Read Online In Hot Water by J. J. Cook - Free Book Online

citizens of Sweet Pepper, there was a horrific fire at the Sunset Beach community that claimed the life of Mr. Barney Falk. I’d like to say that the fire brigade had a difficult time putting out that fire because of the close proximity of the house to the lake.”
    Stella paused, and warmed to her subject. “I can’t promise that we could have saved Mr. Falk’s life with better equipment, but we could have saved more of his house. And the next time a fire happens out there, it might mean the difference between life and death for someone. Our pumper-tanker ran out of water before the fire was extinguished. There was only one hydrant close enough to use. That hose wouldn’t reach the back of the house.”
    People in the audience were nodding and whispering. She hoped that was a good sign. “I believe what’s needed in that area is a fireboat. We had fireboats in Chicago to fight fires on the river. A boat equipped with a large stationary water cannon and a pump to draw from the lake would have been able to save property today—possibly lives tomorrow. We have to think to the future, as I’ve heard Mr. Falk always advocated. Sweet Pepper needs a fireboat. Thank you.”
    Stella stepped down, not sure if that was what Mayor Wando had wanted to hear, but it was the only thing she could think to say. There was a smattering of applause from the audience—probably from residents who lived on the lake.
    The rest of the meeting went as planned on the agenda. Stella gave her report on calls the fire brigade had answered during the past month, and what those calls had cost the town. Chief Rogers spoke briefly about the state investigators who were in town to help look into Barney Falk’s death.
    “We’re not anticipating any unusual circumstances regarding this fire,” he said. “But you can be sure Chief Griffin and I will be on top of the situation.”
    Stella was glad when the meeting was almost over. There was only a short time left for comments from the council members. Then she could approach the council individually—minus Bob Floyd—and ask for their help.
    When Mayor Wando called on Bob Floyd for his remarks, Bob was quick to let his thoughts out. “I realize a fair number of you are aware that there was a small ruckus up at the old cabin where Chief Griffin resides at this time. I would like a moment to explain how the town’s interest is served by my purchase of this property.”
    A moment stretched to ten as Bob went on about how the town had paid county and state taxes on the property with no return for forty years. His purchase had ended the debt the town owed and would create a new site for rafting on the Little Pigeon River. He promised new jobs and a better life for everyone.
    “I would like to extend an apology to Chief Griffin. She has inadvertently been caught in the middle of this dispute.” Bob stared hard at Stella across the room. “I want to reassure you, Chief Griffin, I have a rental home that can be put at your disposal. You can move into it at any time.”
    Bob thanked the community for coming out for the meeting and cautioned everyone to be careful going home. “It looks like we’re in for some rough weather. Thank you, and goodnight.”
    Stella was stunned by his words, as well as his offer of a new place to live. She knew she’d have trouble winning over any council members after that. What could she possibly say that would convince them to sell her the cabin?
    She cornered Danielle Peterson anyway. Apparently the council had discussed the matter before the meeting. While Danielle was sympathetic, and wanted to keep Stella happy, she couldn’t see why Bob should be stopped from tearing down the cabin and creating another public entry point to the river since he’d purchased the property.
    “If it’s a matter of a house, Chief Griffin, several of us have rental properties we’d be glad to have you use.”
    Stella thanked her. She was going nowhere fast with her arguments.
    It