The Christmas Rescue by Laura Scott

Author:Laura Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2010-12-17T05:00:00+00:00

When Brianna was discharged, Rafe carried her out to his jeep, tucking her into the backseat beside Ellen. Kayla took the passenger seat beside him and he couldn’t ignore the distinctive family-like feel to the atmosphere as he drove back to Kayla’s bed-and-breakfast.

He still remembered those fearful moments when he worried he wouldn’t get everyone out of the house in time. He’d counted on God’s support and had been very thankful when they’d emerged essentially unscathed.

Except for Brianna’s asthma attack. Watching the little girl struggle to breathe had been horrible. If he could have offered up his lungs for her, he would have. Talk about feeling totally helpless. Not something he cared to repeat anytime soon.

He’d never been happier than when the breathing treatments had finally kicked in, bringing Brianna’s oxygen levels above ninety percent. After another hour of observation, Dr. Graham declared her ready for discharge.

The firefighters had been discussing the source of the fire when he’d left to follow Kayla. They were trying to rule out arson, but he hadn’t stayed to hear what theory they’d finally decided upon. Unfortunately, when he pulled into Kayla’s driveway, they’d already left the scene. He could only assume they’d be back.

The burnt Christmas tree was lying in the front of the yard, where the firemen had dragged it. The branches were burned but there had been more smoke than anything because of the water in the tree stand keeping it moist. Dusk was starting to fall, but he left his headlights on and peered closely at the worst part of the burnt tree, down by the base of the trunk. The firefighters had noticed it was odd for the fire to have started there, so close to the water tray.

He wrinkled his nose. What was that smell? Gasoline? He hunkered down next to the tree, practically putting his nose right on top of the charred tree trunk. The acrid scent burned his nostrils. Yep, definitely gasoline.

A chill raised the hairs on the back of his neck. Gasoline would explain why the fire had started where it had. And also confirmed the fire had been set on purpose.

“Kayla, wait!” Rafe jumped up and jogged over to where Kayla was about to enter the house.

An unsecured house, as the security system was not engaged.

“What?” she asked, stopping on the porch and turning to face him. Brianna was draped over her shoulder, the little girl’s eyelids drooping from sheer exhaustion.

“Go back to my jeep. Both of you,” he said, including Ellen who stood beside Kayla. “The house isn’t locked and I’m afraid the fire might have been set on purpose.”

“What?” Ellen looked aghast. “On purpose? Why?”

Kayla paled, but instantly spun around to head wordlessly back to the jeep. Rafe hurried alongside, wanting to make sure they were safely tucked inside the jeep before he headed into the house.

Should he call his commanding officer? For a moment his fingers hesitated on the phone. No, first he’d go inside, see if anyone had been there.

Might still be there.

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