The sirens grew louder until flashing lights lit up the street.Fire trucks arrived, hoses uncoiled, and firefighters hurried toward the fire.Police cruisers followed, doors swinging open as officers spilled out.
One of them strode toward Leigh, his face tight with concern."I recognized the address.Are you okay?"
"Oh, God, Phillip.I couldn't stop him.I tried...I couldn't get him to stop."Leigh broke down, tears streaming.
Officer Phillip grabbed Leigh's upper arms and held her still."Start from the beginning and tell me what happened."
"I was on the back patio," Leigh sobbed, "talking to Jason when he became irate.He was talking nonsense, saying he was going to..."Her voice cracked, her body shaking."He was going to kill himself."
Phillip's expression hardened, but he let her continue.
"He grabbed a gas can from the shed.Th-The red one by the lawn mower," Leigh cried, "and spilled it all over the entrance into the dining room.Then he threw a match.I tried to go inside, but the flames were too big."
"What about the front door?"Phillip glanced at the house.
Leigh shook her head."No, the last time he did this—weeks ago, when I finally had to leave him because he was talking about hurting himself and me, he put one of those..."She waved her hand in front of her."Those locks that can only be unlocked from the inside.I don't know what they're called."
"Deadbolt," said Phillip.
As if to punctuate her words, another explosion ripped through the house, followed by a series of sharp pops.The officers flinched.Firefighters shouted warnings to back away.
Phillip turned to Annie and Leigh, ushering them farther back."He had ammunition stored inside," he explained quickly."It's exploding in the fire.You need to stay clear."
"Oh, God."Leigh pressed her hand to her head."Someone needs to get him out of the house.Why don't they break down the door or a window?"
"They can't go in while the ammo is going off."Phillip rubbed his jaw."Maybe Jason will walk out."
Annie held her sister tighter.There was no way he was walking out.And if he did, what would he have to say?Would he blame Leigh?
She had a feeling that the story Leigh gave the officer was full of shit.Jason wasn't suicidal.He was an abusive asshole who didn't deserve anyone's concern.
Phillip spoke briefly with another officer, then returned, his tone firm but kind."Leigh, I need to take you to the station.There has to be a report."
"I can't leave."Leigh pointed toward the house."My husband is in there."
"We need to let the firefighters do their job."
"You don't understand."Leigh hugged herself."He didn't mean to say those things.He's confused.H-He needs help, that's all.Can't you get him out?"
Annie stepped forward, her voice steady despite the chaos."Can I go with her?I'm her sister."
Phillip motioned toward the patrol car."They'll let us know...well, they'll call as soon as they can get in the house."
They climbed into the back of the cruiser, the doors shutting with a heavy thud.Phillip stood outside, talking with another officer.
Annie stared out the window at the house.It was fully engulfed.There was no way Jason would survive.
Phillip slid into the driver's seat.Annie reached across the seat and grabbed her sister's hand.
As the car pulled forward, Annie's eyes found Hunter standing at the end of the block, Baddy beside him.
She held his gaze as they passed, her heart aching.She hoped he understood why she had to go, why she had to stay with Leigh, even if it meant leaving him behind.She needed to do this alone.He'd already saved her life once.
She swiveled on the seat, putting her hand on the window, not wanting to lose sight of him.Please understand.
