Hook & Ladder 69: Eighteen Authors...One Sexy Firehouse.

by Anthology

  She rushed over to the bar. “I’m going across the street. I have to warn the family on the second floor. Take care of him, the paramedics will be here any minute.”

  She flung the door wide as she raced out of the door, she could hear the sirens in the distance, getting closer. Barely looking each direction, she ran back across the street. She heard the screeching tires, but adrenaline had taken over, and she ran on without looking back.

  Racing around the side of the building, she took the stairs two at a time and pounded on the door. Breathlessly yelling for the family to open the door.

  By then she could smell the natural gas, even out in the fresh air. Not everyone was going to make it out in time. She pounded harder.

  “Come on. Untie me. Why did you cut everyone else loose before me?” the rich dick whined.

  “Because you’re such an amazing guy I wanted to spend more time with you.” Ryan shook his head. Leave it to him to try and teach the jerk a lesson. Some people just didn’t get how helping others in fact, makes a person richer, more fulfilled. It wasn’t all about the money. Ryan watched as the rich dick’s date left the room, leaving them as the last two. Ryan hoped she realized what an ass this guy was how he’d be willing to leave her behind so he could be free first.

  Ryan bent down and with more force than necessary, cut the ropes and hoisted the man to his feet.

  “If I were you, I’d run.” He’d barely gotten the words out of his mouth as the guy raced out of the restaurant. Ryan was sure if smoking were still in fashion, the guy would have lit a cigarette just to be a complete ass as soon as he could.

  The smell of gas hung heavy in the room. He’d been focusing on the task at hand and didn’t notice how strong it had become. One of the dishwashers on staff had said the shut off valves had been rusted open since he’d been an employee. With no way to shut it down, Ryan knew it was only a matter of time before it blew.

  Quickly making sure no one was in the restroom, he was out the door as the lights from firetrucks flashed across the night sky. They’d be there soon.

  He walked across the street and opened the bar door, making sure everyone was safe. Seeing the elderly couple huddled in a booth, he looked around for Lana but couldn’t find her.

  Ryan walked over to the bar and slammed his hand on it. “Where is she? The cute little blonde that came in with the old couple?” he asked the bartender.

  “She went back across the street. She wanted to warn the family who lives above the restaurant upstairs to get out.”

  “Shit, shit, shit, shit,” Ryan swore as he ran full force out the door. He had to dodge traffic and the engines as they came screeching to a stop.

  “Gas leak!” he screamed at them and pointed to the restaurant. “It’s all clear.”

  “Hey, Irish, what the hell are you doing?” Speedy yelled back at him.

  Ryan waved him off and went around back. Without thinking, he barged into the door, already wide open at the top of the stairs. The family inside jumped, the little one already crying.

  “Hurry. There isn’t much time.” He could hear his unit yelling orders down below.

  The mom and dad each held a small child in their arms. There was a boy of about eight who had a broken leg and tears streaming down his face. Without a thought, Ryan picked him up and raced back out of the door. When he got to the bottom of the stairs, he turned around and saw both parents close behind him, but no Lana.

  His first priority was getting the family to safety. Racing to the engines, he set the boy down on the side facing away from the building, hoping he’d get a kick of the firetruck. He turned and raced back around, his fear for Lana starting to take hold of him. His shoulders slumped in relief when he saw her coming around the corner of the building with a small dog in her arms. Knowing she had no time, he ran to her, easily picking her up and racing back toward safety.

  They were almost to the first firetruck when the explosion rocked the area and sent them flying through the air. Ryan landed on top of Lana and tried to shield her from the worst of the hot debris falling. He flinched as white hot metal and flaming parts of the restaurant structure landed painfully on his back, wishing for his fire suit.

  Within seconds, debris stopped falling and fire raged, burning the remainder of the building. The puppy ran to his boy, barking. Lana began wiggling to get free from underneath Ryan.

  “I can’t roll over on my back,” he said to her.

  “Why?” Her voice shook as she said the one word.

  “Would you believe me if I said it was because this is our first date, and I’ve got you under me?”

  “Ryan.”

  “Fine, my back is a bit burnt.”

  “Shit. Hold on.”

  Ryan smiled as she wiggled more to get out from under him enjoying her while he could before the adrenaline wore off and pain took its place. When he heard her gasp, he knew it wasn’t good.

  “You’ll be fine, it’s just a scratch or two.” She was all business, using her nurse voice.

  Ryan chuckled even though it hurt. “Now who’s being a smart ass?”

  “Well, there can’t be just one in the relationship.”

  “Is that what we have? A relationship?”

  “Well, we have the fireworks, right? There’s no way I’m not sticking around to see where this goes.”

  “So you’re saying you want to go out again?”

  “Oh yeah, you’re going to need someone to change your bandages.”

  As the EMT’s and Lana tended to him Ryan watched the punk being led away in cuffs. He knew the neighborhood, and knew the kid would be found sooner rather than later. Since the old guy was getting attention too, it seemed like everyone was going to survive the situation. He smiled when Lana squeezed his hand and thought, and everyone lived happily ever after.

  Chapter 17

  Inferno by Madison Street

  Mackenzie

  Stepping out of the shower, the ring of my cellphone echoes throughout the bathroom. My hands reach out for the towel and wrap it around my body, absorbing the droplets of water. My soaked dark brown hair drips onto the floor as I rush out of the bathroom heading toward my phone. My brother’s goofy face flashes on its screen as I swipe the accept button.

  “Hey Carter.”

  “Hey Mack. Ready for your first day?”

  I place the phone on speaker and toss it on the bed. Unwrapping the towel, I make my way across my bedroom, toward my closet to gather my outfit for the day.

  Yelling back toward the bed “Yeah! I’m getting ready now. I’m nervous as hell.”

  Carter laughs at my hesitation. “Relax, you’ll be fine. I called my buddy Trace and everyone’s excited to meet you.”

  I slip on my underwear and slide into a pair of black slacks paired with a pink rose blouse. The pastel color gives off a nice hint that contracts my dark locks. A comb unknots my hair as I stand in front of the mirror, trying to calm myself down.

  Carter asks, “How’s Mom?”

  My breath escapes quickly as I close my eyes.

  “She’s alright. Nothing’s changed really. There’s nothing really that I can do but just be here. You know?”

  His soft voice agrees, “Yeah I know. I wish I was there to help you out.”

  I let out a deep sigh, wishing my mother’s health will improve. She’s been in and out of Barnes Jewish Hospital for three months and hasn’t improved. After suffering a stroke my brother and I have been on edge, hoping she can make a full recovery. With Carter stationed at a firehouse in New York City, it’s just me to care for her.

  “Carter, it’s not your fault. I know you need to stay in New York, don’t worry. I’ll handle Mom. If I need anything, you know I’ll call.”

  I can sense a hint of assurance as he echoes, “I’ll be there the moment you call.”

  Carter wishes me luck and we say our goodbyes. Glancing around my room, I gather my phone and keys. I take one last look in the mirror before I head out and am somewh
at satisfied at my appearance. There’s nothing that could make me look any better. With a plain face I consider myself just adequate looking. Just plain ole brown eyes and brown hair; nothing to really rave about. To top it off, a set of thick framed glasses hide my face. With sensitive eyes, I can’t stand contacts and because I’m blind as shit I need super thick lenses. Not a cool look at all.

  I take a peek into my mother’s room and see her still sleeping. An empty wheelchair sits alongside the bed waiting for its owner to inhabit it. I quietly tip toe toward the bed and plant a soft kiss on her forehead. A soft whisper escapes me, “I’ll be home soon. Love you.”

  Shutting her door behind me, I hear a soft knock on our front door and open it for our home nurse. “Good morning Lucy.”

  “Good morning Miss. Ready for your first day at work?”

  I shrug, “Ready as I’ll ever be. Mom’s in the room sleeping.”

  Lucy nods, “I’ll wake her in a bit for breakfast. I plan to take her for a stroll later today.”

  “Ok sounds good. Call me if anything – please.”

  “Yea Ma’am. I will. Have a good day.”

  I lock the door and make my way toward the city streets. The bright St. Louis sun shines throughout the streets as cars brave the morning rush hour traffic. Children wait for school buses along the city’s curbs and play hand games to help the time flash by. Perched birds chirp and sing as the branches of green trees sway in the wind.

  The warm summer breeze flows through my long dark hair as I make my way toward the fire station. With my Mom’s illness and Carter all the way in New York, I had to work to cover the expenses. Putting school on hold to help out wasn’t a difficult decision. Carter wasn’t too pleased about me dropping out of college but he understood why I did it. Of course, he sends money as often as he can but living in NYC isn’t easy to cope with. I’m sure a gallon of milk is over $4.00 there. Luckily, Carter pulled a few strings with his old high school friend and got me a job at the local fire station. Plus, it’s within walking distance so I sold my car because we needed the cash.

  Stepping through the door of the local café, I stand in line, glancing up at the menu, deciding what to order. Once I’m in front of the line, I give my order to the barista and swipe my card as she begins to gather my order. I step off to the side to allow the customer behind me to order as I place my debit card in my wallet. Placing my wallet in my purse, I grab my coffee and walk over to the self-serve bar to grab a couple extra napkins and packets of sugar. Mixing the sugar sweetness into my coffee, I blow softly along the dark liquid allowing it to quickly cool. My lips brush along the tip of the cup and I sip, allowing the hot beverage to pour into my mouth. The burning heat cascades down my throat as I revel in its rich goodness. God I love coffee.

  As I stand there in heated bliss, a strong back burrows into me causing me to jerk forward. My instincts immediately go to the coffee. Avoiding a spill, my hands clinch onto the cup and secure the cap. But in that instance, the frame of my glasses slide off my nose and crash onto the floor.

  With a hitched breath, “Shit – my glasses.”

  My body crouches toward the floor as I feel hands wrap around me catching me mid-air.

  A husky voice rings through my ears sending tingly signals along my skin. “Oh, hold on. I got ya.”

  My eyes squint, trying desperately to see the face of the man that bumped into me. My body trembles with embarrassment in his arms. I feel he senses my hesitation and releases me, ensuring I can stand on my own.

  The man asks, “Are you alright? I’m sorry I bumped into you. I wasn’t paying attention.”

  I glance away from the sound of his voice as my cheeks heat. “I’m fine – I need my glasses.”

  I sense the man step away as I try to focus but all I see is a big blur. Hints of a tall shadow move in front of me and I sense people are staring at my minor freak out.

  The touch of rough and callused hands brush against mine as he places my glasses in my hand. “Here you go, Miss. I really am sorry – didn’t mean to startle you.”

  I flick open the frames and quickly slide them on. Avoiding his face, I thank the stranger and practically run out of the café. I hear him call out after me but ignore him. God, I’m so embarrassed.

  Walking in haste, I make my way to the fire station sipping on the coffee along the way. The events at the café continue to play over and over again in my head. Trying to make sense of it all, I brush it off as just another one of my clumsy spills. Well, at least I didn’t fall this time. My mind travels back to the feel of his arms wrapped around me and a sense of warmth travels throughout my body. It’s been a long time since I felt the touch of strong hands. Too long. With school keeping me busy, I hardly had time for boys. I’d decline social events and sometimes dates, just to study. Yes – I’m a huge nerd. I’d rather stick my nose in a book than chase after a boy.

  My studies and my family always come first. I’d taken up astronomy in school. I have a fascination with the stars. Their dazzling phenomena just excite me, ever since I was a little girl. It all started when my mother gave me a telescope for my seventh birthday. I would stay up till all hours of the night just staring into the vastness of space. It’s always amazed me; how beautiful the stars can be.

  Once my mother’s stroke happened, my dreams were put on hold. I don’t blame her for her ill health but the shit sucks. With only a year of school left, I had it all planned out. Now, I’m here walking to work to take on a whole household and care for her all on my own.

  A few minutes later, the fire station comes into view so I toss my empty coffee cup into a trash can. I pause outside and glance up at the house. It’s red brick gleams in the sun as the American and St. Louis flags blow in the wind. At the top of the garage a dark panel engraved, Fire Station 69, showcases the district and location of this house. I quietly glance inside the open garage and make my eyes on two fire trucks parked inside. A hint of voices echoes from inside the back of the garage. I’m so nervous – I’m gonna be sick.

  After a good thirty seconds I enter through the garage and start to make my way toward the back. The sound of my black pumps clang against the cement floor of the garage as I let out a deep breath. This is it.

  I follow the sound of voices and come upon two firemen. From the sound of it they seem to be discussing a new procedure about gas lines and they don’t even notice me standing there.

  Clearing my throat, “Um – hello?”

  They stop conversing and turn to face me. Their tall figures tower over my short height and walk toward me.

  One of them greets me. “Yes ma’am, can we help you?

  Trying not to stutter. “Yes, I’m Mackenzie Van Elburg. I’m here for the assistant position.”

  They both nod and smile as I reach my hand out to shake theirs.

  “Hey, I’m Colton and this is Brendan.”

  My mouth curves into a smile and I shake their hands. “Nice to meet you both.”

  Colton steps forward and radiates. “Welcome to the sixty-nine. Chief is expecting you. I’d be glad to take you to his office.”

  “Oh yes –thank you.”

  Colton leads me as I glance back at Brendan, “Nice to meet you.” He states the same and waves me off. Following Colton’s lead, my eyes take in the surroundings. Fire gear is tossed on top of rows of metal benches and fire retardant helmets are lined along the walls. A set of lockers splash along the brick wall located next to a parked fire truck. It reminds me of the inside of a locker room. Easy access to all the necessary items and large spacing for room to change quickly.

  “So how’d do you end up in a place like this?”

  Colton’s voice startles me breaking my trance.

  “Actually, my older brother called up a friend and he said there was an opening here. I guess the previous assistant was retiring.”

  “OH-yes! Yup good ole Bertha is retired now.”

  I give him a look, “Bertha?”

  Colton chuckles,
“Yeah she was pretty ancient. Been here since the fire station opened.”

  A loud laugh escapes me, I doubt that. She’s have to be over a hundred.”

  Colton laughs with me. “Okay – maybe not that old.”

  We make our way to the chief’s office as Colton tells me about the housemates. There are a few veteran fire fighters but most of them have about five to seven years experience. There’s only two other people who’s still new and that’s Mason and Mitchell. Listening to Colton I thank god I’m not the only newbie to the station.

  As we descend upon the chief’s office, Colton knocks and slowly opens the door. With nerves on the edge, I follow him inside as he introduces me.

  “Chief, the new assistant is here.”

  My fingers press the brim of my glasses further up the bridge of my nose as I make my way toward the dark cherry wooden desk and reach my hand out. “Hello, I’m Mackenzie Van Elburg.”

  The chief stands tall – for his older age he’s in pretty good shape. White hair covers his head as his husky build stands with pride behind the desk.

  He reaches out and grabs my hand, shaking it firm. “Great to meet you Mackenzie. I’ve heard a lot of things about you from your brother Carter.”

  Shocked at his statement, I stutter. “Oh! I…uh… didn’t realize you spoke to him.”

  Chief laughs. “Don’t worry. He had only good things to say about you.”

  Colton leaves us to get acquainted with one another and I thank him as he exits the office. For the next hour, Chief explains the ins and outs of the fire station. I listen attentively ensuring to remember all the key details on what makes this fire station tick. In his office, portraits of the fire fighters stationed there hang on the wall, each displaying their name and rank.

  He stands up from his seat and motions me to follow. “Now, I know it’s your first day so I don’t expect you to remember everything I said. So, come on, let me show you around and introduce you to everyone.”