Page 20 of Redwood Blaze
“Uh… just got re-assigned to this range from the Diamond Ridge. You know how it is —new guy, new assignments?—”
I cut him off. “You sure know how to look the part. But are you equipped for the real deal? This isn’t some training exercise, Blake. Lives are on the line.”
He raises an eyebrow, a smirk curling his lips. “Of course. I’ve trained for this. Trust me, I can handle myself.” Then, without waiting for my reply, he lunges forward, revving the chainsaw aggressively.
“Whoa!” I step back, my instincts kicking in. “What the hell!” I point toward the direction of the fire, where embers still leap dangerously close to the dry brush.
“Right! Got it, my bad.” He chuckles, a nervous tinge creeping into his laughter.
It’s edged in a bravado that resonates false, I can tell. There’s something off about his boldness, something that feels rehearsed, almost too good to be true.
A sudden gust of wind shifts the flames, sending a wave of heat crashing toward us.
“Everyone back!” I shout, trying to usher the crew to safety as the fire roars back to life.
Blake holds his ground, eyes gleaming with a zeal that unnerves me. “Let me handle it! I can cut that path!” He steps forward again, as if he’s eager to dive headfirst into danger.
“No!” I bark, alarm lighting in my chest. “We’ve got a plan! Stick with me or get to safety!”
“But—”
“No ‘buts,’” I glare.
In this job, you can’t afford to falter. You have to trust the guys around you. And right now, instincts are screaming that this newcomer might not have the team’s best interests at heart.
He pauses, studying me with an intensity that sends chills down my spine. “Alright, Ass Supe Russ. Show me the ropes, then.”
Something about his tone twists the tension in the air, a predator hiding in plain sight. His twisting of my name and position is a clear violation of the respect that we have for each other. And as the flames crackle and consume the surrounding trees, I realize I need to keep a close watch on the hotshot in our midst who seems to think he’s the alternative hot shot meaning. He might just be here to ignite more than just the fire.
I join up with the others. “You guys know there was supposed to be a new guy coming?”
They all shake their heads.
I never asked Millie.
I should’ve.
But now, I think we’re with the enemy.
I have to keep one eye on my guys to protect them, one eye on the forest to protect it, and one eye on Blake…
And that’s one too many eyes.
We’re making headway and I have to admit that the new guy isn’t half bad. He’sallfucking bad. He’s allowed a break in the line and he’s barely able to wield a chainsaw without almost taking off his or someone else’s head.
I pull out my phone. Signal’s moving in and out of one bar to SOS.
Callum: How are you doing?
I wait and continue to man the field of attack then pull my phone back out.
Millie: I’m good. There’s a raccoon I’m making friends with. I’ll be a fucking forest Cinderella in no time.
A happy chuckle escapes my lips, a fleeting moment of levity in the oppressive atmosphere.
But the moment’s shattered when Blake casts a sidelong glance at me, his expression twists into what feels like a haughty sneer. Each encounter with him sends a wave of unease through me, raising my hackles.
Every moment in his presence is like I’m watching a predator ready to pounce.
