Wayward Hearts by Susan Anne Mason Read Free Book Online Page A

pulse pounded in his temples.
    Please God, let Maxi and her mother be all right.
    Jason watched the flames shoot from the barn as he jumped from the barely parked vehicle. Thank goodness the chicken coop was far enough away not to be affected. Not so, the main house. Smoke wisped up from the roof of the house. His blood ran cold. The fire had spread, probably from embers blown over in the wind.
    He bolted up the porch stairs to pommel the front door, calling out for Bernice and Maxi. He tried the handle, knowing it would be locked now that Maxi was home.
    With no response to his banging, he took a run at the door and hit it hard with his shoulder. Pain radiated through his arm, but the door didn’t budge. Fear closed his throat.
    You’re a firefighter, Hanley. Slow down. Think logically.
    Jason turned, picked up a wooden chair from the porch, and ran to the front window. He heaved the chair with as much strength as he could muster into the pane of glass. Shards flew everywhere. He leapt through the jagged opening, mindless of the sharp pieces that tore at him. He seemed to be moving in slow motion as he ran into the hallway. Shooting a glance toward Bernice’s main floor bedroom, Jason hesitated for a split second. Then, at the sight of smoke in the stairway, he bounded up toward Maxi’s room.
    Perspiration beaded on his forehead and dripped down his spine. The smoke got thicker as he ascended, burning his nostrils and throat. Black mist, like evil tendrils, swirled around him. He coughed, trying to cover his nose and mouth with the crook of his elbow. Somewhere in the house, Shep barked. He tried to call Maxi’s name but choked instead. Acrid fumes stung his eyes and blurred his vision, further hampering his ability to see. He crawled his way along the wall to her door.
    Relieved the handle wasn’t hot to the touch, Jason pushed into the room. Through the haze, he could only make out vague shapes. He felt his way to the bed, groping until he hit a lump.
    “Maxi.”
    She didn’t move.
    Running his hands over her, he found what felt like a shoulder and shook. When there was still no response, he gathered her body, blankets and all, into his arms and staggered to the door.
    Dear God, don’t let me be too late.
    The smoke was much thicker on the second floor than below. As he made his way down the stairs, his vision improved. He found the front door, unlatched the lock and pushed outside. Coughs racked his body while his lungs fought for fresh air. Dropping to his knees, he laid Maxi gently on the grass. He swiped at the tears blinding him, desperate to see if she were breathing. The fact that she wasn’t coughing sent off alarm bells inside him. He found a weak pulse, further adding to his anxiety.
    Life and death decisions had to be made. Raising his head, he looked back at the house. Shep stood on the porch, barking in frantic staccatos. Bernice was still inside, but he had to get Maxi breathing first.
    He couldn’t lose her. He wouldn’t lose her.
    Determination strengthened his resolve. Hopefully, Bernice had more time, since the smoke wasn’t as bad on the main level. Right now Maxi needed oxygen. He checked her airway and began mouth to mouth. His hands shook as he held her face and blew.
    Please God, let her breathe.
    On his third attempt, Maxi began to cough. Then she gulped in large quantities of air.
    “Thank you, Lord.” Relief made his muscles weak.
    Her arms flailed as she regained consciousness. Gently, he held her by the shoulders.
    “You’re going to be OK. Stay here. I have to get your mother.”
    He raced into the house, dimly aware of sirens approaching.
    Minutes later, he returned carrying the frail older woman. The fire truck and ambulance had just pulled up. Men spilled from the vehicles. Jason brought Bernice right to the paramedics.
    “She needs oxygen. So does Maxi over on the grass.”
    One of the men tried to put a mask on Jason, but he pushed it away.
    “The women