Rescued Duty (Last Chance Fire and Rescue #5)

Chapter 22

TWENTY-TWO

T he intercom buzzed, and a new alert blared through the speakers.

Naya jumped to her feet, then spun around to make sure no one had witnessed her moment of panic. She’d been so engrossed in the pastor’s sermon she’d lost track of time and her surroundings.

Zack had made sure she had a safe space to stay. More than that, he’d become her safe place. Lord, there’s no use in denying these feelings for this man. But my faith is lacking. Could You really restore our relationship and lead us to pursue something more?

Even though her nerves were still on edge, the thought of his gesture steadied her racing heart.

“We’ve got an MCI. Truck 14 needed to assist Rescue 5. Chemical leak and crew incapacitated.”

MCI. What did that mean? Naya’s pulse beat in her neck. Something had gone wrong.

She raced out into the hall right as Amelia, the truck lieutenant, shoved out the doors into the engine bay. Seconds later, Izan and two women ran after her.

She followed them into the garage, where they suited up in those heavy pants and big jackets, grabbed their helmets, and hopped in the truck in a matter of seconds.

Zack had promised her he’d come back.

Their kiss yesterday had kept her up last night. All the possibilities of what this could mean for them moving forward ran circles in her head. And the way he’d planted another one on her forehead before he’d left told her there was more to that promise than he’d conveyed with his words. She needed to make sure he was okay, or she would never be able to find out if she was right.

Her mind told her not to forget what happened last time she’d gotten close to him. That there would always be a risk in opening her heart to him.

He’ll just leave again.

She shook the thought away. She might not know exactly what had happened when they were teens, but his character now and the way he’d stuck around to have her back told a different narrative. One that made her confident in Zack—the man she knew now. She wanted to believe the best about him. He wasn’t the boy he used to be anymore.

What if the Lord had put him in her life to teach her to trust?

Naya raced back to the common area and grabbed her purse. She darted out to the parking lot, mindful to check her surroundings in case anyone lurked nearby. With the click of a button, she opened her car door and slid inside.

Ingram was supposed to have met her for lunch thirty minutes ago, and her friend still hadn’t shown. Naya sent her a quick text with an update on where she was headed, in case they missed each other and Ingram came to the firehouse when no one was around but the receptionist.

She peeled out of the parking lot and headed to Ethos.

Gray clouds covered the sun and threatened to sprinkle rain at any moment. The crew might not be thrilled she’d shown up, and Zack would definitely be concerned for her safety. But technically, she’d be safer around all the people than by herself at the firehouse.

At least, that’s the argument she’d make.

Incapacitated.

The thought of Zack being hurt sliced deep in her heart. He was family to her. And if she admitted it, more than that. She liked Zack Stephens as more than a friend she bantered with and had come to count on. He’d become a confidant. And the way he’d talked about the foster boys earlier like they were his own kids stirred the kindling of an already warming fire in her heart.

Did he feel the same way? That maybe there was a chance at them being something more?

Naya pressed down on the gas. The speedometer climbed as she merged onto the highway.

Please, Lord, protect everyone involved in this situation from evil. Give the truck crew wisdom on how to respond and get everyone out safely. Remind Zack that he is safe in Your hands.

When troubles came and Naya couldn’t do anything to fix the situation, she’d come to find solace in prayer. A first line of defense she’d discovered would bring peace to her heart each time.

No matter what lay ahead.

Naya pulled into Ethos and was greeted with the commotion of first responders dashing in and out of the building. The ambulance sat by the entrance with its lights flashing, the two trucks in front and back.

Amelia’s crew of firefighters donned their masks and went inside while several employees stood outside, a few sitting on the curb or a bench.

She slowed down to study the crowd, searching for Ingram, but didn’t see her. Had she been caught in this? There had to be a reason her friend hadn’t shown up for lunch, but she didn’t want it to be because Ingram was hurt.

Zack had all his firefighter friends to help him get out.

Who did Ingram have?

Naya pulled around and parked at the back of the lot, out of the way. A quick glance at her phone showed no new messages.

She dialed Ingram’s number, but it went to straight voicemail.

Naya gripped the door handle. “Hey, Grams, it’s Naya. Not sure if you got my message, but I’m at Ethos. I’ll have to take a raincheck on lunch. Give me a call when you can.”

Naya hung up and an unsettling feeling grew in her stomach.

Ingram had never been one to ghost someone or forget to respond to messages when they had plans.

Naya slid her purse over her head so it rested like a crossbody, then got out of the car. She passed the staff lot and recognized a yellow Jeep.

“Please don’t let it be Ingram’s,” she whispered. Naya peered in the driver’s side window and took note of the flower-shaped air freshener and the sticky note attached to the center console. That was Ingram’s car for sure.

A few raindrops plopped onto Naya’s head, and she quickened her steps to the front entrance, where a crowd of people faced the fire chief, Macon. Did he know if Zack was all right?

Pleas for help came from every direction. “We need to call in another ambulance.”

“There’s still people inside.”

“My coworker isn’t out yet.”

Naya fought past people and got to the front door of the building.

“I’m sorry, we can’t let you inside.” Tazwell stuck her hand out.

What could she say? Her friend and…her boyfriend were in there? That she was a reporter?

Naya pulled out her Tribune badge. “I’m with the paper.”

“You can cover the story from out here.” Tazwell crossed her arms. “You step in there without proper equipment, you’ll be on the floor in seconds. It’s safer out here.”

“What do you mean?” Naya pictured Ingram and Zack lying somewhere in an office or dark corridor. “What happened?”

“There’s a chemical leak.” Tazwell’s radio squawked.

“I know that. I was at the firehouse when the call came in.”

“Good for you.” She turned her back to Naya.

What if they didn’t find them in time and the gasses were deadly?

Guide the crews, Lord. Let them find everyone before it’s too late.

Naya paced the sidewalk. She needed to do something. “Excuse me.” She walked over to an older man who leaned back against a bench. “What’s happening?”

“Some hooligan rammed the forklift into a conference room. Brought a wall down and started some kind of gas leak.”

Naya listened to the man but kept her focus on the entrance, where more people were being escorted out. She hoped Ingram and Zack appeared next.

“I always knew having the warehouse connected to the office building was a bad idea. Too many hazardous materials. I’ll be writing a complaint to Mr. Callahan the moment I get back to my computer.” He huffed. “You’d think working overtime on a weekend would make them treat you better.”

That’s right. Today was Sunday. Why was Ingram in the office on a Sunday? She never worked weekends.

“Has the legal process begun yet?” Yesterday had been the cutoff. At least, that’s what she remembered, given the warning Mr. Callahan had shared when she’d run into him during the fire at his house.

“Everyone got quite the email about it yesterday.” He coughed. “Green Warriors is going to be bankrupt by the time Callahan’s done with them.”

“You should let the EMTs look at you.” Naya typed a few notes into her phone. “What did he say?”

“That’s beside the point. All I know is it doesn’t matter who is responsible for this catastrophe today, it will stir the pot between Ethos and the Green Warriors.”

Naya needed to find her friend. She walked away, down the sidewalk. What if her conversation with Sylvia had added fuel to the fire and propelled the environmental group to attack Ethos?

Ingram had gotten caught in the crosshairs. Now Zack was in there too. All the first responders were in danger.

She swiped at the tears that trickled down her cheek. Was this her fault?

The cost of writing this story continued to grow with every move she made. But if she called it quits now, the only person who would win was the perpetrator. Giving up wasn’t an option.

Naya scanned the crowd once more, searching for a familiar face. Instead, she was like a buoy in a sea of chaos.

Tucker had spoken with Will that evening Naya had been with Ingram. He wasn’t out here working on the story.

There was no time to waste second-guessing what Tucker would think of her call. She dialed his number and listened. Please, pick up.

“This is Long.”

“It’s Naya. Do you have Will’s contact information? He works for Ethos.”

“I doooo.” He dragged out the word. “Why?”

“There’s an emergency at Ethos, and I think my friend might be trapped in there. Will might know where she is.”

Thankfully, Tucker didn’t protest and gave her Will’s number. She hoped Ingram had carpooled with Will somewhere and left her car here. That she was nowhere near this terrifying situation right now. But if she was fine, why wasn’t she answering?

Naya’s fingers shook. She typed in each number and hit the green call button, her foot tapping.

This is Will. I can’t come to the phone right now. Leave a message.

The beep resounded in her ear, and Naya left a brief message.

Sirens broke through the commotion around her. One ambulance pulled out of the lot, and another came in.

“We’ve got another one.”

Naya turned to the entrance and spotted medics carrying a woman toward the back of an ambulance. She caught sight of dark hair and almond skin.

“Ingram!” Naya raced to her friend’s side just as they laid her on the gurney.

“Nay?” Ingram’s eyes flitted around, unable to focus.

“I’m here.” She patted her friend’s hand while the EMT took her vitals. “It’s going to be okay.”

“I…” She scrunched her face. “I was in my office, then…” She paused like she was trying to place what happened.

“Hey, it’s fine.” Naya smiled. “You don’t have to think so hard right now.”

The medic put an oxygen mask over Ingram’s mouth. “We need to get her to the hospital.” The paramedic turned to Naya. “Are you coming with us?”

Naya wanted to be there for Ingram, but what about Zack? She glanced over her shoulder at the entrance. “Do you know if they’ve found Zack Stephens? He’s with Rescue 5.”

“They’re working to get the crew out now.” The medic attempted a smile, but it did nothing to console Naya.

She leaned close to Ingram. “I’ll ride over in my car and meet you there. I’ll see you soon, Grams.”

Naya dragged her feet along the sidewalk to where Bryce stood talking to an officer. Maybe he had intel on Zack.

“That’s the last one. Everyone’s out.” Bryce spotted her and pointed over her shoulder.

Naya whipped her head around. The front doors slid open, and three firefighters walked outside, supporting each other.

Naya raced over to the three guys and barreled into Zack.

She didn’t care who witnessed the interaction. Right now, Naya was simply relieved to see him up and walking. Alive. He stumbled back, breaking away from the two other guys, but caught her in his arms. “Oof. Watch the shoulder.”

“Sorry.” She leaned back. “Please tell me you’re okay.” Naya choked back tears.

He rubbed his temple, one arm still around her. “I’ll be fine, best friend.” Zack attempted to wink, except his eyes rolled.

“Take it easy, man.” Ridge laughed.

“Not when I missed her like crazy.” Zack leaned forward, his head tilted.

Naya lifted a finger to his lips. “I think we better hold off on that. Until you’re feeling better.”

“It’s important,” Zack mumbled. His eyes flitted for a brief second, then landed on Naya. “The most important. Your r ’s are the most important. Don’t forget. Rats only go empty’n rivers.”

“All right, Stephens, time to get you looked at.” Bryce stepped up to the group. “All of you need to get checked out at the hospital.” He crossed his arms. “Mandatory, so don’t argue. I don’t want anyone from my crew having delayed effects from the exposure.”

“Don’t forget, son.”

“Come on.” Bryce wrapped an arm around Zack’s shoulder and escorted him away. “Don’t fall down in front of your girl.”

Naya stood there processing what Zack had said.

His boss might think he was going crazy from the chemicals, but Naya couldn’t shake the way Zack had stared at her as he’d spoken.

Almost like he’d been trying to communicate something to her. Like that phrase his dad had used to help his son all those years ago actually held a deeper meaning.

But what was he trying to say?