Page 4 of Oleander

Mike looked at the crew he’d been able to put together for the new Belle Fleur Fire Department, or BFFD. He’d been tasked by Luke, Cam, Eric, and Hex to create a team of thirty men and women, who were willing to move out of New Orleans and into the quieter space around the Robicheaux properties.

It wasn’t hard to convince Mike. He and Everest loved being here and other than the hundreds of people on the massive swath of land owned by the Robicheauxs, there were probably only a hundred or so more surrounding the area.

The greater threat would come from boats in distress, oil or gas leaks and fires, storms, and especially hurricanes. The men and women he’d selected were trained in all of the above. They’d been certified with hazardous materials, marine safety, boat safety, rescue swimming, basic life-saving techniques and much more.

Their new lives were quieter. Much more peaceful. What the public didn’t know was that every time the police were called for a motor vehicle accident, drug overdose, domestical violence, anything, the fire department was dispatched as well and were often the first on the scene.

Over the years, Mike had lost many friends because they’d arrived at an unsecured scene. This life, the one that the team at Belle Fleur had offered them, was quieter. Calmer. Far less dangerous.

Or so they believed.

The senior leaders of Gray Wolf LEGACY walked into the station during the duty meeting.

“Luke, fellas, how are you?” smiled Mike.

“We’re doing great, Mike. You got everything you need?” asked Eric.

“Everything and more,” he laughed. “I don’t know who ordered the beds but they’re about the most comfortable things we’ve ever slept on. And the appliances? High end all the way. Everyone is fighting for the chance to cook.”

“That’s great,” grinned Cam. “We thought we’d say hello to everyone. Are they all here?”

“Yes, sir,” smiled Mike. “Everyone you’re about to meet has at least ten years with either the NOFD, Baton Rouge Fire Department, Lafayette Fire Department, or some other major city. They were all looking for a chance to slow down.

“Everyone!” called Mike. “Let me introduce you to our senior team members at Belle Fleur. This is Luke Robicheaux, Eric Bongard, Cam Dougall, and Hex Vernon.”

There was a deep rumbling of ‘good mornings’, ‘hello’, and other greetings. A few were whispering, recognizing the names of the famous warriors.

“About a dozen of these guys were active duty before becoming a firefighter,” said Mike. He turned to look at the group of people. Thirty in all. “When I call you name, just stand or wave.”

“Lenni Montgomery. She was actually a firefighter in Anchorage. Jeremiah McAllister, Arlo Devereaux, Crew Beaumont, Luca Sawyer, Coco Anderson.”

“Is she related to councilman Anderson?” frowned Luke.

“I’m afraid so, sir,” said Coco. “Please don’t hold it against me.” Luke gave her a smirk and nodded.

“Aurora Langley, Oliver Calloway, Roderick Sutton, Naomi Carter, Dean Underwood, Fox Grady, Gus Prescott.” Mike stopped looking at the faces. “Gus?”

“Here! Sorry, I was in the restroom,” he blushed. The others just chuckled nodding at him.

“Theo Jackson, Evangeline Sullivan, Lexie Williams, Arch Rutledge, Ledger Davis, Rocco Ellis, Quincy Taylor, Goldie McKay, Eloise Faulkner, Wilder Whitaker, Toby Jefferson, Walker Thibodeaux.”

“Relation to Sam and Helen?” asked Eric.

“Yes, sir. They’re my grandparents,” smiled the young man.

“Good people. Welcome.” The young man smiled proudly, nodding at the older man.

“Chandler Walker, Iris Brooks, Mabel Holingsworth.” The four senior men stared at the women named Mabel. Her name could not have been less accurate for her face. They expected someone older, perhaps a bit weathered. Instead, they were staring at a stunningly beautiful blonde, with huge blue eyes and an athletic body. Cam leaned toward Mike and whispered.

“Is she going to be trouble?” he asked. Mike stared at him and smirked.

“No. I personally worked with her for ten years. She’s the most professional firefighter I’ve ever been around. I assure you, she’s top notch.” Cam nodded.

“Sorry, Mike. Didn’t mean to second guess. She just didn’t fit my picture of what a ‘Mabel’ might look like.” Mike could only laugh, shaking his head.

“Last two. Ziggy Beauregard and Oakes Reeve. That’s it. That’s our team. We work in groups of six at a time, always a driver, EMT, and the rest part of the crew. We don’t anticipate needing more than six at any one time, but if that changes we can always adjust.”

“Great job, Mike. I can’t believe how quickly you pulled all this together,” said Hex.