“Was anybody hurt? Was anyone inside?” she began to question, her light eyes settling on each of their faces.
“Shh ... shh ... ’sokay ...” Darryl Groves reassured her, pulling her into a comforting embrace. “I was the only one there. I was in the office when I smelled the fumes. Everybody else was either on the road or out for lunch.”
“Oh, Darryl, how’d this happen!” she cried, turning back to observe her thriving business being reduced to a charred heap of wood and brick.
Darryl pulled her back against his chest. “I can’t answer that, love. I was makin’ some calls from the office when I smelled the fumes. I didn’t think much of it till I noticed the smoke outside the window and heard people yelling ‘fire’ outside.”
“’Scuse me? Mr. Groves? Could I speak to you a minute, sir?”
Darryl kept his hands around Topaz’s shoulders and guided her toward the man who had called out.
“Actually, this is the lady you should be speaking with. Topaz Emerson, this is crew chief Larry Silver. Chief Silver, Ms. Emerson is the owner of the garage.”
“Good to meet you, ma’am,” the chief greeted as he removed his hat and extended his hand.
“Can you tell what started this?” Topaz questioned after they’d shaken hands.
Chief Silver glanced across his shoulder toward the blaze, which was finally showing signs of abating. “Hard to say right now, ma’am. We’ll know more after the investigation is complete.”
“Investigation?”
“Standard procedure, ma’am,” the chief explained with a lazy shrug. “I’m sure you know a business like this is prime for sudden blazes,” he said, watching her nod. “Ms. Emerson, I want you to take my card, should you have any questions before I get back to you.”
Topaz was looking across the street. “How long will this investigation take?”
“I don’t anticipate it’ll take very long,” the man predicted, using a dingy handkerchief to wipe the soot from his red face.
Topaz wanted to scream. “Is there anything more you can tell me?”
The chief stepped closer to pat her hand reassuringly. “Ma’am, I’m almost positive there was no foul play at work here.”
Just then, Alex’s earlier words came to mind. “People like this don’t play fair.”
“Thank you, Chief Silver,” Topaz whispered, watching the older gentleman turn and leave. “Guys, thanks for stickin’ around,” she said to her employees.
“Why don’t you come with us, Topaz?”
She shook her head. “I should stay. See if they need me ... for anything,” she sighed, looking back toward the garage.
Stacy Merchants kissed her cheek. “They not gone need you round here, Topaz. You only gone make yourself miserable lookin’ at all this.”
Topaz wiped at the tears clinging to the corner of her eyes. “Thanks, y’all, but I wouldn’t be any good company right now.”
“We don’t care ’bout that,” someone said and the group voiced their agreement.
“Seriously, I’ll be fine,” she tried to assure them. She couldn’t tell them how much being around them made her realize all she’d lost.
Slowly the group acknowledged the wishes of their boss. Topaz smiled, relishing their kisses and hugs as they moved on. Free of their concerned gazes, she let the tears water her eyes.
“Looks like you’ll have to rebuild.”
Despite the noise and mingled conversation, Topaz heard the comment. Anger and suspicion illuminated her dark face when she saw Alfred Majors at her side.
“What the hell are you here for?” she hissed.
Alfred folded his arms across the money-green designer T-shirt he sported. “Heard about the fire on my car radio. Decided to come see what was happening.”
“Mmm ... to view your handiwork?”
Alfred appeared stunned. “You actually think I’d do something like this?” he questioned, laughter following the words. “No, Miss Emerson. I came by hoping you’d be more open to the idea of including my accessories shop when you rebuild this place.”
Topaz’s mouth fell open in surprise.
“That is,” Alfred continued in a tone of exaggerated doubt, “if you have any interest in rebuilding after a catastrophe like this.”
Topaz couldn’t believe the man’s nerve. She could only watch as he winked, smiled, and strolled away. Groaning then, she buried her face in her palms.
“Topaz?”
“What!” she hissed, whirling around.
Simon raised both hands, his eyes widening with surprise. “I’m sorry,” he replied.
Topaz was already shaking her head. “No, Simon, I’m—I’m sorry. It’s just ... I’m sorry for snapping.”
“Don’t apologize to me. I can certainly understand,” he said, glancing around. “How you holdin’ up?”
The simple question caused the heavy ball of emotion to burst inside her chest. The tears rushed forth again. Simon muttered hushed words to console her as they hugged.
