Chance comes back out with Chief’s radio. He turns it on and there are already a ton of messages going back and forth. From the forest service to nearby fire stations.
There’s been a lightning strike on the ridge. It’s started a fire. Anyone who can, report.
My stomach tightens as I hear the frightened tone of the person on the other end of the radio. On his hip, Chief’s cell phone rings. All of us look back and forth at one another, knowing what this call means.
“Chief Hudson,” he answers.
His jaw is set tight, ticking as he listens to what’s being said on the other end of the line.
“Do you need my men?”
The tightening in my stomach turns to a churning, adrenaline already starting to surge through my veins.
“Okay, I’ll see you up there as soon as I can.”
He hangs up the phone. Cam and I look at one another. Chance is tapping his foot loudly on the pavement.
“Chief?” Cam breathlessly asks.
“You men stay here. I’m going up on the ridge, but no one go home. We might need to call you in.”
None of us want him to go alone. “You sure you don’t want some backup?” Comes out of my mouth before I can stop it.
“As much as I’d love to have y’all with me, to know that my back is being watched by men who know me and I know them, it’s best you stay here. If we need you, we’ll call.”
There’s a tightness in my throat I didn’t expect. “Text Hayden, let her know. She’ll worry.”
“She will.” Chief nods. “Take care of her, alright.”
I hate the implication of those words. Everything they stand for. At this moment I wanna rage, ask why things like this have to happen. But I know, it’s the circle of life. Things have to die in order for others to live.
I just hope that’s not what we’re looking at right now.
“You don’t have to worry about that, Chief. She’s my priority.”
“She should be someone’s and I’m glad she’s yours.” He puts his hand out for me to shake.
Our palms clasp and I don’t want to let go. Almost refuse to, until he pulls away roughly. The group of us watch as he makes for his SUV.
None of us know what’s going to happen as he drives away and I can’t help but feel as if the last five minutes will change our lives forever.