Page 81 of The Troll’s Summer Flame

I know he’s at work, and I’ve never asked what the protocol is about calling his personal phone while working, but I figure Gordon will answer.

I’m right. He picks up at once, voice full of concern. “My Andrea? What’s wrong? It’s three in the morning.”

“Is it?” I rub my eyes. “Well, I slept over at the cabin, and I brought Chopin over as a surprise for Hugo—and just to show you how serious I am about moving in, even if Hugo has to stay there a while. I ordered a mattress and a box spring, not the most expensive ones, but still good. We can make one of the two empty rooms a guest room.”

Gordon is silent for a moment, confused and silent, if I had to guess.

“But why are you calling? I mean, that is wonderful and generous, my love, my Andrea. Wifey,” his voice drops on the last word, a furtive little whisper that makes me wish he were here right now. “But what is wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong. Well, something probably spooked Chopin. He’s having a hissy fit under the bed. Anyway, it scared me, and I woke up. And... I’m being a big baby, okay? Still, I need to get used to sleeping alone in the house. You’ll have to go to work at night sometimes.”

“Yes, I know, but... What scared the cat?”

“I don’t know. Probably an animal outside. He’s a city kitty. Country living is new to him.” I suddenly lose all the soothing, relaxing feelings that Gordon’s voice instilled in me. “There aren’t bears in the woods, are there? They won’t try to get in the house?”

“There aren’t bears this close to town. Not usually. I— Oh, fine. Hugo wants to say hello, and he won’t stop hovering until he does.”

“Hi, Sister Andrea! Did you bring the cat over?” Hugo asks, voice bubbling with excitement.

“I did, Brother Hugo. But, seriously, it has to be just Andrea and just Hugo, okay? Sister Andrea makes me sound like a nun, and you sound like a monk.”

“Monkey?”

“No, a... Oh, that’s a whole discussion about religion, and I don’t think I can do that at three in the morning.”

“I understand. Maybe you can send me an email about it? With links to articles.” Hugo’s voice is now bursting with pride, and I can picture him, curly hair and huge smile, chest flung forward. “I have an email address now. It’s free to get one from some big web... Web providers?”

“Close enough.”

“This is so when I apply to jobs online, I can fill out the forms. You must have an email.”

“I get it, and that’s really great. I’ll send you articles if you tell me your email address.” I grin. “Can I talk to Gordon again?”

Gordon takes the phone back at once. “Teachers are not paid enough,” Gordon growls out.

“Preaching to the choir, buddy. I— What the hell was that?”

“What?”

I get off the bed and slowly walk towards the living room. “I think something hit the cabin. It was like a thud outside.”

“A thud?”

“Mhm.”

“Andrea, I want you to stay inside. I’m coming to investigate. Hugo, get in the truck.”

“But what about fires?” I demand. “What if there is an emergency and people need you?”

“Not my truck, Hugo, the firetruck. The biggest one.”

“We’re going to ride in one? But you said we couldn’t,” Hugo protests.

“We are going on an emergency call. A wellness check.”

“Don’t the police usually do that?” I ask, but I’m so relieved Gordon is coming home. I hover in the hall, hands tight on the wall and my phone.

“When you are concerned, I am the police, I am the fire chief, and I am the doctor. I am whatever you need me to be. If there is an emergency, I have the pager and Big Red. I will go there first—but by the grace of God, there will not be an emergency between the time I leave the station and the time I check on my wife.”