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Thank God. His heart stopped at the thought of Cassie being in a fire.
“Since then, I cringe when I hear a siren. It’s not with the fear I felt while I was in that burning house. But the fear that someone else is suffering the same thing. Someone’s house is burning and I wonder if they will get out alive.” She cradled his cheek. “Mike. I’m in awe of your profession. Without men like you, people would die. I would never want you to change who you are.”
He searched her eyes for the truth.
“I can’t say I won’t worry,” she continued. “I’d probably worry if you got a cold. But I don’t expect you to give up something I know is important to you.”
Maybe she meant it now. But would she change her mind? He captured her hand with his.
“My mom left my dad because she couldn’t handle the pressure. I was just a kid. I haven’t seen her since. She never came back.”
“I’d never do that,” she said. “I love you. I’m in this for always. I believe in forever. I’ll love you forever.”
His eyes blurred, his emotions too much to stomach.
“Woman. You know how to make a man feel like a man.” He flipped her onto her back and proceeded to show her just how much she meant to him.
Chapter 26
A car door slammed. Mike stepped from the back of the rig to see who had pulled up at the bay door.
“Hey Chuck.” This guy could be mistaken for Jared, since they shared sandy blond hair and had a penchant for Ray-Ban sunglasses.
“Mike.” Chuck gave a nod.
“What brings you—” Then he suddenly remembered the Spurs game and Chuck had promised him some tickets. “Oh, you have those tickets?”
“Nah. They’re at home. I’m here to see your Captain.”
Uh oh. If he’d used the title Captain, instead of Shep, it must be important. Chuck had the look of bad news. Mike could be wrong, but he didn’t think so.
“Cap’s upstairs in his office.”
Chuck gave another nod and stepped inside the bay. “You think I can see him?”
“Sure. I’ll take you up.”
Chuck removed his sunglasses and fell in behind Mike without saying another word. Guess he wasn’t in the mood for chitchat.
Shep opened the door before Mike had a chance to knock. He stepped back in surprise.
“You got something for me, Mike?”
Mike pointed a thumb over his shoulder. “Chuck’s here to see you.”
Shep’s expression did not change. “Come on in.”
Mike stepped back, unsure whether he was invited to the party. Chuck solved the puzzle real quick.
“You can come in, Mike. This concerns the entire department.”
“You here officially?” Shep asked.
“Investigator Hooley is on the Wimer property case. He shared some information with me.”
While Shep walked behind his desk, Mike stepped inside and closed the door. Chuck took a seat and Mike figured he better take one too.
“There’s a detective in our department working closely with the fire inspector and Hooley asked for me to help with his investigation.”
