Flames & Firehoses (Arsonist X Firefighter)

Chapter 4

During the ride to the country club (where I had abandoned the last shreds of my dignity), Henry grilled me incessantly with questions! I smoked half a pack of cigarettes within twenty minutes, lighting one almost as soon as I tossed a butt out the window. I couldn't wait to get out of the car!

"...So, you didn't answer me about why you avoided mentioning me to Mike," Henry reminded.

Answer. That word again! Ugh, how I hated it! It was demanding and persistent, much like Henry was right now!

"I don't really know!" I hissed an exasperated breath out, after giving him the same, vague response to almost every question.

Anything I said past that would make him feel worse! The only consolation I could focus on for myself was the list of emergency addresses that were written on a torn-out sheet of college-ruled paper, tucked underneath the rubber, cup-holder lining in my Eclipse. One of those locations would be the scene of my next bonfire! I scratched the palm of my hand vigorously, as Henry pulled to a stop and parked his car next to mine - the only vehicle in the lot at this hour.

"Thanks!" I curtly smiled and rushed to get out; but, the doors were still locked, so, I ended up slamming my shoulder and elbow against the non-budging surface. "Ow!" I yelped slightly from the sting that the impact had caused.

"Are you alright?" Henry smirked at my clumsiness.

"Peachy!" I grinned back sarcastically. "Thanks for the lift! I'm really sorry for the trouble I made!" I quickly apologized and punched the unlock button on my door; but, Henry flicked the child lock switch on, as well as the button to lock all doors, for added measure, and I wacked myself against a wall once again! "What the hell?!" I glared at him angrily.

"At least, promise to tell me, once you figure it out!" he requested.

"Really?!" I frowned at his incredulity. "Why do you want to know so badly?"

"Collecting objective research," Henry shrugged.

"Oh! So, this has happened to you before?!" I asked.

He had managed to capture my interest!

"Uh, no. Not since high school," he raised his eyebrows in a dare for me to latch onto the discrete criticism.

"You're right - I'm immature," I acknowledged simply. "Will you let me out now?! Please?!"

"Sure!" Henry said lightly and hit the button with a tap of his elbow, even though he looked disappointed. "Well, I hope Mike was on his best behavior, so that the effort is comparable!" he smirked. "You still didn't say which one of use you preferred!"

"Right now - neither!" I fumed a little as I stepped out of his car.

This was dragging out way too long! I had another itch to scratch and the need was becoming unbearable!

"Call me!" Henry sang in a high-pitched voice out of his open window, as I climbed into the driver's seat of my car and glared at him to drop the topic.

The strangely cheerful firefighter drove off, finally leaving me in peace! I pulled a map out of the glove compartment and the list, stowed away far from inquiring minds. I ran through the short notations and chose an old barn I had looked at earlier. It was relatively close by; but, I had the entire day off work, ensuring that I could take my time and enjoy this! The drive to the location of my next project was relaxing! I managed to shake off thoughts of Mike and Henry; yet, I felt as if some trace of them was still left behind in the back of my mind.