From working with James over the years on various calls, I knew that sometimes, in these types of scenarios, the arsonistlingered around the scene to see the results of their destruction. I made sure to stay alert as I jogged back to the truck and drove to the station. I called Sharon, a nurse who owed me a favor at Johnson Medical. My growing suspicion led me to believe I needed to see the woman, to make sure she was okay.
I persuaded myself into thinking once my eyes landed on her, this incessant need to fix things would go away. Then I could leave the rest up to the police. In truth, I had way too many close calls lately; while I knew I couldn’t save everyone, it didn’t mean their deaths didn’t weigh heavily on me. Finding that bag stirred up old feelings that I wasn’t ready to unpack. I saved her, that should have been it—I did my job.
That was how I ended up dozing off in a hospital waiting room chair with a crick in my neck. The woman in question, Evelyn Howard, had been in and out of consciousness. I hadn’t expected to be here this morning waiting for three hours, but then again, that nagging feeling told me I couldn’t leave without seeing her first.
Rising from the chair, I walked over to the nurses' station that was still occupied by Sharon. The barely five-foot Panamanian woman stood behind the desk with her glasses propped on her head, a single black braid hanging over her shoulder, while she squinted at the chart she was holding.
“Lose your glasses again, Shar?”
Sharon had been there for me after a bad call, and we’d been friends ever since. Rory broke his leg while venting a roof on a job and scared the daylight out of the squad a few years ago. We had all been gathered in the waiting room after we brought him in, and I was barely holding my composure. When I slipped into the stairwell, I hadn’t seen her sitting there until after I’d slammed my fist into the wall. There was panic in Rory’s voice over the radio. He thought this was it, but we got him out. I wasn’t prepared to have any other outcome—that didn’t meanthe whole ordeal didn’t shake me. My heart had been jumping out of my chest the whole ride there.
She didn’t say anything. She just flipped my hands over and assessed them. The skin of my knuckles had split, and blood seeped out. Quietly, she took my forearm and led me to an empty examination room. We talked and got to know each other a bit while she cleaned and bandaged my hand. She had taken good care of Rory, and had never failed to give me a stitch in my side from laughing since.
Sharon rolled her eyes, letting out a huff, “I gave up the search ten minutes ago! I can’t be bothered.”
Reaching across the desks, I gave her glasses a light tap. She flicked her eyes upward and groaned.
“Has a doctor seen her yet?”
“Actually, Dr. Singh is with her right now.”
“What? Why didn’t you wake me?”
“Cool your jets, big man,” Sharon interjected. “He walked in right before you woke up from your sixth dream. I wouldn't do you like that. This must be important; got you all wound up.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I was exhausted, and this situation had me on edge. “You’re right, I’m sorry. It’s been a long week. I appreciate you helping me out.”
Sharon rounded the station, collecting a few more charts before stopping beside me. She playfully shoved me. “Don’t let it happen again!”
I take a seat, and moments later, Dr. Singh approaches the nurses' station with Sharon in tow. She gave me a subtle nod, letting me know I could visit Evelyn’s room.I was overcome with a sense of urgency. My steps were hurried as I walked down the long corridor to Room 378. The sound of desperate cries propelled me forward, causing me to break into a sprint until I reached her door.
Evelyn was hunched over the side of her bed, sobbing into a pillow. Her knees buckled, and I rushed in to hold her up. Her body jerked in reaction to my arms wrapping around her middle, and I almost let go. She was warm against me, although her whole body was trembling. Sobbing in my arms, her wide eyes settled on mine without a flicker of recognition. My body was stiff as I struggled to form the right words to say, concerned that I’d overstepped.
I wasn’t sure how much time passed, but her cries tapered off, and she lifted her head to face me, an apology already quickly tumbling off her lips.
“I-I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me,” she stuttered.
I couldn’t help but take in how beautiful she was. I’d noticed the night before, but the situation didn’t allow for more than a brief look. Those hazel eyes caught my attention again. I took note of the rest of her as we stood in a slight embrace. Her skin was golden honey-brown, with dark freckles sprinkled across her nose and cheeks. She had black hair that fell past her shoulders, curls springing from every direction, framing her face. Her full lips were positioned in a frown.
I gave her another once over, checking her for any obvious injuries, before realizing that I hadn’t replied. I quickly took a step back from her, breaking the connection.
What the fuck was up with me? I really did need a bed and a week or two of sleep.
“Uh—it’s no worries, Ms. Howard. You’ve been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours. It’s understandable.”
At the sound of her name, she eyed me suspiciously. “I’m sorry. Who are you?”
I noticed she was putting some distance between us, and I held up my hands cautiously.
“I’m Parker Woods, a Fire Captain with the New York Fire Department. I’m who pulled you from your home last night.”Her eyes were apprehensive, but her shoulders appeared to relax.
I took a seat in the chair closest to the door as I geared up to break the news, “Listen, I don’t mean to alarm you, but this fire was intentional. Is there anyone you can think of that might want to harm you?”
Evelyn settled on the edge of the hospital bed. Discomfort and tension radiated off her in waves as she wrung her hands. She released a dry chuckle, and her eyes met mine.
“My sister’s killer...” Her trembling voice sent an unwanted shiver up my spine. “He came back for me.”
Her words stole my breath, and I had to wonder for the second time today: what the fuck had I gotten myself into?
