know what you need” bullshit either—Tucker’s willingness to take direction both on and off the job was one of his most appealing characteristics. As his earlier competence had more than demonstrated, he was capable of being the one in charge, but he also wasn’t too proud to defer to others.
“I might take you up on that later.”
“Good. Do that. Now, what’s your early feel for how this started? Are we looking at another arson case?” Tucker leaned forward, as animated about the job as he’d been all day, with an unflagging energy level that Luis admired.
“At first glance, the fast spread would seem to go against the pattern of smaller fires, but I think this might be related. Nearby hiking trail, very early morning ignition, another anonymous report for the authorities to investigate that I’ll put money on leading to a burner phone. I’m hoping to get closer to the ignition area tomorrow, look for more of the same patterns I’ve seen at the other sites with the placement of fuel. I’ll be reviewing the data and evidence in the coming days, see what’s worth turning over to authorities to see if any leads are promising.”
“Good. Glad we’re keeping you busy.” There was a certain wistfulness to Tucker’s tone, like he was grateful Luis had reason to stay, but he knew it wouldn’t last.
Glancing around quickly, Luis patted his hand. “I’m here as long as they need me.” He couldn’t promise to stay forever, and they were hardly at a point where he could make other sorts of promises, even if part of him wanted to do just that.
One of the administrative staff came striding toward them. “There’s a meeting in five.”
“On our way.” Tucker shot Luis a regretful look as he stood, then offered Luis a hand up.
Luis’s tight back muscles appreciated the assistance even if he did hate feeling nine hundred years old some days. If he was lucky, he might end up in a tent with Tucker later, and maybe some of his boundless energy could make its way to Luis, sustain him for what was likely to be a long day ahead tomorrow. Working together was far more satisfying than he could have predicted, having a common purpose, but also having someone at his side, looking out for him, bringing him sandwiches and extra bedding and listening to him bounce theories around. He’d been prepared to miss Tucker on a personal level, but now he saw that he’d miss him professionally as well, and he needed to figure out how to cope with that added layer of emotions.
* * *
Three days. It was hardly the longest fire Tucker had been involved with, but by the time Monday night rolled around, he was beyond grateful that personnel were being dismissed. On-site admin needs were lessened to the point that Tucker and Luis were free to go home and get some rest. Then they could gear up for the cleanup efforts that would take far longer than the initial blaze.
“I’m starving,” Luis said as they loaded up. “No more sandwiches. I need something hot, and for once, you won’t have to talk me into fast food.”
“There’s a local burger place in Prineville with amazing fries if you’re indulging.” Tucker slammed the back of the SUV shut and headed to the driver’s side. This time it was Luis’s turn to rest as he looked like crap after two nights in a tent with a bad back. Tucker was going to do his best to take care of him, make those dark circles under his eyes disappear and his smile come back out. “And then after dinner, you’re coming back with me. Boys are with Heidi tonight, and you, my friend, have a date with my shower.”
“Too exhausted to argue too loudly with that.” Giving him a tired smile, Luis buckled up. Tucker didn’t miss his wince as he shifted in the seat either.
“What else can we do for you? Meds? Heating pad?” Tucker started the slow trek back to the main road, following a line of other vehicles leaving the fire camp.
“I took a dose of an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory a while ago. I don’t like taking the stronger stuff unless the pain is way worse than this. This is just how chronic issues tend to go—flaring up when it’s least convenient. I know I look a little worse for the wear, but a good night’s sleep on a decent mattress will go a long way to getting me back