Page 14 of Passions Ignite

She looked at Zoey then at Lux. “I want both of you to work together on this. Come up with a plan that addresses both concerns. We need to be coordinated in our response if we’re going to handle this.”

Zoey nodded. She wasn’t sure how well she and Lux would work together, but she knew they didn’t have much of a choice. Disagreeing with the fire chief immediately after disagreeing with the chief pilot would only make her seem unreasonable.

The tension between her and Lux was electric. Zoey did everything she could to dampen her thoughts, but her eyes kept flicking to Lux’s hands and strong, capable fingers. Fingers that might…

Lux glanced at Zoey. “Alright,” she said, her tone clipped. “Let’s figure this out.”

Becky continued with the rest of the meeting, outlining other details and updates, but Zoey’s mind was only half aware of her words.

When the meeting finally ended, the team slowly filed out of the room, but Zoey stayed behind. She watched as Lux gathered her things, her movements quick and her face giving nothing away.

As Lux headed toward the door, Zoey stopped her. “Lux, wait a second.”

Lux’s gaze didn’t waver, but Zoey could see the slight tension in her posture. “Can we do this later? I’ve got a crew waiting in simulations.”

Zoey nodded. “Okay.”

Lux turned and left the room, and Zoey didn’t get the chance to go over the interaction.

The fire chief walked over to her, her expression thoughtful. “You handled that well.”

“I’m sorry, Chief. I didn’t mean to create a scene.”

“A scene?” Chief Thompson waved her hand dismissively. “Nonsense. I love it when reasonable points are going around my strategy room. I also love it when someone is brave enough to challenge Lux Valentine.”

“Reasonable points?”

“You and Lux would make a pretty great team.”

Zoey snorted. “We would’ve had each other’s throats if you weren’t in the room.”

“I did mention that she was stubborn.”

Becky Thompson laughed heartily. She took a few steps toward the door, and Zoey fell in step with her.

“I’m glad I have you two on my team, you know?” Chief Thompson said. “You’re two smart, capable women who know how to get things done.”

“Thanks,” Zoey said. “I just want to make sure we’re doing the right thing.”

“I know you do,” Chief responded. “And that’s why I have confidence in you. But remember, this isn’t just about what you think is right. It’s about what’s best for the team and the people we’re trying to protect. You and Lux are both strong leaders, and I need you to work together, not against each other.”

Zoey nodded, understanding the weight of her words. She was still getting to know this team, and she knew she had to earn their trust. Pushing her agenda too hard too soon could backfire, and she didn’t want to start on the wrong foot.

“I’ll work with her,” Zoey said, trying to sound more confident than she felt. “We’ll come up with a plan that makes sense for everyone.”

“Good.” She gave a reassuring nod. “I know it’s not easy, but I’m counting on you both.”

Zoey watched as the chief left the room, feeling the pressure of responsibility on her shoulders. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering tension from the meeting. She couldn’t afford to let this get to her—not now when there was so much at stake.

She headed out of the meeting room and down the hallway toward her office. Her mind raced, trying to piece together a plan that would address both the evacuation and firefighting efforts. She knew Lux’s suggestion had merit, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that they needed to prioritize getting people out first.

As she reached her office, she found herself pausing at the door, her hand hovering over the doorknob. The memories of her old team, of the child they’d lost, came flooding back. She pushed them down, focusing on the present. This wasn’t Forest Vale, and she couldn’t let the past dictate her decisions here.

At least, she hoped so.

Zoey stepped into her office, the familiar surroundings helping to ground her. She moved to the desk, sat down, and pulled a notepad toward her. She jotted down ideas, trying to find a balance between the different priorities they faced.

She spent the next hour working through different scenarios, trying to find a happy medium between fighting the fires and ensuring the safety of the people in the affected areas. Every time she thought she had a solution, a new problem would arise, and she’d have to start over.

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