I'll Stand by You by Wayne Jordan

Author:Wayne Jordan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Kimani Romance
Published: 2012-09-10T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Ebony stared straight ahead at the clock on the wall as she listened to Dr. Belle’s monotonous voice drone on and on. She wanted to get back to work, but she had to endure this session to make it possible.

She stifled a yawn and forced herself to focus.

“It seems to me that you are dealing pretty well with the situation. I would usually recommend another week or two at home, but I believe you’re ready to return to work. However, I want your promise that if the pressure of the job becomes too much, you’ll call me immediately. You know the importance of being mentally as well as physically fit.”

“I know and I promise,” she replied. “I don’t want to be responsible for any of my colleagues’ deaths.”

She cringed inwardly. Was that how she felt? That she was responsible for Marcus’s death? Her hands trembled. She stood abruptly and picked up her handbag.

“When is my next appointment?” she asked.

“In two weeks,” Dr. Belle replied. “The usual time.”

“I’ll be here at nine o’clock,” Eboni said. “I’ll see you then.” She turned and headed for the door.

“And, Eboni,” Dr. Belle added, “take care.”

“Thank you,” she replied, then opened the door and left.

Once in the hallway, Eboni leaned against the cool wall, unable to control the trembling. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, then exhaled slowly. Soon the turbulent feelings subsided and she walked briskly to the firehouse.

When she stepped inside, she almost jumped out of her skin. All of her coworkers stood before the table with the largest bouquet of flowers she’d ever seen.

She couldn’t speak as tears filled her eyes then ran down her cheeks.

“Welcome back, Wynter,” Captain Ward said, his hand outstretched. “We’re glad to have you back. The firehouse has not been the same without you.”

“Thank you, sir,” she replied, reaching to shake his hand.

Instead, he pulled her to him and hugged her tightly. When she stepped back, she was sure the surprise was still on her face. Captain Ward was not one for outward displays of affection.

“Well, enjoy the little get-together,” he said gruffly, looking slightly embarrassed. “Hopefully, your first day back will be a quiet one.”

Before he could turn and walk away, the alarm sounded.

There went all hope of a quiet day.

Immediately the chatting halted and everyone sprang into action.

* * *

The rest of the week passed in a haze of smoke and fire. Each day of her four-day week, she and the rest of the crew fought fire after fire.

By Friday night, she was cranky and all she wanted to do was soak in a tub of warm water filled with her favorite bubble bath.

When she walked into her condo that night, she could still taste and smell the acrid smoke.

She collapsed on the couch, sighing with relief as her bones melted into the cushions.

Every muscle in her body ached but she was too tired to make it into the bathroom for a long soak in the tub.

There was a knock on the door and she groaned.

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