Page 115 of Controlled Burn
Down the stairs. Through the smoke.
Out.
Into clean, searing daylight.
Kennedy Blake was already waiting by the ambulance, blonde braid tucked under her helmet, gloves snapped on.
“I’ve got her,” she said softly, her voice a balm against the chaos. She helped Talia transfer the child, her movements confident, practiced.
The girl cried out for her mother.
Kennedy nodded. “She’s right here. You’re safe.”
Talia staggered back a step, sucking air behind her mask. Dean reached out—but she didn’t see him. Not yet.
The mother collapsed over the girl in sobs. Kennedy crouched beside them, a steady hand on the woman’s shoulder. “She’s alright. You both are.”
Dean watched it all—watched Kennedy anchor the scene, watched Talia tremble with the echo of the fire still riding her skin.
She turned toward him. Sweat streaked her face. Helmet in hand.
For the first time in days, she looked solid.
Alive.
He opened his mouth—
But she walked right past.
***
Back at the station, Talia peeled off her gear by the turnout rack. Hands still shaking. Steam rising from her undershirt. McKenna stepped up behind her.
“You went in before the command call,” McKenna said.
Talia braced for the reprimand.
“You got the kid out. That’s what matters. But if you’re going to lead here—lead. Don’t wait for permission. Own it.”
Talia exhaled. “It’s not the fire I’m scared of.”
McKenna narrowed her eyes. “You thinking of Brooks?”
Talia hesitated. “He’s been watching me. I knew. I just… I wanted to try and handle it myself.”
McKenna’s face didn’t flinch. “And now?”
“I’m done playing polite.”
“Good. Because the second you rise, they’ll come harder. Make it hurt.”
Talia gave a half-smile. “They already are.”
“Then hit back,” McKenna said. “And don’t miss.”
Later that night, the station hushed like it knew something.
Lights dimmed.
