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“I was in the same position a few years ago, Geri, only I didn’t get out on my own. I was reprimanded for not leaving sooner and for not radioing for help.”
She just shook her head. “Can we get this over with?”
“Come on,” he said, nodding toward the garage. “We’re meeting in the dining room.”
He stood back so she could go through first. His hand on her arm felt forced and unnecessary, and later, she’d wonder if it was a thank-you gesture for saving his brother more than anything. Introductions were made, and the solemn looks on the men’s faces made her wonder if Big Mike’s condition had gotten worse.
“Have a seat, Miss Angel. This won’t take long. We have a few questions we ask every firefighter who has needed assistance during a call. Your answers will help us determine what procedures we need to emphasize and which are superfluous.
“How are you feeling right now?”
“Tired,” she answered. “Worried about Big Mike.”
“He’s doing fine, thanks to you.”
“Did you get on your radio to let your superior know you were in trouble?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t realize there was a problem right away. Then in seconds, I couldn’t see. We weren’t using compressed air yet.”
“You had air?”
“Because it started out as a structure fire, my crew had tanks on,” Charlie said.
“You were trenching with tanks on your back? No wonder Saint went down.”
“We usually do use breathing apparatus for a hot fire, and this one was hot,” Charlie said, bristling.
“I know what the procedure is, Chief Saint. The use of respirators while fighting wildland fires is not routine. Miss Angel, did you have your phone on?”
“No.”
“We use tracking devices at Station #34,” Charlie said proudly.
They talked to Geri for a few more minutes. When it was over, she stayed in the chair while Charlie walked out with the men. The whole paternalistic thing—the little girl and the big strong men grilling her—made her blood run hot, and it was all she could do not to lash out. Checking the time, she knew her parents were going to be frantic, so she sent them a text.
I’m fine. I talked to the investigators and will leave as soon as Charlie says I can go.
“Geri, I got here as soon as I could.”
It was Jake. Seeing his face was so startling, tears flooded her eyes, and it was all she could do to keep from jumping into his arms and wailing. Taking a deep breath, she nodded at him, wide eyed, gulping for air. It was too much. He grabbed her, pulling her out of the chair, and she lost it, sobbing into his shirt. Jake held her so tightly, she felt safe for the first time in hours.
Aware of what was going on with his nephew and Geri, Charlie gave them privacy and stayed out of the room. He hated the inquisition of a firefighter but knew analysis was a necessary part of each fire fought. Somehow, his crew had not been included in an exchange of information on a mountain, and they’d discover why and how to avoid it in the future. They could have died up there. The inhalation of smoke for a prolonged time could lead to cardiac arrest. His brother was still not out of the woods. And Geri would have to be observed due to the physical exertion and exposure.
The couple came out of the dining room together.
“Take a week,” Charlie said. “Come back after the first.”
“Is that necessary?” she asked. “I feel fine.”
“You feel fine now, but you’re still running on pure adrenaline. You must trust me on this, Geri. We’ll evaluate how you feel in a week. You’re to see a doctor in the morning, but you can go to the ER now if you feel faint or short of breath. You know the drill. Also, you shouldn’t be alone.”
“I’ll get her home,” Jake said, still angry that they hadn’t been working together that day. Who knew if the outcome would have been different if he’d been there instead of his father?
“How’s your dad?” Geri asked like she was reading his mind.
“He’s doing well. He’s indebted to you. You need to get some sleep, and then you can decide if you want to visit him.”
“I should go now.”
