Flashover by Dana Mentink Page A

“Well, I’m one of the lucky people who does.”
    â€œGod made you Ivy Beria, not Firefighter Ivy Beria.”
    She balled up her paper napkin. “God doesn’t factor into my life or my choices.”
    â€œYes, He does, Ivy, whether you admit it or not.”
    She wanted to shake him, to throw her soda in his face and walk away. The rage swirled inside until she felt lost in it. She squeezed her eyes shut tight and tried to take deep breaths. When she opened them again, his eyes were locked on her face.
    â€œI know it’s hard. I’m sorry. I wish I could make it easier for you.”
    She wanted to be angry, but something in his face wouldn’t let her. The anger drained away, leaving only a sorrow behind, a sorrow that felt as though it had started fifteen years ago, the day that her sister burned to death. It had dissipated for a while, lost in the fun she had with Antonio. But that was all it had been, fun. Not love. Love was the kind of person who wanted all of you, the dark stuff, too.
    A question leaped into her mind. Was that who Tim was? Someone who could love all of her? No, she didn’t have the courage to find out. She blinked hard, swallowing the new tears that threatened. “What did you learn about Cyril?”
    He continued to look into her eyes for a moment before he leaned back in the chair. “Cyril is a jack-of-all-trades, it seems.”
    â€œMeaning?”
    â€œIn addition to his recycling job, I found out he was a part-time electrician, did a few odd jobs around town.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œHe worked on the old Oak Grove Hotel before the owners gave up on it.”
    â€œThat empty building at the edge of town?” The place was a magnet for teen troublemakers until the city boarded it up tight.
    â€œUh-huh.”
    â€œI’ll bite. What does this tell us about the guy?”
    â€œI spoke to the building superintendent that was in charge of the project before it went belly-up. He hired Cyril and ultimately let him go but not because the money ran out.”
    She felt a tingle. “Then why did he fire Cyril?”
    Tim gave her a satisfied smile. “The super’s name is Chuck. He’s a real nice guy. Met him at a church retreat a while back. He told me he had decided to get rid of Cyril anyway because he had a key made to the place and was using it for a second home, hosting poker nights there, sleeping over, even brought in a warming plate and cooler.”
    â€œAnd Chuck didn’t tell the police that?”
    â€œHe didn’t want to smear Cyril’s reputation so he just left it that Cyril was sacked when the project folded.”
    Ivy’s thoughts whirled. “So you think maybe Cyril is holing up at the Oak Grove Hotel?”
    He shrugged. “I figure it’s worth a look. I’m off the clock in an hour. We can take a drive over there and if anything looks out of order, we’ll call Greenly.”
    She shook her head. “Tim, you are amazing. Why are you doing all this for me?”
    He stroked her hand with his fingers. “I think deep down you know why.”
    She held his gaze for a moment, staring into those warm blue eyes. “I wish I could be the person that you want and deserve, Tim, but I can’t.” I don’t want to share myself with anyone, even a wonderful man like you.
    His smile was sad.
    For the briefest of moments she wanted to move closer, share some of the peace that he radiated, let herself get lost in his sweet soul. Instead she pulled her hand away. “I’ll see you in an hour then.”
    He sighed. “Okay. An hour.”
    Â 
    Though Tim did his best to avoid the potholes, the road was bumpy and uneven.
    It was three o’clock with temperatures close to ninety. Tim could understand why the hotel idea had appeal. The Oak Grove Hotel would really have been the perfect spot for a quiet getaway. The road that led up to it hadn’t been paved