Cries in the Night Read Online Free PDF Page B

was dry and mild. It didn’t usually snow much in the winter with most of the average fifty-five inches coming in two or three big storms, often in the spring. Regardless of the amount, it usually melted quickly and rarely stuck around long. The Chamber of Commerce was proud to boast that Denver got more than three hundred days a year of sunshine, more than almost any other place in the U.S.
    And it was that sunshine that had moved the Wilson boys and their dates and friends out to the patio in spite of the chill. Besides, with the French doors swung open, there was a clear view of the big screen TV on which the Broncos were challenging the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium. There weren’t quite enough chairs for everyone, so Chris, the youngest Wilson, was sitting on the ice chest and Rusty was manning the grill.
    If it had anything to do with flames, he was the expert. Ever since he’d been a kid, he had been fascinated by fire. By his teens, he had become the king of the barbecue pit, and no one had ever been able to dethrone him. He had the timing down perfect on when to turn the steaks and where to put the corn-on-the-cob so it didn’t burn.
    “Toss me a Corona,” Rusty called out and wiped his hand on the stained white apron that had Come on Baby, Light My Fire printed across the front. Chris stood up long enough to dig a cold bottle out of the ice in the chest. He tossed it to Rusty, then sat back down.
    “Hey, don’t get too comfortable. We need a couple over here.” Sam didn’t even try to hide his smile at his younger brother’s groan.
    Chris stood again and opened the ice chest. “Anyone else?”
    Sara, a petite blond with huge blue eyes held out her hand. “Sure. But make mine a Bud Light Lime.”
    “Don’t tell me you’re watching your calories,” Kate told her. “I feel like an Amazon around you two ladies.”
    Sara flexed her arm into an impressive muscle. “I’m stronger than I look.”
    Chris snorted. “You should see her hoist people onto the stretchers. Trying to keep up with her is why I work out every day.”
    Sara flashed him a surprised look. Hearing a compliment from her long-time friend and ambulance partner was a rare event. She had grown up with all of the Wilson boys and had shared their ambition to go into some area of public service. Her interest in medicine had led to her applying to be a paramedic. With an ultimate goal of becoming a doctor, she worked as many classes as she could in between her crazy hours. That left little time for romance, but for now, that suited her just fine.
    When Chris had completed multiple tours as a Navy medic in Afghanistan, she had encouraged him to hire on with her unit. Their long-time friendship had moved easily to a working relationship. They even shared a two-bedroom rent-controlled apartment in downtown Denver. So far, neither had been tempted to take it any further, but it insured Sara a place at all the family gatherings.
    Chris handed a couple of bottles to Sam and Kate, then glanced over at Heather who shivered again as if the very thought of a cold beverage made her more miserable and shook her head. “I’m going to sit inside.”
    Everyone watched her go and although nothing was said, everyone knew that would be the last time they would be seeing Heather. She clearly didn’t have what it took to hang out with the Wilsons, and Rusty would quickly move on to someone new.
    Sam had never been much of a player, and almost as soon as he met Kate, he had known he’d found his soul mate. They had settled into a comfortable relationship and were planning an intimate wedding in the spring. Chris was still adjusting back to civilian life and the crazy schedule of being a paramedic and taking classes at the University of Colorado. He dated occasionally, but so far he hadn’t met anyone he enjoyed hanging out with as much as he did with Sara. She was very serious about advancing her career in medicine, and even though he was two years