The Enforcer - Kelli Callahan Page 0,5

there was a fire in a neighborhood,” I whisper, trying to force the memories to clear, unlike my vision, which is being stubborn.

“Go on,” he urges.

“The fire was at Diana’s. I went in and I tried to save her... No... Is she alive?” I gasp, reaching forward and grabbing his shoulder, then moaning from the pain of the pressure in my palm.

“Buddy, slow down. Yes. She’s alive, thanks to you, I’m sure.”

Nodding my head, I try to focus. Now that I know she’s alive, I can relax a little. “Um…” I clear my throat. “The doors downstairs were locked but something felt wrong, something was off about the whole thing.”

“What do you mean wrong?” he asks.

“When I walked inside, it looked like the fire had started on the ground.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because of the zigzag lines on the floor. It looked as if someone had poured gasoline along the hardwood floors.” I take a second and sit in silence. I swallow hard before continuing. “I ran through the house looking for her. It was so hot. I wasn’t sure I was going to make it,” I say, my voice hollow and raspy. “I went upstairs and when I got to her bedroom door, it was locked as well.”

Noah makes a humming sound, and I see the blurry nod.

“I unlocked the door, and when I made it to the bathroom, I found a chair propped up under the handle so it couldn’t be turned.”

“Wow,” Noah whispers.

“So someone set the fire and trapped her in that bathroom,” I say. “Someone tried to kill her, Noah.”

“That’s what it sounds like,” Noah agrees.

“I ran across the bathroom and slipped and hit my head on the tile,” I say, sliding my left arm up and rubbing the back of my head, grimacing at the bruise and what feels like stitches.

“Then what?” Noah encourages.

I inhale deeply, lowering my hand. “She was under the window. I think she was trying to escape. I got a couple of towels wet, threw them over her, and ran downstairs. By the time we got to the yard the ambulance and the fire trucks were there, and I passed out,” I say, feeling some embarrassment at the confession. “Is that okay, Noah?”

“That’s okay, Jake,” Noah says, reaching forward and resting an arm on my shoulder. “I know you’re a strong man. You don’t have to be embarrassed.”

It amazes me how Noah always knows what I’m thinking or feeling.

“How long have I been asleep?” I ask, turning my head, trying to clear my eyes and see the hospital room.

“Three days,” he says. “You have a concussion and some second-degree burns on your legs and on your hands, and first-degree burns on your face,” he says.

I slowly raise my hands up to touch the tender skin.

“I assume you were exposed to some kind of flash fire of sorts at some point. The doctor said your eyes should recover, but it might take a little while for you to see things clearly again.”

I nod my head, taking in the information. “And Diana?” I ask.

“She’s okay. She’s actually just down the hall from you,” Noah says, and I see him, turning as if looking in the direction of her room.

“How injured is she?” I ask, frowning. Then instantly regret the involuntary facial motion at a stinging feeling in my brow.

“She didn’t have any major burns. Just first degree,” Noah says, turning back to face me. “She inhaled a lot of smoke and has been on oxygen for a couple of days, but just until her saturation is up. She has a broken nose and a mild concussion too. She says that she fell forward when she got out of the tub, they think that’s when she smacked the tile the first time. The second time being when she passed out. The doctor says that she should be able to go home soon too. I think they’re just being extra cautious because she is such a pillar in the community,” Noah says, his voice low.

Saying nothing, I nod.

“She owes you her life, Jake,” Noah whispers. “Well, I’m going to go find us some lunch before either of us starts crying,” he says, rising from the bed and reaching forward to place a hand on my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re okay Jake,” he whispers.

“Me too,” I say, trying to focus on the face in front of me. No use.

“Alright, don’t cause any trouble while I’m gone,” he says. “I should be back in an hour. Lucy