d met. And maybe, taking a drive was his way of finding something normal.
“Sure.” I couldn’t believe he’d be up for going anywhere but to bed. I was exhausted and I hadn’t saved anyone’s life today. “Let me tell Miss Adeline.”
Lincoln and Beau had left a few minutes ago, and Miss Adeline had gone to get ready for bed. We still needed to walk the dogs.
I poked my head into her room and heard the shower. “Woman, we’re going for a drive. Be back in a bit.”
“Don’t get caught fooling around in the truck. I’ve only got enough bail money for one of you.”
I snorted. She was nuts.
“Are they okay up here?”
The dogs were out in a trail between Miss Adeline’s room and the kitchen where we’d just finished washing dishes.
“They’re fine.”
He grabbed his keys, and we crept out, trying not to wake the dogs. The lock clicked as I quietly shut the door.
Woof.
I winced but tiptoed down the steps. Teague held the back door open for me. He made sure it was locked then secured me in the cab of his truck.
He cranked it up, and we rumbled down the alley.
It was late. The traffic was light. A lone person moved briskly along the sidewalk.
“Are we headed anywhere in particular?” I asked after a few blocks.
Teague drummed the steering wheel and stared straight ahead. When he didn’t answer, I wondered if he’d heard me.
“I didn’t mean to scare you earlier.” He cruised through a yellow light absently.
“You did,” I said quietly.
