Page 2 of Burn for You

Romeo was a small town, lazily sprawling across the Texas countryside. In late May, the wildflower season was winding down, but the hillsides were still peppered with a few patches of yellow, orange, blue, and purple, like a painting. I grew up around here, and I chose to stay after I became a firefighter, serving the community that had looked after me as a troublemaking hoodlum years ago. A firehouse in the big city would see more action and keep me busy, but nothing could compare to the brotherly bonds I’d developed at the station in Romeo.

In the distance, I spotted a thick cloud of smoke, rising into the air. It seemed this wouldn’t be a small fire.

As we rolled up to the house, flames poured through the roof and windows. A crowd of onlookers gathered in the street, phones held up to record the event. Lieutenant Hardy was on the ground and barking orders before the truck came to a full stop.

“Davies, you’re with Teagan. Stay on his hip at all times. When he gives a direct order, you obey without question. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir,” Davies replied with a nod that made his helmet wobble.

“Conway, clear the street. Get these people away from the fire. We don’t need innocent bystanders injured by accident. Mueller and Anderson, hook up the hose and start dousing that fire before it spreads to any surrounding buildings. Move!”

I thumped Davies on the shoulder and hopped out of the truck.

“Time to search the house, rookie.”

Adjusting my mask over my face, I shoved the front door open and barrelled inside. Davies stumbled in after me. A wave of heat washed over us. Smoke darkened the entryway, punctuated by flickering firelight that made it nearly impossible to see anything.

“Fire department! Is anyone here?” I yelled over the roar of the flames.

I checked one room after another but found no signs of anyone. The house was empty—no furniture, electronics, beds, nothing.

“Let’s get out of here,” I said, gesturing for Davies to leave first. “Looks like it’s vacant. We’re clear.”

As I turned to go, I tripped over something metallic that clanged against my boot. I glanced down, straining my eyesthrough the smoke until I spotted the dented, rusty gas can. Snatching it up, I jogged out of the house.

“Lieutenant,” I called, holding up the gas can. “Found something.”

He gestured me over with a frown of concern.

“Arson?”

“Probably. There’s no one living in the house though.”

Lieutenant Hardy gestured to the real estate sign on the lawn.

“That’s because it’s for sale.”

I removed my mask, inhaling a deep breath of fresh, clean air.

“Probably some punk kid stirring up trouble,” I said.

Lieutenant Hardy shrugged.

“Could be squatters covering their tracks. Either way, it’s not our problem. I’ll call the police department and let them know. Get Davies on the hose with Mueller and Anderson to cool this fire down.”

“Yes, sir.”

An hour later, my gear felt like it weighed ten times heavier than it usually did. I stifled a yawn, scrubbing a hand through my hair. The bitter taste of smoke clogged my throat and coated my tongue. As the sun neared high noon, the heat of the day combined with the heat of the fire to create a sweltering temperature that felt like my skin was melting off my bones.

“I could use something cold to wash this soot out of my mouth,” Mueller muttered.

“Wouldn’t hurt if it was sweet, too,” Conway added.

Lieutenant Hardy rolled his eyes with a tired sigh.

“If you think you’re going to wheedle a round of sugar-loaded iced coffees out of me, I hate to disappoint you.”

“Come on, Lieutenant,” I cajoled. “Give the boys a treat after their hard work.”

---