Carli: Not tomorrow, it’s my first day and I have to go in early. But I could bring biscuits by the house the next morning you’re off shift. No one will blink if I show up with biscuits. I can’t stay too long since I have to get to work after that.
Cody: I’ve got a few days off in a row with our Kelly schedule. What about the day after tomorrow? Will that be too much for you—baking before work? And the house tends to be crowded around breakfast. I was hoping to talk alone. In private.
Carli: We can just make up an excuse to go out to the barn.
Cody: That should work. Yeah?
Carli: Yes. It should.
Cody: Okay. I’ll see you then.
Carli: See you, Cody.
Chapter 13
Carli
You’ve gotta risk it to get the biscuit.
~ Unknown
The senior fire inspector,Randall, shuffles the papers on his desk and stands.
“Ready?” he asks me.
“As I’ll ever be,” I answer, feeling the too-casual tone a moment too late. “Yes. I am,” I add.
“Good. Good. Let’s get you out in the field.” He straightens his glasses, pushing the stems past the greying hair at his temples. Despite his neutral tone, the scowl lines in his forehead deepen when he glances at me before stepping into the hallway.
I follow Randall toward the staircase leading down to the lobby.
A familiar voice calls my name, stopping me mid-stride.
“Carli!” David says with a warm smile. “First day?”
“Yes,” I smile. “I’m shadowing Randall.”
“Showin’ her the ropes,” Randall says. “Can’t send her out to the wolves alone on her first day.”
Well. That sounds promising.
David chuckles. “I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
“You’d be surprised,” Randall says. “People always try to take advantage of their relationship with you. You know? Thatwe’ve known each other since we were kidscrap. Maybe I do know you, but I’m still issuing you a code violation and you can thank me later.”
He loops the thumb of his free hand in a belt loop and leans back slightly, puffing out his chest.
“What brings you to the county offices?” I ask David, trying to redirect the conversation.
“Oh,” David says, a look of mild surprise morphing his features. “Chief Hayes didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me … ?”
“I’m being promoted. Chief Hayes is retiring and I’m moving into his position.”
“Oh. Wow. Congratulations,” I say.
No wonder he was a part of my interview.
