Page 106 of Not Mine to Rescue

I puzzled over that for a long time. Until I looked at my hands.

I was covered in ash and black stains. My formerly wet clothing was perfectly dry and my skin was raw and red.

The paramedic working on me suggested, “We need to take you in. Get you checked out.”

But that would leave my sister and Honor unprotected. “I need to call someone first.” I pulled my phone out of my pocket and dialed Walt.

“Who’s dying?”

Thankfully no one, unless you counted the missing animal. “We had a fire at the farm. Can you spare someone to come over and keep watch. They’re taking me in.”

“You hurt?”

“Smoke—” My cough answered better than I could explain.

“They’ll hold you for twenty-four hours. Boots’ll meet you at the hospital, I’m sending Fly to the house. He knows Lemon best.”

I struggled to get a word of thanks out. Then the mask went on. I lay back on the gurney to rest and worry.

Honor came over and held my hand. “It isn’t your fault.”

I stared at her. Words weren’t helping right now.

“It isn’t.”

I pulled the mask away so she could hear my words. “I know you mean well⁠—”

Instead of listening, she pulled the mask from my fingers and stuck it down on my face so hard it was painful. “You will listen to doctor’s orders. Understand?”

Only if you will.

Her mouth opened, then pursed tight again. “We both will, got it?”

Fierce. I nodded.

She lessened the pressure on the mask. I was able to adjust it so it wasn’t biting into my skin so hard. Then I motioned for her to get closer. I needed her.

“Ma’am, you need to step aside. We’re taking him in.”

Her fingers tightened on mine. Then she let go.

Never let go.

I tried to sit up, but they’d already begun to strap me in so they could lift me inside. My arm stretched out, grasping for her. And there was nothing but air.

Boots was still half-drunk. He replayed his own experience with a fire and this hospital four times. Olivia joined us later, interrupting his fifth retelling.

“Your color is better than his,” she observed.

“Don’t get him started. I’ve already heard the story.” Four times. I shot him a glare.

“Okay. Walt has Fly at the farm, and Sierra came over to help Lemon with the animals.”

That was good. “Where’s Honor?”

“She took Dumb Ass and Molly to her place. That way Lemon didn’t have her hands as full.” Her words sounded rehearsed.

I relaxed a bit. DA was recovering well, but he still needed to be watched not to eat anything but the prescribed food. “Did Lemon go over his diet?”