Free She Only Speaks to Butterflies by Sandy Appleyard Page A

thankfully,” Ned explained.
    Kate rolled her eyes, relieved. “Oh, thank the Lord.”
    “Don’t worry, sugar,” Ned chuckled. “We’ve got hard workin’ firemen in this town.”
    Kate passed him a plate of pastries. “Here. Pass these around.”
    “Let me help.” Sherry took the second tray.
    “I’ve got three more in the car.” Kate gestured to Doug, who was walking back to the car to grab the next load.
    As Kate’s pastries were passed around, Sherry could see her mother and Denise walking toward the scene.
    “Looks like it’s nearly out,” Gertrude commented, saying hello to familiar faces.
    “Yeah, Alan’s got it under control,” Ned said. “How ya doin’, Gertie?”
    “I’m doin’ good, Ned.”
    Alan approached, speaking at a volume that carried. “Looks like nearly the whole town is here, with a few exceptions,” he said cautiously. “Now that the fire’s nearly out, can anyone tell me if they saw anyone nearby before the fire started?”
    Ned started. “I can ask a few of the farm hands when I get back, Alan, but we sure didn’t see anyone comin’ through this early.”
    Kate offered Alan pastry and apple juice. He removed his gloves.
    “Thanks, Kate,” he said, holding the food. “Now, we’ll have a meetin’ at the hall later today regardin’ these recent fires. If anyone can attend, it would be helpful.”
    “That’s a great idea, Alan,” Ned complimented. “I’ll also get the information and relay it to Reverend Telly for Sunday’s service, see if anybody else saw anything.”
    Alan took a bite of pastry. “I was going to relay it to him anyway, but thanks for offerin’, Ned.”
    Ned placed his hands in his back pockets. “How’s the new guy workin’ out?”
    “He’s doin’ well,” Alan swallowed, tipping his chin towards the firemen. “Looks like he’s wrappin’ up.”
    Lee Givens was raveling the hose back up onto the pumper. When he finished, he approached Alan, nodding hello to everyone. His face was flushed and beaded with sweat. He removed his gloves as Ned offered him a handshake.
    “Nice to see ya,” Ned said.
    “Likewise.” Lee waved a hand toward the farm. “That’s a fine crop you’ve got over there. I see you’ve got yerself some livestock as well.”
    “We do. Come by for tea later and we’ll show ya ‘round.”
    “Will do,” Lee smiled graciously. “Thanks.”
    Kate offered him the picked-over platter of pastries. “Help yerself.  My son’s bringing another tray if none of these suit yer fancy.”
    Lee extended his hand. “No thanks, ma’am.  I appreciate it, really.”
    “Suit yerself,” Kate smiled warmly.
    Sarah was gawking at Lee as if she could size him up through his uniform. “So the fire’s out?” she blurted rudely.
    “Yes, ma’am,” he nodded.
    “The others can handle the rest?” she added, using the same blunt tone.
    Mark intervened. “You’ll have to excuse her.” He rubbed her belly. “Hormones.”
    “That’s quite alright, sir,” Lee said, good-naturedly. “Best be gettin’ back.”
    Lee turned, almost running into Sherry and Denise. “Sorry, ma’am.” He touched Denise’s head. “Pleasure.” He tipped his head at Sherry.
    “I best be headin’ back, too,” Alan said. “We’re just about done here. Y’all head on home now and we’ll see ya at the fire hall…say two o’clock?” He looked at Ned, who nodded assent.
    Sherry caught up to Alan as he left the scene.
    “Hi, Alan,” she murmured. “I just wanted to thank you for keeping things under control…ya know?” She tilted her chin toward the cordoned off area and then looked back to make sure she wasn’t in earshot of the townspeople. “I sure hope we figure out who’s doing this…ya know, before anyone gets hurt.”
    Alan’s arm draped across Sherry’s shoulders. “No need to worry, Mrs. Little. Until the town steps in and develops that land, I’ll be sure to keep Mr. Little’s memory safe.”
    Sherry blushed.