“Cozy.” Misty liked the soft illumination, but she hoped it didn’t reveal more makeup smears or too much about what she and Trey had been doing alone. She touched her lips, felt the puffiness, and wondered if they were swollen. If so, maybe nobody would notice. When she heard Trey’s soft chuckle, she knew he knew what was on her mind.
“Trey is one of our volunteer firefighters,” Ruby explained. “They also assist our community as paramedics.”
“We noticed your fire station.” J.P. popped the top of a beer as he gave Ruby a sidelong glance. “Place looks new.”
“It is,” Ruby agreed with enthusiasm. “The Wildcat Bluff County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Station is our pride and joy. Everybody pitched in, and we held benefits to raise funds for the new building. We’re all working hard to be able to afford to update and upgrade our old station, as well as get training for our volunteers.”
“Our town and county need the services, so we make the extra effort,” Trey said. “The big cities have the money to pay full-time employees, but we’re all-volunteer. Folks from every walk of life in our county help when there’s trouble. There’s a lot of hometown spirit here. Our young men and women volunteer right out of high school and keep right on helping others all through their lives.”
“That’s impressive,” Charlene said with a smile.
“When a local home or business or ranch catches fire, we take it personally because it’s one of our neighbors,” Ruby explained. “And make no mistake, our fire station and apparatus would be nothing without the folks who serve faithfully whenever called to duty. They’re our greatest asset.”
“We all just do what needs to be done,” Trey said as he glanced around the table.
“Hogwash!” Ruby pointed at him. “Without you, Kent, Slade, Sydney, and all the other volunteers, we’d be up a creek without a paddle.”
“You’re fairly near bigger towns like Sherman with far greater resources, so why don’t you rely on them?” Charlene asked.
“Sherman and Denison are good for hospitals or other services, but they’re too far away for emergencies,” Trey explained. “Our folks live here in the Bluff or out on farms and ranches. If there’s a fire or medical emergency, they need help right away. In town, we try to arrive in less than three minutes. Farther out in the county, we get there as fast as we can make it.”
Charlene nodded. “Do you get many fires?”
“Lately, we’ve been getting more than our share,” Ruby said.
“Guess that’s on account of the heat and drought.” J.P. took a swig of beer.
“It’s on account of something.” Trey finished his beer and set it down with a sharp snap.
“Misty helped him put out a grass fire on her way to the Bluff,” Ruby added with warmth in her voice.
“Without her, we wouldn’t be sitting here tonight.” Trey gave Misty a warm look. “She’s our Christmas angel.”
“Is that so?” J.P said. “Guess we all owe her something for her involvement.”
Misty caught a look that passed between J.P. and Charlene. They must think she expected something. “Oh no, I’m not owed anything. I was happy to help out.”
“Do you often help strangers?” Charlene clicked her nails against the top of the table.
“I was just in the right place at the right time.” Misty avoided answering Charlene’s odd question, not wanting to make any reference to her business.
“I’m thinking you might want to be more cautious in the future.” Charlene cocked her head to one side. “This appears to be a safe community, but life can be dangerous.”
“Now, Charlene, don’t be putting your own worries on to somebody else.” J.P. spread his arms wide to include those at the table. “My dearest tends to be a little worrywart.”
“She’s right to be cautious,” Trey said. “But in this case, Misty saved the day.”
“She certainly did,” Ruby agreed.
Charlene turned to Trey with a big smile. “Now that you’ve impressed us with talk of your big new fire station, I hope I’ll get a tour.”
“That’d be a real pleasure to see,” J.P. agreed.
“Do you have time while you’re looking for collectibles?” Ruby asked.
“For something this interesting, we’ll make time.” Charlene glanced at J.P. “Won’t we, dear?”
“Anything you want, my little buttercup.”
Misty blinked at the endearments. They seemed out of place. But perhaps not. If Trey kissed her again, maybe she’d be calling him “buttercup,” too. Somehow she didn’t think so. Cindi Lou had warned her not to trust locals in conducting an investigation, and that advice had served her well in other cases. Now she was adding out-of-towners to that list of those not to trust, even if they did appear perfectly innocent.
She glanced at Trey. He raised an eyebrow. So he didn’t get the “buttercup” endearment either. He also hadn’t invited the Gladstones for a tour of the station. She shrugged in response. Shockingly, she realized they were communicating without words. That couldn’t possibly be a good sign for noninvolvement, but it did sort of tickle her fancy.
“Trey, thanks again for bringing barbeque tonight,” Ruby said.
“You’re welcome.”