Free A Texas Family Reunion by Judy Christenberry Page A

for her?”
    “No. That was the Plano Fire Department. My condo burned down tonight.”
    Alex stared straight ahead as her mind dealt with his words. “Your condo burned down? David, that’s dreadful. How…? What are you going to do? Is everything destroyed?”
    “I won’t know until I get there.”
    Alex pressed down on the accelerator.
    “Don’t get a ticket, Alex.”
    “No, I won’t, but…isn’t it strange that such a thing should happen to you after you were shot at today?”
    “Don’t read anything into this, honey. It’s just a coincidence.”
    “I think I should call Jim.”
    “No!”
    “Why not? Afraid of what he’ll say?” she asked, a challenge in her voice.
    “No, I’d like him to think of me as a man, not a cowardly little boy!”
    “Jim wouldn’t. He just wants to keep you safe.”
    “I’m planning on being safe!” He sat silent for a minute. “Honey, I’m not taking any chances. If the fire was arson, I’ll start putting in the security Jim recommended.”
    “You promise?”
    “Yes.”
    Alex took a deep breath. “Okay.”
    The fire trucks were still on the scene when they reached David’s condo. Fortunately, the condos had a firewall between each, so none of the units burned except David’s. They got out of the car and approached a policeman standing nearby. David introduced himself and asked if he could look more closely at his belongings.
    “I doubt you can. There’s nothing left. We’re looking for the cause of the fire now.”
    David just stood there staring at what had once been his home.
    Alex slid her hand into his.
    “Let’s go!” he said. “There’s nothing here.”
    “You should give the policeman your office number before we go.”
    “Oh, yeah.” He turned back to the policeman and gave him his business card. “Please let me know the outcome as soon as possible.”
    “Certainly, Mr. Buford.”
    David took Alex’s hand. “Okay, we can go now.”
    “Where do you want to go?” Alex asked.
    “It’s almost midnight. I hate to do it, but I guess I’d better call Pete. He’s got a couch he’ll let me sleep on.”
    “Wait!” Alex said, reaching out to put a hand on his cell phone. “That’s ridiculous. I have a second bedroom. You can stay there tonight.”
    “Alex, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I mean, people might not realize I’m your cousin. It might start talk.”
    “David, this isn’t the nineteen-fifties. I’ll be just fine. If anyone says anything, I’ll tell them to mind their own business.”
    “You’re sure you don’t mind?”
    “Positive.”
    She started the car and headed for her own condo, not too far away. It was a relief to see her home safe and undisturbed. With a sigh of relief, she pulled into the garage beneath her condo. “I’m sorry it’s too late to get you any clothes tonight, but we can go shopping early tomorrow morning for a few items, at least.”
    “I don’t want to make you late for your job.”
    “Will won’t mind when he hears what has happened.”
    “Why would you tell Will? It’s not any of his business.”
    “Maybe because you’ll be hiring Jim to set up security at your company? And maybe taking his advice on a safe place to live?”
    “I think I can find a place to live by myself, Alex.”
    She whirled around to stare at him. “Don’t you realize you’d be dead already if you’d been home tonight? That might not matter to you, but it matters to a few of us!”
    “You’re right, honey. That was dumb of me to say that. And I’m glad I was out this evening. Something else I owe my family.”
    “Come on,” she said, and led the way to her condo.

Chapter Seven
    Alex walked into her condo and quickly picked up a couple of things that were out of place. “Sorry, I wasn’t prepared for company.”
    “I’m not company, Alex. It’s certainly going to be more comfortable than Pete’s couch,” David said.
    “I hope so. I forgot to ask. Do you have fire insurance?”
    “Yes.