Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

Rafe woke with Brianna in his arms. After they showered last night, they made love, called for pizza, and made love again. Today was a new start for both of them. His cell buzzed, and he grabbed it. “Just a second,” he said. He eased Brianna from his arms, climbed out of bed, and made his way into the kitchen.

“What’s up, boss?”

“I know it’s your day off, but would you come by the school? I want to you to go over the scene. The principal is anxious to get a clean-up crew in here.”

“Sure. Can you give me an hour?” It was eight now.

“Meet me there at ten.”

The line went dead. Rafe put on coffee and looked through his fridge. Breakfast would need to be quick this morning.

“Good morning,” a sleepy Brianna said from behind him.

He turned to see her in his robe, hair mussed, looking absolutely delicious. “Morning.” He pulled her in for a kiss, but she held up her hand.

“Morning breath.”

“Who cares.” He gave her a kiss. When he lifted his head, she sighed.

“Who was on the phone?”

“My boss. I need to meet him at the school at ten.”

“Okay, let me get cleaned up and dressed.”

“You don’t have to go with me.” He didn’t want her to relive any element of the fire.

“I want to.”

“You can’t go inside. It’s an active scene.”

“I’m okay with that, but I want to be there.” She walked out of the room. “Don’t worry about breakfast; coffee and toast is fine for me,” she yelled.

Rafe shook his head.

* * * *

“It doesn’t look too bad from the outside,” Brianna said as they pulled up to the school.

“It’s the inside that’s the issue. Plus, we need to check out the building to make sure it’s structurally safe.”

Brianna climbed out of Rafe’s SUV, and together they walked up to the chief and the principal.

“I wasn’t expecting you, Brianna,” the principal said.

“I thought you could use some support while Rafe and the Chief do their job.” That was one of the reasons. The other: she needed to see if she’d really confronted her fear.

“I thank you for that. While they inspect the school, let’s talk over by my vehicle. I have some ideas I’d like to run past you on what we can do until our school is rebuilt.”

Brianna looked at Rafe, who nodded.

For the next hour, Brianna and the principal went over plans of where each class would be housed, and how they could help their students recover from the fire. Parents were already asking what was going to happen.

“Thanks. I think we’ve got a good plan in place,” the principal said.

“I’m glad I could help. Will we start classes on Monday?” It made sense to get the kids back to a normal routine.

“I think we’ll do an assembly on Monday and invite the parents. I’ve already talked with the high school; we can use their auditorium.”

“That would be good. Get the parents involved.” It was going to take a lot of work, classroom wise. All their stuff was in their school classrooms and who knew in what condition.

“The town council is already working to get new supplies for the classes.”

“Maybe we can contact some of the local businesses in town and see if we can get some donations.” It would help with the financial strain this fire was going to cause. The sound of tires made them both turn.

Brianna’s eyes widened when Sierra, Crystal, Tessa, and Ellie climbed out of the big black SUV. “Principal Meyers, these are my friends.” Brianna introduced them. “What are you doing here?” she asked them.

Sierra smiled. “We wanted to come and tell you and the principal, of course, that Wicked Sanctuary is chipping in. We’ve already ordered as many supplies as we could think of for the kids.”

“Excuse me?” The principal looked shocked.

Tessa stepped forward. “I’m a librarian and have worked with a couple of your teachers. I have a pretty good idea what’s needed. We already have books, art supplies, boards, and other things for the students, and just need to know where it can all be stored until the classes are settled.”

Crystal stepped forward. “And you have labor—us—to help the teachers set up their classrooms and get things in order so the kids don’t feel out of place.”

“I also have supplies that we can use to decorate the classroom, plus we’d like to host a party for each classroom to welcome the kids.”

“Oh my goodness.” The principal put her hand over her heart. “This is very unexpected.”

Brianna’s heart swelled.

“We don’t want the kids to suffer. We all agreed, along with our significant others,” Sierra said.

“I don’t know what to say.” Principal Meyers had tears in her eyes.

“I don’t either,” Brianna admitted. This was so unexpected.

“You don’t have to say anything. All we need is to know when and where to show up,” Crystal commented.

“How about I call you with the information this weekend,” Brianna offered. Everything they’d offered was a bit overwhelming.

“Perfect.” Sierra swept Brianna into a hug. “Hopefully, we’ll see you tonight.”

Brianna nodded, staring after her friends as they left. She was so lucky.

“I didn’t expect such generosity,” Principal Meyers said. “I was never sure about the club, but I can see they’re a positive part of our community.”

“You know about Wicked Sanctuary?” Why was Brianna so surprised at that?

“After the town council’s support, let’s see, about two years ago, I don’t think there’s anyone in town who doesn’t know. I’ve always said to each their own. And that goes for you, too, young lady.” The principal turned her head. “And here comes your young man.”

Brianna turned to see Rafe walking toward them complete in his turn-outs, gloves, and respirator. Damn if he didn’t look hot. Almost too hot.

“Well?” the principal asked.

“We’re done. There is some instability, but I can escort your teachers in to gather what supplies they can salvage. It will be one at a time. The sprinklers, plus our efforts to put out the fire, did a lot of damage,” the captain said.

“Not unexpected. I’ll let the town council know and see when they can get someone out here to start cleaning this mess up. I have a feeling they’ll need to tear the building down and rebuild.” Principal Meyers shook her head. “Thank you for all your help.” She went to shake their hands. Both men pulled off their gloves.

“I’ll be in touch,” the captain said as the principal walked to her car, then he looked at Rafe. “We’ll go over your report on Monday. Have a good weekend.” With that, the chief left.

Rafe stripped out of his turn-outs and put them in the trunk.

“Was it arson?” Brianna asked.

“Yes.” He rubbed his forehead. “It’s going to be a while before the school will be ready for students.”

“I get that,” she broke off as a truck pulled up. Two men got out. She knew them; they were from the club.

“Rafe, Brianna,” one said.

“Zeke, Gabriel, what can we do for you?” Rafe asked.

Yes, those were their names.

“I was hoping,” Gabriel said, “that Brianna can put us in touch with whomever we need to so we can discuss fixing the school.”

“Fixing the school?” Briana asked unsure what Gabriel was talking about.

“I’m Riggs Construction, and Gabriel is my architect. We want to donate our time and materials to getting the school fixed up and the kids back where they belong.”

Brianna was unable to stop the tears filling her eyes. So much generosity. The Wicked Sanctuary family was gathering around her and putting the kids first. She never expected this.

“We’re also getting lots of help,” Gabriel added.

“Like what?” Brianna could fathom this.

“Dani is going to do landscaping for the school, and I believe Sierra and few of the others told you about the supplies,” Zeke said.

“Yes, they left a little bit ago.” Brianna took Rafe’s hand in hers.

“Great. Lara is going to provide food for any parties you need. Most of the guys will be muscle to help moving anything,” Gabriel said.

“So many.”

“Welcome to the Wicked Sanctuary family,” Rafe said, grinning.