Page 53 of Trustfall
It was common practice to be dispatched to a call to check on a carbon monoxide alarm, a smoke alarm, or both, if it were a combined unit, going off without any sign of anything being amiss. Thankfully, most of the time, it was because of an expired battery or dust buildup.
After completing a walk-through of the home and being happy with the numbers on my QRAE II multi-gas detector, I went back to the front yard.
“All clear inside. When was the last time you changed the batteries in the units?”
“Oh, dear . . . I?—”
“That’s okay; even though they are hardwired, the units still have batteries inside.”
“Gosh, that was my late husband’s job. I didn’t realize. I’m sorry.”
“All good, I’ll swap them out for you. I’ll even set a reminder on my phone to go off every six months, and I’ll swing by and take care of it for you.”
“You are such a good boy, Jameson; thank you for your kindness.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
I replaced the old batteries, inspected the wiring, and used her vacuum to clean the detectors. Most people often overlooked the importance of cleaning the units, failing to recognize how much dust and other particles could accumulate inside the chamber. The buildup over time made the sensor exceedingly sensitive, which led to false alarms. That being said, I’d much rather get a call like this over a house fire or carbon monoxide poisoning any day of the week.
“You’re in an awfully good mood today, Fisher,” Cruz piped up on the ride back to the station.
“I’m always in a good mood.”
“Yeah, but today you’re extra.”
“Just happy is all.” And why wouldn’t I be? I finally had the girl I’d loved for far too long from a distance, and I was just thankful as fuck for every minute we spent together.
“Does a certain red-headed paramedic have anything to do with the goofy grin on your face right now?”
“Yeeeaaah, buddy.” I drawled, adding extra emphasis for effect since there was no hiding the way she affected me.
“Well, it’s about fucking time, my friend. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, man.”
“Looks like your brother is pulling into the station up ahead.” I looked up as Jaxon pulled his black Dodge Charger beside the large bay doors.
After Cruz backed the fire engine into the apparatus bay, I jumped down from the rig and made my way outside.
“Hey, what’s up, bro-ski?”
“My, my, someone’s awfully chipper today.”
“What is with everyone? Can’t a guy just be ridiculously happy?”
“I’m just busting your balls; I know it’s because you and Arizona are finally hooking up.”
“What! How?” My brows knitted together in confusion since we thought we had been discreet.
“Twins, remember.”
“What the fuck, man? You best get out of my head because I don’t need you reading my thoughts when it comes to my girl.”
“Relax, would you? I was at Boden’s discussing a case, and he mentioned her Jeep had been parked in your driveway quite a bit as of late.”
“Didn’t realize y’all were keeping tabs on us.”
“The pitfalls of living in a small town, brother, nothing stays a secret for long.”
