Chapter 16 - Smoke on the Third Floor
The fire alarm at Willow Court went off while Rachel was helping Mrs. Alvarez pack medications into a grocery bag.
"It's probably the damaged wiring," a firefighter called. "Everybody out, now."
Smoke rolled down the west hallway. Nate ran upstairs with a volunteer and stopped when a captain ordered them back. He obeyed, but then Mrs. Alvarez grabbed his sleeve.
"My oldest grandson. Mateo. He's still in the bedroom."
The captain sent two firefighters in. Nate stood in the courtyard while smoke poured from a window and Rachel counted residents against her list. Forty-three. Forty-four. Someone was missing besides Mateo.
"Mr. Bell," Rachel said. "Second floor, room eight. He uses a wheelchair."
A firefighter radioed his location. Another crew went up the east stairs. Minutes felt like hours. The building crackled, and people watched from the sidewalk holding pets and blankets.
Then a firefighter emerged carrying Mateo, coughing but conscious. Another crew guided Mr. Bell out with his chair. A paramedic checked them both. Mrs. Alvarez held her grandson and cried into his hair.
Nate sat down on the curb. He didn't care who had won the wedding argument. He cared that two people were breathing.
Inspectors closed the damaged wing. Harbor Light arranged temporary lodging and independent repairs as residents crowded around Rachel.
"You will have a room tonight," she promised. "And I'll be there tomorrow to help sort out everything else."
Vega arrived as crews hauled out a scorched electrical panel. The work order attached to it carried the same Marsh Point job number as a paid invoice.
"They billed us for replacing this," Rachel said.
Vega looked at the paper. "And the inspector says it was never replaced."
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A deputy approached her. "Detective, we located Graham Pike's car. He abandoned it at the marina."
Inside the vehicle was a packed suitcase and a one-way ferry ticket.
