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risking another look at Wynona, wondering how he seemed to have lost control of the entire situation.

CHAPTER THREE
    W YN WATCHED C ADE walk away, tension radiating from him with every step.
    She had worked with him for nearly three years but had never seen him like this. Usually he was calm, coolheaded, no matter the crisis. He was acting very unlike himself—being abrupt to two scared little boys, suspending her for actions he certainly would have taken himself in the same situation.
    It left her feeling off balance, as if she were trying to hike up to the top of Mount Solace wearing high heels.
    â€œSeriously, Wyn. How can we ever thank you?”
    She shifted back to Lindy-Grace and Ron. She had a sudden feeling this was going to get old really quickly.
    Her father had been the hero around town and people revered him accordingly. Twenty-five years as the police chief of Haven Point had earned him a reputation as a decent, caring man who would do anything for the people he served. The last difficult two years of his life had only solidified that love and respect. His funeral five months earlier had to be moved to the gymnasium at Haven Point High School to hold the crowds of people who wanted to come pay their respects.
    She was no hero, just a police officer doing her job.
    Her mother was going to freak . It was a wonder Charlene hadn’t hitched a ride to the fire with Lindy-Grace to make sure her oldest daughter was okay.
    â€œI’m just happy everything worked out,” she said now to her friend.
    â€œBut a week’s suspension! You saved two lives. You shouldn’t be punished for that! What is wrong with that man?”
    She couldn’t begin to guess—nor did she want to discuss it with Lindy-Grace.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter.” She forced a smile. “The boys are safe and that’s the important thing. And they’re not going to go around starting any more fires to roast hot dogs without a grown-up present, right?”
    Both boys shook their heads vigorously.
    â€œWe really need to go now,” Ed said. “The docs at the emergency department have called three times trying to find out what the heck is taking so long. LG, you can ride along if you want. Ron, just follow behind at a safe speed and meet us at the hospital.”
    â€œRight.”
    â€œSo I’m good here?” Wyn pressed.
    Ed nodded as he took the oxygen mask from her. “Yeah. Your levels are great and I think Chief Gallegos would be fine with me releasing you. Just promise you’ll go straight to the hospital if you notice any shortness of breath or feel light-headed.”
    â€œYou got it.”
    She signed the paperwork releasing her from their care, then waved off the ambulance as it backed away through the fire crew.
    By the looks of it, the entire Haven Point volunteer fire department had turned out for the excitement, though it looked like the barn was going to be a total loss. At this point, they seemed to be trying to contain the fire to only the barn and make sure it didn’t spread to the surrounding vegetation.
    She spotted Cade helping uncoil hose from one of the water trucks. No, it wasn’t his job, but that never stopped him before. He always jumped in to do whatever necessary.
    With a sigh, she headed for her patrol car. When she started the engine, he looked over. He wore sunglasses that concealed his expression but she had a feeling he was still glowering at her as she drove away.
    She had left her phone inside the vehicle when she responded to the fire, what felt like another lifetime ago. It rang before she even made her way past the last fire truck and when she glanced at the screen, she saw she had missed six calls—all from her mother. She had to talk to Charlene eventually but she wasn’t quite ready for that.
    Just as she turned onto Riverbend Road, it rang again. This time the caller ID had her reaching to answer.
    â€œHey, Kat,” she said