Fire of Your Soul

Chapter Four

I know that we've been sending all of you on an emotional roller coaster. We're grateful for all of the support of our readers. Thank you! Also, we're not Stephenie Meyer ... sigh ...

And onto it ...

Chapter Four

After his phone conversation with his mom, Edward called Uncle Eleazar and informed him that he needed to resign. It was the only option. He had to go home, which meant that he'd have to quit his job. He hated that he had to leave a job he loved, but family always came first.

"What's going on, Edward?" Eleazar asked, concerned that something had caused Edward to relive the tragedy that forced him to give up firefighting. His nephew was one of the best fire investigators in the department. It seemed unlike him to just throw it all away. Not without a valid reason.

"It's Mom," Edward whispered, his voice cracking and tears threatening to fall.

Eleazar was immediately alarmed. What was wrong with his sister? "What is it, Edward?"

Edward steadied himself, willing himself not to break down and cry. "Cancer," he choked out.

Eleazar gasped. Cancer, my baby sister had cancer, Eleazar thought sadly. "What kind and how bad?" he asked.

"Ovarian cancer, stage two. She's already started treatment and she said that she has the best oncology doctor in Seattle. However, I want to be there and not just for a few days or a couple of weeks. I need to be beside her through it all and it's time for me to face my fears. Home is where I need to be," Edward declared.

"I'll make some calls, but it could take up to a few weeks before you could go," Eleazar explained, knowing he would do everything possible to get Edward freed up and on his way to Seattle. "Have you thought of what you are going to do when you get to Seattle, work-wise that is?"

Edward had not really thought a lot about it, but he knew that he enjoyed being in the fire investigation department, but the crux of the matter was Charlie Swan. Charlie Swan was the fire investigation unit in Seattle. Could he work with Charlie without being overwhelmed with the guilt? What would Charlie say when he found out that he was the one that killed his daughter? Could he face Charlie? Yes, I can. I don't want to give up on my dreams. "I'm going to apply with the Fire Investigation Unit in Seattle."

"Are you sure? I mean, are you prepared to work side by side with Charlie Swan?" Eleazar asked. "The man's a legend and you can learn a lot from him, but you left Seattle because of him."

"I need to grow up, Uncle El. I can't hide here. I need to be home. Mom needs me," Edward shrugged. "Look, I understand that I have to work, finish out my obligations to the department, but it would mean a lot to me if you could help expedite the process. I'm going to call Felix, too. He needs to be aware of my plans. I appreciate everything you've done for me. Your offer helped me heal and I feel like I can go back without completely falling apart when I see Charlie. I respect him, Uncle El and the way I acted ... that didn't demonstrate respect. I was a fucking coward."

"Okay, Edward. I'll do what I can, and as soon as I can, I'm coming out to visit Esme. It's been too long," Eleazar said, his heart stammering against his ribs and his mind was reeling at the prospect of his baby sister being so sick with cancer. "And you're not a coward. You're the farthest thing from a coward. You're an honorable man."

"I appreciate it, Uncle El. I'm going to talk to Felix and see if I can use my vacation time too, at least, get out there as soon as I can," Edward said. "Love you, Uncle El."

"You, too, kid," Eleazar responded and ended the call.

Edward's next call was to Felix, explaining what was happening and thanking him for teaching him so much. Felix understood the reason why Edward was quitting and returning to Seattle. He quickly looked to find that Edward had a little over three weeks of vacation time saved up and he felt sure he could speed up Edward's time off and resignation.