Page 2 of Backdraft
This was going to be a long recovery.
Moving carefully through the upstairs hall toward the other bedroom, I both hoped and dreaded finding the remains of the mother and the other child.
Hours later, I needed a break. I was hot and felt a bit faint. The last thing I wanted was to pass out or puke in front of the new crew. I'd fight through pretty much any discomfort before letting them think I couldn’t handle my job.
There was time for a short break before I had to get back into the building. I had to call in Shannon. She was a forensic anthropologist and needed to be on scene when a body was disarticulated. The other toddler was found in the closet, and it was clear Shannon needed to come in.
My truck was parked just the other side of the fire trucks and the police cruisers. Normally, there was room for me to pull up in front of the building, which I preferred. I've had items stolen from my truck in the past, so I liked to keep it close. I pulled off my PPE gear and Tyvek suit. I wish I'd worn my cooling vest today. Using my supply of wet wipes, I quickly washed my face and hands and then set up my cooling chair in the shade of the truck and filled the arms with ice from my big cooler.
Finally, I plopped into the chair, and it was heaven. I sat there with my arms immersed in the melting ice, legs spread out in front of me and closed my eyes. A lovely chill pushed the heat in me out. I could stay here forever. Instead, I gave myself a few more moments before getting the lunch and drinks I'd packed in the cooler. I was parched, and the ice-cold water with a drop of lime cordial hit the spot.
I kept an eye on the house and the fire crews.
It was my scene, and nobody was allowed back in the house until I said. Sure, there was a lot of power that came with my position. And yes, I'd got a lot of resistance in the beginning. But not so much anymore.
Now, they looked to me for answers, and many of the fire fighters were interested in my work. It was rewarding to be able to educate them in any small way.
Gradually, my expertise had become respected, and it wasn't as difficult to maintain a scene now. This was the first fire I was working in this region. I wasn't supposed to begin the new role until Monday, but I’d been called in early for this.
I was glad I'd decided to arrive a couple days early to scope out Oak Creek. My household items and vehicle were being shipped. It wasn't so bad staying in a hotel. My bed got made and the room was cleaned. There was something to be said about not having to do it myself.
I watched my new crew. They didn't know what to expect from me, unless they’d heard things through the pipeline. I knew I was tough, but I also knew I had compassion. For both the victims and the crews that were on scene.
For this fire, I was definitely going to suggest to the chief that they call in some emotional support. Whenever there's kids involved… I sighed.
What a way to start my first day.
I paired up a grape, a chunk of cheese, and a Ritz cracker. After munching on them and swigging water, I began to feel a bit more human. Cooling down, filling my belly, and rehydrating did wonders for a girl.
I checked my watch. I still had about forty-five minutes before Shannon would be here. I'd catch up on some notes.
I reached over for my clipboard and jabbed my finger on the edge of the aluminum cover, my nail getting caught in the seam.
"Shit." I pulled my nail out, and the tip had a chip in it I'd have to file, then find a spa to fix it.
I indulged in pretty nails and pretty lingerie. I had to keep my feminine side somehow in this male-dominated world.
* * *
Taylor pulled up to the site and maneuvered his way between the emergency vehicles. Driving the coroner van had its perks and gave him quick access to the scene. He wanted to find a spot fairly close to the house. He dreaded calls like this. It was bad enough when anyone died in a fire, but when there were kids involved…
Weaving his way through the parked vehicles, he eased to a halt before the fire hose that ran across the street. He took out his notebook, making a notation of the time, the weather conditions, and the temperature. All that was important when doing the postmortem and cause of death.
He knew most of the fire crews quite well. He'd been called to a lot of scenes, not just fire, but accidents, suspicious deaths and the like. He also went out drinking with them on occasion, even if they had to twist his arm a little. Taylor didn't mind going to Kali’s. Just not every day. Playing football with the crews was a highlight of working with them, and it gave him the release he needed sometimes. So they all knew each other both professionally and privately.
He got out and walked over to the crowd by the pumper. It was a quiet scene today. The hush was palpable. Taylor clenched his jaw, knowing what he was about to face.
"Hey, Chief," he greeted Ralph Gregory, affectionately known as Rage not because he raged, but because of the way he bellowed his orders so everyone could hear him. He was in command of the scene today.
"Doc." Rage reached out and took Taylor's hand, shaking his head. "Not a good day."
He agreed with him and looked around at the faces of the other firefighters. They were all solemn, and he didn't blame them one little bit.
"So where's the new investigator?"
"She's over there." He nodded.
Taylor looked over at the truck. "She? I didn't know the new fire investigator was a woman." He'd only ever met one at a conference a couple of years ago in Denver. Taylor smiled at the memory. She’d certainly been good at igniting a fire.
