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“You sure? We can load it in my truck after we’re done here.” Ridge snapped on a pair of gloves.
“Nah. I don’t mind. I’m going to walk back. Let out some of the nerves from earlier.”
“Mind if I join?” Naya asked. “I parked by the firehouse.”
“I’d be happy to have the company.”
They gathered the bins, then he and Naya walked back down Main Street in silence. A dog barked, and two kids ran past them with cotton candy in hand. “You can’t take mine!”
“Wait up, kids.” The mom pushed a stroller. “Excuse me.” She wheeled past them.
They were half a block from the firehouse when Naya slowed her pace. “I didn’t realize you hung out with the boys the Kirbys are fostering.” When he looked over, she said, “I met some of them earlier.”
“I’ve taken a few of them under my wing.” He shrugged. “Want to show them they’re seen. Make sure they don’t get caught up in the wrong crowd.”
“They really admire you. And after today, it sounds like you’re the town hero.” She smiled. “I might just have to write a story about it.”
Zack laughed, but Naya raised her eyebrows.
“For real?” He shifted the box in his arm.
“Yeah. More people need to know how to help these kids. And you’re the perfect model to show them.”
“Well, I might need to take a few extra classes on that first.” Zack puffed out his chest and began to strut down the sidewalk. With his head held high, he took several strides before pivoting.
Naya laughed and clapped. “Bravo.”
He started walking again, but his foot caught on the sidewalk, and he stumbled forward before catching himself.
“You okay?” Naya’s eyes widened.
Zack smoothed his shirt and grinned. “Yeah.” He liked making her laugh. Actually, he liked a lot more than just hearing her laugh.
He liked her.
He needed to get a grip. She hadn’t told him she liked him. But her affirmation about his work was a good sign, right?
Zack cleared his throat. “I’d be happy to sit down anytime with you to share more.”
“Great. Speaking of stories, I need to fill you in on some details.”
“Let me set this box down, then we can chat.” Zack opened the firehouse door for her. “The lounge is right around the corner on your left.”
Zack dropped the container off in the storage room, then checked his mailbox. What might have been a tragedy today had ended with only property damage and a fire truck out of service. God had been gracious, and no one had been hurt.
He grabbed a folded letter from his cubby and opened it on his way back to the common room.
The black, boxy letters typed across the center of the page stopped him in his tracks.
If you want to see another day, stop helping that reporter. Or else you’ll end up just like your parents.
TWENTY
“Zack?”
His face paled.
Naya closed the distance between her and Zack and took hold of his trembling hands. “What’s wrong?” She stared into his dark eyes. Ones that a few moments ago had glistened with spunk and made her laugh.