Derek eyed the long wisps of light smoke coming from the apartment building before donned his gear and jogged to a group of three firemen.
“Derek, good to see you,” said one with red hair.
“What’s the status, Walters?”
“Most of the upper floors are vacant due to renovations. However, there are two children confirmed alive on the fifteenth floor, but fire blocks both stairwells. A dream creature recently destroyed the fire escape. It hasn’t been rebuilt. To make matters worse, the parents installed bars over the windows. We think it’ll be faster to go in by the stairs and suppress the flames outside the apartment. The current conditions are satisfactory for entry.”
“Let’s do it,” Derek said. “Kim’s trying to gather more details of the dream, and she’ll relay any pertinent information.” Derek held out a device. It resembled a Taser, but it produced a specialized current that incapacitated dream entities. “Here’s an extra immobilizer. I’ve already set it to permanent, so the flames you hit won’t flare again. The biggest danger lies in how the former chief dreamed the fire progressed. We rescue the kids and get out. We’ll decide how to battle the blaze once we know more.”
Walters accepted the immobilizer, and the men pulled on their masks and helmets as they headed to the building. Once inside, they made their way to the southern stairwell. To Derek’s relief, the steps were constructed out of fire-resistant material, but the temperature increased as they climbed. Smoke swirled around them. By the time they reached the eleventh floor, the fire had burned through the walls.
Derek aimed the immobilizer and pressed the trigger. A beam of light flashed for an instant, and a set of flames stopped flickering.
The fireman, Peters, tapped the flames with his pike pole, and they shattered. “That’s amazing,” he said.
Derek grinned and gave a thumbs up. He and Walters proceeded to clear the way to the twelfth floor. Fire engulfed the doorway, and the smoke had grown so thick Derek could hardly see the floor in front of him. They quickly immobilized the flames and worked their way down the hall. When they reached the apartment, Derek tested the door. It momentarily caught.
“Looks like someone paid attention on what to do if trapped inside a burning building.” Derek pointed to a wet towel pressed against the threshold. “Very little smoke has made it into the apartment.”
A boy about nine years old poked his head out from around a corner. He had a damp washrag over his mouth and nose, and his eyes widened at the sight of the firemen. He ducked into a hallway.
Moments later, his voice rang out. “Abby, they’re here! We’re safe. You can come out now.”
Peters started to cross the living room, but he hadn’t made it far when both children ran to him. “We’re going to get you to safety,” he said.
Derek tried to radio the men outside to let them know they had reached the kids, but he was met with static. “Try your radio, Walters.”
The fireman did as instructed, and the other two checked theirs as well. None worked.
Derek’s heart raced. The immobilizer suddenly felt heavy, but he kept his breathing steady and made sure he showed no outward sign of his growing concern. “Let’s get out of here.”
As he stepped into the corridor, fresh flames erupted across the stairwell. He looked toward the other end of the hall. Fire raced up the wall and crossed the ceiling. Thick, black smoke roiled toward the apartment. Boards creaked under Derek’s feet. He pointed the immobilizer and pressed the trigger. Nothing happened. “Walters, use yours.”
The fireman took aim, but no light came from the device when he hit the trigger. The floor groaned.
“Get back,” Derek ordered.
* * *
Outside, sirens blared as another fire engine roared down the street. It screeched to a stop near the ambulance where Kim spoke with the former fire chief, but she paid little attention to the vehicle. She was looking for the man in charge.
“Chelsea, do you see Chief Sanders?” Kim asked.
“There he is.” Chelsea pointed.
Kim ran toward the chief. Chelsea and Juan followed.
“Chief,” Kim said. “I need to speak with you.”
“Now’s not a good time. I can’t make contact with the men inside. I last heard from them when they reached the twelfth floor, but I don't know if they made it to the victims. The fire is escalating.” Sanders pressed a button on the radio. “Walters, Johnson, Peters, come in.” He released the switch.
Static.
He tried again. “Chaser Derek, come in.”
More static.
Terror coursed through every fiber of Kim’s being. The former fire chief’s worst nightmare had merged with her greatest fear. Fire would soon claim the life of yet another person she cared about, and if she tried to prevent it, the flames would take hers as well. She struggled to breathe. The world around her dimmed. She saw Juan’s face, felt his hands on her shoulders, and watched his mouth move, but she couldn’t register what he said. Shadows closed about her.
“Derek,” she whispered.
Darkness engulfed her, and she slumped into Juan’s arms.
* * *
As Juan carried Kim to the nearby paramedics, Chelsea went back to speak with Mulligan.
“What’s wrong?” The former chief nodded in Kim’s direction.
“She passed out from sheer terror.” Chelsea shrugged.
“You don’t seem too concerned.” Mulligan gave her a dark look.
“I’ve experienced it myself when I was a child, so I know she’ll be fine.” Chelsea grabbed a bottle of water from a cooler and twisted the lid off before handing it to Mulligan.
“Mind if I ask what happened?” He took a sip.
“When I was a child, I dreamed about a giant spider but was too scared to tell anyone about it. The next day, it came to life and nearly killed my brother.” She shuddered. “I’ve dreaded spiders ever since, but my brother survived, thanks to a Chaser. And fortunately for me, we’re not facing spiders. Not today. Now tell me more about this fire.”
“There’s not much else to say. Sometime after the floor collapses outside the apartment, the entire building crumbles in on itself.” The water bottle slipped from his hands, and he covered his face. “They’re all doomed.”
Chelsea sat beside him and placed her arm across his shoulders. “Sir, I want to know more about the part where the equipment stops working. Do you recall if the malfunctions were specific to the devices Derek and those with him carried, or will they happen to every immobilizer or radio inside the building?”
“I believe specific to those individuals and Kim’s as well. She didn’t faint in the dream. Why?”
Chelsea jumped to her feet. “Because that means anyone who wasn’t involved in the dream could still make an impact on the fire itself. I have to go.” She raced to the newly-arrived fire engine.
A big, burly man stepped out to meet her. “Chelsea …”
“Mitch, where’s my gear?” She brushed past him.
“It’s back here.” He led her to a compartment at the truck’s rear. “What’s your plan?”
“I’m going in.” Chelsea yanked open the hatch and hauled out the gear.
“Too dangerous. Chief Sanders is pulling the crews back, and you don’t have enough experience for the situation,” Mitch replied.
“I’m not asking for permission.” Chelsea stepped into the boots and pulled up the fire resistant pants.
“Chelsea, wait.” Mitch grabbed her arm.
She jerked free of his grasp and glared at him. “My partner’s in there. The floor’s about to give way, and he’ll have no way out. I know the details of the dream. If I wait until after the collapse, there’s a chance I can alter the outcome.”
“Alright, but you shouldn’t go in alone.” Mitch keyed his radio mike before Chelsea could stop him. “Chief, Mitch here requesting permission to enter with Chaser Chelsea. She has an idea on how to get the men out.”
There was a brief hesitation before the chief responded. “Situation out of control, but my gut instinct says to allow it. Permission granted. Don’t make me regret it.”
“10-4,” Mitch replied. He clicked off the mike and faced Chelsea. “It's a go.”
As Chelsea finished gearing up, Juan approached. He was also dressed in firefighter garb.
“Juan, what do you think you’re doing?”
“Same thing as you—disobeying Professor Radik’s orders. I found the gear in the van along with additional immobilizers.” Juan held up three devices before he handed one to Mitch and the other to Chelsea.
“Ever been in a burning structure before?” Mitch asked.
“Just the training Radik’s put us through, but it was in a house, not a twenty-story condo.”
“Then stay close. That goes for you too, Chelsea.” Mitch gave them both a meaningful look. “I’ve got a thermal-imaging camera I’m taking in with me. If we get separated, don’t move. I’ll find you. How do you want to handle it, Chelsea?”
“We use a ladder truck to access the highest floor we can. Once inside, we'll head to the sixteenth floor and cut a hole in it. We’ll position a fireproof rope over a ceiling joist. You can then lower me through the hole to the apartment. After that, you two can haul the guys up one at a time.” Chelsea checked the tank of her self-contained breathing apparatus before she slipped the mask over her face. “Let's do this.”
* * *
Back inside, a tremendous roar shook the building as the section of floor where Derek had stood just a moment before gave way. He slammed the apartment door and shoved the wet towel back against it. “Peters, fill the bathtub with cold water.”
“It's already done,” the little boy said.
“What’s your name?” Derek asked.
“Caleb, and my sister’s Abby. We couldn’t get out, so I filled the tub and soaked lots of towels.”
“You’re a smart young man, Caleb. You’ve done well.” Derek patted him on the shoulder. “We’ll soak some more blankets. I want you and Abby to stay wrapped in them and remain inside the bathroom with the door shut until we come get you.”
“Are we going to die?” The boy’s eyes were wide, but he appeared calm otherwise.
“Not if I can help it. We just need to buy a little more time until others figure out a way to reach us.”
“I’m hot,” Abby whined.
“I know, Abby.” Derek knelt and wiped beads of sweat from her forehead. He took a deep breath. “We’re working to get you cooled off.”
Once he got the children situated, Derek returned to the living room.
“We’ve got five minutes left.” Walters pointed to his air pack. “Nice knowing you, Derek.”
“I’m not giving up yet.”
The fireman snorted. “I didn’t say I was either, but our equipment has malfunctioned, there’s a gaping hole outside the apartment, and flames lap at the door. We have no way out. Looks like our former chief dreamed our demise, and you can’t convince me otherwise.”
“Nor would I try to, but it doesn’t mean I believe the outcome is certain. I’ve got Chelsea on my team. She might be new, but that girl is determined.”
“Didn’t I hear Professor Radik order her to stay clear?”
“Yes, and I reinforced the directive. Doesn’t mean she’ll listen. If there’s a way to reach us, she’ll find it.”
“Sure, Derek, keep dreaming.”
“I will.” Derek grinned. “A good one has to come true sooner or later.”
Walters laughed. “You’ve got more faith than I do, but you’re right about one thing. We’re not going down without a fight.”
“What do we know about the fire so far?”
“The worst of it is on this floor and the two below us. As I’m sure you’re aware, flames work their way up quickly.”
“Yes, but the structure’s integrity will be stronger above us.” Derek looked at the ceiling.
“Let’s get started. We’ll have to cut through two stories before we’ll reach a hallway safe enough to use, considering we saw the flames lapping at the ceiling of this one.” Walters turned toward the bedroom area. “Peters!”
The other fireman rushed out. “What is it?”
“We’re going to need your help.” Walters grinned as he held up the pike pole.
* * *
Chelsea waited near the top of the extended ladder while Mitch broke a window on the seventh floor. Once inside, she followed him through the empty apartment. Juan came behind her, and they made their way to the stairwell. Smoke churned above them.
“Ready?” Mitch asked.
“Affirmative.” Chelsea placed her foot on a step.
“Yes, sir,” Juan said.
They climbed to the sixteenth floor. When they reached the landing, smoke billowed around them, making it difficult to see. Chelsea's pulse throbbed in her ears, and she became painfully aware of every crackle and creak of timber. Sweat poured from her skin, and her breathing grew shallow. The world seemed to spin. She reached out, and her hand brushed the railing. The feel of something solid grounded her again.
“This floor’s no use.” Mitch held up the thermal-imager. “It’s too hot, and the integrity’s compromised. We’ll have to go higher.”
Please, God, help us reach them in time. Chelsea hurried after the others.
Mitch scanned the seventeenth floor and decided it was satisfactory. They quickly located the apartment above the one where the children were trapped and made an opening in the floor.
“Hey, I see them!” Juan called.
Chelsea peered through the hole and laughed as Derek waved at them from a corresponding opening they had created.
“Hang on, we’re coming to get you,” Mitch yelled.
He turned his attention to the ceiling and pulled down sheetrock until he found a support beam. Chelsea handed him the coiled rope, and he cast an end over it.
They rigged a harness for Chelsea before lowering her down through both holes. When she reached Derek, he greeted her with a wide grin.
“Chelsea! I knew you’d come for us.” He clapped her on the shoulder.
“Everyone okay?” The alarms of each man’s breathing apparatus rang in her ears.
“Yeah. There's two kids in the bathroom. They’re sweating profusely but have had very little smoke exposure.”
“Okay. Juan and Mitch are ready to haul you guys up. Two of you will have to take a child with you. I'll go last, since I still have oxygen. Once out, head down to the seventh floor. We have a ladder positioned outside unit 701.”
“Good work, Squirt.”
Within minutes, Chelsea was the last one remaining inside the apartment. As Juan and Mitch hauled her up, boards popped around her, and the building shook.
“Hurry!” She stared at the opening and hoped the others from the apartment had made it to the ladder truck.
A moment later, Juan reached for her arms and helped pull her onto the floor. Chelsea scrambled to her feet. The trio raced for the stairwell.
By the time they reached the ladder, the others were halfway down it. They quickly climbed through the window and rushed down the rungs. As Chelsea’s feet hit the pavement, she twisted her ankle and fell. Metal screeched above her.
“Come on, Chelsea!” Mitch reached for her hand.
Derek rushed out from the front of the truck. “I’ve got her. You guys go.” He scooped Chelsea up as though she hardly weighed anything even with all her gear.
They made it behind a barricade the firefighters had set up just as the top floors of the building collapsed. A massive dust cloud rolled over them. After the debris settled, the chief gave the all-clear, and the firefighters went to extinguish the remaining flames.
“You really saved the day, Squirt.” Derek nudged Chelsea’s shoulder.
“Here I thought you would owe me for coming to your rescue, but I guess not. You already returned the favor.” Chelsea threw her arms around Derek.
As she hugged him, Kim approached.
“You okay?” Chelsea asked.
“Yeah, the paramedics used their smelling salts to wake me.” Kim wrinkled her nose.
Chelsea laughed.
“Uh, I guess I owe you an apology.” Kim rubbed the back of her neck and stared at the pavement. “I’m sorry for saying you don’t belong on our team and that Derek needed a better partner. You proved me wrong, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”
“Since we didn’t get off on the right foot, shall we start over?” Chelsea held out her hand. “Hi. I’m Chelsea.”
“Nice to meet you.” Kim grasped Chelsea’s hand and gave it a firm shake. “I hope it’s not too late for us to become friends.”
“Of course not, as long as you watch my back when it comes to spiders.” Chelsea winked.
The corners of Kim’s lips turn up, and Chelsea realized it was the first time she had seen her smile.
“Derek, good to see you,” said one with red hair.
“What’s the status, Walters?”
“Most of the upper floors are vacant due to renovations. However, there are two children confirmed alive on the fifteenth floor, but fire blocks both stairwells. A dream creature recently destroyed the fire escape. It hasn’t been rebuilt. To make matters worse, the parents installed bars over the windows. We think it’ll be faster to go in by the stairs and suppress the flames outside the apartment. The current conditions are satisfactory for entry.”
“Let’s do it,” Derek said. “Kim’s trying to gather more details of the dream, and she’ll relay any pertinent information.” Derek held out a device. It resembled a Taser, but it produced a specialized current that incapacitated dream entities. “Here’s an extra immobilizer. I’ve already set it to permanent, so the flames you hit won’t flare again. The biggest danger lies in how the former chief dreamed the fire progressed. We rescue the kids and get out. We’ll decide how to battle the blaze once we know more.”
Walters accepted the immobilizer, and the men pulled on their masks and helmets as they headed to the building. Once inside, they made their way to the southern stairwell. To Derek’s relief, the steps were constructed out of fire-resistant material, but the temperature increased as they climbed. Smoke swirled around them. By the time they reached the eleventh floor, the fire had burned through the walls.
Derek aimed the immobilizer and pressed the trigger. A beam of light flashed for an instant, and a set of flames stopped flickering.
The fireman, Peters, tapped the flames with his pike pole, and they shattered. “That’s amazing,” he said.
Derek grinned and gave a thumbs up. He and Walters proceeded to clear the way to the twelfth floor. Fire engulfed the doorway, and the smoke had grown so thick Derek could hardly see the floor in front of him. They quickly immobilized the flames and worked their way down the hall. When they reached the apartment, Derek tested the door. It momentarily caught.
“Looks like someone paid attention on what to do if trapped inside a burning building.” Derek pointed to a wet towel pressed against the threshold. “Very little smoke has made it into the apartment.”
A boy about nine years old poked his head out from around a corner. He had a damp washrag over his mouth and nose, and his eyes widened at the sight of the firemen. He ducked into a hallway.
Moments later, his voice rang out. “Abby, they’re here! We’re safe. You can come out now.”
Peters started to cross the living room, but he hadn’t made it far when both children ran to him. “We’re going to get you to safety,” he said.
Derek tried to radio the men outside to let them know they had reached the kids, but he was met with static. “Try your radio, Walters.”
The fireman did as instructed, and the other two checked theirs as well. None worked.
Derek’s heart raced. The immobilizer suddenly felt heavy, but he kept his breathing steady and made sure he showed no outward sign of his growing concern. “Let’s get out of here.”
As he stepped into the corridor, fresh flames erupted across the stairwell. He looked toward the other end of the hall. Fire raced up the wall and crossed the ceiling. Thick, black smoke roiled toward the apartment. Boards creaked under Derek’s feet. He pointed the immobilizer and pressed the trigger. Nothing happened. “Walters, use yours.”
The fireman took aim, but no light came from the device when he hit the trigger. The floor groaned.
“Get back,” Derek ordered.
* * *
Outside, sirens blared as another fire engine roared down the street. It screeched to a stop near the ambulance where Kim spoke with the former fire chief, but she paid little attention to the vehicle. She was looking for the man in charge.
“Chelsea, do you see Chief Sanders?” Kim asked.
“There he is.” Chelsea pointed.
Kim ran toward the chief. Chelsea and Juan followed.
“Chief,” Kim said. “I need to speak with you.”
“Now’s not a good time. I can’t make contact with the men inside. I last heard from them when they reached the twelfth floor, but I don't know if they made it to the victims. The fire is escalating.” Sanders pressed a button on the radio. “Walters, Johnson, Peters, come in.” He released the switch.
Static.
He tried again. “Chaser Derek, come in.”
More static.
Terror coursed through every fiber of Kim’s being. The former fire chief’s worst nightmare had merged with her greatest fear. Fire would soon claim the life of yet another person she cared about, and if she tried to prevent it, the flames would take hers as well. She struggled to breathe. The world around her dimmed. She saw Juan’s face, felt his hands on her shoulders, and watched his mouth move, but she couldn’t register what he said. Shadows closed about her.
“Derek,” she whispered.
Darkness engulfed her, and she slumped into Juan’s arms.
* * *
As Juan carried Kim to the nearby paramedics, Chelsea went back to speak with Mulligan.
“What’s wrong?” The former chief nodded in Kim’s direction.
“She passed out from sheer terror.” Chelsea shrugged.
“You don’t seem too concerned.” Mulligan gave her a dark look.
“I’ve experienced it myself when I was a child, so I know she’ll be fine.” Chelsea grabbed a bottle of water from a cooler and twisted the lid off before handing it to Mulligan.
“Mind if I ask what happened?” He took a sip.
“When I was a child, I dreamed about a giant spider but was too scared to tell anyone about it. The next day, it came to life and nearly killed my brother.” She shuddered. “I’ve dreaded spiders ever since, but my brother survived, thanks to a Chaser. And fortunately for me, we’re not facing spiders. Not today. Now tell me more about this fire.”
“There’s not much else to say. Sometime after the floor collapses outside the apartment, the entire building crumbles in on itself.” The water bottle slipped from his hands, and he covered his face. “They’re all doomed.”
Chelsea sat beside him and placed her arm across his shoulders. “Sir, I want to know more about the part where the equipment stops working. Do you recall if the malfunctions were specific to the devices Derek and those with him carried, or will they happen to every immobilizer or radio inside the building?”
“I believe specific to those individuals and Kim’s as well. She didn’t faint in the dream. Why?”
Chelsea jumped to her feet. “Because that means anyone who wasn’t involved in the dream could still make an impact on the fire itself. I have to go.” She raced to the newly-arrived fire engine.
A big, burly man stepped out to meet her. “Chelsea …”
“Mitch, where’s my gear?” She brushed past him.
“It’s back here.” He led her to a compartment at the truck’s rear. “What’s your plan?”
“I’m going in.” Chelsea yanked open the hatch and hauled out the gear.
“Too dangerous. Chief Sanders is pulling the crews back, and you don’t have enough experience for the situation,” Mitch replied.
“I’m not asking for permission.” Chelsea stepped into the boots and pulled up the fire resistant pants.
“Chelsea, wait.” Mitch grabbed her arm.
She jerked free of his grasp and glared at him. “My partner’s in there. The floor’s about to give way, and he’ll have no way out. I know the details of the dream. If I wait until after the collapse, there’s a chance I can alter the outcome.”
“Alright, but you shouldn’t go in alone.” Mitch keyed his radio mike before Chelsea could stop him. “Chief, Mitch here requesting permission to enter with Chaser Chelsea. She has an idea on how to get the men out.”
There was a brief hesitation before the chief responded. “Situation out of control, but my gut instinct says to allow it. Permission granted. Don’t make me regret it.”
“10-4,” Mitch replied. He clicked off the mike and faced Chelsea. “It's a go.”
As Chelsea finished gearing up, Juan approached. He was also dressed in firefighter garb.
“Juan, what do you think you’re doing?”
“Same thing as you—disobeying Professor Radik’s orders. I found the gear in the van along with additional immobilizers.” Juan held up three devices before he handed one to Mitch and the other to Chelsea.
“Ever been in a burning structure before?” Mitch asked.
“Just the training Radik’s put us through, but it was in a house, not a twenty-story condo.”
“Then stay close. That goes for you too, Chelsea.” Mitch gave them both a meaningful look. “I’ve got a thermal-imaging camera I’m taking in with me. If we get separated, don’t move. I’ll find you. How do you want to handle it, Chelsea?”
“We use a ladder truck to access the highest floor we can. Once inside, we'll head to the sixteenth floor and cut a hole in it. We’ll position a fireproof rope over a ceiling joist. You can then lower me through the hole to the apartment. After that, you two can haul the guys up one at a time.” Chelsea checked the tank of her self-contained breathing apparatus before she slipped the mask over her face. “Let's do this.”
* * *
Back inside, a tremendous roar shook the building as the section of floor where Derek had stood just a moment before gave way. He slammed the apartment door and shoved the wet towel back against it. “Peters, fill the bathtub with cold water.”
“It's already done,” the little boy said.
“What’s your name?” Derek asked.
“Caleb, and my sister’s Abby. We couldn’t get out, so I filled the tub and soaked lots of towels.”
“You’re a smart young man, Caleb. You’ve done well.” Derek patted him on the shoulder. “We’ll soak some more blankets. I want you and Abby to stay wrapped in them and remain inside the bathroom with the door shut until we come get you.”
“Are we going to die?” The boy’s eyes were wide, but he appeared calm otherwise.
“Not if I can help it. We just need to buy a little more time until others figure out a way to reach us.”
“I’m hot,” Abby whined.
“I know, Abby.” Derek knelt and wiped beads of sweat from her forehead. He took a deep breath. “We’re working to get you cooled off.”
Once he got the children situated, Derek returned to the living room.
“We’ve got five minutes left.” Walters pointed to his air pack. “Nice knowing you, Derek.”
“I’m not giving up yet.”
The fireman snorted. “I didn’t say I was either, but our equipment has malfunctioned, there’s a gaping hole outside the apartment, and flames lap at the door. We have no way out. Looks like our former chief dreamed our demise, and you can’t convince me otherwise.”
“Nor would I try to, but it doesn’t mean I believe the outcome is certain. I’ve got Chelsea on my team. She might be new, but that girl is determined.”
“Didn’t I hear Professor Radik order her to stay clear?”
“Yes, and I reinforced the directive. Doesn’t mean she’ll listen. If there’s a way to reach us, she’ll find it.”
“Sure, Derek, keep dreaming.”
“I will.” Derek grinned. “A good one has to come true sooner or later.”
Walters laughed. “You’ve got more faith than I do, but you’re right about one thing. We’re not going down without a fight.”
“What do we know about the fire so far?”
“The worst of it is on this floor and the two below us. As I’m sure you’re aware, flames work their way up quickly.”
“Yes, but the structure’s integrity will be stronger above us.” Derek looked at the ceiling.
“Let’s get started. We’ll have to cut through two stories before we’ll reach a hallway safe enough to use, considering we saw the flames lapping at the ceiling of this one.” Walters turned toward the bedroom area. “Peters!”
The other fireman rushed out. “What is it?”
“We’re going to need your help.” Walters grinned as he held up the pike pole.
* * *
Chelsea waited near the top of the extended ladder while Mitch broke a window on the seventh floor. Once inside, she followed him through the empty apartment. Juan came behind her, and they made their way to the stairwell. Smoke churned above them.
“Ready?” Mitch asked.
“Affirmative.” Chelsea placed her foot on a step.
“Yes, sir,” Juan said.
They climbed to the sixteenth floor. When they reached the landing, smoke billowed around them, making it difficult to see. Chelsea's pulse throbbed in her ears, and she became painfully aware of every crackle and creak of timber. Sweat poured from her skin, and her breathing grew shallow. The world seemed to spin. She reached out, and her hand brushed the railing. The feel of something solid grounded her again.
“This floor’s no use.” Mitch held up the thermal-imager. “It’s too hot, and the integrity’s compromised. We’ll have to go higher.”
Please, God, help us reach them in time. Chelsea hurried after the others.
Mitch scanned the seventeenth floor and decided it was satisfactory. They quickly located the apartment above the one where the children were trapped and made an opening in the floor.
“Hey, I see them!” Juan called.
Chelsea peered through the hole and laughed as Derek waved at them from a corresponding opening they had created.
“Hang on, we’re coming to get you,” Mitch yelled.
He turned his attention to the ceiling and pulled down sheetrock until he found a support beam. Chelsea handed him the coiled rope, and he cast an end over it.
They rigged a harness for Chelsea before lowering her down through both holes. When she reached Derek, he greeted her with a wide grin.
“Chelsea! I knew you’d come for us.” He clapped her on the shoulder.
“Everyone okay?” The alarms of each man’s breathing apparatus rang in her ears.
“Yeah. There's two kids in the bathroom. They’re sweating profusely but have had very little smoke exposure.”
“Okay. Juan and Mitch are ready to haul you guys up. Two of you will have to take a child with you. I'll go last, since I still have oxygen. Once out, head down to the seventh floor. We have a ladder positioned outside unit 701.”
“Good work, Squirt.”
Within minutes, Chelsea was the last one remaining inside the apartment. As Juan and Mitch hauled her up, boards popped around her, and the building shook.
“Hurry!” She stared at the opening and hoped the others from the apartment had made it to the ladder truck.
A moment later, Juan reached for her arms and helped pull her onto the floor. Chelsea scrambled to her feet. The trio raced for the stairwell.
By the time they reached the ladder, the others were halfway down it. They quickly climbed through the window and rushed down the rungs. As Chelsea’s feet hit the pavement, she twisted her ankle and fell. Metal screeched above her.
“Come on, Chelsea!” Mitch reached for her hand.
Derek rushed out from the front of the truck. “I’ve got her. You guys go.” He scooped Chelsea up as though she hardly weighed anything even with all her gear.
They made it behind a barricade the firefighters had set up just as the top floors of the building collapsed. A massive dust cloud rolled over them. After the debris settled, the chief gave the all-clear, and the firefighters went to extinguish the remaining flames.
“You really saved the day, Squirt.” Derek nudged Chelsea’s shoulder.
“Here I thought you would owe me for coming to your rescue, but I guess not. You already returned the favor.” Chelsea threw her arms around Derek.
As she hugged him, Kim approached.
“You okay?” Chelsea asked.
“Yeah, the paramedics used their smelling salts to wake me.” Kim wrinkled her nose.
Chelsea laughed.
“Uh, I guess I owe you an apology.” Kim rubbed the back of her neck and stared at the pavement. “I’m sorry for saying you don’t belong on our team and that Derek needed a better partner. You proved me wrong, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”
“Since we didn’t get off on the right foot, shall we start over?” Chelsea held out her hand. “Hi. I’m Chelsea.”
“Nice to meet you.” Kim grasped Chelsea’s hand and gave it a firm shake. “I hope it’s not too late for us to become friends.”
“Of course not, as long as you watch my back when it comes to spiders.” Chelsea winked.
The corners of Kim’s lips turn up, and Chelsea realized it was the first time she had seen her smile.
*Stories continue in Dream Chasers: The Crystal Saga. Available in paperback and Kindle. Click here for purchasing options.
© Copyright 2015 E. J. Willis
***Fire safety is not to be taken lightly. Fires do kill. The research I did for this story gave me an even greater appreciation for the dangers firefighters face. They risk their lives to save others as well as property. For more information on fire prevention and what to do in case of one, visit the American Red Cross website.***
***Fire safety is not to be taken lightly. Fires do kill. The research I did for this story gave me an even greater appreciation for the dangers firefighters face. They risk their lives to save others as well as property. For more information on fire prevention and what to do in case of one, visit the American Red Cross website.***
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