Page 1 of Unpredictable Flames

CHAPTER ONE - FIRST SPARKS

I stared at the firefighter’s logo on the top of the building, and a sigh escaped my lips. I took pride in my job as a firefighter, and the fact that I had the opportunity to save lives every day was a blessing in itself. The looks of hope from people whenever I rushed into a burning building and the cries of thanks each time I rescued a loved one were what made my job worthwhile.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the bridge street hero,” Ross said, as I walked in.

“That title belongs to all of us that fought that fire, Ross.” I smiled. “Couldn’t have done it without you, Chief.”

Ross smirked, but I could see his appreciation in his eyes. He felt the very same way about being a firefighter, just as I did. It was no surprise that he became the Chief Fire Officer of our district at such a young age.

I owed my career to the man. He was the one who took a chance on me, and now I was well on my way to becoming the next Chief. It was sad to see him so close to retiring, but he had already named me as the next Chief, and the thought of carrying on his legacy pushed me even further.

He began walking to his office and gestured to me to follow him in. I closed the door behind me, and he sank into his chair and took out a pink box, placing it on his desk. I smiled, knowing what was inside, and took the seat opposite him.

He opened the box and took out a frosted donut, ogling it like it was a precious gem. He quickly took a bite of the donut before closing his eyes, clearly savoring the taste.

I chuckled, taking a donut for myself. “You realize donuts in the morning are unhealthy right?”

Ross scoffed. “Leave me be, Jake. Nadia nags me enough at home, and soon enough, I’ll have no choice when I retire.”

I smiled as he took another bite and took a bite of the donut in my hand. I had to give it to him, they were good.

“Speaking of retirement, have you written your acceptance speech yet?” He asked.

I groaned in frustration, leaning back in my chair. I wasn’t really the type to give speeches. I was known for being “Free-spirited” and something of a playboy to most women.

I wouldn’t deny it. I’d had my own fair share of the ladies, and the common misconception about firefighters getting all the women was no misconception at all.

If I was being totally honest, I didn’t blame them. I was a six-foot-five-inch giant of a man with the body of a bodybuilder. In the firefighting business, a critical requirement was to be physically fit, but I took that to another level.

I ran my hand through my black hair and sucked my teeth as I thought about addressing the team when Ross would finally resign and appoint me the new chief.

“When are you leaving again?” I asked.

“End of the month,” Ross said, puffing out a breath of air.

“You haven’t told anyone else yet?”

“I can’t do that to the boys just yet. I need our morale high.” Ross gritted his teeth, “We’re this close to finally winning the annual fire service award. I can’t afford to let such an award slip through our fingers all because of my retirement.”

“We’ve had the most fire rescues this year by a mile Ross. I think they deserve to know.”

Ross exhaled, his brows furrowing in deep thought. Then he looked up at me with a sly smirk on his face. “If I do it, then you have to give your speech. Deal?”

I shuddered at the thought. Ross was sly, but I didn’t think he could be this devious. “And if I say no?”

“Then I guess we’ll find out at the end of the month.” He grinned, taking another donut from the box and popping it into his mouth.

“You cheeky bastard,” I muttered under my breath, but he seemed to have heard me and let out a deep laugh.

Just as I was about to say something else, a loud, blaring noise resonated throughout the entire building.

Ross and I immediately stood up and bolted out of his office. Adrenaline surged through my veins, and my heart pounded in anticipation. That noise meant only one thing—fire.

We burst into the gear room, my eyes scanning the racks of protective equipment. I grabbed my bunker gear and hurriedly put it on. The heavy bunker pants hugged my legs, and the sturdy boots secured my footing as I prepared to face yet another inferno. Next came the thick coat, its reflective stripes shimmering in the dim light of the station, and then I hastily strapped on my helmet.

Racing towards the fire pole, I reached out and gripped the cold metal. My muscles tensed in anticipation. I launched myself into the descent, the exhilarating rush of air whipping past me as I plummeted downwards.

Within seconds, I landed on the ground floor, my boots hitting the concrete with a resounding thud. Adrenaline was still surging, so I sprinted towards the waiting fire truck. The other firefighters were already clamoring into the truck.

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