Chapter 86: Someone Wants Blood

Cassie jolted upright. Searching the dark room, she inhaled sharply, catching a distinct hint of smoke. She pushed against Randy's chest, urging him to wake up.

"What?" Springing up, he sniffed the air and jumped out of bed. Cassie reached for her clothes, racing to dress while the smoke detector began to shriek. Randy grabbed his clothes, jumping into them as he ran to the door. Placing his palm against the wood, he tested the heat and then opened the door and looked out.

Cassie reached his side, and they ran down the stairs together. The smoke got thicker as they reached the kitchen. Covering their faces, they both gaped through the doorway at the living room that raged with a fast-spreading inferno. Randy snatched his wallet, phone, and keys from the counter, and then tossed Cassie her purse. Taking Cassie's hand, he directed her through the patio doors off the kitchen as he dialed 911. Standing in the backyard, staring at his blazing home, Randy talked with the operator.