Chapter 70

“They’re leaving a guy,” Jennalee said, now fully awake.

“Hot spots,” said Harley as the fire engine drove away.

The fireman who now manned one of Wesley’s garden hoses made the rounds of the four rooms. “He looks beat,” Harley said.

“Be right back,” Jennalee replied as she jumped up. She ran around to the Coke machine, bought one, and when the fireman had finished checking the rooms, she took it to him. “Can you take a break?” she asked as she handed him the Coke.

“You bet. Thanks.”

He wouldn’t join them so they joined him instead at Building Eight. “Do you have to stay all night?” Jennalee asked.

“I do. It’s part of the job. You don’t want a flare-up.”

“So are you from around here?” Jennalee asked him.

“No. I grew up in Visalia, became a firefighter in Fresno, and when a job opened up here, I jumped on it. It’s great country. My wife and kids love it. My daughter wants a pony and we’ve got room for one.”