Home Fires Read Online Free PDF

your mother.”
    “I am not budging.” Rose squinted at the nurse’s identification tag and made a mental note.
    “If you’re not out of that chair in the next five seconds, I’ll call security and let them deal with you.”
    “Totally unnecessary.” The Judge grasped Rose firmly by the arm and yanked her onto her feet. “We’re leaving, as requested.”
    “Did you hear her? That woman threatened me,” Rose complained as he pulled her down the hall. “And what about Mom?”
    “They aren’t about to put your mother’s life at risk. And as for whether there is actually a fire, obviously we are on a need-to-know basis. They want us out of here and I suggest we oblige them.”
    Rose squinted against the brilliant sunshine as they exited the building into the parking lot. Sirens wailed in the distance as she waited beside the Judge, watching as the fire trucks approached. The trucks were yellow, large, and loud, with air horns blaring and flashing red and white lights.
    “Since when do they call out the fire department if it’s only a drill?” she muttered. “Looks like I was right.”
    “Stand back, everyone stand back,” came the call as first one, then a second fire truck pulled up in front of the entrance. A short stubby fireman tumbled out of the passenger seat, pulling on his fire gear as he raced past them into the hospital. A second fireman on the driver’s side slid from behind the wheel and strode through the crowd. Rose’s eyes narrowed as she spotted the tall, solid man. His determined face was steeled with resolve. Intense blue eyes filled with concern beneath a scuffed white helmet.
    Rose drew in a sharp breath. She should have figured she’d eventually see him again. James Bay wasn’t that big for their paths not to cross. But the sight of him today was somehow reassuring. Her anxiety vanished through the revolving front door along with the fireman.
    The wailing alarm ended abruptly, filling the afternoon with an eerie silence. Seconds later, as if on cue, Lillian Gillespie emerged through the hospital main entrance. Rose exhaled a deep sigh as she caught sight of her mother’s best friend. The gleam in Lil’s eyes was a sure giveaway there was no need to fear. The hospital wasn’t on fire. That fact would have been much too juicy for her not to share.
    “Spill it, Lil,” the Judge ordered. “What’s going on?”
    Lil pulled the two of them aside, far away from the visitors and hospital staff milling about the parking lot.
    “This is hush-hush and completely confidential.” She raised one finger to her lips and diamonds flashed on her rings in the brilliant sunshine.
    “You’re talking to two lawyers, remember?” the Judge replied. “We’re officers of the court. There’s no need to remind us about the rules of confidentiality. What happened?”
    “Well, two doctors—both of whom shall remain nameless, mind you—decided to indulge themselves with afternoon cigars.” The whisper of a smile appeared on Lil’s face. “They were huddled up in one of the offices. It seems that little conference of theirs triggered the smoke detectors and set off the fire alarm.”
    Rose frowned. “I thought the hospital was a smoke-free area.”
    Lil nodded fiercely. “It is. But obviously those doctors forgot. Maybe all that smoke clouded their minds along with their better judgment.”
    “Ladies, as neither of you smoke, I wouldn’t expect you to understand the pleasures of a fine cigar.”
    Rose couldn’t help smiling as the Judge patted his jacket pocket. His fondness for cigars was well-known to all. And his taste in tobacco didn’t come cheap. Everyone knew he paid a pretty penny to have his cigars custom made in the islands.
    “At least we know Mom is safe. She should be out of recovery soon.”
    “Good Lord, where is my mind?” Lil shook her head. “They just took Irene up to her room. Sarah Mae Carter was one of the attending nurses. She grabbed me and let me know when I