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They showed pain, exhaustion and anger.

“Got on the wrong side of my boss,” he said softly. “Nothing to worry about, darlin’.”

I blinked.

Drew’s squeeze on my shoulder told me that I really shouldn’t continue to pursue the topic, so I just nodded and turned my face into Drew’s chest.

“Are you off for the day?” I asked him. “Is that why you’re here?”

He dropped a kiss down onto the top of my head, and shook his head.

“No. Power’s out at the station, the generator’s frozen solid with no hope of getting it running, and they told us we could move home base within five miles of the station, which happened to be my house. We were coming this way because we were cold. How fuckin’ ironic that we walk in on that little shithead starting a fire.” Drew shook his head.

“That’s why I called you earlier,” Raphael said, bringing my attention back to him. “Saw the kid in his yard when you left. Watched him until I was called to report in on the status on my case.” Raphael shook his head. “Think he watched your place for over an hour before I had to leave. He didn’t move once.”

Shivers raced down my spine at remembering how cold and methodical Ellison had looked as he’d poured gas throughout the house.

“He was going to burn us all alive,” I whispered, my eyes narrowing as I remembered what he’d said and done just after seeing him point that gun in my face.

My thoughts turned south, and I wondered what would’ve happened had I not been able to think as quickly as I had.

“I’ll check in with you later,” Drew’s voice jolted me out of my thoughts.

I blinked quickly as Raphael nodded once and turned to head back inside his own house, but Drew didn’t move until he was well out of range.

Then he hugged me, and that one act said more than enough to me. More than any words ever could.

“You mean the fucking world to me, Baby,” Drew whispered gruffly. “When I arrived and saw that gun pointed at your head…” his body shook. “I seriously wanted to cry. Scream. I almost barreled through the front door, but Booth stopped me.”

My eyes followed to the other firefighters.

They’d set up a grill on Drew’s front lawn and had started barbequing.

Tables and chairs surrounded the grill that served two purposes—keeping them warm while cooking their food, and feeding them at the same time.

Tai and Booth were on either side of the ambulance doors, talking to the two kids that were sitting in the open doors with their feet dangling.

Attie’s head was resting on Mace’s shoulder as she stared at him adoringly.

“I need to tell you more,” I said softly.

Drew’s body tensed.

“Let’s go inside,” I said softly. “Just for a minute.”

Five minutes later, after I’d gotten all the words out that needed to be said, I feared for that kid’s life.

“What are you thinking?” I asked, taking a step forward.

His eyes closed and he squeezed them so tight that I was worried he’d hurt himself.

Was it possible for your eye to pop out with your eyelids closed?

“I’m thinking that I should’ve fucking killed that motherfucker while I had the chance,” his eyes opened and they were practically spitting fire.

“Drew,” I stepped forward to take his hand.

He shook my hand off his and started for the door, but I threw myself at his back.