“Dispatch, Engine nine dash three is en route to the five alarm, code 3.”
“Copy, Engine nine dash three. En route time is zero one forty hours.”
Leaning over, Russ clicked on the lights and siren and a loud wail filled the night air. The adrenaline rushed through me, just like it did in my old police days, as a sense of urgency filled us all. There was no doubt where we were headed, the orange flames and billowing black smoke was shooting high into the air above our destination.
“This one looks like a doozy,” Russ said dryly, fastening his helmet.
“It sure does,” I replied, surveying things as we got closer. “And we have other buildings close by. If the fire spreads to them, things will get even crazier.”
“Looks like they have a flare and an officer down the street signaling you.”
Slowing the massive truck considerably, I worked my way up to the officer and rolled the window down.
“Incident Command is set up over there at the end of the parking lot. Go there for your orders.” He pointed to where several emergency vehicles were staging.
Giving him a nod, I turned into the lot and lifted the radio. “Dispatch, Engine nine dash three is on scene. Reporting in to Incident Command.”
A voice crackled back through the receiver. “Copy, Engine nine dash three, arrival time, zero one forty-six. Incident Command requests you change to channel four for instructions.”
“Copy, dispatch. Switching to channel four.” I clicked the radio to the new station. “You got times noted in the chart?” I asked Russ.
“Got them.” He waved the clipboard.
“Incident Command to Engine nine dash three.” The captain’s voice came through the speaker.
“Engine nine dash three,” I replied.
“We need you to stage near the hydrant on the back side of the building. Right now we are trying to attack the fire from the outside only and prevent spreading to the nearby buildings. Repeat, outside attack only.”
“Copy Incident Command, stage on the backside of the building and attack with no entry. En route to new location.”
“I’m glad they aren’t sending us inside that mess,” Charlie, one of the seasoned firefighters, muttered from the back seat.
“Me, too. No point risking anyone. That particular building is beyond saving.”
Carefully maneuvering the truck behind some of the non-burning structures, we dropped hose at the hydrant and pulled forward until we were as far as we could safely go. By the time the truck was parked and the pump on and ready to go, Russ had the truck stabilized and the ladder ready to extend toward the building. Already, I could feel the heat through my turnouts. The fire was much heavier back here.
“You climbing up first?” I shouted to Russ and he nodded, pulling a small Velcro name tag with the large letters of his last name, WESTON, off his uniform and handing it to me. Taking our command board out from behind the seat, I placed his name in the spot marked Ladder. Being the highest-ranking officer on this side of the building, command for this crew would fall to me. It was imperative I know where all my guys were at all times. As the rest of the crew continued to set up hoses, I moved to the controls that would boost Russ into the air on the ladder. “You ready?” I called, watching as he secured his position and then gave me the thumbs up. Carefully, I pushed the lever, watching as he slowly rose higher, awaiting his signal and directions.
“Engine nine dash three, up about another two feet and to the left a little.” His voice came over my radio.
“Copy,” I replied, doing as he asked. A few seconds later a giant stream of water arced out of the giant hose toward the raging inferno. Despite the massive gallons of water hitting it, there wasn’t much of a noticeable difference right away. Turning back toward the truck, I started shouting orders. “Maxwell and Houston, you guys attack from the front of the truck. Charlie, start spraying this building next door down to keep it from getting too hot. There’s not much space between these two and we’ve got to keep it from spreading.”
“Got it!” he yelled back, opening his line and letting the water loose.
Glancing around to make sure my crew was all where they were supposed to be, I adjusted their names on my board and picked up my radio. “Incident Command, Engine nine dash three is in place. We are attacking the fire from the rear and implementing neighboring building protection.”
“Incident Command copies Engine nine dash three. Continue attack as needed; notify us of any pertinent changes.”
“Copy.” Sticking near the pump on the truck, I surveyed operations, sighing heavily. We were in for a very long battle.
Chapter Three
Cami-
Big fires were always the worst. They made me so nervous. I knew there were massive dangers involved with firefighting in general, but big fires happened so rarely and I knew Dylan was responsible and wouldn’t do anything stupid. I just preferred it when he spent the majority of his time responding to medical emergencies. But, I couldn’t really complain, seeing that I’d agreed to this trade off with him. It was way better than having him work undercover for the police department. I’d seen, first hand, the dangers that type of assignment involved. I couldn’t sleep knowing that every day someone could find out his identity and he’d end up with another bullet in him. I was thankful when his strength and perseverance allowed him to work his way quickly up the ranks of the fire crew. Having command of his particular unit also meant he was directly out of the line of fire, literally.
Several hours later, I pulled into the parking lot of the structure fire and drove toward the command center, parking in the designated area I’d been directed to.
“We’re setting up over here, Cami,” Charlotte’s voice called to me as I stepped from the vehicle. Glancing around, I saw her waving toward a small white tent that had been set up.
“Thanks. Let me grab my stuff and I’ll be right over.” Turning back to the car, I stared down at the wriggly, excited pup on my seat. “You need to stay in here, buddy; but I’ll roll the windows down a bit and check on you in a few minutes. Okay?”
Hurrying to the trunk, I tried to ignore the tender whining from Oreo as I opened it and quickly gathered up several boxes of doughnuts. It had become tradition for the spouses of department members to bring food and drink to large fires, helping to ensure the first responders stayed properly hydrated and fed. We made up quick finger foods like sandwiches and bought doughnuts—things they could easily scarf down before returning to work. Water and sport drinks were their drink of choice, and I could already see the ground was littered with containers that had been gulped and discarded. Several women were behind the long table setting out the items they had brought, and I made my way toward them. I quickly scanned the firefighters in the tent, hoping to see Dylan; but he wasn’t there.
Setting my boxes down, I turned to Charlotte, Chief Daniels’ wife. “How’s it going with the fire?” Glancing toward the burning building, I could see places where the heavy black smoke was curling up, suggesting there were still some pretty good hot spots going.
“They managed to keep it from spreading to the buildings on the side and they’ve knocked it down enough that some of the teams have moved in for the interior attack. But I think they still have a long fight ahead of them to get it down completely. It’ll be a while before they can start investigating the cause. The fire inspector is here waiting, though.”
“I hope they’ll get it taken care of quickly.” I hated the idea of anyone being inside that building. Even if the fire wasn’t as bad, the structure could still be a danger and weak areas could fall in. I knew the crews were careful to shore up any unstable areas they were working in, but it still made me nervous.
“Dylan should be in here any time. They just relieved Engine nine dash three so they could take a break.”
As if on cue, I saw my husband come through the tent flap. His hair was wet and matted thickly to his head, and dark streaks of black had run over his
cheeks. Even with his darker complexion, it was obvious his skin was flushed and he looked worn out. Six hours had passed since the initial call had gone out, and I could tell he’d worked every minute of that. Shrugging out of his turnout coat, he tossed it over a chair and headed straight for me. Reaching out, I quickly grabbed a water bottle and handed it to him. “Sit and drink,” I commanded, pointing to the chair next to me. He didn’t argue, plopping down into it while cracking the bottle open and chugging it heavily.
Hurrying back to the table, I grabbed a doughnut and a couple of the sandwiches, placing them on a small paper plate and taking it over to him.
“Thanks,” he said, accepting them and tearing into the food without saying anything further. Seeing more of his crew come in, I left to help them get proper refreshment, too. As soon as everyone was happily situated, I got a sports drink and took it over to Dylan.
“Thanks, honey,” he said, eyeing me with concern. “Now, tell me, what are you doing here?”
His comment caught me by surprise. “What do you mean? I’m here helping, like I always do when there’s a big fire like this.”
“Cami, you’re pregnant now. Who knows what was in that warehouse. I don’t want you here breathing in all this smoke or any other chemicals that could harm you or the baby.”
Slumping my shoulders dejectedly, I sat in the chair beside him. “I’m sorry. That thought didn’t even cross my mind. I wanted to help out. It makes me rest easier when I can see for myself that you’re okay, especially after the stories all over the news and how dangerous this is for the crews fighting it.”
He smiled and gave me a wink. “I know you worry, but the worst of it is past. I promise to be careful.” I wondered if he was sick of constantly having to reassure me when he was out on dangerous jobs. “Why don’t you go ahead and go over to my mom and dad’s house? Who knows when I’ll be finished here, but I can meet you there for dinner. I’m sure Sheridan is probably already over there. You can play with your niece.”
“That sounds doable.” A smile floated dreamily across my mouth as I thought of little Christianna, whom we had affectionately nicknamed Chrissy, since she looked so much like her dad, Chris. She was the cutest two-year old I’d ever seen, and she made me so excited for my own baby to arrive.
“I’m sure my parents would love spending extra time with you before they leave on their cruise.”
Smiling at him, I nodded. “I have to say, I’m slightly jealous of them. Sailing off for two weeks of water, beaches and fun in the Caribbean.” I sighed dreamily. “It must be nice.”
Dylan leaned forward, lightly stroking my face with his dirty thumb. “I promise I’ll take you someday.” His gaze drifted over me. “When you’re less pregnant.”
“Oh, so never,” I teased back and he smiled.
“Kiss me and get out of here.”
I shook my head slowly as I moved closer. “So demanding.”
“You love it and you know it.” He grinned, our faces close as we stared at each other. I could see the love shining from his eyes, even through all the grime that covered him.
“I know I love you,” I replied softly, our breath mingling together.
“And that couldn’t make me happier.” Without glancing down, I felt his fingers toying with the bottom of my hair, rubbing it between his fingers like it was fine silk. It was something he always did when we talked like this.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, either kiss her or sign out and get a room!” Russ’s voice burst into our bubble, shattering the sweet cocoon we had been in. Dylan sighed, heavily, and leaned in for a quick kiss before standing and offering me a hand.
“Get out of here, sweetheart.”
“Yes, sir.” I stood and glared at Russ.
“I sure will be glad when you find a girl and I can torment you the way you do me.” Dylan laughed as he clapped Russ on the shoulder.
“That is never going to happen.” Russ shook his head before guzzling down more of his Gatorade.
“And why is that? You’ve decided to play for the other team, now?”
I giggled, watching their banter.
Russ choked a bit on his drink. “Hell no,” he responded, spraying drops of liquid.
“What’s wrong with men, Weston?” We all turned to see Wilson, an out, loud and proud gay man in the department looking at Russ with raised eyebrows.
My “gaydar” would’ve never pegged him. He was tall, muscular, extremely good looking, and one of the nicest, well-mannered men in the whole department in my opinion. Nothing about his appearance gave anything away about his sexual preference—sporting zero flamboyancy that society so often associates with gay men. I’d grown quite fond of him. He was a great guy with a big heart. “We’d happily welcome you to the team,” he added.
Russ faltered a bit. “Umm, thanks for the invite, but I’ve got one serious problem before I can hook up with you.”
“Really? What’s that?” Wilson’s eyes traveled over Russ with interest before returning to his face.
“I like women.” Russ raised his shoulders and gave a crooked tight-lipped grin before taking another swig from his bottle.
Wilson shrugged. “Sex change is always an option, I guess.”
Russ sprayed his drink through his lips and Dylan and I burst out laughing.
“Take it easy, Weston. I’m just messing with you a bit.” Wilson winked.
“Aw, that’s too bad,” Dylan broke in and both men glanced at him. “You two would look amazing together as a couple.”
“We would, wouldn’t we?” Wilson said, moving closer and wrapping one of his thickly muscled arms around Russ’s back. Russ was glaring daggers at Dylan.
“Look, Cami,” Dylan spoke again, drawing me into the conversation. “Don’t you think they make a cute couple?”
I felt bad, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to razz Russ up a bit. He was always dishing it out; it didn’t hurt for him to receive it. “They’re absolutely adorable together. I wonder why I never noticed it before. It’s like they were made for each other. And it totally explains why Russ hasn’t been dating much. How did we never see it?”
Russ’s face flooded as he stared slack jawed between the two of us. “Hey, um, I need to go ask the Chief something real quick.” He scurried from the packed tent as fast as he could without glancing back.
Dylan burst out laughing. “That was priceless, man.” He held his hand up to Wilson who returned his high five with a big grin.
“I predict he’ll be flaunting a new girlfriend by the end of the week,” Wilson added.
Dylan nodded. “I think you’re absolutely right. Maybe we should place bets on how fast.”
“I’m in.” One of the guys standing nearby piped up, and soon the bets were flying.
I scooted closer to Wilson. “Maybe we should just start calling you Mr. Matchmaker.”
He laughed and draped his arm around my shoulders. “I think that would be fun. Too bad you aren’t my type or I’d steal you from Wilcock for myself.”
“Like hell,” Dylan said with a grin. “You’d die trying. No one is taking that girl away from me. She is all mine and I intend it to stay that way as long as there is breath in my body.”
“Oh, he’s a little possessive, isn’t he?” Wilson said, giving me a squeeze.
“He is, but I like it that way. It makes me feel special.” I smiled at Dylan as he continued to take bets.
“Honey, you are special. Everyone knows it.” Wilson squeezed me tighter. “If you two ever want to come and hang out, or have dinner, give me a call. I’d love to have you over to my place sometime.”
“Thanks, Wilson. That sounds wonderful. We’ll be sure to take you up on it.”
“I mean it. Anytime. You have my number.”
“Thanks. I have to go now, though. Stay safe and keep my guy safe, too.”
“Don’t worry, doll. We’ve all got his back.”
“Thank you.” It made me teary to see how much the other
men respected my husband.
Dylan moved closer to me. “I’ll meet you at Mom and Dad’s as soon as I can. Tell them not to wait for me, though.”
“Okay. Do you think it would be all right with them if I bring Oreo? He’s in the car.”
“Definitely take him. They will enjoy meeting him. My family loves pets and I’m sure Chrissy will get a kick out of him. The dog’s been around all the Chief’s grandkids, so he should do fine with her.”
“I’ll be careful and take him on the leash, just to be sure.”
He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on my lips.
“See you soon, hopefully,” I said, staring into his warm brown eyes.
“Not soon enough.” I felt his stare on me all the way out of the tent.
Chapter Four
Dylan-
Something felt off. I noticed it the minute I stepped into the house. The small hairs on the back of my neck rose like hackles and all my cop instincts clicked into overdrive. Standing stock still, I did a brief scan of the kitchen, noticing nothing out of the ordinary; but the house seemed way too quiet. Usually Cami, and now the dog, came to greet me. Fear sliced through my heart. Stepping back into the garage, I stealthily made my way over to the shelves on the far side of Cami’s car. Sliding a few boxes to the side, a small locked gun case came into view. Quickly dialing out the combination, I lifted the handgun and popped the loaded clip inside, making sure the safety was off before slipping back inside the house.
My heart rate increased as I slowly made my way from room to room, clearing each one as I worked my way toward the bedroom. The doors to the patio were open, and a breeze blew through the house, stirring the curtains and scattering some of Cami’s music papers she’d been working on from the table to the floor. It wasn’t like her to leave her things unprotected. She was very organized.
Approaching our bedroom, my nerves clicked up a notch. Feathers were blowing around on the tiles in the hallway and the remnants of a severely shredded pillow were clumped in the entry. Creeping to the edge of the doorway, I felt panic squeeze at my chest, imagining all sorts of terrible sights I might be about to walk in on.
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