Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
I shake my head. They can’t tell. He’ll hurt me.
Mr. Ferguson chose to speak to my father instead. Lies spewed from his mouth. Claimed I fell, then looked down at me for confirmation. In my mind, I screamed for someone to help me. Save me. Out loud, I told them what I was supposed to. That I tripped down the stairs. Scared myself and hid. My father forbade me to ever speak to them again, then fixed the broken fence, taking away my only salvation.
My phone rings in my pocket. I pull it out, staring at the unknown number. “I swear to God, if this is another hang-up—hello. . . ? I can hear you breathin—”
“Is this Ms. Fischer?”
“Sorry, this is. May I ask who this is?”
“Yes, my name is Mary Caldwell, from the elementary school. You uploaded your resume on our site for potential substitute positions.”
“I did,” I reply. I had no idea how long I would be in town for, but since spontaneously quitting my job wasn’t the smartest thing a newly divorced woman could have done, I uploaded my resume onto the district website and applied for substituting positions in hopes of some part-time hours while I was here.
“Perfect. Well, if you’re still interested, we just had a spot open up. Our kindergarten teacher went on sudden leave, and we’re in a bind. We’re looking to fill the spot immediately.”
Finally, something in my favor. I look around the dump of a house, mentally adding up the cost of cleaning supplies I’ll need to buy. “How soon?”
“Tomorrow.”
Chapter 4
Ben
I walk into the firehouse, a scowl on my face. I slept like shit. The nightmares always return close to the anniversary. And they’re the same every time. I’m running into the burning building after my dad, and even with my training and years of experience, I can’t get him out of the fire alive. He’s always in the same place: a child’s bedroom. The blaze roars around him, and he stands there like he’s been expecting me. I call out to him. He doesn’t move. The flames surround him, and his heavy armor begins to melt. I scream as I’m forced to watch the fire suck him in, his skin bubbling, mouth open, the heat eating away his flesh and bone. His mouth is burned away, but I can still hear his voice. He tells me he loves me. And I wake up in a pool of sweat, gasping from how real it feels.
“What up, Ben? You on shift?”
I nod to Abel. “Yeah. You just gettin’ off?” Abel and I were in training together. Funny how we both ended up at the same firehouse.
“Yep. Thank God. Chief was just about to hand out some volunteer work. You may want to turn around before it’s too late. See ya.” He slaps me on the shoulder as he makes his way out.
Great. The last thing I’m in the mood for is philanthropy bullshit. Not after the most recent venture when I spent my day off washing dogs for charity and almost got my goods bitten off by a disgruntled pooch. I should turn around, call in sick from my car, and go sleep the day away. Maybe I should call Levi’s wife and demand to see the guestlist from their wedding.
“Wallace! In my office.”
Or not.
“Coming, Chief.” I enter his office and see Mitchell and Brady. “What’s up?”
“Sit. I have an assignment for you three today. The elementary school my wife works at is having a career day. They asked for a unit to give the kindergarten class a lesson on becoming a firefighter along with a tour of the engine.”
“And who’s going to do our job? You know, actually fighting the fires—?”
“I’m asking you three. My wife has only been in the principal role for a short time and wants to make a good impression. I need people who will impress.”
I peer over at Mitchell, who looks ready to bail. He loves the thrill of the job. He’s a no-shit-taker who lives for the danger and manages to come out alive every time. But he’s all technical—definitely not the guy you call when your cat is stuck in a tree.
Brady, the youngest firefighter on my crew but damn good at his job, looks just as disinterested.
“You’ll be in and out. Explain why it’s great to be a firefighter and let them touch the engine. If you get a call while you’re there, cut it short.”
“But, Chief—”
“Here’s the address. Ask for Mary Caldwell. Now, get out of my office. I have work to do.”
“Not what I signed up for today,” Mitchell grumbles as we head toward the locker room.
“Oh, come on, it won’t be that bad. Just a bunch of screaming five-year-olds.” I chuckle.
“Are you kidding me? You ever see Kindergarten Cop?” Mitchell returns.