Page 33 of Burn Protocol

I glance over at Pedro, who is racing through the streets. The veins on his arms pop from the force he uses on his steering wheel.

“Two minutes, boss,” he growls, almost angry at himself.

“Engine 2 to Dispatch, ETA 2 minutes.”

“Copy, Engine 2. Dispatch out.”

“Engine 2 out.”

The crew looks at me. I can see the pleas in their eyes. Right now, they need me to lead them. To find them a way out, without losing the kid. Rosa’s fingers are trembling and Rodriques keeps swallowing. The adrenaline is rushing through all of us, and that is dangerous. They need focus. Now.

“We go in with ropes. If we lose comms, you yank the rope twice. If you find the kid, you keep yanking. Got it?” My voice sounds loud in my own ears.

“Yes, lieutenant.” They answer in unison.

“We only have minutes,” I say, softer now. “There’s no time to spare. We’re not letting this kid drown, but we’re not going to be stupid about it either. Those tunnels are slick. Don’t rush, don’t run. Stay on your feet and get him out.”

“Yes, lieutenant.” They reply again, this time with a determination laced through their voice.

Díaz comes to a screeching halt. I yank the door open before we are at a complete standstill, and jump out. Three men are waving frantically at us and we dart toward them as I grab my radio.

“Engine 2 on scene for technical rescue at Carrer València and Sant Joan. Assessing situation.”

I let my eyes fall on the oldest man, who begs us to follow him. I place my hand on his arm and slightly tilt my head to catch his gaze.

“What’s the situation?” I ask him softly.

“The kids, they went inside to play. One of them slipped and fell down the slope. He can’t get up and we can’t get him out. The water… it’s rising so fast, and he’s stuck. Please, please help him.”

My heart stops for a fraction at the mention of multiple children. He only speaks of one trapped, but I can’t see the others.

“Where are the other kids?”

“My wife, she took them to the car.” He gestures somewhere behind him. I hear someone release a breath, maybe it was me. I nod.

“You know the way down there?”

“Yes, señora.”

“Then bring us to him.” I command.

My fingers find the radio again.

“Engine 2, moving in for technical rescue. One minor trapped at the scene, water rising rapidly. Confirm if the line can be isolated. Trauma helicopter requested for possible transport.”

Fernandes clips the confined space monitor to her belt and glances at it. She gives me a short nod.

“Air’s good, boss. Monitor on.”

The radio crackles briefly.

“Engine 2, request for water control granted. Line will be isolated. ETA on helicopter 7 minutes.”

I turn to Díaz and ask him to stay on site, before rolling out the rope and handing it to the crew. We all grab on, Pedro holding the tail as the rest of us enter.

It takes way too long before I realize that Maya has grabbed on too and is right behind us. I curse under my breath but there is no time to send her back. My mind races. This isn’t a fire, but there are risks. The floors are slippery. There is little space for us to walk. She could fall and injure herself. The water could drag her along. You fucked up, Gonzales. Shit!

“It’s right down there, hurry please.” The older man exclaims.