In her back pocket, Roman’s phone buzzed again. This was the fourth time in the past few hours his mother had called. Every time it started, she told herself to answer. She certainly wouldn’t want to be the one calling and not getting through to her loved one.
True to form, volunteers had shown up at the station once word got around about Roman being injured. Schedules were rearranged, plans changed, new ones made so that someone could be at the firehouse at all times, leaving Frankie, for the most part, in charge. Her first task? Emptying out the room they used for storage on the first floor so Roman wouldn’t have to climb stairs once he was released from the hospital.
“Nope! By the window, guys.” She followed Monty and Ozzy into the room, pointing at where she wanted the bed. She’d snagged one of the curtain sets from an unused room upstairs and gotten them situated moments before. “That’s great.” The station’s basement had long ago become a depository for unused and unwanted furniture from people in town. Well, what they didn’t feel like putting on consignment at the antique and thrift store.
The room had its own entry into the unisex bathroom and wide enough doorways that he shouldn’t have much issue with his crutches. With the bed in place, the transformation was complete and included an old leather recliner in the corner, a scarred desk, a sturdy chair and a low dresser where they’d set up a TV.
“Guess he won’t be looking for a place to live anytime soon,” Monty told her as Ozzy headed upstairs to pack up Roman’s things.
“Probably not until after the holiday, no.” It occurred to Frankie that she should report in to dispatch and get them back in rotation. As she went, she clicked on the light switch that illuminated the artificial tree she’d decorated in keepsake ornaments. The tiny lights hiding in the boughs of greenery she’d strung around the office settled into an even glow and, just like that, the spirit of the season took over. “You sticking around?”
“Thought I might,” Monty said. “If you don’t mind. I didn’t feel like cooking tonight.”
“Help yourself to whatever’s in the fridge.” Frankie was still riding an adrenaline buzz, so food wasn’t on her mind. With Roman out of commission for a while, she needed to readjust his readjusted schedule. Not completely. She wouldn’t disrespect the changes he’d made—but some allowances would have to be made.
“Heads up, sis.” Monty jerked his thumb at the driveway. “Buzzkill at twelve o’clock.” He disappeared into the kitchen just as Frankie caught sight of Gil Hamilton coming into the bay.
Her hands tightened around the pen and clipboard. She hadn’t seen the mayor since Roman had arrived in town. She wasn’t avoiding him purposely; she just assumed the universe had stepped in to prevent a major scene from happening. This meeting was inevitable, and why not add it to today’s shenanigans? It really was the cherry on the melting sundae. “Evening, Mr. Mayor.”
“Frankie.” Gil’s voice carried the same chill she’d aimed at him. “I just got back from the hospital. Chief Salazar is going to be all right.”
“Yes, sir.” Frankie nodded. “I stopped in earlier to see him.” And the memory of that visit was going to keep her entertained for weeks, maybe months to come.
“They’re going to keep him an extra couple of days for observation.” Gil stood on the other side of the desk, looking down at her with a cautious expression. What was he expecting? For her to lunge across the desk at him? Frankie pursed her lips. Wait. Now that she thought about it...
“Oh?”
“They’re just being cautious.” Gil leaned over to look past her when he heard banging in the kitchen.
“Monty’s raiding the fridge,” she said. “There’s plenty food to be had—help yourself.”
“No, thanks. I have a dinner meeting with Chevy Conroy.”
Frankie arched a brow. “The new mayor of Durante?”
“Yes.” A flicker of unease shifted across his face. “We’re discussing options for the opening of the sanctuary. Expanding the potential attendance base.”
Because Gil’s potential base could never be too large. “Was there something you needed?”
“It’s been brought to my attention that I owe you an apology. And...” Gil took a deep breath. “An explanation.”
For the second time that day, Frankie felt as if her feet had been kicked out from under her. “Forget about it.” Today was not the day she wanted to get into things with Gil. “You made your choice. I’ve accepted it.” Mostly.