“Larry’s already got enough work to last a month and that’s just the stuff people were able to call in before the storm knocked out the phone lines. Emergency vehicles will have priority though. This bitch came in hard and fast. Took most of us by surprise even though we’ve known for days it was coming. I’m glad I brought supplies to stay at the station for a few days. The Chief’s here along with the rookie.”
Asha and Chad were supposed to be off duty hours ago. Although she wasn’t surprised to hear Asha was there, as Chief of police he wouldn’t want to be caught out of town at his place for the next few days. But Chad…
“Please tell me the rookie didn’t break something else.”
Sarah laughed. “How’d you guess?”
“Jesus. What did he do now?”
“Well, as you can imagine, the amount of snow coming down isn’t easy for the most seasoned driver but when you’re from a state that never gets even a dusting of the stuff you’ve got no hope.”
“Shit. Did he total a cruiser?” Fuck, the Chief will be pissed if two cruises needed towing.
“No, not even a scratch. But that fancy new fencing they put up along Lake Front near the gazebo didn’t come out so good.”
Leaning her head back she closed her eyes. “Lord. We won’t survive this kid.”
Chuckling, Sarah said, “Give him time. He’s still so young and green. God, he’s so so green.”
Laura laughed, the woman didn’t lie. “Okay, well I need to call my dad and let him know I’m good. I’d tell you to call me if you need me but I don’t think I’m leaving here for while.”
“I’d say we’re all stuck inside for at least a couple of days.”
“A couple…” Her eyes opened, her gaze darting to the window beside the back door. Motherfucker. She hadn’t even thought about being snowed in. With Nash. “Right. Well, you can count me as safe. And everyone in Broken Bay is prepared and accounted for.”
“I’ll let the Chief know. Stay safe and we’ll see you after the storm.”
“You stay safe too. I’ll call again tomorrow.” Ending the call, Laura stared out the window. The window that was completely white.
“We’ve hit whiteout stage. I’m hoping this thing blows itself out quicker than they predicted but I’m not holding my breath. Here.” Nash stood in front of her, a pair of thick work socks held out in each hand.
Taking one pair, she put the phone in her lap and grabbed the other pair. “I probably only need one.”
“You’re still a bit pale. I’d rather be safe than sorry. You should have put the hoodie on too but the quilt will probably keep you warm enough if you stay put and don’t walk around. Especially after you get some hot food and drink in you.” He grabbed the hoodie he had draped over his shoulder and dropped it next to her. “You move from there, put that on.”
She bristled at the order and muttered, “Yes boss.” If she’d had the energy she’d have snapped a salute.
He grinned down at her. The bastard knew she wanted to tell him to fuck off. “Did you make your calls?”
“I called the station. Still need to call my dad. Probably should call mom too. If she’s not with dad.”
“Put the socks on then call. After that you really need to eat, get warm from the inside. It’s okay in here at the moment but I can’t get it hotter with the heating system I’ve got and I’d say the storm will be dropping the temp to less comfortable before it’s done.”
“No fireplace in here?” She glanced around and spotted a section of wall covered in sheets of plywood. “Oh. It’s boarded up?”
“Yeah, that’s my next job. If I can get it functioning it should give off enough heat to keep these few rooms warm through winter. I’m not sure how long the furnace will keep working. It took a whole day to get it running and the piping system doesn’t look the best.”
“You should have waited until after winter to move in.” Why he’d given up the modern apartment with central heating above Della’s at this time of year she didn’t understand. Not when he’d had to close off the majority of the house to live here.
He shrugged. “A little cold doesn’t worry me. I can always run the ovens to get some heat in here if the furnace goes. Besides, if I hadn’t been here you’d be in a lot worse shape.”
True. But she had enough confidence in herself to know she’d have been okay without his assistance. Maybe. No, she would have been fine. She was resourceful. Capable. “Want help opening up the fireplace?”
Shaking his head, he said, “No. You make your calls and eat. I’m going to pull the boards off and see what I’ve got to work with. It would be done by now if I hadn’t spent the day getting ready to be snowed in.”
Laura grinned. “Snowed in at the Inn.”
Chuckling, he headed to the island and picked up a metal pry bar. “Figured I’d be talking to myself for the next few days. Can’t say I’m disappointed that won’t be the case.”
