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“That old apartment building across town. The one that sits on the corner of Harrison.”
My face pales. That’s where Jessica is living with the children. I rush over to grab my gear and slam it on.
“You coming, Chief?”
I don’t go on every call, depending how bad they are. But this one I’m going on. This one is bad for a whole different reason.
Jessica could be in trouble and my heart shifts in my chest, the thump knocking against my ribs.
I need to know she’s alright. Because if she isn’t…? Well, I’m just not sure if anything is more important that that. She has to be alright.
Leaping into my truck, I leave the station before the truck. I need to get to Jessica. I need to see her pretty face and make sure she’s okay.
Doesn’t matter how old I am or how young she is…I just need her.
CHAPTER5
Jessica
Coughing, I bend over and wince when my new neighbor, Jack pounds on my back. He’s seventy if he’s a day but a lot stronger than he looks.
“I’m okay, Jack. You can stop doing that.” I say, struggling to hold in another cough, hoping that he doesn’t pound on my back again. I think I have bruises from his tender ministrations.
“Are you sure? I can get some of my oxygen out here. I’ve got an extra tank in my truck.”
Choking, I wave my hand and shake my head wildly. “No, no,” I mutter hoarsely. “I’m fine. Keep your oxygen.”
“Jess? Oh no! Are you okay, baby?”
My watering red eyes lift painfully and I choke again at the sight in front of me.
Richard is like every woman’s vision of a knight in shining armor only he’s dressed in his firefighter turnout and he looks good. Really good.
Good enough that my poor heart skips a beat in my chest and I bend over again, coughing.
“Come on. The ambulance is here and you’re getting checked out.” The world spins as he lifts me up in his big arms.
“Whoa!” I gasp and my fingers clench in his coat.
He stares down at me with his gorgeous, warm brown eyes. “I’ve got you. Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be alright.”
I can’t even catch my breath to protest. But I really don’t want to. He makes me feel so safe and warm. Like nothing bad could ever happen to me as long as he is by my side.
The EMT at the ambulance runs up to me. “Hey, chief! Whatcha got? I’ll take her.”
He growls, “I’ve got her. Just get the cot ready.”
The other man stops quickly. “Sure.” And he pulls the bed up and Richard sets me down on it.
“I’m not sure exactly what happened because I just got here but it looks like she swallowed a bunch of smoke. She’s having trouble breathing and she keeps coughing.”
“Sounds like minor smoke inhalation. She’ll be fine in short order.”
He listens to my heart, checks my pulse and looks in my eyes. “Looks good but we’re gonna go ahead and give her some oxygen and keep an eye on her.”
“I’ll be back, princess. You rest. I assume the kids are at school?”
I nod my head and Richard smiles. “Good. I’ll see you soon.”
