“Research position. They want me there in four weeks.” He looks at Rachel. “I’m turning it down.”
“What? No. Jake—”
“Someone’s targeting you. Or targeting Dorothy, and you keep being there. Either way, you’re in danger.” His voice is firm. “I’m not leaving while this is happening.”
“You can’t put your life on hold because of me.”
“I’m not putting my life on hold. I’m protecting my sister.” He stands up. “Research can wait.”
Rachel’s eyes fill with tears. “This is your career. Everything you’ve worked for.”
“And you’re my family. You and Tommy. That matters more.”
“Don’t make me responsible for your choices.” Her hands shake. “I didn’t ask you to stay. I don’t want you to stay.”
“Someone tried to kill you today. Third time in three weeks.”
“We don’t know that yet!”
Jake runs a hand through his hair. “You think I can fly to Alaska knowing someone’s burning down buildings with you inside them? You think I could focus on fish populations while you’re dodging fires?”
“That’s not fair.”
“None of this is fair! But it’s reality.” His voice cracks. “I already lost Mom and Dad. I’m not losing you, too.”
Rachel stops. We all do.
They don’t talk much about their parents. Car accident, years ago. I didn’t know Jake well enough back then to see how it destroyed him, but I can see the echo of it now.
“Jake.” Rachel’s voice is softer. “You’re not going to lose me.”
“You don’t know that. Three fires. Three times you’ve been trapped. How many more before we’re not fast enough?”
“Can you guys stop fighting?” Tommy’s voice cuts through. “Please?”
“We’re not fighting, baby.” Rachel moves to sit beside him. “Just talking.”
“Loud talking.”
“Sometimes grown-ups talk loudly when they’re worried.”
Jake sits back down. “I’m calling them tomorrow. Declining the position. That’s final.”
Rachel stands up abruptly. “I can’t do this right now.”
She walks out of the room. We hear her footsteps on the stairs, hear her bedroom door close.
Jake looks at us. “She’ll come around. She has to.”
“Maybe give her some space,” Cole suggests. “Let her process.”
“She’s going to blame herself for this.”
“Probably,” I say. “But that’s not your problem to fix tonight.”
Jake nods, looking defeated. “Thanks for coming by.”
“Call us if you need anything,” Cole says.
