“Yep, pretty much. I don’t know how I’m going to explain this to him.” Even as I said the words, snow began to fall. “Colton needs to call the fire department.”
“If he hasn’t already. This blaze has got to be visible for at least a mile.”
More embers fell.
“These pallets are going to catch fire. We need to move.”
We ran.
When we were far enough away, Ulysses put his hands on his hips. "What thehelldo you think you were doing at the scene of an active shooter? You could've gotten shot."
I blinked. "You were here!"
"And so were you!"
"So why are you upset that I was there when you were here?"
"Because I fucking love you and you scared me the fuck to death!"
"Yeah, well, I fucking love you too, so where does that leave us?"
We stared at each other as the snow began to fall in earnest.
“Hands up!” Colton’s voice rang through the air.
“It’s me. Finn. And Ulysses is here with me.” We both raised our hands in the air and slowly turned toward the end of the driveway where Colton stood.
“Jesus, Finnegan. What the hell’s going on?”
“You call in the fire?”
“Yeah, but I told them I had to secure the scene first. So…is the scene secure?”
“Chief’s dead—if that’s what you’re asking. I think he was alone.” I turned my attention to Ulysses.
He shrugged. “I think so. He said everyone else had been arrested.”
“McInerny’s here?” Colton advanced toward us.
I pointed to the massive inferno over my shoulder. “I think the fire got him. Which would be the height of irony.”
More sirens sounded from the distance.
“Hall Three, right? They’re going to need reinforcements.”
Colton merely stared for a moment before heading back the way he’d come.
“What…?” Ulysses gestured.
“He’s not in uniform. Probably doesn’t have a radio.”
“He’s got a cell phone right, though?”
“Quicker to reach dispatch through his radio.” I shrugged.
“You shouldn’t be out in the cold.”
“Uh, neither should you.” I blinked. “You said you loved me.”
