Page 4 of Built of Flames

With a deep breath, she moved to the hallway. Maybe she’d just update Mary at the desk and then head out. Everything else could wait until tomorrow.

“Martinez.”

The chief bellowed at her from his office. Keeping her sigh internal, she straightened her spine and moved to his office door.

“What the hell happened up there today? My best man is in the hospital because you didn’t call for help. What were you thinking?”

What?

The Chief plowed on. “The scene’s still too hot for anyone to get close without bringing down the floor, but there’s evidence of two backdrafts. What the hell did you do? Why didn’t you let anyone know Roberto needed help?”

She needed the deep breath to keep her voice steady, but it hurt almost as much as her father’s assumption that she’d caused the mess. “I did call. Multiple times. The radios didn’t work.”

“Bullshit.” The chief barked the word. “We already had someone check them. The radios are in perfect condition.”

How was that possible? They’d cut off even before the fire. Had there been jammers? Why?

“I knew hiring a woman was a mistake. You couldn’t handle it yourself, but you didn’t call for help. You’re supposed to be a team member, not a liability.”

That stabbed deep and Isabella gritted her teeth. Letting tears clog her voice or her eyes would only prove his point that women were weak. The realization that no matter what she did, she’d never be good enough for her father was devastating.

The shuffle of feet behind her told her the men had edged closer. The Chief’s office was clear glass so they could all see how angry their boss was. This was why no one had even talked to her. They all believed she’d screwed up and had caused Roberto’s injuries.

A calmness settled in her gut. It was time. She straightened again and faced the Chief with clear eyes. “The investigation will prove you’re wrong on every count about what you assume happened today.”

Fury flashed in his eyes, but she had a fair share of her own and she kept talking. “If you want the truth, read the report I filed from the hospital and talk to Roberto. I’ve worked my ass off to ensure I’m an effective part of this team, of this so-called family.”

As she spoke, she turned to find the entire squad watching. Christo and Mitch stood on the stairs, and she wondered how much they’d heard. Neither one of them rushed to defend her or even ask her a question.

She turned back to the Chief. “Looks like you all believe I was at fault. With no one checking on me or asking a single question. Some team. Family is supposed to have your back, not stab you in it. I’m done. Effective immediately, I resign.”

With that, she turned her back on her father and made her way through the silent bay. At least a dozen firefighters were there, but not one man spoke to her.

Not even her brother or Mitch.

And that told her everything she needed to know.

Mitch Robinson had never been so surprised in his life. He respected Juan Martinez more than he respected almost anyone. When Mitch had showed up at the fire station when he was barely a teenager, the Chief had taken him under his wing.

Mitch’s mom had worked long, hard hours at low-paying jobs, and Mitch had been looking for work. He’d been drawn to the fire hall and the people inside.

Chief Martinez had found him odd jobs to do and had shown him how to take care of equipment, how to be strong when life sucked, and how to be a good man. Mitch had worked his ass off to become a firefighter, all because of the chief.

When the chief’s daughter had first shown up at the station years ago, Mitch had tried hard to ignore her and the spark that made her special. Izzy had grown from a quiet little kid who worshipped her dad and the firefighters to a strong, sexy woman who held her own on the job.

Until a few minutes ago, he would have still labeled her as quiet. But she’d been firm and strong as she’d called out the chief on his actions.

Was the chief wrong? Mitch had been on the other side of the warehouse and hadn’t had a look at the scene. He’d only heard from the firefighters who’d spotted Roberto falling onto Isabella at the bottom of the stairs.

Word was that Izzy hadn’t called for help; that she’d tried to play hero instead of calling on her team. Hell, he and Christo had checked the radios in their gear, and they’d worked just fine.

But Isabella didn’t lie. She said they hadn’t worked for her and Roberto. She’d also said the chief was wrong about the backdrafts, too.

They didn’t have access to her report until after the chief signed off on it, but they could talk to Roberto. Find out what had really happened.

Then they’d talk her out of quitting. She hadn’t signed any paperwork yet, so it wasn’t too late. Mitch didn’t believe the chief would hold her to it. Although he might.

Juan was a hard-ass, especially with his daughter. Mitch hadn’t been on the wrong side of the chief very often, but in those times, the man had always asked questions, listened to the answers, and been fair.

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