Page 80 of The Night Belongs To Fireman

But knowing that word was getting out, that reporters were gathering, that his family and the crew of the firehouse must be worried—that, he loathed. Just for that, he intended to make this guy suffer.

Unfortunately, Kale had noticed that Fred’s wrist bindings were getting loose, and he’d retied them. Fred had to start all over again. And now he felt even more pressure to free himself. Because the kidnapper was right—the more media attention Kale got, the more Rachel would worry about him. He was afraid she was going to do something crazy, like go along with this dickhead’s demands. He had to get out of here before she ruined her life on his behalf.

When Kale had refastened his bonds, he’d wrenched Fred’s arms together higher up on his back, not noticing that there was a screw protruding from the metal folding chair. If he could just move his arms up and down without the guy noticing, he could snag the bindings on that screw and rip them open.

But now Kale was close by—Fred felt his presence—so he kept still. Kale put a hand on his shoulder, as if they were old friends. The arrival of the reporters had definitely improved his mood.

Kale clicked the TV on again. “Let’s see if we’re famous yet. Oh yeah. Now that’s what I’m talking about.”

The sound of Ella Joy’s overly dramatic voice penetrated the room. “I’m live tonight outside a dingy little garage apartment where one of our favorite Bachelor Firemen is apparently being held at gunpoint. Firefighter Fred Breen, who’s recently been involved in a series of heroic rescues, is apparently inside that little room up there, at the mercy of a deranged and alleged kidnapper who has yet to make any demands. The San Gabriel Fire Department has been notified, but they’ve received no communication from the mysterious alleged kidnapper. Breen’s family, likewise, has heard nothing. For the last two weeks Breen has been on leave for a special assignment. Although we don’t like to speculate, it seems this current situation is perhaps related. Unfortunately, no one at Station 1, where Fred Breen works, is talking.”

Vader’s furious voice came next. “Anyone who would threaten harm to a firefighter or to any other public service officer deserves a special place in hell. That’s not a threat, mind you. Just something to think about.”

Ella Joy continued. “Reading between the lines, that alleged kidnapper better watch his back. Allegedly.”

“I didn’t say that,” said Vader.

“I said allegedly. Anyway, back to the current crisis. A hostage negotiator has been brought to the scene, but so far no one has been able to contact anyone inside that place of hellish captivity. One must wonder what sort of conditions our Bachelor Hero is enduring. Is he being starved? Beaten? Deprived of water? Members of the Fred’s My Hero fan club are arriving on the scene, bringing cookies and flowers and teddy bears and anything else they can think of. And look. A banner. ‘Marry Me, Fred!’ How cute is that?”

Fred groaned, while the kidnapper laughed like a coyote on meth. “You’re media gold, Fred! Pure gold! Seriously, I can’t believe how great this is working out! Tree is going to shit himself.”

Fred tried again. “Who’s Tree? Why isn’t he here?” Even though he no longer thought this kidnapping was connected to Rachel’s—Kale had his own agenda—he wanted to find out everything he could.

But Kale shushed him as the next interview started, this one with the San Gabriel chief of police. “We don’t comment on ongoing hostage situations. You should know that.”

“Always worth a try, right?” Only Ella Joy could get away with that jaunty shrug of a response. “I thought you might like to help me get the facts right.”

The police chief muttered something along the lines of “hopeless case,” but then rallied. “The only fact is that we will not rest until Fred Breen is safe.”

“There you have it. Chief Rollins, sending a crystal-clear message to that alleged kidnapper. The only question now is, will it work? We will be here, standing vigil with the rest of San Gabriel as … Hang on. My producer is saying something in my earpiece. It’s so distracting, I mean honestly … oh. We’re breaking away for a special interview from Melissa McGuire.” She spat out Melissa’s name as if it were made of battery acid. Fred still remembered perfectly the time Ella Joy and Melissa had come to dinner at the station. That’s when everyone first realized that Melissa and Captain Brody had something going on. Ella Joy and Melissa had been coworkers back then, but now Melissa was an award-winning independent producer.

If Rachel was going to call anyone in the media, it would be Melissa. His stomach sank. No, Rachel, don’t do it.

“This is it, Fred.” Kale’s whiny voice vibrated with excitement. “Special interview. That’s got to be it. Yeah, baby! Yeah!”

“Dude, how about you take off my blindfold? You won, right? You’re getting your moment of fame. I’d kind of like to see it.”

“But then you’ll see me, bozo.”

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