Chapter 63

“Poor Phyllis,” said Jennalee. “I wonder what started it.”

“I don’t think they smoke,” offered Harley.

The fire engine took little care as it raced around to the back of the grounds. When it came charging down the winding path, it had the effect of unwinding it because such a large and urgent vehicle couldn’t be contained by a meandering roadway. Thus it crushed various shrubs and native plants, took out a couple lounge chairs, and careened through a bunch of inflated pool toys that had been gathered to dry out.

The crowd was pushed back by firemen who sprang from the truck while their brethren pulled hose from the back. Jennalee noted how neatly it unfolded but wondered where the water would come from. She mentioned this to Harley, who said the truck was a tanker and they’d use that, then run hose back to a pipe a couple buildings away if needed.

“Where’s that?” Jennalee asked.