Blonde Demolition

Chapter 9: Concern for Her

“Fine, Cal. You need something?"

“No. Just making sure that guy wasn't bugging you."

Mallory ran a hand through her hair and dislodged her pony tail. She didn't fix it. “He wasn't." She sighed this time. “You okay? You look tired."

“I am, but it's that time of year. We'll all get sleep once this is over."

She c****d her head as if she had a question on her mind. It remained unspoken. “Not much to do now. You should get some rest before tonight."

Cal smiled at her. “You should take your own advice."

***

Her breath came out in ragged pants as she trudged to the ladies' room. If anyone else saw her like this they'd question her. She'd been cool, her temper in check.

Her emotions kept in, close to her.

Even with children involved.

“Must be Trey."

She reviewed her words to him. She didn't stay up nights waiting for the government. She'd stayed up just a few nights waiting for Trey.

That wouldn't happen again.

She splashed her face with cold water thankful that with few women in the firehouse she didn't have a parade of people in the ladies' room. The door was locked anyway.

Her face was splotchy red. No cosmetics would hide that. She took deep breaths to slow down her pulse. Calm the rage of emotions.

“No one knows my buttons like Trey."

She hated him for it. She ran a hand over her head and she tugged at the band that held back her hair. It fell in rings around her face. She shook it all out then pulled it back again.

Just like she did with the feelings that churned inside of her. Put them back in order.

Satisfied all was back in place and the world would think nothing happened, she exited the bathroom.

And ran into Jesse.

“Whoa." He kept her from stumbling. “I was looking for you."

She pasted on a smile and stared deep into his dark, brown eyes. They held such warmth and she was cold. His friendship meant the world to her and that chased away the chill.

His gaze bore into, but he didn't ask. She wanted to kiss him for it. Instead, she hugged him.

He stepped back.

“Shouldn't you be at work?" she asked.

“I'm done. Half day." He stopped. His grin was lopsided, but not comical. The expression held tenderness. “You need me more here. I'll be your go-to guy."

“Wow. You're the chief."

“But this is your show and I know how many last minute details there can be. I am at your service."

She couldn't help smile at his bow. The gesture filled her with such joy there was no room for bad thoughts. No room for thoughts about Trey coming back to see her tonight.

In fact, there was no room for Trey in her mind.

***

The last minute details intruded. Mallory ran around or had Jesse run around for the next six hours. Putting out fires. One literal one. Someone had put away the grill dirty. When it heated, old grease caught fire. An orange flame licked at the striped tent.

Of course, being firefighters, no one panicked.

When she sat down when all the tasks were done, she smelled food. Good barbecued food. Steak. Her mouth watered.

A plate piled high with beef and corn and potato salad appeared under her nose as if she'd conjured it herself.

“You need this."

Jesse sat down next to her under the food tent with his own plate of food.

She rubbed his back. “You are the best."

“We aim to please."

“Where'd this come from?"

“I took the liberty of getting some steaks for the guys and gals that have been here all day. Don't worry it didn't come out of your budget."

This guy was too good. She reveled in how uncomplicated these firefighters were. They took her at face value. They didn't question her or make her question herself. No one had even asked her about her bomb-diffusing skills. They just took it as a talent they never knew he had.

“I wasn't worried that it was. Thanks for doing this. I think everyone appreciates it."

“Have to keep the guys and ladies happy. Besides, it'll be a long week."

She groaned. He didn't know just how long it would be.

The steak melted in her mouth and her lids dropped closed to not let the moment pass.

“You are in ecstasy."

“I am."

Jesse leaned close to her ear. “I like putting that look on your face."

To eat was a simple pleasure. One she sometimes took for granted. Even though any meal could be interrupted at any moment by a fire call, she still reveled in the idea that most were not.

She giggled, but the statement was made in all seriousness. She would not deny that she loved her life and didn't want it taken away.

For any reason.

***

Two detectives showed up on the fairgrounds just as Mallory was ready to leave. Jesse walked her to her car, but he squeezed her hand. “You want me to stay?"

She did, but she didn't want him to know some of what she had to tell the detectives. She had never practiced her story. Tonight would be the test.

She smiled back at him. “I owe you a dinner."

“Promise?"

“Promise."

“I'll hold you to it."

His kiss was full of desperation as if he knew the forces that tugged her away from him. His gaze bored into her then he let her go.

He left and she led the detectives to the office where they'd have privacy.

***

Trey dialed the number with nervous fingers. “She's in talking to cops. If she reveals who she was our whole operation could blow up."

“Was that mean to be a pun?"

“Huh?"

“Forget it. Her file says she's a professional. Just like you. So you should not be nervous."

The phone clicked in his ear and then the dial tone filled his head. “Damn. But I am nervous."