Page 37 of Judgments of Fire and Desire

The next member agreed with my appointment, so it all came down to the last one. Everyone seemed to be sitting on the edge of their seats. He stood from his seat and stared at the both of us. “Bransford, what do you feel qualifies you for this position?”

He stood from his seat with his chest poked out like the man asking the question was his commanding officer. I wanted to roll my eyes so bad. He irritated me to no end. I really wished Micah could have been here to really talk about the kind of person he was.

“I have experience dealing with all types of trauma. I have experience with being in high-intensity situations without panicking. I know how to approach those types of situations with a logical plan. I don’t just run in without analyzing the situation. Besides rescuing people, I have to make sure my team won’t get hurt in the process.”

Oh, he wants to throw slugs.I glanced at him as he smirked at me. He could kiss my big ass if he thought he was intimidating me. The councilman nodded then turned his attention to me. He nodded politely then said, “Farris, same question.”

“In order to have a great team, you need to have a great leader. I’m not a dictator. I lead by example. I have a passion for helping people. I’ve started a couple of initiatives to make sure that we show up for the people of this community… not just when there is a crisis or accident. I already lead in a way that is natural and not forced. I have the respect of my team because I extend the same respect. I’m qualified because I’m me. I’m human, flawed just like the next person, but I find ways to overcome. That’s what sets me apart. I don’t just talk and demand. I do. That’s the type of leadership we need.”

Surprisingly, there were a few handclaps. The councilman took his seat with a slight smile on his face.

He stared down at some papers for a while, then he said, “I agree with the appointment. I believe Genesis Farris will make a fine fire chief.”

AJ smiled, and I beamed. Bransford stood and left without a look in my direction. He was pissed, and I could only assume he would want to be transferred. I didn’t think he would go as far as I was willing to go by relocating, but he was surely going to want to be at another fire station. What he needed to realize was no matter where he went, I outranked him. If we ever ended up at the same location, I would still be his superior.

Members of council left their seats to shake my hand and applaud me on a job well done. When they left, I felt an arm slide around my shoulders. When I turned and saw my brother, I hugged him tightly.

“Why didn’t you tell me this was today? You know I would’ve been here. The lieutenant told me he saw you coming in here all decked out.”

I smiled big. “I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to disrupt y’all’s day.”

“Mama and Grandma are going to be pissed.”

I lowered my head for a moment. When I lifted it to look at him, he smiled and pulled me in his arms again. “I’m so proud of you. Daddy would be proud too.”

Neither of us really remembered much about him, especially Samuel, but we knew enough secondhand stories to know that he wanted what was best for us, whatever that may have looked like. He loved his babies. However, to see me follow in his footsteps and become fire chief at such a young age would have him beaming with his chest stuck out.

He released me and said, “We have to go to a celebratory dinner tonight. I’m gonna call Mama and Grandma.”

“Not tonight, brother. Maybe another time.”

Suddenly, I wasn’t as happy as I was in the beginning. All I could think about was Kyrie. This was a moment I would have wanted to share with him, but here I was, feeling all alone while surrounded by family that loved me.

I was lying here staringat the walls that adorned pictures of family, wishing I could be a part of something so rich in love. Grandma Jean had gone to water aerobics and promised to bring lunch back. I couldn’t think about lunch right now. I was still stuffed from breakfast. She’d made buttermilk pancakes that were thick as a mattress, scrambled eggs, grits, and bacon. I couldn’t eventhinkabout eating another thing. After eating three of those pancakes, it was a done deal.

I fiddled with my phone, wanting to reach out to Genesis. After she showed up here a week ago, I felt depressed, no matter how crazy Grandma had started acting, trying to get me out of the funk I was in. Nothing was helping my mood. I just wanted to be with Genesis. When I saw that she’d been appointed fire chief, my heart longed to be there with her, congratulating her right along with everyone else.

When Grandma told me she declined a celebratory dinner that night, I knew it was because she was longing for me. She wanted to celebrate with me. I could feel that from way across town. Finally, I typed her number in my text message app and started with my message.

Hi, Genesis. This is Kyrie. I just wanted to say congratulations. That position is well-deserved. I know you will do a great job and prove all the naysayers wrong. I’m extremely proud of you.

I sent the message and quickly wanted to unsend it. She could come back at me in the pettiest way imaginable, but at this point, I just wanted her to communicate. I didn’t care how she chose to do so. When my phone rang, I sat up in the bed, hoping it was her, only to see my mother’s name and picture. She was FaceTiming me. We typically did that since I couldn’t see her. This shit was getting old.

When the screen came up, I said, “Hey, Ma.”

“Hey, baby. How are you?”

“Tired of being cooped up. The detectives are supposed to be coming by to update me later.”

“Well, hopefully, they have good news for you.”

“Yeah, Ma. I’m tired… tired of being cooped up watching life pass me by. At least when I was going to work, I felt like I was making a difference.”

“I know, baby. I hate to see you this way. It’s like you’re only a shell of the person you used to be. I don’t like that. How’s everything else going though? Are you eating good?”

“If I’m not doing anything else, I’m definitely eating good. The host cooks well and always makes sure I’m stuffed to the gills.”

She chuckled. “Well, that’s good then. Just try to keep your spirits up, baby. I needed to see your face to make sure you weren’t starving. I love you so much. Do you need anything?”

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