Page 130

“You know you’re welcome anytime, Tina.” Ned smiled at her, but his gaze shifted to me, brow cocked.
“Tina has a place to stay,” I said, moving to take her free hand. Kissing the back of it, I looked at Dina. “She’s spent the past few days at my place, so she has clothes and toiletries there. That will tide her over tonight and I’ll make sure she gets more tomorrow.”
Dina studied me, but there was no judgment in her gaze this time. Rather, it was the piercing look of a woman measuring up someone who wanted to take care of her little sister.
“I’ll be fine, Dina. Tonight, at least, I’ll stay with James. Assuming I cangetanysleep.” Tina sighed, then, with a smile, she shoulder-bumped Dina. “I’ll be fine, Dina. Although I’ll probably haul you into helping me buy clothes sometime soon. You know me…I’d rather live in jeans and t-shirts.”
“Heaven help me.” Dina’s words were light, but seemed a little forced.
“Big sister duties.” Tina gave her sister a one-armed hug.
“Ugh. Okay.” Dina returned the hug, but her eyes were on me. “You better take care of her.”
“Don’t worry. I will.”
Tina squeezed my hand as we watched Dina walk away. She turned into my arms and pressed her face against my chest. “This is all a nightmare.”
“Baby, I know.” Kissing her temple, I smoothed a hand gently over her spine. Trying to make her smile, I said, “Do you give me brownie points for not hauling you to my car, and taking you home so I can lock you up where I know you’re safe?”
“Maybe one brownie point.” She took a deep breath, blew it out, and some of the tension seemed to melt away. “I saw you grit your teeth every time someone rushed up with nosy questions. Thank you for letting me handle it.”
“I definitely deserve brownie points for that.” I gave a half-grin.
She laughed softly. “I guess.” Then, with a sigh, she turned in the circle of my arms and rested against me. The fire was now mostly embers and smoke. Several fire trucks had departed, while a couple of new vehicles, including two withFire Marshalemblazoned on the side, had arrived.
One of the fire marshals had already taken Tina’s information, promising to contact her later.
I noticed as he talked with other officers he’d shoot Tina a subtle glance every once in a while. I didn’t like the way he was looking at Tina and I’d braced myself for him to come over, but he hadn’t.
I wanted her out of here before anyone turned her thoughts in the direction mine had already gone.
An officer started in our direction, a fire marshal at his side. We hadn’t met this marshal. She was older, maybe mid-forties, and her mere presence made my tension level soar.
“Ms. Siegler.” The officer addressed Tina, but nodded to both of us. “This is Beth Creedy. She’s with the Houston Fire Department and she wanted to say hello.”
As the officer left my dread crept higher. Tina offered her hand to the woman. Beth Creedy clasped Tina’s hand in both of hers, and in a soothing, calm voice, said, “I’m so sorry about your home.”
“Thank you.” Tina’s lip quivered, but she firmed it.
“I know you have a lot on your mind with all of this, so unless there’s anything you think I should know, I’ll leave my card for now.” She paused, and her reaction was so seamless, the brief hesitation wasn’t awkward. “I’ve already gotten your information from the officers on the scene, and I’ll contact you shortly so we can talk. Will that be okay?”
“Of course.” Tina nodded.
“Good. Now…I know the Red Cross has already come by and left information…”
Tina looked around as if searching for something.
“Don’t worry, I have it,” I patted my pocket where I’d tucked the brochure. “You dropped it earlier when you were talking with Dina.”
Beth glanced at me with a nod. “Keep hold of that pamphlet. Look at it when you have time. It has information on things you’ll need to do, but don’t feel obligated to do anything tonight. Just get some rest. We won’t know anything for a while.”
I clasped Tina’s hand, hoping this would be our cue to leave. “So it would be okay if we took off now?”
“Yes, Mr. Maximus.” She nodded at me. “The officers mentioned that Ms. Siegler will stay with you tonight?”
“Yes.” I didn’t offer anything else or ask why it mattered.
“Good.”