Page 131 of Now and Then

The night splits open.

Boom!

A pressure blast punches the bay doors outward, and a column of fire rolls through the opening like a blowtorch. Flames lick along the roofline. Men scatter into their vehicles and peel out into the dark.

“Call 911!” I fling my door open and start toward the building. There could be people trapped. The chemical smell slams into me.

Another burst of flame rolls through the doorway as Chris grabs my arm. “Hunter, we can’t. This whole place is a bomb waiting to go.”

He’s right. If we aren’t careful, the entire structure could be engulfed within minutes. We jump back into the truck as fire surges out the doorway.

Over the radio, dispatch says a fire truck is on the way. At the main gate, Chris pulls over, and I jump out to wait for the fire crew to approach the gate. I know well enough not to be in the way when they arrive.

Sirens tear through the night. A fire engine and ladder truck roar through the gate, red lights painting the rusted mill in flashes of color. My heart flies to my throat when I see Luke in the captain’s seat. His eyes lock on mine, meaning clear:

Be careful.

The rig skids to a stop, and Luke’s crew is already moving. Doors slam. Boots hit pavement.

“Charge that line!” Luke’s voice cuts through the chaos.

Firefighters move like a machine. Two firemen wrestle a thick hose from the engine while others pull on breathing masks. The pump kicks on with a mechanical growl, and the hose jerks alive in their hands.

Heat rolls across the asphalt.

The first stream of water slams into the flames, exploding into a cloud of steam. For a moment, the fire pushes back. Waves of orange claw through the broken doorway.

“Watch those barrels!” someone shouts.

“Keep water on them,” another shouts.

Smoke blankets the area, Luke and his crew disappearing behind it.

My fists clench at my sides. Standing here doing nothing might be worse than running into the flames.

“They’ll be good, man.” Chris touches my shoulder.

I watch the reflective strips on their gear flicker through the smoke as they move toward the fire. My heart pounds in my chest watching my best friend do what he does best.

Nearly two hours later, the fire is finally subdued. The building still smolders, smoke drifting from the roofline. It’s too dangerous to canvas the interior, but Luke ensures me the fire investigator will be here tomorrow.

The crews wrap up and eventually head out, exhaustion clear in each step.

I meet Luke near his truck. He squeezes my shoulder once, conveying a message no words ever could.

Chris and I return to the station and draft our on-scene report as quickly as possible. With some luck, I’ll get to spend time with Sutton before she leaves to meet clients before the holiday party later.

Disappointment slithers up my spine when I pull down the driveway and don’t see her car. Sighing, I head inside, take a quick shower, and crash.

Late-afternoon sun beams through the window when I jolt awake. I grab my phone, realizing I slept longer than I meant to. I sit up in bed, and a note on the bedside table catches my eye.

Hey baby,

I’m so glad you’re okay after what happened last night. I told Greer I’d help her with last-minute party stuff after my meeting. You looked exhausted, so I figured you needed rest. Greer picked me up. That way we’ll only have one car to worry about when we come home. I’ll see you at the Cheermeister party. Call me if you need anything.

Love you. XO

I stumble into the bathroom, a goofy smile plastered on my face. My hair’s a mess, but it’s the red lipstick mark on my cheek that makes my heart thump. The adrenaline dump after a call like last night is no joke, but it’s nothing compared to the energy coursing through me now.