Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Get Out

“Now.” Brad’s voice contained an edge to it.

Doing double time backwards, Jake reached the door. His heart pounded.

The roof emitted a groan. Jake and his partner dropped the hose and dove onto the ground. The roof landed with a whoosh and thud. The flames licked at their rubber boots then seemed to be reeled back into the structure. The falling roof seemed to have helped extinguish the fire.

Jake rolled onto his back, his breath ragged. He tore of the mask and stared at where he’d been mere moments before. “Damn.”

“Another second and we’d be flat, burnt toast,” his partner said.

Two other firefighters charged in with a line and sprayed the brown grass surrounding the building. Exhaustion took hold of Jake as his partner helped him to his feet. He shook his hand and the other man wandered off toward the ambulances.

Chest still heaving, Jake stared at what had once been James’ Auto Body.

“Good work, Campbell,” Brad said over the radio.