Page 95 of The Wayward Son

One of the firemen laid down and put a hand out. “Just give the lady a boost and I’ll pull her right up.”

Sawyer shook his head. “No. I’ve seen that movie. It doesn’t turn out so well for the rescuees.”

“I assure you, sir, the elevator isn’t going to move and cut you in half.”

Sawyer pointed at him. “You’ve seen it, too.”

“Have you had a little bit to drink tonight?”

Sawyer shook his head. “No. I’ve had a lot to drink this evening. We went to the store for some beer. Then Denise gave me a going away present in the form of a bottle of tequila. Then the damn elevator stopped. We were perfectly sober when we got into this thing. However many hours ago that was. We've kind of lost track of time.”

“Okay. Just give your girlfriend a boost.”

Jade laughed. “He’s not my boyfriend. We’re just experimenting friends.”

“Either way. Let’s get you out of there.”

Sawyer went to the open doors and put his hands together to boost Jade. She put a foot into his hands and he lifted her up to the waiting fireman’s hands. He pulled her through the opening with a squeal. Then she looked down at Sawyer.

“I’m still in one piece.”

The fireman appeared again. “Do you want to hand me up your things?”

Sawyer looked at the bag with the empty twelve pack and the almost empty bag of Fritos. Then he picked up the bottle of tequila, which was half-empty.

“Just this.” He tossed it to the fireman as Jade appeared again.

“And my coat.”

“I thought you didn’t want it now that it smells like beer.”

“I like that coat. I’ll wash it. It’ll be fine.”

Sawyer retrieved the coat and threw it up to the fireman as well. Then the man looked down at him. “I think it’s going to take two of us to pull you out of there, big fella. Can you jump to our hands?”

Sawyer waved at him. “Just move out of the way. I’ll jump to the ledge.”

The fireman looked skeptical, but he moved to the side of the opening. Sawyer took a breath, then jumped and caught the edge of the ledge. He then pulled himself up far enough for the two men to pull him through the opening.

The first fireman smiled at him. “That was impressive.”

Sawyer stood and shook their hands. “Thank you for coming to our rescue. We were afraid we’d be here all night.”

He and Jade were both unsteady on their feet, and the fireman nodded. “No problem. Where’s your apartment?”

“Down the hall.”

“We’ll make sure you get there okay. I’m Joe. And my partner here is Steve.”

They headed down the hall and Sawyer opened the unlocked door. Joe handed him the bottle of tequila.

“I hope you’re staying home the rest of the night.”

“Of course. We’ve got packing to do.”

“Are you moving?”

“Yep. Going home.”

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