Текст книги "Firestorm "

Автор книги: Iris Johansen

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IRIS

JOHANSEN

                                                                                                                                                                                    

FIRESTORM

                                                                                                                                                                                    

BANTAM BOOKS

CONTENTS

Title Page

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Epilogue

BOOKS BY IRIS JOHANSEN

Copyright Page

PROLOGUE

She couldn't breathe!

“Mama!”

“I'm here, baby.” Kerry was being gathered in her mother's arms. “I'm going to put this cloth over your nose. Don't fight me.”

Mama was coughing and Kerry could barely hear her through the crackling.

Crackling?

Fire! Flames were climbing up the curtains at the window.

“It's okay, Kerry. We'll be out of here in just a few minutes.” Mama was moving toward the bedroom door. “Just try not to breathe too deep.”

“Daddy!”

“He's not here, remember? But we can make it. We're a team.” She opened the door and then took an involuntary step back as black smoke blasted into the room. “Oh, God.” She braced herself and then ran into the hall.

Fire everywhere. Crawling up the walls, licking hungrily at the banister going down the steps.

Her mother was crying. Tears running down her soot-stained cheeks as she hurried down the stairs.

Don't cry. Don't cry, Mama.

Her mother had reached the landing when she suddenly lurched and pitched forward.

Falling. Tumbling. Hurting.

Where was Mama?

She couldn't see her in the smoke-filled darkness.

“Mama!”

“Go on, Kerry. The door should be only a few feet away from you. Go outside and find someone to help us.”

“No, I won't go.” She was sobbing, whimpering. “Where are you?”

“Right behind you. I've hurt my leg a little. But you have to mind me. Run!”

Her voice was so commanding that Kerry instinctively jumped to her feet and ran toward the door.

Fresh cold air.

Find someone. Find someone to help Mama.

She slipped on the icy steps and fell to the sidewalk.

Find someone.

There was a man across the street, standing beneath the streetlight.

She picked herself up and ran toward him. “Help. The fire. Mama . . .”

He was turning and walking away. He must not have heard her.

She ran after him. “Please. Mama said I had to—” He turned and she stared up into his shadowy face only dimly lit by the flickering flames.

She screamed.

“Shh, be quiet. There's nothing you can do.” He raised his hand and she saw something glittering, metallic in his grasp. A gun? He brought it down on her head.

The night exploded.

1

OAKBROOK

WASHINGTON, D.C.

This isn't the end of it, Brad.” Cameron Devers's lips tightened with irritation. “I've no intention of standing by and watching you waste your potential working with those damn nutcases. You're one of the most brilliant men I know and I have a job for you here.”

“Where you can keep an eye on me?” Brad grinned as he leaned lazily back in the chair and stretched his legs out before him. “It wouldn't do you any good. I'm a lost cause.”

“Only because you want to be. And it's not good for you. You're burning yourself out. Look at you. You've lost weight since I saw you last.”

“A little. I've had a rough four months.”

“Then give it up and come to me.”

“And do what? If I were anywhere close to you, the media would eventually ferret out our connection. Besides, you can't trust me. I'd get mad and open my mouth at the wrong time and blow your political career.” His smile faded. “I've done a hell of a lot of harm to you in these last years, but I won't do that.”

“I'd chance it. I've been in the Senate for twelve years and if my reputation can be damaged by just having you around, then maybe it's time I stepped down.”

“No!” Brad paused and then tempered his tone. “Look, Cam, don't be an ass. Everything's going fine. We don't need to change anything.” He stood up and glanced around the elegant, book-lined library that breathed wealth and solidity. “This isn't my world. You can't squeeze me into your mold because you want me to share the good life.” He smiled. “Besides, what would Charlotte say?”

“She'd come around. She just has some weird ideas about you.”

Brad looked at him inquiringly.

Cam made a face. “She says you make her uneasy. She thinks you're . . . sinister.”

“She used that word? I didn't think anyone could make your wife uneasy. Maybe I'm more intimidating than I thought.”

“She doesn't understand you. Like I said, she'll come around.”

“There's no reason to force her to make the effort. Things are fine as they are.”

Cam was silent a moment. “Did it ever occur to you that I'm being selfish? I've missed you, Brad.”

He meant it. Cam was always honest. “Oh, shit. Don't do this to me.” Brad shook his head. “I've missed you too. Maybe we can arrange to get together more often.”

“That's not good enough. I've been looking at my life since that horror on September eleventh, and when it all comes down to the bottom line, it's friends and family that count. I won't let you walk away again.”

“Cam.” Charlotte Devers was standing in the doorway, sleek and sophisticated in a black gown. “I didn't want to disturb you, but we're going to be late for the embassy dinner.” She smiled at Brad. “You and Cam can talk when we get back.”

He shook his head. “I'm just leaving, anyway.”

“No, you're not,” Cameron said firmly. “I'll only be gone a few hours and I want you here when I get back.”

“Perhaps tomorrow?” Charlotte suggested. “I've had a room prepared for you, Brad.”

As usual, Charlotte was trying to control the situation with gentle skill, Brad thought. She wanted Cam to leave and she didn't want him to talk to Brad until she could find a discreet way to ease Brad out on his ass. Well, he couldn't blame her. She valued Cam's career more than his brother did and was always on guard to protect it.

“I'm not going anywhere until you make me a promise.” Cam stared Brad in the eye. “Will you be here?”

Brad glanced at the faint frown between Charlotte's eyes and then smiled slyly. “You couldn't budge me.”

“Great.” Cam slapped him on the shoulder before turning away. “Come on, Charlotte. Let's get this thing over with.” He strode out of the library.

Charlotte hesitated and started to speak.

“Don't say it,” Brad murmured. “We're on the same side.” He added, “If you don't piss me off.” He followed Cam into the foyer and watched George, the butler, help him into his coat. “Very impressive. I haven't worn a tux in fifteen years. Does that tell you anything?”

“It tells me you're damn lucky.” Cam took Charlotte's arm and helped her down the front steps toward the waiting limo. “Make yourself at home, but don't go to bed. You made me a promise.”

“Does that mean I can't get drunk on your excellent brandy?”

“No, I want you stone cold sober.” He smiled at him over his shoulder. “I have an ace in the hole and need to tell you about a job that may intrigue you enough to lure you here. It's right up your alley.”

“Weird and sinister?” he asked, straight-faced.

“I'm going to get my way, Brad.”

“Now, don't nag him, Cam,” Charlotte said gently. “Brad knows what he wants to do.”

“But not what's best for him.”

Brad watched them get into the limousine. He'd planned on going back inside, but he couldn't resist standing here and letting Charlotte see him so at home on her front step. Dressed in tennis shoes, worn jeans, and an old sweatshirt, he couldn't have been more of a blot on her fine landscape. His enjoyment was totally immature, but he didn't give a damn. He usually didn't mind Charlotte's attempts at manipulating Cam. She was a good wife to him and that was all that was important to Brad. Tonight she was trying to manipulate Brad as well, and that he couldn't tolerate.

“Would you like me to serve you coffee in the library, sir?” George asked from behind him.

“Why not?” He grinned at him over his shoulder. “Since I've been forbidden the comfort of—”

Whoosh.

“Dear God!” George's eyes were wide with shock.

Brad's head jerked around and followed his gaze to the limo.

“Christ in heaven!”

The interior of the limousine was a sheet of fire. He could see Cam and Charlotte writhing like burning scarecrows in the flames.

“Son of a bitch!”

He flew down the steps toward the car.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

SIX MONTHS LATER

Kerry carefully touched the blackened timber lying across the bathroom sink. It was still slightly warm from the fire that had destroyed the restaurant two days ago. That wasn't unusual. Sometimes, hidden pockets of embers remained burning for days.

Sam, her Lab, whined and pushed nearer to Kerry. He was easily bored and they'd been here at the burned-out ruins for over an hour.

“Be quiet.” She reached beneath the timber and dug. “We'll be out of here soon.”

There it was! With an effort she pushed the timber aside.

“Find anything?” Detective Perry asked from behind her. “Bad wiring?”

“No, gasoline,” Kerry said. “The fire originated here in the bathroom and spread throughout the restaurant.” She nodded at the burned and blackened device she'd found beneath the timber. “And a timing device to set it off.”

“Dumb.” The police detective shook his head. “I thought Chin Li was brighter than that. If he wanted to collect the insurance, why didn't he set the fire in the kitchen? He'd have had a better shot at convincing everyone the fire was accidental. You're sure?”

“Sam's sure.” She reached out and touched the dog's silky black head. “And I usually go along with him. He's not often wrong.”

“Yeah, so I've heard.” Perry awkwardly patted the dog's nose. “I don't understand how these arson dogs do it, but it makes my job a hell of a lot easier. I guess I'll go talk to Chin Li again. Too bad. He seemed like a nice little guy.”

“And not stupid?” Kerry got to her feet and dusted the soot off her palms. “Then maybe someone else set the fire. Someone who didn't have access to the kitchen. Insurance isn't always the right answer. Just the easy one.”

His eyes narrowed on her face. “Are you saying that I'm looking for an out?”

She grinned. “I wouldn't presume. I'm just saying that you should ask Chin Li if he had any enemies. Perhaps rivals in business? Or—this is a high-crime area—are there any protection rackets operating that might have decided to make him an example?”

“Possibly,” he said slowly. “There are a couple teenage gangs that are stepping up to the plate and trying to control the area.”

“Would they know how to set timing devices?”

“Everyone who has Internet has access to practically any information. Want to make an atomic bomb? Go on the Internet.”

She'd done all she could. Time to step out of the picture before he got belligerent. “Well, we'll know more once we finish the investigation. Sam and I are just the advance team.” She smiled. “And we're finished for now. Have a nice day, Detective.”

“Wait.” He said awkwardly, “This is a lousy neighborhood. If you'll wait until I finish with Chin Li, I'll give you an escort back to your office.”

“That's nice of you, but I'm not going back downtown. It's my day off and I'm going to visit a couple friends at the firehouse on Morningside.”

“If it's your day off, why are you here?”

“They needed Sam's nose.”

“Then I'll drive you and Sam's nose to this firehouse.” He frowned. “Why do they let you go to neighborhoods like this alone, anyway? You're just a little bit of a thing.”

She felt a prickle of resentment that she quickly quenched. She was average height, but she knew her slender frame and delicate bones made her appear smaller. He was a nice guy and she was used to having her fragile appearance equated with helplessness. She gave him the answer he was most likely to accept. “I have Sam to protect me.”

He gave the Lab a skeptical glance. “He may have a great nose, but he doesn't look very threatening to me.”

“It's because he has those crossed eyes. He's really a great guard dog.” She waved and carefully picked her way through the rubble toward the door. Sam lunged eagerly forward, almost pulling her from her feet. “Idiot,” she grumbled. “Do you want to break both our necks? I'd think you'd learn.”

Sam burst out into the street and started barking.

“Oh, God.” All she needed was to attract attention in this slum neighborhood. She hurriedly pulled the dog toward her 4Runner. She knew as well as the detective that Sam looked about as dangerous as a cuddly koala. “Why didn't I get a big German shepherd at that pound?”

Because she'd looked at him in that cage and hadn't been able to resist. “Let's go, Sam. And, for Pete's sake, shut up.”

Full house.” Kerry grinned as she pulled in the pot from the middle of the table. “That should just about take care of my rent for the month. Another hand?”

“No way.” Charlie grimaced as he pushed back his chair. “I'm cleaned out. I'm going to go peel the onions for dinner.” He cast a sly look over his shoulder. “Beef stroganoff. Remember? Firehouse Number Ten specialty of the house.”

“I'm drooling. May I stay?”

“Hell, no. Go back to your snooty office downtown and eat in that fancy cafeteria.”

“Cruel.” She looked at Jimmy Swartz and Paul Corbin. “Another hand, guys?”

“Not me.” Jimmy stood up. “I've got to have enough money to make sure my wife lets me in the house when my shift is over. Come on, Paul. Let's play a game of pool.” He gave Kerry a stern glance. “And, no, you can't play with us. This is for real firemen, not desk jockeys like you.”

“You're just scared I'll beat you.” She got up and followed Charlie to the kitchen. “You're trying to torture me. You know I love your stroganoff. Come on, let me stay.”

“Maybe.” Charlie handed her a bag of onions and a knife. “If you do the onions.”

She beamed. “I'll chop.” She sat down on a stool at the counter. “How's your wife, Charlie?”

“Putting up with me.” He grinned. “That's all you can ask after twenty-five years.” He put dredged pieces of beef in the hot pan. “Edna told me to give you hell about asking her to take care of Sam while you were on vacation. She and the kids are in love with the mutt. Though how she can like a dumb dog like that Lab of yours is beyond me.”

“Everyone loves Sam. Not every dog is an Einstein.” She picked up another onion. “And you like him too. He's very lovable.”

“But everyone thinks he's Einstein.” Charlie shook his head in amazement as he glanced at Sam snoozing in the corner of the kitchen. “How he can be so smart on a job in the field and so dumb in every other aspect of life boggles the mind.”

“He has a good nose. He has a good heart. You can't expect him to have a good brain too.”

“All I can say is that it's good you're the other half of this arson investigating team or Sam would be chasing butterflies in the ashes.”

She couldn't deny it so she changed the subject. “I'm going to drive down to Macon to visit my brother, Jason, this weekend. Do you suppose Edna would be willing to take Sam again? You know how carsick he gets.”

He nodded. “He threw up all over my new Suburban. And the kids blamed me for yelling at him.” He shrugged. “Sure, drop him over. He's no trouble. All he does is sleep and eat and chew on everything in sight. Including my best pair of golf shoes.”

“I paid for them.” She smiled. “Thanks, Charlie. Jason's wife, Laura, is pregnant, and I really wanted to go down and see her before the baby is born. She won't have time for me then.”

“I imagine she'd make time. You're not too bad to have around.”

“Thanks . . . I think.”

“And I know how boring those last months of pregnancy can be. Edna nearly drove me crazy when she was carrying Kim. Of course, she was over forty and had a right to be a little crabby.”

“Laura's thirty-eight, and she's too happy she finally got pregnant to be bad-tempered. But she's definitely nesting.” She smiled. “Besides, Edna wasn't really crabby. She was . . . temperamental.”

“You didn't have to live with her.” He chuckled. “Believe me, she was crabby. Edna's not used to having to sit around with her feet up.”

“Well, Laura is definitely not sitting around. Jason said she was building a gazebo in the backyard. So it's okay?”

“Of course it's okay.” His smile faded. “You need to get out and see people. What the hell are you doing spending your day off back here at Number Ten playing cards with a bunch of guys?”

“I like playing cards, and I couldn't be happier with anyone than I am with you. Even though you are all sore losers.” She put the onions in the pan with the melted butter to sauté and started cleaning the mushrooms. “And you'd all become stodgy and boring if I didn't keep you on your toes.”

“Well, you certainly do that.” He glanced down at the beef. “But you need to put on a pretty dress and go out and whoop it up. Haven't you got any friends, dammit?”

“I have a few college pals I see now and then, but I'm too busy to keep in touch. Besides, I like being with you guys. I don't need anyone else.” She shook her head. “Stop frowning. It's the truth. I'm lucky. It's not as if I sit around my house and brood. I go to plays and baseball games and movies. Hell, you and Edna went to a movie with me last week. People who like their jobs tend to socialize with coworkers. What's different about me?”

“You ought to have someone to take care of you.”

“Chauvinist.”

“I am not. Everyone should have someone. Edna takes care of me. I take care of her. We both take care of the kids. It's the way life should be.”

She smiled. “You bet it should. But sometimes life doesn't cooperate. After Aunt Marguerite died I found out I was something of a loner. Not that I wasn't before. She did her best, but she wasn't the warmest person in the world. The closest I've ever really come to a real family was when I was here at Number Ten.” She made a face at him. “So stop trying to kick me out.”

“Well, if you feel that way, do something about it. We miss you. I think you miss us. Why the devil don't you give up that job and come back to where you belong? You had the makings of a great firefighter, Kerry.”

“That's not what you said on that first day I came here.”

“I had a right to be skeptical. How was I to know you weren't some women's lib fanatic who might get one of us killed to prove a point? You didn't look like you could carry a miniature poodle out of a burning building.”

“And you found out that I'm stronger than I look. It's all in knowing the technique. I knew I had to pull my weight and I did it.”

“Yes, you did. That's why I'm telling you to come back where you belong.”

“I'm better off where I am.”

He sighed. “With that dumb dog. I hear the department wouldn't even accept him until he found evidence in the Wadsworth fire.”

“They didn't understand his potential. I got him from the pound and he had problems adjusting to discipline.”

“Butterflies.”

She nodded. “He gets distracted.” She reached for another mushroom. “But I can focus him on the—”

The alarm bell was blaring.

“Duty calls.” Charlie turned off the burner and strode out of the kitchen. “See you, Kerry.”

She followed him out of the kitchen and watched them hurry into their gear. “I'll finish the stroganoff. It'll be ready when you get back.”

“The hell you will,” Paul said. “I remember your cooking. We'll wait for Charlie.”

“You're not so good yourself,” Kerry said. “Okay, I'll let you starve. Sam and I were going to go to the children's ward at Grady's later, but I might as well go now. I can't do—” She was talking to air. The guys had left the room, and a moment later she heard the fire truck roaring out of the station and down the street.

Jesus, the room felt empty.

And, Jesus, she wished she were on that fire truck with them, every nerve and muscle alive and geared to the job ahead.

Stop wishing for something that was out of reach. She'd made her decision and it was a good one. She'd have ended up a basket case if she hadn't distanced herself after Smitty died. She was still too close, but she could survive.

“Come on, Sam,” she called into the kitchen. “Let's go visit the kids.”

Sam didn't come.

She went back into the kitchen and found him with his nose under the cabinet trying to scrounge a piece of beef Charlie had dropped on the floor.

“Sam.”

He looked up with his head pressed sidewise on the floor. He looked perfectly ridiculous.

She shook her head as she chuckled. “A little dignity, please. Come on, let's go.”

He didn't move.

She got a piece of meat from the frying pan and tossed it to him. He lunged upward and caught it. Then he trotted toward her with a doggy smile on his face.

She stooped and leashed him.

“I thought you weren't supposed to give arson dogs treats anytime except when they came up with a scent.”

She glanced up warily to see Dave Bellings, the tech repairman, standing in the doorway. He'd been a fireman before he injured his leg and was forced to take disability. Now he was a skilled computer technician focusing on the equipment here and at other firehouses in the county. “You're not supposed to give them extra treats. But Sam's different.” And she'd almost been busted. She was lucky it had only been Dave. “It works for him.”

“You can't argue with success.” Dave patted Sam's black silky head as he went past him to the coffee dispenser. “He deserves a little pampering.”

“Where's the fire?”

“Standard Tire warehouse on the south side. Three-alarm.”

Smoke. Black, curling smoke.

“Shit.”

He nodded. “It's going to be a bad one. I guess we're lucky we're out of it, Kerry.”

“Yeah. I guess so.”

Overpowering heat. The stench of burning rubber.

Bellings grimaced. “Who are we kidding? We'd both be on that truck if we could. We're junkies. Why else would we hang around here as much as they let us?”

“You're right.” She tried to smile. She had to get out of here. “Bye, Dave. See you.”

He tilted his head. “You okay? You look a little pale.”

“It must be the light in here. I'm fine.” She quickly led Sam from the room and out of the firehouse. Brace yourself. It might not come. But she had that damn prickling in the back of her neck. She had gone only a few yards down the street when the blinding pain knifed through her head.

Black smoke curling over the stacked tires. The smell of burning rubber. Sirens.

Her stomach was twisting and she couldn't breathe.

It was going to be all right. She closed her eyes. Just inhale slowly and rhythmically.

Sam whined.

It was better now. The pain in her head was fading to a dull throb. She opened her eyes to see the dog staring up at her with that endearing cross-eyed soberness. “Stop worrying,” she murmured. “Just a bad moment.”

The hospital. She'd been on her way to the hospital to visit the kids. It was only a few blocks away and she didn't dare drive right now. She turned left and started up the street. “It's going to be okay.”

God, she hoped it was going to be okay.

Fire.

Brad Silver's hands tightened on the wheel of his car as he fought to keep the image away.

He couldn't breathe.

He pulled over to the side of the road and switched off the ignition. Ride it out. It was usually over quickly.

Christ, the smell.

Then it was gone and he leaned his head on the steering wheel, gasping for breath.

He reached blindly for his phone and dialed. “Dammit, Travis. I almost wrecked the car. Get me out of this.”

“Easy, Brad.” Michael Travis's tone was soothing. “She must be having a bad time. Is it still going on?”

“No, but it may come back. It has before. Why the hell isn't she more controlled?”

“Denial. How close are you to her?”

“A mile or two. She's on her way to some hospital.”

“Maybe that's it. Perhaps someone's been hurt.”

“No, it's her usual weekly visit to the pediatrics ward. She's not upset. Or she wasn't before this episode. Can you do anything to quiet her down?”

“No, I told you she was a wild card. And dirt stubborn. If she calls and asks for help, I might have a chance. Otherwise, you're on your own.”

“Thanks a lot,” Silver said sarcastically. “You're the one who told me how much help she was going to be to me. You just neglected to tell me that she might kill me before we were through with each other.”

“You knew how she could rock you.”

“The hell I did. I've never been this close to her before.”

“You can always back out and we'll try to find someone else.”

Silver thought about it. It was tempting. Kerry Murphy was a powder keg set to go off. He liked to be in control, and these last few minutes had proved he'd have the devil of a time keeping her in check enough to manipulate her.

“Brad?”

“I've devoted too much time to her to walk away. I know her inside and out.”

“Yes, you do. Probably better than she knows herself.”

“I'll handle her.”

“No force. I know what you're capable of. I don't want her damaged.”

“I said, I'll handle her. You just stand by in case I need a backup.” He added grimly, “Or an ambulance.” He hung up and took a deep breath before pulling out into the traffic again. Only a couple more miles on this freeway. If he concentrated, he could keep his guard up long enough to get to her. After that, he'd play it by ear. He didn't want Kerry damaged either, and he could usually trust his knowledge and experience to overcome his own violent impulses. He'd learned long ago that finesse was better than force. He just hoped this looming battle wouldn't prove the exception.

Or neither one of them would survive.

Orange juice?” Melody Vanetti smiled down at Kerry sitting cross-legged on the floor of the hospital lounge. “You've been reading to the kids for the past hour. You must be a little dry.”

“Thanks, Melody.” She took the orange juice from the nurse. “I seem to be forgotten for the moment. Sam's on center stage.” She grinned. “Not that I'm surprised. I don't know any child in the world who'd prefer a grown-up to a dog.”

“You're great with the kids.” Melody tilted her head. “But you look a little tired today.”

“Nah,” Kerry said. “I'm good. Even if I wasn't, I wouldn't dare complain. These guys would make me feel ashamed.” Her smile faded. “Who's the new kid? The one with his arm around Sam.”

“Josh. Came in with burns on his arms. We're stalling until DFACS can make sure they weren't inflicted by his grandmother.”

“Sweet.” The kid looked to be only four or five and he was hugging Sam, his face buried in his throat. She felt a wrenching pang as she saw the bruises on his face. But he was smiling now, and that was no surprise. Kerry had found that kids responded to Sam no matter how damaged they were. “If I can help, let me know.”

“What could you do?”

Kerry shrugged. “Find someone to declare the grandmother's house a fire hazard so she wouldn't have a residence to bring the kid back to? I don't know. Just do me a favor and let me know.”

“Sure. It's nice of you to care.” She started for the door. “I have meds to give. I'll come back and check on you later.”

“We'll be okay. And the kids aren't going to get into any mischief as long as they have Sam to play with.” She checked her watch. Everything must be all right at the tire company. She'd been here over an hour and she'd been fine. A dull throbbing headache, but that wasn't unusual. It was a big fire, a dangerous fire. Naturally, she'd be nervous and afraid of—

Backdraft.

An oak door on the third floor.

Smoke. He can't see.

Who couldn't see?

Two men climbing the stairs toward the door.

The burning stairs were crashing behind them.

Go back. Go back, Charlie.

It was Charlie. Oh, God, she'd known it would be Charlie.

They'd reached the third floor.

Don't open the door, Charlie.

Backdraft. Backdraft.

He opened the door.

That deadly whoosh.

Fire. Everywhere. Hurt. He was hurting.

“Kerry.” Melody was looking down at her with concern. “Are you okay?”

No. Hurting. Hurting.

She leaped to her feet. “Sick. I have to get to the bathroom.” She ran out of the lounge and down the hall.

Hurting. Hurting.

Find a place to hide. Somewhere dark where no one could find her.

Closet.

She opened the door and slammed it behind her. Alone. The closet was dim and small and she'd be safe here. But what about Charlie?

Dear God, she could smell smoke and burning flesh. She sank to her knees and scuttled back against the wall.

Hurting. Hurting. Hurting.