She stares at me, horrified.
“Fire’s caught the wiring,” Gabriel says. “It’s time to bail, Brady. Get the occupant out immediately.”
Jordan and Jesse finish putting out the fire directly below the window and move another section of the fire.
“Get her out the window, Brady,” Chief says. He’s got three guys with him in a safety square.
“Fine.” Sammy meets my gaze. “Just tell me what to do.”
Brave, tender, strong, passionate, and beautiful.I love her.“I’m going to hold you out the window and you’re going to drop. The guys are down there to help you. The landing’s going to be easier than you think.”
She nods.
“Then I’m coming down after you.” I help her out the window and hold her under the arms above the ground. “She’s coming down, Chief.”
“Send her down.”
I lock eyes with Sammy. “Keep your arms crossed at your chest and your legs lightly bent. Try not to kick out. I’m going to let you go on the count of three.”
“Go ahead. I’m ready.”
“And, Sammy. I love you.”
She nods.
“One, two, three.” I release her arms and watch her keep the posture like I asked. The guys absorb the brunt of her weight as she lands on the ground.
“You need to get out of there, Brady,” Gabriel says over the radio. “The fire’s taking the walls. I’m going out the front.”
“Get down, Brady,” Chief echoes.
Movement from the line of trees at the back of the property catches my eye. “Is one of our guys in the woods?” I ask into the helmet mike.
“We’re all on the fire. Get your ass down here,” Jesse says.
“Someone’s in the woods. Check the woods. This is a probable arson.”
“I’ll send someone. Now, get your ass down,” Chief yells. “The house has about fifty seconds.”
I watch Jesse lead Sammy away. She’s safe. A loud creak from the house fills the air.Fuck.I’ve got to go. I step through the window and hang on the sill. Releasing my left hand, I dangle for a moment. This is the shortest distance between me and the ground. Chief is the only one left below.
Land lightly and roll.
I let go. On impact I move to roll, but it’s impossible. Bruising pain sears the left side of my body.
My hamstring. It’s gone.
I can’t breathe through the pain. There’s no way I can move. I’m a dead man. The fire is taking over the house.
Chief drags me away. Dark spots blot my vision. I need to get off the helmet, but I can't take off the helmet without breathing in smoke.
“I can’t….” I say into my helmet. “Sammy….” I want to tell her I meant what I said. I love her.
But the pain is too much. My heart races.
I’m gone.
Chapter Twelve
