If you recognize the characters, they belong to JE

Fire

Stephanie stood in front of the building. The flames were shooting at least 50 feet in the sky. She felt a heavy weight on her heart.

She had only been working at Kennedy Horse Accessories and Riding Attire for four months, but it felt like home. She had been working long hours updating the company and gradually turning it into an internet only business. At the same time, she was constantly on the road, participating in Open Houses and Exhibitions at Equine Conferences and Competitions.

She had been awakened by Eric on the phone at Rangeman. The security sensors had detected fire in the business and the automatic phone call had gone out to the Fire Department in Point Pleasant. By the time she had thrown on some clothes and raced to the scene, the entire strip mall was engulfed in flames. According to the Fire Chief, the fire had started in the bistro at one end of the building and spread quickly through the wooden structure. There had been no time to salvage anything.

Standing with a small knot of curious bystanders, Stephanie heard the sound of an approaching vehicle. She quickly checked the time on her cellphone. Yup, she wondered who was in the truck. Could it be Tank, Les, or another of the Merry Men she loved. A large hand rested on her shoulder. Tank's booming voice lowered by many decibels could be heard in her ear. "Are you OK, Little Girl? As soon as I heard I jumped into the truck and raced here." Stephanie sighed and unconsciously leaned into his large, strong chest. "Eric phoned me. I was at home sleeping. The Fire Chief says it started in the bistro."

Tank left her side for a minute. He walked over to the Fire Chief and held a brief conversation. He nodded a few times, and they shook hands. He strode back to Stephanie. Drawing her away from the inquiring gazes, he murmured softly. "Chief says that I can take you home. He will need to investigate tomorrow after it cools down. He will have an idea of the damage at that time. He thinks that the walls should collapse any minute. Not sure you want to be here for that."

Stephanie nodded. Suddenly she felt wobbly. Tank grabbed her and supported her as she recovered her balance. He walked her over to his truck. Binkie was standing by the front fender. He opened the passenger door of the Hummer and Tank guided her to the passenger seat. He nodded his head and Binkie went to Stephanie's car. Climbing into the driver's side he started the car. He would follow them to the house.

Stephanie leaned her head back against the headrest. She had been feeling tired lately. The long hours and constant travel were catching up with her. She had just returned from an Equine Competition in Kentucky. If there was a horse state, it would be Kentucky. She had spent the week before at an Exhibitor's Open House. Matthew Kennedy, the owner had met her there. They had spent long hours gaining more business, and more contacts. She had just returned that afternoon. Everything was still in her house. The laptop was safe. The contact list was uploaded. She had not even taken the time to check in at the office upon her return. Now, it appeared that there would be no office to check.

At 3 am, Stephanie did not feel the need to contact Matthew. There was nothing he could do anyway. She knew he was an early riser and she would phone him in a few hours. By then, she would have a more complete story from the Fire Chief.

Tank drove her the few blocks to her house. Binkie followed and pulled into the tiny driveway. He exited the car and waited. Tank had turned off his vehicle and come around. He opened the door. Taking Stephanie's arm gently, he escorted her to the porch. The door opened and they walked in. He noted that she had not taken the time to lock the door or alarm the house prior to her sudden departure. Silently he tut, tutted her. Nodding to Binkie to check that all was clear, he escorted her to the kitchen. Tank sat her down at the table and proceeded to start making some coffee. The smell seemed to revive Stephanie. Three sugars and a heavy handed amount of cream later, she sighed. She sat up straighter. Her hand reached for the cup of steamy brew again. Everyone in Rangeman knew how she liked it.

Binkie was standing in the doorway. He nodded to Tank and went out the door. He would wait outside. Tank sat down across from Stephanie. She was silent. He was silent. Finally, Tank spoke. "So, I guess you will have some decisions to make. I know that you have been very busy. It looks like you might be moving up the timetable sooner than you planned." Stephanie shrugged. If she took the time to think about it, it could move up sooner than later. They were just starting to get really busy. Trainers would soon be gearing up for the spring racing season. There would be no downtime for awhile.

Standing up, she walked over to Tank. Hugging him, she spoke. "Thanks, Tank. That was a long way to come to check on me. I need to talk to Matthew in a few hours. I need to check with the Fire Chief for the damage estimate. You are right. I can work from the house for awhile, but I have to make a decision soon. I have spent a large part of the past three months on the road. I'm really beat. I'm going to have to figure out where I go from here."

Tank stood up. He walked with her to the front door.

Tank gave her another hug. He kissed her on her forehead. As he walked out the door, he looked back. "Don't be a stranger. Lula really misses you. She's on bed rest now. The babies are tiring her out. You can come and stay at our house if you want, or you can stay on seven. "

Stephanie smiled tiredly. She was so pleased for Tank and Lula. They had been told over and over that Lula would never be able to have children after what Ramirez had done to her. They had just made the decision to adopt and were in the preliminary stages when she found out that she was pregnant. Lula was almost 40 and was having a difficult pregnancy. They had found out they were having twin boys. Tank was beside himself with happiness. He was now running the office at Rangeman and would not be going out on missions. Ranger had installed that rule for expectant fathers a number of years ago.

Tank mentally argued with himself. Should he tell her? Finally, he spoke. "I just spoke to Ranger. He hopes to be back soon. I get the impression that he is in-country undercover. Ram and Woody are with him."

Stephanie hugged Tank again. She certainly missed Ranger, but she had not had too much time to dwell on his absence. He had only given her a quick call before he had to leave. He was hoping that he would be back in less than six months. She asked Tank to pass on her wish that he remain safe and not get shot. Everyone knew that that was their secret phrase. So far, it had also been a good luck charm. Since Stephanie had started to pass on that remark, Ranger had never been injured again. It was like a good luck token.

Tank walked down the path. He waved at her again, and climbed into the Hummer. The truck pulled away and Stephanie closed the door.