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“Anybody inside?”
A small crowd had gathered outside the building engulfed in flames.
“My grandmother. She saved me, but I lost her.” A little girl tugged on my sleeve with tears in her eyes.
“Where did you last see her?” It was a long shot that the girl could remember, but I’d be better going in with a direction.
“On the stairs.”
This was bad. I had no protective equipment, and I already felt the heat. The sirens grew louder, but every second counted.
I scoured for a way inside. The flames glowed from an upstairs window. Smoke billowed out the entry door, but that looked like the best way to go.
I jogged up the steps and tucked my face into the crook of my arm. The thick smoke stung my eyes. I forged ahead anyway.
The lights were still on in the hallway, though the light was distorted. Any minute the power could be cut.
I made out the stairwell in front of me and ducked low. It was awkward to try to protect my face and crawl. Time was too precious to turn back.
On one hand and my knees, I limped up the steps. The flames got hotter the farther up I went. I had to be close to the top and there was no one in sight.
The building was four stories and it was dangerous to press forward. The wood of the stairs scalded my hands and knees. Sweat poured down my forehead into my eyes. Smoke seeped into my lungs. I needed to move faster or I’d pass out.
I crept over the landing and ascended the next staircase.
My eyes burned as I struggled to stay low and see what was ahead.
Please don’t be on the top floor.
I reached for the next step. My hand hit something. I felt around.
A leg.
Thank goodness.
Spurred by relief, I scooped up the form and held my breath. The smoke was thicker up higher when I stood.
Slowly, I descended.
It was impossible to see. I relied purely on instinct.
The person weighed heavy in my arms as I struggled to concentrate on getting us out of here. Flames licked the walls of the stairwell.
I stumbled.
Somehow I managed to keep my footing and hold on to who I hoped was the missing grandmother in my arms.
How many more steps?
I needed to breathe. A thick film coated my skin and nostrils. I ached for fresh air but ignored the strong urge to take a deep breath.
My feet hit solid floor.
Red lights flashed just beyond the fog. I rushed through the open door into the night and inhaled deeply.
A little woozy, I searched for a paramedic truck to take the person in my arms to.
“Hollingsworth.” The sharp bark was familiar and unwelcome. “What the hell are you doing here?”
