"Me either."
"I wonder if she remembers who she's been with? Do you think she cares about any of them?” Ella asked sounding rather annoyed.
"I don't know. How could she not care?"
"Exactly! Some of the guys get injured during a fire and need treatment. What if it is one of the guys she has been with? Do you think she even worries about them? Wonders how their injuries are healing? What their life outside of work is like?"
Katie sensed Ella's anger.
"Don't get upset about it, Ella. There are worse women, than ‘our’ Lucy. Knowing her, she probably does care but wouldn't admit it."
"I don't know.” Ella responded.
"Listen, I've been around firefighters all my life. Firefighters do not want their women or their family to ponder over whether they will come out of a fire the same way they went in. It's dangerous work and they don't need that extra negativity, if you know what I mean."
"You're talking about them being superstitious?"
"Among other things. Haven't you ever heard stories about guardian angels helping to lead a firefighter to safety as they're trapped in a fire?"
"I have heard those kinds of stories. Once, while I was working late one night in the ER, a firefighter came in. He had been in a horrific fire, was separated from his partner and then a ceiling collapsed. The whole fire company was frantic. All they could do was stand there, watch the building, and wait until their Chief said it was safe to re-enter. When they were finally allowed back in, the injured firefighter's partner said he had this urgent feeling to look near the ceiling collapse even though there was no chance his partner would have survived. Anyway, he pushed through debris and rubble and found his partner alive."
"Oh my God. How badly was he injured?” Katie asked.
"He wasn't. The paramedics brought him to the ER, where I was. He was hyperventilating, had experienced some smoke inhalation and scratches but nothing more. He just kept talking about an Angel and how she pulled him from beneath the falling ceiling just in time. He thought he was crazy."
"I've heard only one similar story, but it was the opposite,” Katie said.
"What do you mean the opposite?"
She took a deep breath. “Back in Bolton Bay, I knew a few firefighters.” Katie swallowed hard, recalling the story Bradley had told her.
"I had a friend who responded to a fire set at an apartment complex. When he and his team got to the location of the fire, there were two separate fires going on. One at the entrance of the complex and one a few floors below the top floor. I think the building had fifteen floors in it. Anyway, they got through the first fire and a friend of mine said that the chief radioed to them to approach with caution. Apparently, there was a criminal wanted for numerous felony crimes, hiding out in that particular building. Later on, it turned out to be the person responsible for setting the fire. So, the firefighters made their way to the upper floors where the other fire, a small one, had ignited. The man who was wanted by the police stayed locked in an apartment on the same floor. Suddenly there was smoke coming from under the doorway to the room and so the firefighter friend of mine and his partner broke down the door."
"What happened? What did they see?” Ella asked.
Katie looked around, being sure that no one heard what she was about to say. Some people did not believe such power and events existed or took place.
"They said the bad guy had set himself on fire and as he was engulfed in flames, they attempted to move closer and try to put the fire out.
Until they saw multiple black shadows around the man, grabbing him."
"Are you kidding me?"
"No. My friend and his partner swear that they felt such evilness in that room and surrounding the criminal that they froze where they were. The fire should have extended throughout the room in a flash effect, but it did not. It just simply died out."
"I just totally got the chills Katie."
"Tell me about it! I had a hard time believing it as well. I guess it makes sense though."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, if there are Angels present during fires that protect, then there must be some sort of evil present as well."
'Wow.” Ella took a large gulp of wine from her glass. They gazed into one another's eyes and laughed.
Katie absorbed the nostalgic décor around the bar. There was all kinds of firefighting equipment and memorabilia around the place. Including the same old picture of her father, Captain Rodney, Colt and the now Lieutenant Jones. It brought a smile to her face. There were many photographs taken of various firefighters from the three main ladder companies in Warrens Cove. Some were pictures of tired firefighters after a fire or fun ones of the men and women firefighters washing the fire trucks or hanging around the fire training building. The images brought a smile to Katie's face as well as a feeling of pride.
She was part of this family and she wondered why she let her fears get in the way of sticking around. She was back now and this was her home. Katie needed to embrace the comfort her family provided as well as their involvement in fighting fires. It was in her blood, too. Before she arrived back home, she considered the facts that she survived a fire and that her whole family were firefighters, as demons to face. When in reality it would all help her to heal, to move on with her life and strengthen the bond with her family that she had tried so hard to disunite.
The roar of the crowd, the laughter all around her was rejuvenating and The Pit would always provide a therapeutic and safe environment for all those who entered.
"Katie McKeller! Is that you?” Katie turned towards the deep male voice and the fact that her name was called.
Instantly she recognized the owner of The Pit, Randy Monroe.
"Mr. Monroe! How are you?"
The older man pulled Katie into his arms in a strong embrace. He was very close friends with her dad and William. The three of them worked fires together for many years.
As he released her she noticed the tears in his eyes.
"My God you are gorgeous! I recognized you right away. I heard that you were living back with your mom."
"Yes sir. I'm working at the hospital."
"I heard that as well. You've already established a great reputation there. My cousin Diane is the head nurse."
Katie smiled then glanced at Ella. Diane wasn't exactly the nicest nurse around.
"The place looks fantastic Mr. Monroe."
"Thanks Katie.” Mr. Monroe kept staring at her then shaking his head side to side.
"You're back home where you belong. Mack's gotta be smiling from the grave."
Katie smiled and was surprised that she wasn't instantly upset at the mention of her father, especially his grave.
Mr. Monroe squeezed her shoulder before excusing himself to help assist the bartender.
"You should try the chili, it's even better then years ago and don't be a stranger!"
Katie waved goodbye.
The Pit became famous for its award winning chili. There were a dozen different kinds on the menu. One in particular had a hot and spicy flavor. The owners called it ‘fire in the mouth'. When a patron ordered it to eat, the bartender would ring a large brass fire bell. It was an original taken from an old fashioned fire engine.
Katie smiled at the fact the bell rang repeatedly tonight.
Katie read some of the other names for the different chilies. There was Four Alarm Chili and in parenthesis on the menu it stated (for pansies), then Three Alarm Chili (for bigger pansies), then a Two-Alarm Chili (why bother?). Katie laughed.
Ella read the names as well, finding them just as amusing.
"How are you doing?” Ella asked Katie.
"I'm glad we came. Its even more fun than I remember.” Katie smiled then set her almost empty glass down on the wooden bar.
"Did you come here a lot when you were younger?” Ella asked.
"Only a few times. It was always more of a remedial place for the firefighters to hang out and regroup. I reme
mber there being a more intimate feeling but back then there were only two Ladder Companies."
"That sounds nice. It's not so intimate anymore and not just firefighters hang out here."
"Like every other place on the island, The Pit is crowded and a hot spot."
"At least its still here. A few of the first restaurants and bars could not compete with the new, larger ones so they closed up shop."
Katie sighed then thought about Ryan and his grandparents’ house. It was one of the few original landmarks left on the island. He showed so much enthusiasm and commitment to keeping the home and restoring it. The compassion and loyalty showed as he gave Katie the tour. Commitment and compassion, who was she kidding? Ryan did not show any commitment or compassion to Shelly. Katie tried to force thoughts of Ryan from her mind.
"Buy you ladies a drink?” The voice came over Katie's shoulder and when she turned around, she was surprised to see Michael.
Katie introduced Ella to Michael. They were discussing the probies and the aura of excitement in the air. Before long, Michael and Ella were hitting it off. Katie was glad. Ella was a good nurse and professional. Katie was not sure what type of women Michael was attracted to but it was fun to watch his flirtatious moves and his technique. It seemed to work on Ella.
Katie wondered what it would have been like if she stayed in Warrens Cove throughout her college years. There was no doubt that her three brothers would have attempted to keep an eye on her. Dating would have been a hell of a struggle. She did well on her own despite her lack of experience and knowledge of boys when she left to attend college away from home. She focused on her studies and partied very little. She only dated one guy for a short period and he soon showed his true colors. Then she was too busy maintaining her honor roll grades and volunteering at the hospital besides working nights’ waiting on tables.
Then she landed the great job after graduation and dating did not seem so important. That is when she met Bradley.
Katie sighed then refocused on The Pit. It was great to be back.
Katie surprisingly felt comfortable at The Pit despite the old pictures of her dad on the wall in full gear or just training ‘probies'. For the first time it made her wonder why she had not come home sooner.
Katie took a sip from her wine glass and felt the hand on her shoulder.
She turned around to find Theo Walters and two other men she did not recognize.
"Do you remember me Katie?” Theo asked with a smile as Katie smiled back instantly remembering Theo from high school.
Theo gave Katie a kiss on the cheek introduced his friends then began talking about the old days.
Theo was a firefighter in Ladder Company Two.
Katie thought she saw Michael giving Theo a dirty look but she could not be sure. She attempted to catch Michael's gaze but he was busy talking with Ella. Theo's friend started asking Katie questions about working in the hospital and the many changes instilled in the burn facility. Katie found out the sudden increase and establishment of new homes and businesses as well as all year residents, instead of seasonal homeowners in the county, had caused an increase in accidental fires. The Warren County Hospital where Katie worked had been diligently trying to gain funding to improve and expand their burn unit.
Soon firefighters surrounded Katie.
It was interesting how enthusiastic they became with each story they told about fighting fires and victims they saved. She was enjoying the conversation and sharing a bit about her nursing career.
"It takes serious training for your job. You must be good to be an ER nurse?” Theo asked with a wink.
"Theo's one of the best firefighters around. I taught him everything he knows,” Theo's friend said, smiling wide at Katie as he stood in front of her. Theo gave Jim a gentle push in the arm then turned towards Katie. It was obvious the guys were flirting and trying to make Theo look like a god.
Katie laughed.
"Come on Jim, Katie doesn't want to hear any firefighting stories. She probably gets enough of that at home.” Theo smiled at Katie.
"It's all right. You guys should be proud of your job. It takes a special person to run into a burning building to save lives. Never mind while you are one hundred percent blind,” Katie stated.
"I like you Katie,” Jim said.
Suddenly, their attention pulled towards a group of probies hollering and cheering on one of their fellow graduates. The graduate was chugging down beer after beer, his shirt getting drenched in the process. Women flocked around the small group and the cheering continued. Katie laughed along with Theo and his friends.
"Man I remember being a probie and having to go into the smoke chamber with no mask, no protection just to get the full feeling of being trapped in the smoke and heat. It was scary,” Jim stated, ignoring the commotion and continuing with the conversation.
"That chamber helped to wean out a few guys that wouldn't be able to hack it on-the-job,” Theo added and the guys agreed with him.
Katie recalled both Michael and Billy's experience with that as well. They were determined to be firefighters. There was no other choice, career or fallback job as far as they were concerned.
Suddenly, Katie felt Theo touch her hair and their gazes locked.
"Didn't you always wear you hair short, McKeller?"
Katie immediately recognized the expression in Theo's eyes. He thought he was smooth as he moved closer, his lips nearly touched her cheek.
It was loud in The Pit but not that loud. Theo took the opportunity to make a move. The wooden step stool she sat on was high and Theo's hips were level with her thighs.
She gazed at his friends a moment as they took sips from their beer bottles and seemed to be smirking. Katie assumed Theo's friends thought he had a chance with her.
Larry, another firefighter from their unit, joined them at the bar. They were talking to Larry about an incident that happened earlier in the day. Theo had introduced Katie, she smiled and then the men continued to talk.
Katie took the opportunity to check out Theo.
Theo was a very attractive guy. He was perfect, from his strawberry blonde hair that he wore a little past his broad shoulders to his perfectly white teeth he continuously flashed and paired up with his full lips. His aqua blue shirt was at least a size too small and Katie was certain he was purposely flexing his pectoral muscles. He tried unsuccessfully, to his knowledge, to pretend to tighten his belt buckle when instead used the opportunity to flex his biceps. The man did have a magnificent physique, any moron could see that, but his use of it as a tool to land the ladies was a turn off as far as Katie was concerned. He reminded her of the guys who used to hang out by the indoor/outdoor workout gym near the middle of the boardwalk in Bolton Bay.
The women and girls would prance by gazing at the display of male flesh, sweaty muscles and lines like, ‘hey baby, wanna watch me bench press 350?"
Katie smirked inwardly at the thought.
Theo at least had a brain as far as she recalled and in all honesty, the man was very appealing. Theo moved closer to Katie, making room for Larry to move away from the bar where someone else was trying to place an order. As soon as he moved closer, she smelled the cologne. It was fancy, fragrant, like some designer perfume. Again, not her type at all. "Give me Old Spice any day of the week."
Katie waited for Theo's next move and then she felt Theo's hand on the back of her chair and against her arm. His thumb gently rubbed the side of her skin.
Katie focused on the conversation as Jim, Larry and the other firefighters expressed their thankfulness after getting through an intense fire just last night. Then they started telling Katie about the fire and how the roof collapsed just barely missing half the crew.
"That is incredible. What did you do next?” Katie asked.
"Theo and I were down on our knees, trying to feel for the hose,” Jim stated.
"The smoke was so thick, Kay, we couldn't see anything,” Theo added, caressing her arm some more as he leaned closer
. He called her ‘Kay’ which no one had done in a very long time. Katie had a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach. Was it attraction or guilt? She could not identify it so she looked away from Theo and back to Jim.
"We started feeling around for the hose. It was our only way of figuring out which way was back to the truck and outside."
"You see Kay, we had to feel around for the couplings.” Theo gently took Katie's hand and began caressing her fingers.
"The male and female meet and become one, solely connected by the coupling. I had to feel around to distinguish which way was the right way.” He caressed her knuckles and held her arm strait out as if it were the hose itself. Gently but firmly, Theo held her elbow in the palm of his hand. He spoke about the short protruding line of metal and the longer protruding line of metal, that just by feeling, a firefighter knew which way was out.
He sensually glided his finger back and forth against the hairline crease where her wrist and her palm met. The strong, calloused fingers sent chills through her body and as Katie gazed into Theo's serious eyes, she could have sworn she saw hunger. Katie swallowed hard. Theo was good, really good, as he demonstrated his technique on her body.
Katie's insides tingled from his touch, his slow, smooth voice in a whisper as he moved closer. Somehow, she found her voice.
"So, you find the raised metal and know which way to go. What happens next?"
His finger stopped on the skin above her humerus and ulna. He gently pushed down, folding her arm, caressing with one hand until he held her hand in his. He kissed her hand, held it against his chest, and gazed into her eyes.
"From there on, I make my way home, through the darkness, feeling my way...” He glided his hand up Katie's arm, slowly, seductively and simultaneously whispering to her as a lover would, until he reached her shoulder.
The chills filled her body for the umpteenth time.
"I kept feeling every foot of hose, every curve, through each dark corner until I saw the light, the fresh air, freedom."
Theo held Katie's gaze deeply with his eyes, as the palm of his hand, lay motionless against the back of her neck. All she could feel was the weight, the strength and manliness of the gigolo firefighter. Katie could see the others in her peripheral vision, sensing their smiles as if Theo was successful in her abduction. She smiled, pretending that his description intoxicated her.
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