Page 79 of Falling for the Firefighter
"They made it." I speak with more certainty than I feel. "The shaft would shield radio transmissions. Once they're inside, communication would be impossible until they reach a point where the signal can penetrate."
Donovan nods, willing to embrace any hope. "All units continue operations. Southern position maintain containment line. Focus on preventing further spread."
The night deepens, the fire's glow casting an apocalyptic light across Angel's Peak. Evacuation continues from outlying areas, though the town itself remains intact, protected by the defensive positions established hours earlier. The fire tornado eventually dissipates, its brief but devastating path marked by a swath of destruction.
By dawn, exhaustion settles over the command center. Personnel work in shifts, maintaining the constant flow of information and resources needed to manage the ongoing crisis. I remain at the tactical table, unwilling to rest while Mac and Parker's teams remain unaccounted for.
"You need sleep." Eleanor appears at my side, offering coffee that smells strong enough to strip paint. "You're no good to anyone if you collapse."
"I'm fine." The lie comes automatically.
"Of course you are." Her dry tone carries no judgment. "Just like Noah was 'fine' after the Carson Ridge incident. Just like your father was 'fine' after the '97 rescue went bad."
I accept the coffee, the hot mug warming hands I hadn't realized were cold.
"They should have reported in by now."
"Perhaps." Eleanor studies the fire map, eyes sharp despite her age. "Or perhaps they're exactly where they need to be, doing exactly what they need to do."
Before I can respond, the radio crackles to life:"Command, this is Beta Leader. Do you copy?"
Parker's voice—exhausted but unmistakable—sends a wave of relief through the command center. Donovan grabs the radio: "Beta Leader, this is Command. We copy. Status report."
"All personnel accounted for and secure. Sheltering in tunnel system as planned."The connection wavers but holds."Fire passed over our position approximately three hours ago. Conditions at surface still unsuitable for evacuation."
"Copy that. Casualties?"
"Nothing critical."Parker's professional tone slips slightly."The shaft saved us. Exactly where Mackenzie said it would be."
My eyes burn with sudden moisture. "Alpha Leader status?"
A pause, then:"Stand by for Alpha Leader."
Mac's voice comes through next, rough with smoke exposure but strong:"Alpha Leader to Command. Confirm Beta Leader's report. All personnel secure in tunnel system. Conditions stable, but monitoring air quality closely."
The command center erupts in subdued cheers, relief breaking through the professional veneer maintained through hours of crisis. Sheriff Donovan allows it briefly before restoring order.
"Surface temperatures still extreme. Significant burnover continuing. Estimate minimum six hours before safeevacuation possible."Mac's assessment is clinical, detached."Tunnel system more extensive than documented. Multiple chambers, good air circulation. Adequate for extended shelter if necessary."
"Copy that." Donovan checks the latest fire projection. "Fire front continuing eastward movement. Your position is now behind the main advance. Will coordinate extraction when conditions permit."
"Understood."Mac pauses, then adds:"Josephine's father saved our lives today. His maps were perfect."
The use of my first name—so deliberate, so public—sends heat rising to my face. Eleanor's knowing smile doesn't help.
"Conserve radio batteries." Donovan advises. "Check in hourly unless conditions change."
"Copy that. Alpha Leader out."
As the radio falls silent, I allow myself to relax for the first time in hours. They're alive. Trapped, but alive, sheltered in tunnels my father mapped decades ago. The connection across time—his knowledge saving lives long after his own ended—fills me with a bittersweet pride I hadn't expected.
"You should rest now." Eleanor's suggestion carries more weight now that the immediate crisis is resolved. "The evacuation center has cots set up."
I shake my head. "I'll stay until they're out."
She doesn't argue; she simply pats my shoulder as she moves to coordinate the next phase of operations. The command center settles into a different rhythm—less frantic crisis management, more sustained response coordination as the fire continues its advance into less populated areas.
The hours pass in a blur of updates, resource allocations, and contingency planning. Fire conditions near Mac and Parker's position improve gradually as the central front moves eastward, leaving behind smoldering destruction and isolated hotspots.
