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I turn and walk away before he can respond.
I’m gonna take the job I was offered, show her how deep this runs for me, and when I get back, fuck everyone who tries to get in my way.
Next time I see her, she’ll know.
In the end, it’s us.Chapter OneOakleyMy leg bounces in anticipation as Hillock, my dad’s partner in crime, makes his way to the front of the room in no particular hurry. Instantly, the recruits cut their chatter, and silence fills the room.
Eyes roaming the class, he stands there, showing no emotion, and I fight not to laugh as he goes for the intimidation factor.
With a clap of his hands, he holds his arms out wide, and the term officially begins.
“Welcome to Blackline Academy. We’re more than excited with the lot we have this round. We reviewed thousands of applicants, and it’s come down to the twenty-one of you. As you know, our focus here at Blackline is to train you to the best of both yours and our abilities in the art of firefighting. And, while you all have what it takes to graduate from this program and move forward to have a successful career as a firefighter, based on your pre-academy testing scores, this does not guarantee you will graduate Blaze. Making it in Blaze is contingent upon your performance and progression throughout the entirety of the program. We demand your all, but in the end, it still might not be enough. I will tell you the most I’ve seen make it through Blaze in a single class is four.” He looks across all the eager faces. “I’ve also seen zero.”
I glance around the room, seeing some eyes widen, some blow out slow breaths, and others sit taller in their seats as reality sets in.
Hillock walks the front of the room, locking eyes with each and every student. “We will push you past the breaking point—mentally, physically, emotionally. You’ll want to quit at least once a week. Don’t.” He pauses, briefly glancing my way. “You worked your ass off for this spot; don’t fucking waste it. It’s damn good to hope for Blaze, but above all, remember why you’re here. To make a difference and save lives.”
The recruits nod, soaking in all he has to say.
Once he’s gone over all the basics and his version of motivational speaking, the group is dismissed to get their gear from their vehicles and hit the first official session.
When the last student exits, I make my way to him with a grin.
“How’d I do, sweetheart?” He winces.
This was his first go at the opening ceremony speech. Usually, it’s my dad who handles these things, but since he ran out on an unexpected and unexplained emergency three days ago, Hillock had no choice but to start us off.
“I’d give you a solid seven-five,” I tease, and he chuckles, grabbing his belongings. “Taking off?”
“I am. It’s just you and the rest of the staff for a bit, Oaks.” He eyes me. “You good?”
I wink at him. “I’ve got this, Uncle. Be safe on your trip. Sorry you had to postpone it for a few days.”
“Not your worry. See you when I get back.”
With a wave, I make my way down the student hall to my desk, wiping the sweat from my palms onto my jeans.
Day one of academy always has me high-strung. I’ll be pulling a twelve-hour shift today and likely every other day for a while. It’s only my second time kicking off the program as the official coordinator since I myself graduated Blaze last year, and I plan to nail it.
Especially since Rowan, my close friend and neighbor growing up, finally passed his entrance exams. This is his chance to prove he’s tough enough to call himself a Blaze, something he’s wanted since my dad brought him here on a tour freshman year.
Blaze is what we call the advanced specialized team here at Blackline Academy. Only the ones who excelled at entrance exams can even attempt to try for it. Even then, you still have to be hand-selected to participate in the extended program, and Rowan is determined to make it happen. He was devastated when I passed on my first go, and he didn’t, but he never let it keep him from coming back and trying again. Even my dad, who isn’t exactly fond of him for whatever reason, has mentioned the dedication he’s seen.
“Oak!”
Speak of the devil.
I spin around and smile at Rowan as he jogs up, his duffel bag flung over his shoulder.
“Hey! Ready for today?” I ask him as he leans in to kiss my cheek.
“Hell yeah. Watch me rock this, Oakley. I’ve got it in the bag.”
I laugh and slip through the door he’s holding open for me. “It’s gonna be hard, Rowan. You should expect the worst, and sometimes, it’ll seem easier. That’s what I had to do.”
