Page 93 of Embers in the Dark

He's met with silence from Rios, whereas I respond with, “Yes, sir.”

“Rios, did you understand what I just said or do you need a note to the doctor to check those ears?” Cap asks.

“Yes, sir, I understand,” Rios says.

“Great. Next, for your little tantrum, you’ll both be taking on cleaning responsibilities during shift. Meaning, you’ll mop, clean dishes, keep this firehouse tidy, etcetera. Give Hunter the night off. He cooks, you two clean, got it?” He smiles.

“Yes, sir,” we both say, lacking enthusiasm.

“Wonderful.” He claps and moves to leave the room. “Oh, I almost forgot”—he turns to look back at us before leaving the room—“if I see this type of behavior again, I’ll transfer your asses. Got it?”

“Understood,” I say.

Rios says, “Yes, sir.”

We are left in silence and shortly Rios leaves the room shortly after without even glancing my way. I lean forward, resting my elbows on my thighs and rub my temples.

Letting out a silent curse and realizing it’s only the beginning of this fucking shift, I pull out my phone and text Baylee:

Cat’s out of the bag

BAYLEE

WHAT?

Rios showed up on shift out for blood

Baylee

Why is he so annoying? Let me find out who opened their mouth

I love you

Baylee

Love you more, husband

I can’t wait to see those lips somewhere on me later, wife

Baylee

Calm down… your shift just started. Let’s not get all hot and bothered so early

Right then a call comes in and I stand up and make my way through to meet the guys in the apparatus bay.

We’re getting a call. Love you

Baylee

Love you. Stay safe

“Sounds like congratulations are in order,” River says with a sly smile across his face. “I guess Hunter isn’t the only one keeping secrets.”

“Hey, why am I being labeled as the secret keeper?” Hunter says as he rushes to get suited up.

“I know you’ve got stuff you’re not telling us. I’ll figure it out. You’re a guy full of mystery. I just know it,” River says, pointing at him.

“Let’s talk about it later.” I jut my chin as Rios makes his way past us.

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