Page 81 of Up In Smoke
“Yeah, just a few months,” I say. “I arrived in October and we got married in November. It’s very different to LA, but I now think that’s a good thing.”
Dray snorts. “I’d have to agree with you there, mate. As far as places go for landing on your feet, I reckon this is a goodun. You’re well sorted with the One-Thirteen, too. Cracking guys and girls.”
“I haven’t met most of them yet,” I admit.
He glances at me. “Ah, don’t be scared. They might seem intimidating, but they’re a solid bunch. I’ll always take a shift with them.”
We spend the rest of the drive in comfortable silence, listening to a podcast on low. Nowhere in this town takes long to drive to, though, so before long he’s pulling up to Rico’s apartment block.
“Thank you again,” I say, tiredness hitting me like a wave. Hopefully my gratitude still comes across, because he really did me a huge favor tonight. “Maybe we’ll see you at the club sometime.”
Dray grins as I unbuckle my belt. “Maybe you will. Tell Rico hi from me, yeah? He’s a decent bloke. You found yourself a corker there.”
“Oh, he’s definitely the one who found me,” I say, shaking my head and hopping out of the van. “But I know how lucky I am. He’ll be as appreciative as I am for your rescue mission tonight.”
Dray salutes at me. “Any time, mate. See you around!”
I close the door then watch him drive off into the darkness. For once in my life, I’m thankful to be who I am and not someone else. I’ve spent too long on my own. This little life I’m building is precious to me.
As crappy as Emerson’s visit tonight was, he’s made it clear that I don’t want to try and self-destruct ever again.
I’ve got too much to lose.
CHAPTER 24
Rico
This night feelslike it’s never going to end.
We’ve been battling this damn blaze for an hour, and it seems like we’re getting nowhere. Whatever’s in the wall insulation can’t be regulation, not the way this sucker is fighting us. I’m just grateful that the fire broke out after business hours. Half of these offices seem to be vacant anyway.
It’s still important that we get the flames under control as soon as possible so there’s no risk of any nearby premises catching light. I’m sure there are going to be several bosses and managers with big headaches in the morning, but if all they have to worry about are logistics and insurance claims, that’s not so bad.
I know I’m irritable because I’m worrying about Jesse. I haven’t even been able to speak to him, although Captain Valentine assured me that Drayton Hendrix picked him up from work just fine and dropped him home. I’m extremely grateful that Dray was in the area and could get to Jesse so fast. But I really need to see him with my own eyes, and soon.
From what his boss said, some guy from one of Jesse’s AA meetings showed up and started causing trouble. That makes me uneasy on so many levels, and I’m not surprised it freaked Jesseout so much that Trixie felt the need to send him home. If it was enough to push Jesse into a relapse…
No. I need to stop thinking that way. There is always going to be something that stresses him out, and I have to trust that if it’s enough to possibly trigger him, he’ll talk to me.
Except I’m stuck here.
I can’t put that kind of pressure on myself, either. This is why he has options for meetings almost every hour of every day. He’s also hoping to find a sponsor soon that he can reach out to in times of crisis.
I’m trying not to let myself feel guilty about having the car as well. Jesse was very clear how important it was for him to stand on his own and for us not to be so co-dependent. We’ve already talked about how best to get him his own car. His credit history is unfortunately terrible, but we’ve agreed that if I buy him something, we’ll set up a formal plan so he can pay me back.
Knowing we already have solid strategies like that in mind calms me somewhat. And besides, tonight worked out just fine in the end. I have to keep reminding myself that I don’t need to try and control everything in order to stop the world from falling apart. Shit will happen. It’s inevitable. All I can do is support Jesse the best I can. I’m lucky to have friends like Julian who will help me troubleshoot and Dray who will go out of his way to make sure the man I love gets home safe.
That brings a smile to my face. I pause a take a proper breath. I do love Jesse, and he loves me. This relationship is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before and even though we’re still in the very early days so far, I already know it’s strong enough to withstand all manner of hurdles and setbacks. If Jesse ever does break his sobriety, I’ll be there to start day one with him again. If some asshole upsets him, I’ll be there to protect him and, apparently, so will my friends.
That’s what marriage is all about, isn’t it? For better or worse?
Del’s voice comes over the coms, sounding weary. “Captain? Lieutenant? You better get down to the basement.”
I wasn’t even aware there was a basement. Lochlan and Anton lead the sweep. I’ve been focusing on the blaze, which is still going, but at least we’ve stopped it spreading for now.
Looking around, I already find Teddy approaching me, ready to take my hose. “We’ve got this, Lieutenant,” he tells me with a nod. “The stairs are that way.”
He points to our right, and I see the door. “Thanks, Foster.” I pat his shoulder and hastily head downstairs, not sure what I’m going to find down there.