Page 8 of Fierce Family

“Are you dizzy or feeling sick?” I ask again. None of us saw the fall; we only heard his friends screaming.

We had just shown them how to slide down the pole before moving on to the engines. Unfortunately, a small group, including Kieran, decided to give it a go without supervision. He lost his grip and fell from the pole. His friends insist he didn’t hit his head on the floor, but I’d rather be safe than sorry and not miss a concussion.

“No, I’m fine,” he replies. His eyes focus on me which is a good sign.

“Mum’s going to be so angry.”

“I’m pretty sure she’ll be glad nothing worse happened,” I try to reassure him, but he just shrugs.

“Kieran are you okay?” A very familiar voice calls out behind me. Sheila rushes to us, concern written all over her face.

“Sorry, mum—” Kieran starts, but she gently pulls him into an embrace and strokes his hair.

“Don’t worry about that. I want to know if you are okay. Is it just your leg or did you hurt your head?” she asks, gently inspecting him.

“Just my leg.”

“We checked,” I interrupt and she rounds on me.

“What happened?” she hisses and her eyes sparkle dangerously.Fuck, even when she’s angry she gets my pulse racing.

“Kieran fell off the fire pole.” I cross my arms in front of my chest.

“I have so many questions about that but that’s for later. Kieran I’ll call a taxi,” she dismisses me.

“I can take you.” The words are out before I can stop them.Why am I trying to play the hero?

“No… that’s fine.” She looks at me, unsure, before walking away with her phone pressed to her ear. I shrug at Kieran.

“She hates accepting help,” he gives me a small grin through the pain.No shit.

“Okay, it’s going to be an hour,” she declares when she returns. Fellside only has two taxi companies and they serve a wide area. If you don’t book ahead, it is tough to get one. Kieran tries to suppress a flinch. I’m sure he’s in more pain than he’s letting on.

“Sheila, let me take you. I’m off duty; I only came in because of the Scouts’ visit. Kieran’s in pain, and there’s no need for him to wait an hour before he can even get to thehospital when I can take you. I really don’t mind,” I repeat my offer. She’s torn, but one look at Kieran is enough to change her mind.

“Fine... thanks,” she finally accepts and gives me a tentative smile.

“Oak can you give me a hand getting Keiran in my car please?” I call out when Oakley, another member of my crew, walks past.

“Good thing you’re off today, eh?” he grins, and I feel like kicking him as Sheila narrows her eyes at his words. I don’t want her to change her mind again. I genuinely believe the lad is better off if I take them, but of course, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the idea of spending some time with Sheila.

Despite Sheila’s fussing, we eventually get Kieran settled in my car with his leg propped up on the back seat. Fellside is too small for a proper hospital, so it’s just easier to take him straight to A&E in Keswick, the next town.

“Let’s go,” I announce as I slide into the driver’s seat and pull the seatbelt across me. Sheila is already strapped in and is anxiously looking back to Kieran.

“Are you okay darling?” she asks again.

“Yes, mum,” Kieran replies exasperated, but the dark circles and pained look on his face tell us all we need to know.

I start the car and pull out of the fire station. When the silence becomes uncomfortable, I turn on the radio.

“So how come you don’t drive?” I ask Sheila.

“I just never learned. I always lived within walking distance of work and once I got married, Nico would drive if we wanted to go anywhere further.”

Shit, she’s married?There’s no ring on her finger. Yes, I checked. Of course I checked.

“That reminds me, I probably should call your dad,” she addresses Kieran.

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