Firecode by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Author:Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Open Road Media
Published: 2015-07-06T20:59:02+00:00

PART VI

October 23, Cleveland, Ohio

“This is Nina Foss, and we’re in the home of Inga Peschovsky, whose three children were killed in the random fire that claimed the lives of over six hundred patrons of the Melton Mall Cinemas.” She turned away from the fascinating eyes of the camera to give a sympathetic look to the thirty-five-year-old woman with the ravaged face and dark clothing. “Missus Peschovsky, everyone shares your terrible grief over your tragedy. As you know, many of our viewers have suffered similar losses.”

“It’s been hard,” the woman said in a muffled voice.

“And you’ve been very brave. We’re grateful that you’re willing to share your sorrow with all of us.” Nina’s expression was not quite a smile, but there was not the degree of sadness that she might have had if she had not been offered the national morning-news anchorwoman position by her network the day before. All her work was paying off. She had to make an effort to concentrate on what Missus Peschovsky was saying.

“They were good kids. They were real good kids,” their mother said as she began to weep.

Nina put her hand on Missus Peschovsky’s. “There’s no shame in showing your loss. We’re all with you, Missus Peschovsky.”

“Marilyn was up for head cheerleader,” sobbed Missus Peschovsky. “My … former husband called. He said it was my fault. He said I should never let them go to a public place, not while the fires are still going on.” She leaned her head forward to hide her face.

“Missus Peschovsky, don’t blame yourself. There’s no way you could have known.”

“Ted was right; I should never have let them go. They’re dead because of me.”

Nina signaled to Lenny to stop the taping, and as soon as the camera was off, she did her best to restore Missus Peschovsky’s composure. “Inga, Inga, come on. Do what you can, will you? Don’t let this throw you.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” said Missus Peschovsky.

“Now, get yourself together, Inga.” Nina said, doing her best to keep her voice soft and her pace unhurried. “Lenny, will you bring us a cup of coffee?” As she asked, she made a gesture indicating that Lenny should add something to the coffee.

Lenny nodded and signaled one of the others in the five-person crew to supply the coffee. “You okay, Nina?”

“Sure; it’s Missus Peschovsky who needs the help,” Nina snapped, then added, “Sorry, Lenny. It’s been a long day.”

“Yesterday was a long day. Tomorrow’s gonna be a long day. They’re all long days, Nina,” Lenny said. “You can’t let it beat you, y’know?”

“Of course,” Nina said. “I count on it.” She got up from the flowered sofa, making a place for Billy Corral to give Inga Peschovsky some of his doctored coffee. “What did you give her? Brandy?”

“Valium. She’d smell the brandy.” Lenny shoved his soft brown hair off his forehead. “You think we’re still going to make that public meeting in Cambridge this evening? It’ll take another hour here at least, and even if we can get tape on the way at once, we’ll still be running almost an hour late.

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