Ding.

A text message. Ethan’s gut told him it was a message from his mother.

Ethan cleared his throat. “Excuse me, sir. It’s important.”

Cap didn’t say anything, so Ethan took that as a sign to go ahead. He retrieved the phone from his pocket.

Talked to the doctor. Possible pelvic fracture. Maybe surgery.

His pulse picked up its pace. Surgery at Aunt Birdie’s age would be risky. His jaw tightened. He texted his mother back.

I’ll be there soon.

He slipped the phone back into his pocket. He lifted his gaze to meet the captain’s inquiring look. “Sorry. My great-aunt was just rushed to the hospital. I’m her only family in the States, as my parents are in Europe. I need to go to Bluestar Island.”

Cap’s dark brows rose high on his forehead. “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope it isn’t too serious.”

“Me too.” Ethan refused to think of what life would be like without Aunt Birdie in it. “I’m sorry to put you in this bind after everything.”

“We’ve got everything covered. The sub is fitting right in with the crew.” Cap frowned as he rubbed his clean-shaven jaw. “I was just looking at your file. You have rollover vacation time from last year that you didn’t use. If you don’t use it by the end of this year, you’ll lose it.”

“I know, sir.” His ex had often reminded him that he never spent enough time with her. He was always too busy working. “We’ve had a busy year at the firehouse and were shorthanded at times.”

Cap pulled something up on his computer. “You have five weeks available. Go see to your aunt. I hope everything is all right.”

That was easy. Perhaps too easy. Was it possible he was no longer needed? In the next breath, he realized he was reading too much into the man’s words. He’d been a firefighter all of his adult life. Experience counted for a lot.

“Thank you, sir. But I shouldn’t need that much time.” Ethan hoped. He stepped toward the door and then paused before turning back. “Are you sure about this?”

Cap nodded. “With what you went through, I wasn’t sure when you’d be back. So no worries. Do what you need to do.”

“Thanks.” Ethan rushed down the stairs and then stepped into the busy bay. When he first arrived, he’d slipped in undetected through the side entrance. He hadn’t wanted to speak to anyone until he’d met with the captain.

The floor was abuzz with activity. Some of the crew were checking hoses. Others were spiffing up the engine. It took them a moment to notice him standing there, but when they spotted him, he was greeted with smiling faces.

“Ethan!” his buddies called out in unison as they stood and moved toward him.

The first to shake his hand was Tom, the driver on his truck. His friend went to pull Ethan close, in order to pat him on the back, but then hesitated, as though recalling Ethan’s injuries. Instead he gave him a smile and firm handshake.