He’d just turned to walk away when he heard his name called out in a deep gruff voice. Ethan paused and turned to see the chief headed toward him.

The man was shorter and a bit round in the mid-section. His face was also roundish with flushed cheeks. His bald head was ringed with a bit of short silver hair.

“I was hoping you’d stop by.” Chief Campbell smiled as he extended his hand to him. The chief’s meaty hand engulfed his own in a firm handshake. “It’s Ethan, right?”

“Yes, sir. I didn’t mean to interrupt anything.”

“You didn’t. I have to get something inside. Walk with me.” As they moved to the front of the station, the chief said, “You know, we’re always looking for new members.”

“Thanks. But I already have a job in Brooklyn.”

The man’s bushy brows rose. “And yet you’re still here.”

It wasn’t a question but somehow it felt like one. Ethan wondered if the man forgot their prior conversation outside the bakery. Ethan cleared his throat. “I’m only in town long enough to help my aunt.”

Chief Campbell nodded. “As long as you’re in town, you’re welcome to run drills with us.”

“I’d like that.” The words slipped past his lips before he even gave it some thought. But maybe this was his way to ease back into work. “Thank you, sir.”

Because at most he only intended to spend a couple of more weeks on the island. And then he’d be back in Brooklyn. He was certain once he got back to his normal work routine, the nightmares would pass.

Chapter Eight

Picking up the pieces.

That was what Hannah felt like she was doing ever since the water pipe broke almost a week ago. Luckily the emergency restoration company had everything well underway. By Tuesday afternoon everything was dry, the pipes were replaced, and the electrical wiring had been repaired as well as inspected. And only now could the kitchen ceiling be replaced. The work was moving along as quickly as possible. But would it be fast enough to open on time?

The one negative was the insurance company would not budge on what work would be done to the building. They would pay to restore the building back to the condition it was in before the pipe broke. No matter how many phone calls she made or how much she pleaded, they refused to pay to finish the walls or floor.

And then there was the matter of the large deductible she’d opted for in order to reduce her annual premium, back when she thought she’d never need to use the insurance. Now paying the deductible would use up the funds she’d set aside to finish the work on the place. What was she supposed to do now?

Hannah mulled over her options. None of them were good. You couldn’t open a business in a partially renovated bakery. The inspectors wouldn’t stand for it. And she wouldn’t want to do it. When she opened her own bakery, she wanted it to be spectacular. She wanted it to reflect the images she’d sketched in her notebook.