The Focaccia Fatality Read Free Page B

aware.
    “They got here fairly soon, but the building was smoking by then,” Seanmhair explained.
    I grinned a bit at her ‘smoking’ term. “Come home with me. We’ll get you straightened out tomorrow. It’s freezing out here, Sean. I don’t want you to catch a cold.” I put my arm around her shoulder and herded her toward the car.
    “I don’t have any clothes, I can’t leave,” she moaned.
    “Not to worry, we’ll figure something out. Come on, now, get in the car and buckle up,” I urged.
    One moment she appeared ready to bolt back to the complex, and the next she did as asked without a word. Once settled in the car, Seanmhair asked, “Could you check to see if Connor made it out of the building all right?”
    “Sure, you stay put. I’ll be right back.” I skirted the crowds of onlookers and residents alike in search of anyone who could give me the information. When Eric came into view, I took a chance that he’d be able to help me.
    “Do you happen to know if Connor Graham is all right?” I asked.
    He scanned the clipboard tucked under his arm, and then said, “He was taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation. Don’t worry, Melina, he’ll be fine. Now, go home, please.” He pointed to the gawkers and said with a smirk, “They make our job difficult, don’t be part of that difficulty.”
    “Sure thing, thanks, Eric,” I answered and rushed back to reassure Seanmhair of Connor’s safety. Grateful for not having to be the bearer of bad news, I smiled at her look of relief when I shared Eric’s information. We drove home in silence.
    While Sean showered, I tossed her clothes into the washing machine and rummaged through the closet for a robe and nightie she’d given me some years back that I wouldn’t have worn unless it was the last thing I owned. I yanked the duo off the hanger and left them on the toilet seat for her.
    “There are some things here for you to wear,” I said.
    I heard her muffled answer and scooted from the room lest she step out of the shower in the nude. Nobody wants to see their grandmother in the altogether, nobody.
    A pot of tea and a few petite scones and jam awaited Sean when she left the bathroom. Her color was better, her fear gone, and a wee smile curled the corners of Sean’s lips when she noticed the goodies.
    “You didn’t need to go to any trouble on my account, Melina. I’m fine, really I am.”
    I waved her comment away. “Have some tea. It’s decaf, so you can have more than one cup, if you wish.” I watched her tuck into the scones and grinned. All was well.
    Two scones later, Sean leaned against the back of the sofa and sipped the last of her tea. “Where shall I sleep?”
    “In my bed. I’ll take the sofa. It’s important that you’re rested, because you won’t want Connor to think you’re a wreck, right?”
    “I think I’ll sleep right here, on this comfy sofa,” Sean said with a smile.
    I opened my mouth to argue when she said, “Not a word. I won’t put you out of your own bed. That’s final. Now give me a blanket and a pillow and go to bed.” Sean glanced at the wall clock. “You look tired and we’ll need to open the shop in a few hours.”
    I huffed at her stubbornness and did what she asked. When I returned to the living room, Sean had tucked her plumpness into the corner of the sofa and snored softly. I wasn’t the only one who’d reached my limit. I left the pillow on the coffee table, draped the blanket over her, and kissed her forehead before tossing her clothing into the dryer and tiptoeing into my own room.
    *    *    *
    Sleep was fitful. I tossed and turned until the alarm sounded. It was going to be a trying day. I could feel it in my bones. Seanmhair’s clothes tumbled in the dryer to get the wrinkles out while I quickly showered and dressed for the day.
    I’d no sooner finished drying my hair when I heard a sharp rap on the bathroom door. “Are you done in there?” I heard Sean say.
    Giggling at the