For the first time in weeks, Luna was in a sunny mood. Erin guessed it was because of a triple threat. The agenda included her boyfriend at the firehouse, a visit from her uncle, and a lunchtime surprise.
Everyone also gave Kevin a wide berth. He hadn’t noticed, but he was in for quite a day.
The trucks were out for the morning, being repainted with the new logos, which meant it was time for intra-city service training. Ten police officers and the A-shift occupied the empty barn.
“This is Police Chief Isadora Reyes, and I am Fire Chief Noah Baker.” Baker, clad in a pair of jeans and the Firehouse 33 shirt he seemed to favor during his workouts, commanded the attention of his subordinates and signaled the start of the exercise. “Today, we begin the first of our police and firefighter joint training initiatives. We are privileged to be joined by our neighbors from the Second Police Precinct.”
“It’s a pleasure to be here.” Reyes, dressed down in sweatpants and CPD T-shirt, as were her officers, stepped forward. “We will be fitting you for your ballistic protective vests and then begin team training for evacuation task forces. You are the first in CCFD to undergo this training, so bear with us as we get the kinks out. Be as creative and innovative as you want. Sergeant Elias Kormos will be in charge while Noah, Jacen, and I compare our protocol plans with similar FEMA protocols.”
“Per your agenda, we’ll break for lunch and then work on hot, warm, and cold zone evacuations,” Williams added, standing stiffly in his button-down uniform. The A-shift was similarly attired, not remotely close to the less formal vibe of the chiefs and the police. “Once you are fitted, I want you to drill donning and doffing for your new ballistic gear and see if you can evaluate how to streamline storage and utilization.”
Introductions over, the chiefs and captain retired to the captain’s office past the gym, while the police officers opened up a large bin of new bulletproof vests to try on the firefighters.
Vest fitting proved to be an interesting experience. A lovely, slim, blonde sergeant was tasked with examining Aiden’s and Kevin’s fit.
“I think my chest is too big,” Kevin boasted. His vest strained to accommodate his pecs and shoulders.
“Told you to do more freestyle and less breaststroke in the Lake,” Aiden cracked back.
“I love summertime dips in Lake Erie,” the woman said, tightening Aiden’s straps and loosening Kevin’s.
“We can do it whenever we want since we have a lake house,” Aiden said, flashing her his most winning smile. “Watch the sunrise over the water for a morning swim or hangout on the porch drinking coffee.”
“That sounds amazing,” she commented. “Have you two been together long?”
Nearby, Vanessa burst out laughing. “They’re not that kind of roommates. Clarke is single.”
The blonde looked back at Aiden with renewed interest.
“Do I have it right? I think my chest is too big, too.” Vanessa experimentally twirled in place. Then she struck a pose. “Do you think it’s better from this angle?”
“Yeah, these aren’t exactly made for a figure like yours.” The policewoman snorted and loosened the straps at Vanessa’s chest, “Do I know you?”
“Vanessa Knight,” she introduced herself.
“Charlie Layton.” Charlie was examining Vanessa’s assets and blushing. “I know I know you.”
“It’s not new.” Vanessa tried on a helmet with a protective face shield. “Should Ms. Universe wear this to watch the sunrise over the lake?”
“If you come by wearing that, Nessie, no coffee for you. Defeats the peaceful morning vibe. Though if it were Charlie, I might make an exception.” Aiden put one on.
“If I stop by for a morning cup, I won’t wear a face shield.” Charlie winked.
“Honestly, I miss the sunrise a lot because I hit the gym by my apartment or here.” Vanessa popped off the helmet, then ran a hand over her head to make sure her bun was still in place.
“You guys get a gym?” Charlie asked, a wrinkle marring her brow.
“Every firehouse does. Maybe we can give you a tour after the training, Sergeant. It’s my privilege as senior lieutenant over Knight here,” Aiden flirted.
Theo and Erin watched the whole exchange from ten feet away. Theo had an opinion. “I think she’s going to go for Aiden.”
“You always pick the guy. I say ten bucks on Vanessa. She plays to win,” Erin countered.
“I put fifteen bucks on Vanessa. I played her in Scrabble once; she has killer instincts. Layton doesn’t stand a chance,” Elias said. It didn’t take him very long to get Luna fitted for her vest. Elias must have been ‘familiar’ with her body shape.
“You know I can’t get in on this,” Luna said.
“Vanessa is going to win, but I want him to win,” Elias said, handing out three face shield helmets for them to try on.
