“Miles, I know I came down harshly on you. But at the time, the situation called for it. I can only imagine how hard this is for you both. Tennison survived the probie year from hell. I couldn’t risk any further complications, I hope you understand that. I hope you canforgivethat.”
My mouth gapes a little. “Sir?”
“Those files are the sort of thing a captain has to navigate for their crew, to keep the house lights on and each member safe.”
“I understand.”
More than I thought was possible.
“I’ve worked many stations. Been part of crews that ran like clockwork, like a family who can read each other’s minds and body language. And then there were ones so toxic they made the fire look like the ally.”
“We were a family, sir. Before.”
He simply nods.
“Which is why, in light of the files we both spent hours scouring over, I wanted to let you know that you will take my place the day after my retirement. Thirty days from now.”
“Sir?”
“I never once doubted your commitment to being captain, or to keeping your crew safe. Regrettably, I did doubt your ability to separate your emotions from what needs to happen. Which I understand comes from a narrow-mindedness of my own. You walked into a building condemned by two fellow firefighters with the intentions of saving whoever you could with great risk to yourself. More risk than any other man would have been willing to take. You have proved yourself to be selfless, time and time again.”
“I wanted to bring them both out, sir. I meant to, but I ran out of time. The gear?—”
Cap holds a hand up, his throat working. “I know, Miles.”
Cap stands, and I follow his lead.
“Congratulations, Captain Hammond. Take care of this crew of yours like I know you will.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He opens his door and salutes me with two fingers as I walk out, dazed.
Chapter 31
LONDON
Fitness test number fifty-two.
Up and down three times. No stopping.
I can’t believe it has been fifty-two weeks of probation. I can’t believe I’m doing this alone. I stand, knees bent, hoses at the ready and heavy on my shoulders. Miles is on my left, stopwatch in his hand.
I close my eyes and haul in a breath.
I want this.
I want this.
Come on, girl.
Now. London.
“Up and at ’em, Tenny,” Davey’s voice ghosts through my mind.
I grit my teeth and surge for the stairs.
Boots pounding the concrete treads, I rise up each flight. The hoses jostle on my shoulders. I tighten my grip.
