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I could use some goodwill after the way I left Macon. I’m not proud of myself for losing my temper, but I do feel justified in my frustration.
Still, I want to follow Emmy’s lead here. I’m going to come out looking like a hero, but who knows how she’s going to feel, looking like a victim who needed saving.
“Emmy?” I say, trying—failing—to read her thoughts. “It’s up to you.”
“This will win you points with the chief?”
I shake my head. “Please don’t do this for me.”
“It will win him points,” Lindsay says. “New job? New boss? It will go a long way to make the fire station look good, too.”
“The fire station doesn’t need to—”
“I’ll do it,” Emmy says, cutting me off.
“Beautiful!” Lindsay practically squeals.
“But you’re not coming with me to my house,” Emmy says. “I don’t want anyone else there for that.”
Unfortunately, I’ve been ordered to go with her, but I don’t tell her that right now.
“Okay, but we can film there, right? I think we’ll want to show the aftermath of the fire. We might even add a segment on fire safety.” Lindsay looks at me. “Maybe you could talk people through what to do if they smell smoke, how to keep calm in an emergency, that sort of thing?”
I don’t respond. I’m watching Emmy, whose strong front seems to be trembling like her balled up fist.
I realize what it is. It’s trauma. And anxiety.
I stand without hesitation.
“Yeah, let’s set this up for tomorrow.” I say, taking Lindsay by the arm and helping her up out of her seat. “Do you have a card? I can give you a call and work out the details.”
“Today would be better, Owen,” Lindsay says, a little more quietly. “News doesn’t wait for feelings to calm down.”
The absolute gall of this woman.
“No. Absolutely not.”
“But the emotion is good television,” she says.
I feel the heat rise on the back of my neck, suddenly protective. “Good for. . .? Are you nuts? You want to parade her in front of a camera for what, ratings?” I feel my voice rising and I don’t even care at this point.
I feel a hand on my arm.
Emmy.
“Owen, it’s okay. I promise.” To Lindsay, straight-toned and resolute, “Later today is fine, but I just remembered I need something from my office.”
She turns and walks away, untying her apron and tossing it on the counter before disappearing into a back room.
It takes every bit of strength I have not to go after her.
And to not grab Lindsay by one arm and one foot and toss her in the river.
Chapter Seven
Emmy
I hate crying.
