“Everyone’s either at the hospital, at the firehouse or up at the lodge. I’d be helping out too, but I’m waiting to see if Mrs. Butler comes in for her appointment or not. She hasn’t called to cancel.”
I stand still. “What happened?”
“Huge fire up at Peppermint Lodge. Two firefighters were taken to hospital; that whole new part of the building burned down. Poor Mr. Huckle.”
“Firefighters? Hurt?” I’m already halfway to the door. That explains the smoky smell in the air.
“Yes, I think one of them is the chief.”
“I have to go, Daisy. I’ll explain tomorrow.”
My new boss stares at me as I run to my car, my heart beating in my ears. I turn on the radio as I reverse the car and take the road out to the hospital.
A reporter is interviewing Mr. Huckle.
“Well...everyone is in shock here. We’re lucky the fire didn’t spread to the main house or the woods. Atlas King and his crew were incredible. They saved the lives of two of our guests. We’re all very worried about them.”
I swallow, trying to stop the sob rising in my throat. It makes sense that Atlas would have risked everything to save people, that’s why he’s so good at his job. But I’ve just found out how wonderful he is. I can’t lose him now.
The reporter’s voice is solemn. “I’ve spoken to the sheriff. As many of you will know, his brother is Chief King and he’s been hospitalized. We’re waiting for an update about his injuries. The sheriff also said they’d arrested a suspect who started the fire and would be reviewing the security footage as soon as possible.”
The parking lot is full and it takes me a while to find a space. I run into the hospital, following the signs to the ER.
“I’m looking for Atlas. Atlas King?”
“Are you a relative?” The receptionist looks stressed out, two phones ringing by her side.
“No, but…he’s my next-door neighbor and…”
She shakes her head as she picks up the phone.
Rion walks out of a room down the hall and starts walking towards the reception desk.
“Sheriff!” I walk up to him, my eyes streaming with tears.
“Hailey? You’re Hailey, Atlas’s neighbor?” He asks. He has the same height and build as Atlas, but his hair is wavy and his eyes are a deep brown.
“Yes. Please. Tell me he’s okay.” I can hardly get my words out.
“Follow me. He’s been asking for you. Apparently the first thing he said when he woke up was your name.”
My heart beating wildly, I follow the sheriff down the hallway. A smile on his face, he opens the door and lets me inside.
Atlas is lying on a hospital bed, his face so streaked with soot that his blue eyes seem even brighter than usual. The broad smile he gives me cracks his grime-smeared face and my chest tightens.
“Atlas! You’re alive!” My voice breaks.
He laughs, then coughs. “I certainly hope so. Although seeing you right now makes me think I might be in heaven.”
The sheriff chuckles, then closes the door so it’s just Atlas and I left together. I rush forward, wrapping my arms around him, trying not to disturb his IV.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m going to be fine. I got taken down by some falling wood and I have a little smoke inhalation, but Mav came back and got me out of there.”
“I’m so glad. Atlas, I love you. When I thought something had happened, I…”
“I love you too. I’ve never felt this way before, little comet.”
