“That’s not—” I start, but Jiffy cuts me off as she walks past with an armload of medical supplies.
“Oh please, she handled the crowd better than half our probies would’ve.” She shoots a pointed look at Holden, who’s been with us less than a year.
Holden raises his hands in defense. “Hey, I do fine with crowds.”
“Sure you do, rookie.” Romeo claps him on the shoulder. “That’s why you needed backup at the Fourth of July parade when those kids started throwing water balloons.”
“They were coordinated! It was an ambush!” Holden’s face flushes red.
Blake leans against my desk. “So, when’s the next date? Please tell me you’re not planning another emergency response ride-along.”
“Actually—” My phone buzzes. Ember’s name lights up the screen, and I can’t help the smile spreading across my face.
“Oh man, he’s got it bad,” Romeo murmurs audibly to Jiffy, who nods sagely.
Uncle Jimmy’s office door opens. “McCallister,” he calls out, then clarifies when both of us turn. “Ryan. Chief Anderson’s on the line about the mutual aid agreement.”
“Saved by the Chief,” Blake mutters as I head toward the office.
“Don’t think this conversation’s over,” Romeo calls after me. “We need details. For the incident report, of course.” He smiles like a sly cat.
“Of course,” I echo, rolling my eyes but still grinning as I duck into Uncle Jimmy’s office.
I close Uncle Jimmy’s office door, which bears a big placard announcing him as ‘Chief,’ behind me. I note the tension in his shoulders as he ends the call with Chief Anderson.
“Sit down, Ryan.” He rubs his temples. “We need to talk about investigations.”
My stomach tightens. “What about them?”
“With Tom’s retirement official, we’re short-handed. I’m bringing in another investigator.”
“Blake’s exam results are due any day,” I lean forward. “We’ve managed fine with county support?—”
“These warehouse fires aren’t slowing down.” Jimmy cuts me off, his voice sharp. “Police are working their angles, insurance companies too, but we should be leading this. Not playing catch-up.”
“Is Blake’s current investigation compromised working with Tom?”
“No.” Jimmy shakes his head. “His work is solid.”
“Then give him more time. The exam results—wait you’ve already started looking?” The betrayal stings, not only for me but for Blake.
“I have to think about what’s best for the station.” Jimmy’s face softens. “You know that.”
I grip the arms of the chair, trying to keep my voice steady. “He’s been working toward this for two years.”
“And he’ll still have his shot. But we need someone now.”
The weight of my brother’s potential disappointment settles heavy in my chest. “Does Blake know?”
“No, not yet” Jimmy meets my eyes. “And this stays between us. I have to meet the budget, but here’s the deal; he’ll have his journey. Do I want to keep Blake in our family’s house? Yes, but you know as well as I do, I can’t show favoritism to my nephew.”
I sink back into the chair, the familiar weight of responsibility pressing down. Months into this captain position, and some days it still feels like I’m still proving myself. Every decision scrutinized, every call questioned—not only by the crew but by the county brass who weren’t thrilled about promoting someone my age.
“I get it,” I tell Jimmy, running a hand through my hair. “The job comes first.”
The last three years flash through my mind—the endless shifts, studying for promotional exams, attending every county meeting possible. Dating wasn’t on my radar. Hell, I barely saw anyone outside of work. The station became my entire world. Someone had to step up and maintain the McCallister legacy while ensuring we grew with the times.
“You’ve done good work, Ryan,” Jimmy says, his voice softening. “The crew respects you. You earned your spot.”
