“Come on, please. Climb out a goddamn window already,” I mutter to nobody in particular.
The flames start to subside as the three hoses work the building over like we’re trying to sink the Titanic. As 41 retracts her ladder, the panic starts to rise again.
“Where the hell are they?” Davey curses.
God, glad it’s not just me.
One downside of a tight-knit crew is the fact we’re like family, more and more with each day that passes. Owens is like a big sister. Always wanted one of those.
Sandy, the grounded one.
Hammond . . . he?—
Is striding out of the front door. No. It’s Owens. The only indication is the badge on her helmet.
She’s yelling something. Waving her hand at Schmiddy.
Who ignores her, turning back to chat up some woman who’s not particularly worried about the raging burning building apparently.
“You got this?” I ask Davey.
“Sure, but?—”
I sprint for Owens. She holds a hand up.
Stop.
The universal signal.
“What happened?” I ask. “Where’s Hammond?”
“He took a hit.” Walking past me, she tugs her rebreather off. “Sandy, extraction. Fifth floor.”
“I’m coming with you.” I’m jogging to keep up with her.
Sandy sets the controls to idle and pulls on his mask, adjusting his helmet.
“Stay here. Two in, two out, remember.”
“What if?—”
“Stand down, Tennison. That’s an order.”
I can only watch as Sandy and Owens reenter the smoldering building. The hoses are being rolled up, and I move to ours to help Davey. Uncoupling them, we let the water drain before rolling them up and storing them away.
By the time we have the three hoses tucked away, Owens and Sandy emerge from the building, Hammond strung up between them. He’s walking, but his steps are sluggish.
Concussion?
My hand moves to the radio on my jacket. “53 to base, we require an ambulance on site. Officer down.”
“Copy that, 53, ambulance on route.”
“Copy. Out.”
I don’t know if Schmiddy made the call. But I don’t even care. It’s done. Miles needs it.
Owens and Sandy set him down on the curb, and he tugs his rebreather off, then his helmet. His face is smudged with ash, his neck almost black with it. Blood has soaked the right arm of his turnout.
