Chapter 3

3

CASS

C ass sat at her cluttered desk in the modest office of the firehouse, the morning sun spilling through the window and casting a warm glow over the stacks of reports and the mementos of past calls that adorned her workspace. A framed photo of her team at last year’s annual gala stood prominently, smiles wide and arms slung around each other in a camaraderie forged in the heat of battle and the warmth of friendship. It was a comforting sight, a reminder of her purpose as she prepared for another busy day.

The sharp trill of the phone broke the calm, and she reached for it instinctively, her heart lifting as she recognized the number.

“Chief Thompson!” Cass exclaimed, the name spilling from her lips like a long-lost song, her voice carrying both excitement and nostalgia.

“Cass! Sunshine and waves here. It’s absolutely gorgeous!” Becky’s voice poured through the receiver, bright and teasing, like a splash of warmth from the past. Cass could almost see her former chief, stretched out on a beach chair, sunglasses glinting under the sun, a faint laugh line crinkling around her eyes.

“Lucky you! What are you up to?” Cass asked, leaning back in her chair. A smile tugged at her lips as she settled into the warmth of Becky’s familiar tone, feeling the stress of her day begin to ease.

“Oh, you know, just enjoying retirement,” Becky replied, the sound of waves in the background making it clear she was living out her dream. “Lucinda’s out snorkeling—I swear, she’s part fish—and I’m just catching some rays. You wouldn’t believe the colors here, Cass. The water’s like glass, turquoise, and teal, as if someone splashed a postcard across the whole ocean!”

“Sounds perfect,” Cass said with a wistful sigh. “You deserve every bit of it, you know. A little sunshine therapy after years of putting out literal and figurative fires.”

“Oh, I’m enjoying every second,” Becky said with a warm chuckle. “But enough about me. How’s my favorite fire captain holding up? What’s new in Phoenix Ridge?”

Cass’s smile faded a bit as she considered how much had changed since Becky left. “Well, it’s been interesting, to say the least. We’ve got a city consultant coming in. Evelyn Ford. She’s here to shake things up and cut costs, and the team isn’t exactly thrilled about it.”

Becky let out a sympathetic hum. “I know her type. Efficiency experts, all about numbers and graphs, right? They walk in with binders full of ideas and little understanding of what actually keeps a team running.”

“Exactly. The team is nervous—and, if I’m being honest, I am too.” Cass ran a hand over her forehead, the weight of the past few days pressing down on her. “The department’s got its quirks, but we all work together like family. Evelyn just…she doesn’t get that. She sees us as numbers to rearrange.”

“She’s probably like most consultants,” Becky said, a gentle caution in her voice. “She’ll push her own agenda hard, maybe even in ways that get under your skin. But here’s the thing, Cass. You’re the one who knows Phoenix Ridge. You know its strengths and challenges better than anyone. She might have her spreadsheets, but you have their loyalty. That’s something no report can capture.”

Cass nodded, finding comfort in Becky’s words. “I just don’t want the team to lose what makes us…us. We’ve worked hard to build a culture of trust, where everyone’s got each other’s backs. I’m worried that if I push back too hard, she’ll think I’m refusing to cooperate.”

“Don’t let her mistake your strength for resistance,” Becky advised, her tone steady but encouraging. “You’re in a position to stand your ground and protect what matters. Change is inevitable, but you get to control the direction it takes. If she’s there to improve things, show her how things can be better without tearing down the spirit you’ve built.”

Cass was quiet for a moment, letting Becky’s words sink in. “It’s just…I’m not used to feeling this defensive,” she admitted, the vulnerability surprising even herself. “And it’s more than just work. Evelyn, she’s…well, let’s just say she has a way of getting under my skin in ways I can’t even explain.”

“Ah,” Becky chuckled knowingly. “Sounds like there’s more to her than just budgets and efficiency reports.”

Cass shifted uncomfortably, a laugh escaping her. “Let’s just say our interactions have been complicated. It’s not like me to let someone get to me this way, but she challenges me and not just in a professional sense. I can’t tell if I’m frustrated or intrigued.”

“Maybe both?” Becky offered with a laugh. “Sometimes the people who challenge us the most are the ones who make us grow. But be careful, Cass. If she’s here to stay for a while, make sure whatever this is doesn’t throw you off balance. You’re the captain, and they’re looking to you.”

Cass straightened, feeling Becky’s unwavering belief in her, and for a moment, the storm of emotions she’d been carrying settled. “You’re right, Becky. I need to remember that. This department isn’t just a job to me. It’s my family, and I have to put that first, no matter what she brings.”

Becky’s voice softened, carrying that familiar warmth that always steadied Cass. “Trust yourself, Cass. Phoenix Ridge couldn’t have a better leader. The team will follow where you lead, especially if they see you standing up for them.”

Cass smiled, feeling the knot of tension in her chest begin to loosen. “Thanks, Becky. I needed this talk. I just have to trust myself and know I can navigate this without letting her push me into a corner.”

“Exactly. Show her your strength and your heart, and remind her what Phoenix Ridge is built on. And remember, Cass, you’re not just standing up to her; you’re standing up for your team. There’s a difference.”

Cass felt a renewed sense of purpose settle over her. “I will. Thanks, Becky. For everything. Go enjoy those waves for me.”

“Oh, I plan to! And remember, if you ever need a beach getaway to clear your head, I’ve got a chair waiting here with your name on it.”

Cass laughed, feeling lighter than she had in days. “I’ll hold you to that. Give my love to Lucinda.”

“I will. Now go show that consultant what Phoenix Ridge Fire Department is made of.”

As Cass hung up, Becky’s words echoed in her mind, filling her with strength. Whatever came next, she was ready.

As they wrapped up the conversation, Cass hung up the phone, feeling a surge of confidence. But as the quiet of the station enveloped her once more, a flicker of doubt crept in. Her mind slipped back to the hallway encounter with Evelyn—the way their arms had brushed, the intensity in Evelyn’s gaze, the strange electric energy that had ignited between them.

Why can’t I shake this feeling? Cass frowned, the memory gnawing at her. She stood and looked out the window, the sun warming her face, but the unease lingered like a shadow, refusing to dissipate in the light. She took a deep breath, pushing the thoughts aside for now. With Becky’s words echoing in her mind, Cass resolved to focus on her team and the challenges ahead.

The main meeting room of the firehouse felt heavier than usual, an air of tension clinging to the walls like smoke from a recent blaze. The department heads sat around a well-worn table, its surface cluttered with spreadsheets and budget reports, the stark reality of finances hanging over them like a dark cloud. Cass glanced at the clock, feeling the weight of anticipation settle in her stomach, mentally preparing for the clash that was sure to come.

The door swung open, and Evelyn strode in, her posture immaculate and commanding, a clipboard in hand that seemed like an extension of her authority. Her shiny blonde wavy hair was as perfect as ever. Cass felt the immediate spark of tension as their eyes met for a brief moment—an electric connection that sent a jolt through the air.

“Let’s get started,” Evelyn said, her voice cool and clipped as she took her seat at the head of the table, her gaze sweeping the room. She exuded a practiced composure that seemed to put an invisible barrier between herself and everyone else in the room.

As the meeting commenced, Evelyn laid out her plan for budget cuts with a crisp efficiency that left little room for debate. “We need to streamline our resources,” she stated, each word calculated and precise. “This will allow us to focus on core operations and enhance overall efficiency. With the current economic climate, we can’t afford to be sentimental or wasteful.”

Cass leaned forward, barely containing her frustration. She could feel the team’s eyes on her, waiting for her response. “But at what cost?” she challenged, her tone steady but carrying an undeniable heat. “These changes are going to hit morale hard, and we can’t just reduce everything to numbers. This department relies on trust and camaraderie. You take that away, and you’re left with people who don’t feel valued or safe.”

Evelyn’s gaze flickered, a slight crease forming in her brow as she leaned forward, meeting Cass’s eyes head-on. “I understand that, Captain Harris, but you have to consider the bigger picture. If we’re bogged down with unnecessary expenses, it limits our ability to invest in better equipment or more training, things that directly improve safety and service outcomes. Efficiency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s essential for the sustainability of this department.”

Cass felt a pulse of irritation at Evelyn’s unflinching tone. “With all due respect, Evelyn, I think you’re underestimating the human side of this. The equipment is important, yes, but it’s the people who make it work. We’ve been able to handle emergencies with what we have because we trust each other and know our strengths. Strip away that support, and you’re left with a department running on fumes.”

Evelyn sighed, shifting in her seat slightly, though her expression remained resolute. “I’m not here to diminish the hard work of your team, Captain. But it’s my job to ensure the department’s financial viability. If we’re weighed down by excess spending on non-essential services, we won’t have the resources to invest in what actually keeps everyone safe.”

Cass’s jaw tightened, her voice a touch sharper. “And who defines what’s essential? I’ve been in those fires, Evelyn. I’ve seen what happens when corners are cut—seen firefighters struggle with outdated gear or lack of support because someone, somewhere decided it wasn’t essential. You can’t put a price on people’s lives or the trust we’ve build here.”

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed just slightly, but her tone remained measured. “Cass, it’s precisely because I care about safety that I’m pushing for these changes. I’m not suggesting we take away anything crucial to your team’s survival. I’m advocating for adjustments that’ll let us redistribute funds to things that matter even more. Better equipment, updated training, facilities—resources that will ultimately serve your team better.”

Cass folded her arms, sitting back in her chair with a skeptical look. “And how much of this decision-making comes from actually understanding the work we do here? Or is it all about reading numbers on paper? This team, this department—it’s more than just a list of expenses to rearrange.”

Evelyn’s expression softened momentarily, though she held her ground. “Look, I respect what you do, Cass. But we’re not talking about getting rid of teamwork or trust. I understand those intangibles matter, but if we don’t bring this department up to speed in terms of resources, we’re looking at a slow decline. And as much as I’d like to preserve everything that makes your team what it is, we have to make sacrifices for the greater good.”

Cass felt her frustration deepen, her voice sharpening. “Sacrifices? This is our lives, our routines. You’re asking people who put themselves on the line every day to take on even more risk, all in the name of ‘efficiency.’ You can’t just put that on paper and call it progress.”

The two women locked eyes, the tension in the room thickening as their stances crystallized. Evelyn spoke with finality, her voice low but firm. “Progress isn’t easy, and it’s rarely painless. But it’s my job to ensure this department survives, not just this year, but years down the line. That’s my priority.”

Cass leaned forward, meeting Evelyn’s intensity with her own. “And mine is to make sure my team is protected right now, not just theoretically. They deserve to feel secure, not like they’re at the mercy of a spreadsheet. If you want their respect, maybe you should start by showing them you value their reality, not just an ideal version of what you think it should be.”

A silence fell over the room, heavy and charged, as each woman held her ground, neither willing to back down.

The debate escalated, both women leaning into the conversation, their voices low yet intense, each point reverberating off the walls like a challenge thrown in the ring. Cass felt the heat of their argument, a fierce energy crackling between them as they navigated the complex terrain of budgets and personal convictions.

In a moment of movement, Cass reached for a document, and their arms brushed against one another—a fleeting touch, but it felt electric. Her pulse quickened, the contact igniting a strange awareness that sent a wave of heat coursing through her veins. Time seemed to freeze as they both registered the connection, the air thickening with unspoken tension.

The conversation faltered, their eyes locking for a heartbeat longer than necessary. Cass felt a magnetic pull, an intoxicating draw that made her heart race as she realized Evelyn was standing just a bit too close. The world around them narrowed until it was just the two of them in that charged space. Evelyn’s gaze flickered to Cass’s lips, and for a brief moment, the argument faded into the background, replaced by something raw and compelling.

But just as the air seemed to vibrate with possibility, the sharp blare of the station’s alarm shattered the moment, cutting through the tension like a fire hose slicing through flames. The sound was urgent, demanding attention, and the spell was broken.

Cass instinctively stepped back, breaking eye contact, her mind racing as she processed the sudden shift from intimacy to urgency. The room erupted into action as everyone sprang from their seats, adrenaline kicking in as the reality of their jobs took precedence over the personal sparks that had flared moments before.

Cass moved with the fluid urgency of a practiced leader, her heart still racing as she mentally shook off the weight of what had just transpired. The memory of that fleeting touch lingered, a ghost in the chaos as they prepared to respond to the emergency call. As she grabbed her gear, Cass cast a quick glance at Evelyn, who stood frozen for a fraction of a second, clipboard clutched tightly. Their eyes met again, but this time there was no time for hesitation—only the fierce commitment to their duties, even as the tension between them continued to smolder beneath the surface.

The energy in the firehouse shifted as the alarm blared, urgency sparking a flurry of movement. Cass quickly gathered her gear, her heart pounding not just from the impending call but from the charged encounter with Evelyn that still lingered in her mind. The adrenaline coursed through her veins, heightening her senses as she shouted commands to her team.

“Let’s move! Gear up, everyone!” Cass called, her voice cutting through the chaos. The familiar rhythm of teamwork fell into place as firefighters donned their jackets and helmets, the camaraderie fueling her resolve. Each person moved with purpose, the sound of zippers and clanking gear a comforting backdrop against the uncertainty of the call ahead.

As they rushed toward the trucks, Cass could feel the buzz of excitement and adrenaline blending with the lingering tension from the meeting. She stole a quick glance back at Evelyn, who stood framed in the doorway, her expression unreadable. Evelyn’s eyes met Cass’s, and in that moment, it felt as though time slowed again, the world around them fading into a blur.

Cass swallowed hard, the mix of frustration and anticipation swirling inside her. There was something about Evelyn—something that drew her in even as it irritated her. The conversation they had shared, the brush of their arms, the heat in the air; it was all replaying in her mind like a highlight reel of a game she couldn’t quite win.

“Let’s go!” Cass urged, shaking off the feeling as she hopped into the passenger seat of the fire truck, her focus shifting to the task at hand. The engine roared to life, and the siren wailed, cutting through the thick air of the firehouse as the truck rumbled forward.

As they pulled away, Cass took one last look at Evelyn, standing alone in the doorway, her stance a mix of professionalism and something more elusive. There was a hardness to her expression, a determination that mirrored Cass’s own resolve, and for a moment, Cass felt the weight of the unknown looming ahead.

The fire truck sped down the street, the familiar sounds of the city blurring past them. Cass clenched the handle of the door, her mind racing with thoughts of the fire they were headed to and the complex dynamics evolving within her department. Whatever had just happened with Evelyn was far from over; it was an unspoken challenge lingering in the air, and Cass was determined to face it head-on.

“Focus, Cass,” she muttered under her breath, redirecting her attention to her crew and the urgency of their mission.

Cass gripped the door handle tighter, her knuckles turning white as the siren screamed overhead, cutting through the air like a knife. The team sat behind her, focused and quiet, preparing for the call ahead—a reported house fire on the edge of town. She should have been thinking about the logistics: the hydrant placement, the best approach to contain the flames, the safety of her team. And yet, her mind kept circling back to Evelyn Ford. Shiny blonde wavy hair. Intense grey eyes. Elegance personified.

Damn her.

The woman had been in her life for barely a week, and already she was under Cass’s skin. Evelyn was everything Cass hated—cold, calculated, and with that ridiculous clipboard always in hand, ready to slash budgets and strip resources from the people who needed them most. She had a knack for asking pointed questions that felt more like accusations, and her clipped tone grated on Cass like sandpaper. Cass had fought tooth and nail for this department, and Evelyn acted like it was just another line item in her ledger.

And yet…

Cass’s jaw tightened as they turned down the main road, the truck’s engine roaring beneath her. And yet, every time Evelyn spoke, Cass couldn’t help but notice the sharp intelligence in her ice grey eyes, the way her words cut straight to the heart of the matter. There was a fire in Evelyn, too, one Cass hadn’t expected. It wasn’t the same as the camaraderie Cass shared with her crew or the burning passion for saving lives that had defined her career. Evelyn’s fire was different—controlled, deliberate, like the steady burn of a forge.

It pissed Cass off to no end.

Because she shouldn’t be noticing things like that. She shouldn’t be wondering what Evelyn looked like when she let that icy control crack, shouldn’t be replaying their arguments in her head like some kind of masochistic ritual. She hated Evelyn Ford. Hated the way she barged into their station with her spreadsheets and her condescending smirks, hated the way she dismissed years of tradition with a few carefully chosen words.

But most of all, she hated the way Evelyn made her feel.

The heat that curled low in her stomach whenever their eyes locked across the room. The way her pulse quickened, not just with anger, but with something else—something she couldn’t name and didn’t want to examine too closely. It was infuriating. She had no business feeling anything for Evelyn Ford except contempt.

“Captain, we’re almost there,” Hallie Hunter’s voice cut through her thoughts, jolting her back to the present.

Cass nodded, shaking her head as though she could dislodge the thoughts tangled up inside it. Focus, she told herself. There was a fire to fight, a family to save. This was what mattered, not some infuriating consultant with a sharp tongue and a perfectly pressed suit.

She pushed Evelyn out of her mind. Or tried to, anyway. But as the house came into view, its roof already engulfed in flames, Cass couldn’t help the nagging thought that the fire raging inside her was just as dangerous.