He gave her curvy figure a quick once-over. She appeared to be physically all right. Could the scream have come from her?

His gaze moved to the building. It didn’t appear to have any smoke coming from it. After all of these years on the job, it was one of the first things he checked.

He approached the young woman. “Excuse me. Do you need some help?”

When her wide-eyed gaze met his, he felt a distinct jolt. It felt like the Earth had spontaneously sped up for just a moment, leaving him unsteady on his feet. And yet he knew nothing like that had happened. Logic dictated that the Earth continued to spin at its same steady rate—even if Ethan’s world felt a bit off center.

Whatever the reason for the strange sensation, he didn’t have time to evaluate it. She was in trouble and he was there to help—just like he’d been doing for strangers year after year.

The closer he got to her, the wetter the ground became. What in the world? He didn’t recall it raining while he’d been on the island.

“My bakery.” She never moved her gaze from the building. “It’s ruined.”

He stepped up next to her as water continued to gush out the door. To have this much water, it had to be a burst water pipe. What a mess!

“I have to stop it.” She took a step toward the door.

Ethan immediately reached out, grabbing her arm.

She turned to glare at him. “What are you doing? Let go!”

He wouldn’t release his hold. Not yet. “You can’t go in there.”

“Of course, I can.”

“You’ll get electrocuted.”

“What?”

He pointed to the wires hanging from the partially collapsed ceiling that were arching, hissing, and snapping. “Until the electricity is off, you could get electrocuted.”

“But the circuit breakers are on the other side of the kitchen. I have to go in.” She yanked on her arm, but he tightened his hold.

She wasn’t the first person he’d had to restrain from doing something dangerous. When people were panicked or in shock, as this woman appeared to be, they didn’t make the safest choices. Experience told him to keep his tone steady and level. Getting frustrated would only make matters worse.

“Let go of me now!” Her jade green eyes shot daggers at him.

“If I do, will you promise not to rush inside?” He had to be sure she wouldn’t risk her safety.

She hesitated. “Fine. Yes.”

He continued to hold her for just a moment longer. “Did you call for help?”

“No. I didn’t have a chance.” She yanked on her arm again.

This time he let go. However, he didn’t take his gaze off her. He didn’t care how mad she got at him; he wasn’t going to let her get hurt. Not on his watch.

She gave him another distinct frown as she reached in her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She punched in the numbers. A brief conversation ensued. After she disconnected the call, the distinct wail of the old fire whistle, mounted atop the fire station, peeled through the air.