Page 46 of Hot Zone

“I would, but only if that’s something you’re comfortable with. What really matters to me is less the name and more the dynamic.”

“Okay, so what exactly does that mean?” I asked. “I did a little online research, but none of that really tells me what it means toyou.”

“Well, honestly, it’s pretty simple. I have… I don’t know if it’s a need or an urge… but I feel this drive to protect the people I care about, to help them. And yes, sometimes that means being the one who’s in control. It’s just part of my personality and not something that’s likely to change. So, I’ve found it simpler to look for partners who want someone with those characteristics rather than trying to curb those instincts.”

He paused before continuing. “I understand not everyone wants to be in a relationship with someone like that.”

I thought about that for a moment before nodding. “I don’t mind someone being in charge. Actually, I kind of like it. But what Idon’tlike is someone who tries to change who I am. I’ve had enough of that in my life. With my mother and my ex. Kind of like you said about being protective, caring, and naturally in charge—not being able to change that and not wanting to—that’s how I feel about myself. I am who I am, and I don’t want to change. I like who I am and what I do.”

“Well, it sounds like we’re on the same page,” Samuel said with a small smile. “Because I like who you are, and I have no urge tochange you. But I think you need to know, Steven’s not going to like this.”

“I don’t know,” I said thoughtfully. “He might surprise you. I’ve had a crush on you forever, so he can’t betooshocked.”

“Actually, he’s not going to surprise me because I already talked to him,” Samuel admitted. “And he was less than thrilled. In fact, he made it pretty clear he wanted me to stay away from you. Not to encourage thiscrushhe thinks you have.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me?” I said, incredulous.

“I’m not,” Samuel replied. “But I do think he’ll come around.”

“You don’t worry about Steven,” I said firmly. “I’ll talk to him.”

Chapter 15

Samuel

I walked down the hallway of the fire academy, stopping to study the photos of former classes. It was rewarding to have been part of helping so many young men and women achieve their goal of becoming firefighters. I was thrilled to be invited to give a lecture on arson detection, especially considering what my station was currently dealing with.

As I stood before the eager faces of the new class, I could feel their anticipation weighing on me. They were fresh, optimistic, and ready to try to save the world.

I didn’t want to discourage them in any way, but I did want to prepare them for what they might face in the field.

I began by painting a picture of what it was like to deal with an arsonist. “Arson isn’t just about starting fires. Most often, it’s a complex web of motives and methods that must be carefully unraveled if we’re going to bring them to justice.

“Only about twenty-five percent of arsonists are ever caught, and that’s why I’m here today. I know that at a later point in your training, one of our local arson investigators will be here to go over the methods they use to identify and catch an arsonist, but we have to attack this problem from multiple angles.”

I paused and looked out at the crowd to see if they were paying attention, and they seemed to be.

“We need more arson investigators, better equipment, and most importantly, we need firefighters—those with boots on the ground from the start—to know what to look for. We needyouto know what to look for.”

I paced across the stage as I talked, hoping that what I was saying would stick with them after they were out in the field.

“There are many reasons why someone might become an arsonist. Sometimes, it’s a one-time thing—driven by greed, revenge, or profit, often in the form of an insurance payout.”

I paused, letting that sink in before continuing.

“But then there’s another kind of arsonist. These individuals act without mercy, either because they enjoy it or because they’re seeking vengeance on an enemy, real or imagined.”

A hushed silence fell over the room, and all eyes were riveted on me. I’d always loved teaching, and this was just a reminder of how much. I wouldn’t trade my job as station chief for anything, but I was glad they’d let me come and do this today.

“And here’s where you come in. Studies show that arsonists often return to the scene of their crimes, so we need you to pay attention to who’s there. We all know every fire draws its fair share of onlookers, but be on the lookout for anyone who seems too interested in what’s happening.”

The students shifted uncomfortably in their seats, their expressions a mix of fascination and unease.

“But that’s not the only thing you need to watch for,” I continued.

I began recounting the details of the fire at the old Vesper Hotel that nearly cost Keith his life. The students leaned in, hanging on every word as I described the scene.

“We knew the fire would be bad. The hotel was abandoned and in poor repair. If you’re from the area, you probably know it as a spot where teens went to party. It was also a common place for Vesper’s homeless population to sleep, which meant we had to clear the building even though it should’ve been empty.”

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