Chapter 15
“Scotty, you’re back!” Donovan exclaimed. “I guess your mother must be doing better.”
“Yeah, she’s still in Boston, but getting much better, thanks. How’ve things been while I was away?”
“You know…same old. Except ever since that explosion, everyone smells gas.”
“Yeah,” Mahoney said as he joined them. “Then when you get there, it smells like a fish and a head of broccoli had a farting contest. People should really take their garbage out more often.”
After they were through laughing, Donovan said, “We were beginning to think you moved to Boston permanently because the work was easier—either that or to taunt the Sox.”
What could she say? She was still wrestling with the idea of moving, but they didn’t need to know that yet. “There was no time for ball games, I’m afraid. And if I moved there, it would be because the BFD guys are better looking, but it’s good to be back anyway.”
“Ouch… I thought you didn’t date firefighters. When did you change your policy?”
“Who says I did?”
“Oh, so we’re just eye candy to you? Is that it?” Mahoney asked.
“Notyou, buddy—or anyone else in this battalion.” She’d missed their banter.
“So it must be the Ninth you’re ogling,” he persisted.
“No! There’s no ogling! I was just kidding around. Forget I said anything about looks.”
“Nope. Not forgetting it,” Mahoney said. “You said the guys in Boston were better looking. You must have looked. You’re human after all, Scott.”
She let out a laugh. It was good to be back, even if it meant bearing the brunt of some teasing.
“You still studying for the lieutenant’s exam?” Donovan asked.
“Of course.” She hadn’t thought about it in a week. It had meant so much just a short while ago. Would it be a wasted effort? If she moved to Boston, she’d have to start all over again—and not where she left off. She’d have to start at the bottom and go through training all over again. Then probie status. She almost groaned aloud. After nearly eight years in FDNY, could she humble herself like that?
Suddenly she noticed the guys staring at her warily. She needed some time alone.
“Excuse me, guys. I think I’ll go upstairs and study.”
On her way up the stairs, her phone rang. She dug it out of her pocket and didn’t know the number but she did recognize the 617 area code. Boston.
“Hello?”
“Kristine? Darling?”
The female voice didn’t sound exactly like her mother, but who else would call her darling?
“This is she.”
“Oh, good. This is Gabriella Fierro. I’m sorry to bother you, but I was wondering when you might be able to come back.”
She sat on her bed. “Back? To your house?”
“Yes, dear.”
“Is everything all right?”
“Well, yes and no. It’s Jayce.”
Her mouth went dry, and a rush of adrenaline stabbed her in the chest. “Is he okay?”
