Page 7 of Rescued Duty

Onceherred bracelet.

She stepped out of his grasp, her body shivering.

Was she really so surprised? “Naya?—”

“Fine. No notepad. Let’s go.” She trudged through the water, each step spraying droplets around Zack. He followed behind her until they were on dry ground. “I’ll see myself out from here.” She headed toward the medic area.

Eddie clapped him on the shoulder. “Focus up, man. There’re more people to save.”

Zack turned away from the past and got back to work.

Three hours later, back at the firehouse, Zack was all done filling out the reporting form from the callout. He leaned back in the chair and raised his arms above his head, stretching out his shoulders.

Eddie walked by, holding a burrito. “Bro, lunch has been ready a while.”

Zack stood.

“Also, the lieutenant asked to see you in his office.”

So much for food. Zack wandered down the hall and rapped on the lieutenant’s door.

“It’s open.”

Zack took a seat across from Bryce’s desk and offered a grin. “We got the job done today. No fish left floundering in thewater.” Maybe if Zack started off with what had gone well, Bryce would forget anything that he didn’t approve of.

“We needed all hands-on deck. It certainly wasn’t a joking matter.” Bryce raised his brow. “But you’re right. We got the job done.”

“Of course. I agree.” He remained rigid in his chair, unsure where Bryce was going with the conversation.

“I reviewed your application and see you want to get your hazmat certification.”

Zack made eye contact with Bryce but couldn’t figure out how his boss felt about the request. “I want to follow in my father’s footsteps. He was a chemist.”

“You like that stuff?” Bryce studied him. “I was worried this was about joining the bomb squad.”

“I’m not crazy.” Zack shrugged. “But I like reading his journals and figuring out what he was working on. It’s like a puzzle. I started the coursework four weeks ago to get ahead.” Assuming Bryce would give him the green light for pursuing the certification.

Bryce slid a manila folder across his desk. “As part of your ops training, I want you to take a look at this file. Work through the report and see what you can find on the chemicals used and the protocol taken in the investigation. See if you find anything overlooked. It’s a cold case now, but fresh eyes never hurt.”

Another puzzle to solve. More like a test to prove he had what it took for the team. “And if I find anything?” Zack took the folder.

“Write it up so we can add it to the police report. I want it back on my desk in a week.”

“Yes, sir.” He hopped up out of the chair.

“How far are you into completing the forty hours?” Bryce steepled his fingers.

“Halfway sir.”

“Good. Once your finish the hours and if you pass the certification exam, we’ll talk more. This could be a good opportunity for you. We need more guys on hazmat.”

The underlying implication was still there.Ifhe passed. Zack wouldn’t make it optional. He would succeed.

He headed to the kitchen and poured himself a bowl of cereal to hold him over until dinner, then slid into a chair and opened the file.

He’d bring his A game.

His eyes perused the front-page details and froze at the names of the victims listed.Douglas and Callie Nelson.

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