Chapter 2

2

KELLER

Another day, another forwarded call.

I stare at the screen as Oscar’s name flashes on the caller id for the tenth time in the last two weeks. I’ve been avoiding him after the last conversation we had about what we were.

My best friend wanted more.

More than I was capable of giving him.

Between my demanding job and an inability to find balance with one another, we’d turned from inseparable to butting heads at every turn. I wanted to go back to what life was like before he admitted his feelings and kissed me. I needed to not remember what he tasted like, or how his hand had cupped my neck as he poured his soul into our connection.

It won’t work.

We’re both too stubborn and too alpha to submit to the other. It’s been written in the stars of our friendship for ages, and not even sex could change that. Of course, I’m sure the sex would be the earth-shattering kind as well, which means I’d have to completely remove him from my life to forget him.

At least now, I can let this cool off for a couple of weeks, then we can go back to our random kinda-sorta date nights where we were just two dudes drinking beer and watching a movie. Not two dudes kissing while some action scene played in the background.

“You sure you can make that shot there, Keller. I have a feeling you’re not ready for that level of talent.” Rolando, one of my coworkers at the fire station taunts me from his position across the court. We’re playing a round of horse, a game where we each take a trick shot and the other person has to repeat it. If you can’t repeat it, you lose and get a letter. First to spell out horse loses.

So far, Rolando has h and o, while I’m only missing the e.

I’d like to call out the fact that he was a state champ in his younger days, a skill which hasn’t seemed to have faded with time.

“Easy on him, Hoops. He was once the king of this game before you came along.” Zachariah shouts from his position flipping burgers on the grill. Damien comes outside with another tray of meat, and I nearly give up the game then and there for a taste. I’m starving from the extra workout I threw into the mix today after I realized I needed to continue to avoid Oscar.

“It’s ok, Keller. I believe in you,” Damien shouts after setting down the tray. I laugh at him, then turn back to focus on what needs to be done.

The distance from my position on the court to where the hoop is shouldn’t be so intimidating. And it wouldn’t be if not for the large ladder open between me and the net. To add insult to injury, there’s a bucket on top of it, further obstructing my view.

“Why is Damien the only one who believes in me anymore?” I ask the question as I dribble the ball to prepare for the shot.

From his position by the net, I watch as Rolando shrugs. Zachariah is probably mimicking the movement as he waits for me to put an end to this game.

“Because he’s several IQ points below the rest of us, maybe?”

“Hey now! I’ll have you know I have a great IQ. My mother had me tested.”

I freeze, the ball in position to leave my hands. The area grows quiet, the sound of sizzling meat the only noise around.

Then, as if we all give up in unison, we laugh at the absurdity of Damien’s statement. His mother had him tested. This guy is always saying something or other off the wall like that.

“You laugh, but I’m serious. Take the shot before Zachariah burns the food and we have to order takeout.”

I move to toss the ball, but the sound of the siren rings out before I have the chance to throw. Rolando throws his hands up, then runs to the bay to get in his gear. I follow behind, the game long forgotten as work beckons us.

“One of these days, we’re going to finish a game and meal - start to finish.”

Laughing at the ire in his tone, I slip my suspenders over, then reach my arms through my fire-resistant coat. “Maybe. Maybe not. If you don’t win, then I can keep my title as the best.”

I pull my helmet on as I climb into the front seat. Rolando grumbles from the seat behind me as Damien and Zachariah get in from the other side.

In the truck we listen as the directions from the operator signal us to move to the busy area of the city. This section is full of high-rises and businesses. If there’s a fire there, then we’re looking at having a fight on our hands.

Ten minutes later we’re on site and staring down a firefighter’s worst nightmare. An apartment building is on fire, the smoke and flames billowing as they rip through the top floors of the building.

Paramedics beat us to the site, and I notice them patching up people right away. Our chief pulls up right behind our truck. He jumps out, already barking orders of where to go.

“Keller, I need you inside. I need to know this bottom section is clear. Listen for any yelling. We’ll start the headcount and radio you with details if we find anyone missing.”

“Yes, captain.” I turn back to the truck to hook up my oxygen tank and mask. When I get it in place, I take off for the building. The other men in my team are already talking to families and the landlord, a large man who looks absolutely terrified of the flames tearing his building apart.

Pushing through the smoke coming out of the door, I make my way through the first floor. Most apartments are open, so I can see inside and move around quickly. I make it through the space in no time, my training kicking in as I navigate each space.

“Keller, can you hear me?”

I pause at the sound of the captain’s voice over the walkie talkie. “Yes, sir. I can hear you. How many?” I’m not sure how I know, but I just do. There are people that need saving. They need me to get to them before this building turns to ash.

“One. A small boy. His mom lost him in the shuffle. He lives on the second floor. Apartment 204. Hurry, Keller. The building…” The radio crackles out.

Normally I’d try to get back in touch with my team, but knowing a little boy is stuck inside has me ignoring the alarms blaring in my head. I take off for the stairs at the end of the hall. On the second level, the flames are on the ceiling and starting to spread down the walls. I won’t have much time, so I go straight to the apartment where the little guy was last seen.

I catch sight of him right away. He’s lying on the floor gripping a soot covered rabbit. He must have gone back for the thing.

There’s a window in the room, so I move to it to break the glass. A good smash from a loose chair has the glass raining to the ground.

“Over here. Help!” Damien spots me first, his impeccable hearing recognizing my voice even over the chaos happening on the ground.

“Zach! Help me man.”

The two link arms, preparing to catch the kid. I lift him slowly, taking the rabbit with us. If it were important enough for him to go back after, then it’s worth saving too.

Gently, I let the kid down out the window, then I prepare to move back to the stairs. There’s no way I’ll fit through that window in my gear.

I’m down to the first floor and almost out the door when I hear it.

The boom. An explosion.

My eyes connect with my chief’s as he stares at me in horror. One minute I’m moving, and the next I’m out cold.