Chapter 55

"Truck 81, Squad 3, Ambulance 61, Battalion 25; house fire; 43 Ellerslie Road."

I groan as I quickly roll out of bed and rush to the truck. I do love my job but some days I have the worst damn alarm clock ever. When I arrive at the truck I quickly throw on my gear and hop in. I start it, turn on the sirens, and pull out of the firehouse.

A few minutes later I'm pulling up outside of the burning home. We all hop out and throw on our oxygen tanks as quick as we can. Chief then turns to all of us and says, "Rescue Squad, go inside and search for people with Casey and Dawson. Everyone else, get the water lines ready!"

We all nod and throw our masks on. We're about to head inside when a mother, father, and son all come stumbling out of the front door, coughing due to the smoke inhalation. Kelly, Casey, and I quickly rush forward and each grab one of them. As I'm leading the mom towards the ambulance she grabs my arm and says, "Please, you have to go in there! My daughter is in her crib upstairs! Please help her! Please!"

My eyes go wide upon hearing this and I quickly leave the woman with Brett. I then straighten my helmet and run towards the house. I hear Kelly's gear rattle and he yells, "QUINN! YOU CAN'T GO IN THERE!"

I ignore him and run through what used to be the front door. I'm about to run upstairs when someone grabs my arm and pulls me back. I turn around and see Kelly staring at me with rage. He then yells, "What the hell are you thinking Quinn?! You could be killed and I won't lose you again!"

I pull away from him and say, "There is a child upstairs Kelly! She can't get out on her own because she's in a crib. Now let me go!"

He does as I say and we both race up the stairs together. When we arrive I hear the girl crying and race into the nearest room. When I arrive I see the toddler crying in her crib. I quickly race forward, scoop her up, and enclose her in my turnout jacket. Once I have the toddler I nod at Kelly and we run downstairs. Just as we come flying out of the front door the house collapses behind us. I heave a sigh of relief as I hand the girl to Chillie. I then go over to the truck and take a seat on the ledge. Kelly comes up, pats me on the shoulder, and says, "You did great love. Next time though, don't give me such a scare."

I chuckle as the water hoses start up and the fire begins to meet its end.