Page 8 of Trucker
“Do you know where Albright is?” She asked.
‘Yeah—a small town just north of here.” I replied. “Why?”
“For years they didn’t have their own fire station.”
“Yeah. They were deemed small enough that they could use the county’s station.” I recalled. “What about them?”
Zoom picked up a piece of paper from her desk.
“There was a fire a year ago that killed an elderly couple.” Zoom explained.
“A year ago?”
“Politics.” Zoom offered a one shoulder shrug. “Things usually take a while but with changes at the governmental level—well.”
I nodded, understanding what she meant to say without her having to.
“Anyway, during that fire, the county’s engine didn’t get there in time.” Zoom exhaled as if she’d been holding her breath. “It was during rush hour. Traffic was a disaster—being two lanes in, there wasn’t much places people could pull over for the truck—you know how that is.”
Once again, I nodded.
Even in wide open spaces, people just refused to give way to a truck with the siren blaring.
Either way, we tend to be late.
“It’s a twenty-minute drive going in hot.” Zoom continued. “The people are angry still.”
“That’s understandable. What does it have to do with us?”
“The mayor managed to talk the powers that be into installing a station there.” Zoom replied. “They’re looking for some help.”
“You’re transferring me?” I tilted my head.
“Trucker—”
“To some ass-backward town?” I paused. “Don’t I get a say in any of this. You couldn’t have even put me in a place in the city—you’re kicking me to—I’ll quit.”
“Calm down.” Zoom shook her head while holding up her palms. “No one is transferring anywhere. And you’re not quitting.”
“I don’t wan a transfer.” I told her defiantly. “And since that’s not your call, I’ll walk away.”
“Trucker—”
She handed me the paper.
“They’re looking to get a few guys trained to run the place. Your name came across their desks, that’s all.” Zoom explained.
“I’m sorry—what?”
“They want you to train their guys.” Zoom pointed. “With your military firefighting background, plus your work here. They think you’re the perfect person for this and I think so too. I wouldn’t agree to a transfer of the people who’ve been here for ages—transferring you—unless you want?—”
“I don’t.”
“Come on, Trucker.” Zoom eyed me seriously. “If this was a transfer, it could be a good new start. A fast track to running your own house?—”
“Without asking me what I want?”
She hung her head.
