Page 93 of Her Braun

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He'd lost like so many others trapped in a fire.

Pits and Webb came in with a voice coming over the radio.

"Lieutenant Braun. This is Wilder from House Ten. We've got no signs of fire on the outside of the restaurant."

“Okay,” he called back, “keep an eye out just in case.”

“Got it. We’re ready with dry chemical suppression in case something pops up.

Braun watched as Webb and Pits knocked open the back door, the chains falling free.

The early evening twilight was quickly turning into night outside, but there was enough light for Gibson to see the kitchen.

Equipment lined the walls. Fryers. Ovens. Prep areas. No other bodies could be seen in the space.

Pits called out to the crew. "Check all the doors. The cabinets."

Gibson started forward as the man on the radio called back.

"Lieutenant?"

"Freezer!" Gibson felt his heart lift into his throat. "Check the freezer!"

Then he grabbed a hold of the door and yanked it himself.

The there was a momentary resistance and then the door opened up under his hand and he saw the most amazing thing in the world.

"Gibson!"

Kay.

Alive.

Shielding a man with a knife sticking out of his middle.

"I need to get Charles to the ER!"

Charles.

The owner of the restaurant.

He nodded and only found his voice because he had to call for help. "Ambo Sixty-Five. Ambo Nineteen. We need you."

He moved inside and looked at Kay, overcome with relief.

"I saw your car outside."

She nodded. "I'll explain later."

The man beside her groaned and Kay leaned over him. "Charles. The EMTs are here."

He opened his eyes and looked up at Gibson. "He looks like a firefighter."

Gibson nodded and gestured for the EMTs to come inside the walk-in freezer. "We'll get you to Cole Medical, sir. You'll get the help you need."

He stepped to the side and watched as Kay, explained what she knew about Charles' injuries to Harmony.

She was all business, his woman. She was a marvel to watch.

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