Miranda was already sprinting for the house when Ethan screeched to a stop. He threw open the door and raced after her, catching her before she reached the porch.
She kicked and bucked in his grasp. “Let me go! That’s my house that’s on fire!”
He only tightened his hold. “No. Stop and look. They’re going around back.”
She stopped struggling and followed his gaze to where the firefighters were hauling hose into the backyard. He could smell the acrid tinge of smoke on the air, hear the shouts of the men as they coordinated. Even as they stood, more volunteer firefighters pulled up at the curb, tugging on turnout coats and pants before throwing themselves in to help.
“Get another line going. Wet down the deck and roof so it doesn’t spread to the house!”
“See, it’s not the house.”
“I hav
