“Mac?”
“Powell! Glad you could make it.”
“I need to go in.”
“C.J., no!” Tasha cried.
He grabbed her hand. “I’m going to get Stormy. I’m a firefighter. I know what to do.”
“But—”
“Tasha. It’s going to be fine.” C.J. turned to Mac. “Can you find me a partner while I suit up to find her cat?”
The chief nodded and started talking on the radio, then barked, “Get going, Captain.”
Tasha followed C.J. to a nearby firetruck, where he got into gear. She was mesmerized as the handsome man in a tux who’d taken her to the ball changed into a fireman. He then led her back to where Mac was standing.
“Who’s investigating the scene?” C.J. asked the chief.
“Gonzalez.”
“Can you have him talk to Miss Bennington while I’m inside?”
“Any more orders, Powell?” Mac lifted an eyebrow.
“No, sir.” C.J. lowered his face shield.
Mac took Tasha by the arm and moved back, well away from the fire, just as smoke came out of the entryway of the building in a whoosh. It caused her to cough and her eyes to tear. She watched as C.J. climbed a truck ladder with another man. She’d never felt so afraid.
Excruciating long minutes passed, and C.J. was no longer in sight. She turned to Mac. “Where did he go? Is he okay?”
The chief answered calmly. “Of course. I just heard from him on the radio. He’s inside. Miss Bennington, have some faith in Captain Powell. He’s one of the best firemen I’ve ever known.” Mac have her a small smile. “Ah—here comes Gonzalez. He’ll have some questions for you.”
She could see a man walking toward her. Dressed in a formal uniform that looked out of place at a fire scene, he appeared to be in his mid-forties.
“Miss Bennington,” he said with he reached her. “I’m Detective Gonzalez.” He held out his hand. “I’m a fire investigator with the San Francisco Fire Department. I’d like to ask you some questions.”
Tasha pulled her hand out of the cocoon she’d created by wrapping her arms around herself, and met his firm grip. The last thing she wanted to deal with was law enforcement. Her home was burning, and C.J. and Stormy might not make it out alive.
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