“In the study, packing my law books.”
“Is Nate here?”
“Just texted me. He’s coming soon.”
Trent nodded, tightening his arm around Joshua’s neck. “When Nate gets here, we’re having a meeting, the six of us. We’re going to figure out a strategy… an order we should do things. We need a plan!”
“We’re hiring a professional restoration company,” Colin said.
“Smart move,” Trent said.
Joshua glanced toward the street, frowning. “What time is it?”
Trent pulled out his phone. “Almost four.”
Colin wavered, suddenly feeling the world shift on its axis. He gasped and grabbed Trent’s arm.
“Whoa, hey—Colin? You alright?”
“It’s nothing.” He gripped Trent’s arm, waiting for the spinning to ease, then squeezed his eyes shut, swallowing against a wave of nausea.
Trent’s jaw tightened. “You sure?”
“Just give me a minute,” Colin said, forcing a shaky breath. But when he opened his eyes, he saw Joshua moving to his side, concern flickering in his eyes.
“Are you OK?”
“Yeah, babe. Had a quick moment. I’m just tired.”
Joshua nodded, but his gaze lingered, the line between casual worry and anxious suspicion starting to blur. He didn’t push—just slid an arm around Colin’s waist. “You sure?” he asked, voice soft, searching his face.
Colin forced a smile, but Joshua’s frown lingered—a new uneasy worry in his eyes.
Jeff moved beside Trent. “You want us to start boxing up what’s clean, or just stand guard?”
“Not much we can do until the restoration company gets here,” Colin muttered. He took Joshua’s hand, holding it gentlyagainst the pain of his burns, then looked up as David appeared in the doorway, carrying a large law book.
“This one looked important, so I’m bringing it to the house,” he told Colin, then, reading the exhaustion written on his face, he laid a hand on his shoulder. “Listen. Graham just left. He talked to Emberlight—they’ll be here first thing tomorrow. There’s nothing more we can do tonight. Let’s head home. You need food and rest. You both look like hell.”
Colin hesitated, but nodded, knowing he’d hit his limit. He could see the suspicious worry in Joshua’s eyes and tried to smile as they moved toward the car.
Joshua squeezed his arm, silent gratitude in his touch. At the edge of the yard, Colin turned for a final look—breathing in the sour stink of burned wood and the unnatural silence of a home gutted by disaster.
At David’s,the familiar scents and quiet order of the house felt almost surreal after the chaos they’d left behind. Colin’s shoulders sagged as he stepped inside, swaying on his feet as the last reserves of his strength drained away.
David took one look at him and laid a gentle hand on Colin’s back. “Come on,” he said, voice low. “You and Joshua—downstairs. Your room’s made up. And sandwiches are waiting next to your bed.”
Joshua nodded, barely able to protest as David guided them to the stairs and followed them down. The room was already dark and cool, the bed turned down, and fresh towels stacked on a chair.
Colin tried to thank him, but David just shook his head. “No speeches. Just get some rest.”
They showered in silence, barely speaking, and by the time they slid under the covers, exhaustion hit like a tidal wave. Joshua’s hand found Colin’s beneath the blanket, and for a few blessed hours, sleep finally claimed them.
Dawn arrived–adim light filtering through rain-streaked windows. Joshua woke first, stiff and disoriented, with Colin still fast asleep beside him. When he finally rose, Colin moved with slow, deliberate motions, as if walking through water.
Breakfast was quick—a bite that no one tasted. David handed Colin a slip of paper and a set of keys. “Trent leased a storage unit for you so you don’t need to think about it.”
Colin swallowed hard and nodded, clutching the keys.
