Free Desert Lost (9781615952229) by Betty Webb Page A

the Santa Fe, they rushed over to offer condolences, clothing, food, whatever she needed. One elderly Hispanic man, his hands trembling from Parkinson’s, told her she could stay in the garage apartment behind his house. “For free, and for as long as you need it, you and KariAnn. My grandson, the one who normally lives there, he’s interning at Chicago General.”
    Before Rosella could answer, a thirty-something man in a dark blue fire department tee shirt and matching turnout pants approached her, clipboard in hand. A fire inspector. “Folks over there say you’re the owner?”
    Rosella nodded.
    He stretched out his hand to shake hers, but the dullness in her eyes showed that she wasn’t aware of the offer, so he lowered his hand. “I’m Fire Inspector Nelson Vickers. First, I’m sorry about your house. Your neighbors called in the alarm at 4:06 a.m. By the time the trucks arrived, they were out in front with garden hoses, but as you can see, the house was too far gone. At least they managed to push that Jeep away and keep it from blistering in the heat. Again, I’m sorry, but I need to ask you some questions and have you sign some forms.” Without pausing for breath, he began asking about enemies.
    Rosella replied in a monotone.
    After jotting down her answers, the inspector continued, “We’ve called Phoenix Restore. They’re on their way over to board up what’s left, but you’ll need to contact a fencing company, too. The entire lot is a hazard.”
    â€œHazard.” Rosella’s voice remained flat.
    â€œYou said you’re insured, I believe?”
    A flicker of spirit showed. “Maybe I take a risk or two but never with somethin’ like that.”
    Inspector Vickers raised his eyebrows.
    Wrong answer, Rosella.
    He started to say something else but thought better of it and merely held the clipboard out. Rosella signed. He handed her his card. “The Red Cross can be of assistance. They’ll find you temporary lodging, some clothes.”
    Rosella took the card, but shook her head. “I don’t need help.”
    Crinkles of worry appeared around Vickers’ eyes. “Ms. Borden, are you sure you’re all right?”
    â€œNever better.”
    Vickers cleared his throat. “Because of the nature of the fire and all, another inspector might come by. Several, actually. And the police. That’s usual in situations like this. Do you have a number where you can be reached?”
    After she gave him her cell number, he walked off, apologizing as he went.
    I put my arm around her. “Why don’t you and KariAnn stay with me?”
    She managed a bleak smile. “Out of the fryin’ pan and into another fire? The God Squad hates you almost as much as they do me. Thanks for the offer, but I have a half-sister in California. She got out of the compound a couple of years before I did, and she’s been beggin’ me and KariAnn to visit.”
    â€œCalifornia might not be a bad idea.”
    â€œDip my toes in the ocean. Walk on the beach. Do the whole West Coast thing, maybe stay for a while. A long while.”
    â€œYou’d give up your…” I searched for the word. “…your work? With the runaways?”
    â€œThem bastards won’t run me off permanent, but for now I gotta get KariAnn somewhere safe. I haveta…I haveta…” She fell silent again.
    She needed time to get her thoughts together. “Listen, Rosella. You don’t need to make a decision right away. If you’re uncomfortable about staying at my place, I’ll put you two up at the DoubleTree. You can get matching mother/daughter herbal massages. Plan things out.”
    She didn’t answer, just took her cell phone out of her pocket and punched in a number. Whoever was on the other end must have picked up immediately. “Jo? Rosella. That offer still good?” Waited. Then, “KariAnn