of doors slamming and a siren followed. Filthy and still running high on the adrenaline rush, she leaned up against a standby rescue unit to catch her breath.
Glancing at her watch, she realized the time. Ten after nine. Though the fire still burned, it was finally under control. Most likely it would continue for several more hours, then sizzle and smoke for days. At last count, she heard eleven patients left the scene by helicopter and over sixty by ambulance. Fortunately, so far, there were no fatalities. Considering that a miracle, she whispered a grateful prayer of thanks.
Inhaling, Pam noted the putrid smell of burning plastics and other artificial fibers that continued to fill her nostrils. Littered with ash and other debris, the wet street shimmered from the lights overhead. It was quiet now. And dark. The radio’s incessant flurry of activity finally reduced itself to only an occasional transmission, releasing neighboring fire and rescue units from the scene.
“Did you enjoy the fireworks celebration? I arranged it just for you.”
Caught off guard, Pam stood straight. She knew Tom would show up eventually. During the emergency, they had exchanged quick glances and orders, but nothing more. And certainly nothing to suggest that fourteen years had passed since last seeing each other. But that was an entirely different story. Keep it light, she told herself. Meanwhile, her heart pounded and the back of her neck burned.
“I don’t think the word ‘enjoy’ paints an accurate portrait,” she countered, looking around at the wreckage. “But I’m certainly impressed. You really didn’t have to go to all that trouble. A cake, minus the candles and calories, would have been fine.”
Tom’s deep laugh filled the cool night air. “That was the original plan. Obviously, the old boiler in that factory thought you deserved something more dramatic.”
Smiling, Pam rolled her eyes. “Obviously.”
“Thanks for your help. The timing couldn’t have been better.”
“I’m glad I was here.” She paused, then added thoughtfully, “The rescue teams responded remarkably.”
“So you approve?”
“Definitely.”
“Good. Then the fire wasn’t a total loss. It gave you an idea of what to expect if you decide to accept the medical center’s offer.”
Startled, Pam met his bright eyes. Challenging, mischievous but at the same time, gauging her reaction to him. They held for a moment. Then she broke the connection.
“How do you know about that?”
Truths Unveiled
Truths Unveiled
Chapter Three
Before Tom could answer, his radio crackled on his hip.
“Medic One, here. Go ahead,” he responded.
Pam listened as the female dispatcher said, “T.J. dropped off the keys to Dr. Harrington’s vehicle at the Red Cross station. She might be looking for them.”
Surprised, she realized that in all of the excitement the young gas station attendant must have taken her keys when they first arrived. She started to say something, but Tom made a motion to wait. Looking at her, he said, “Roger that, Dispatch. Thank you. I have the doctor with me now. We’ll come get them.”
We will? Pam’s thoughts shouted, emphasizing the we. What’s that about? And she still wanted to know how he knew about the job offer.
“Sounds good. Roger and off.”
Ending the transmission, Tom indicated that they should walk. “I saw the Red Cross truck parked around the corner.”
Pam knew that the charitable agency typically stayed at this type of emergency scene to provide food and drinks to the remaining fire fighters and other rescue personnel.
“Thanks,” she said. “I’m sure I can find it. You must have a ton of things to do.” Like go home to your wife and child, she thought to herself.
Tom shrugged, continuing to lead the way. “It’s no big deal. I’ll go with you. Do you want to eat now, or see the medical center first?”
Pam nearly tripped over her own feet. Once again he caught her off guard. She was still trying to figure out how to ditch him. And why did he want to hang around with her anyway? “Excuse me?”
He winked, then widened his grin. “I’m sure you’re hungry. But you’re probably also anxious to see the place. So which do you want to do first?”
Tom’s perception and understanding tone floored her. How could he know that? And why would he even bother to care? Before she could respond, they approached the Red Cross truck. Seconds later, Tom held her keys in his hand.
“I’ll drive,” he announced. His tone left no room for discussion. “Mine’s the black Avalanche over there.” He pointed to the left, down the street a bit and motioned for her to join him.
“Thanks, but no,” Pam