Unexpected Love

Chapter 6 - Greyson

The radio hooked onto my jeans comes to life with chatter, with another command from the chef as I'm sprinting through the burning house searching for survivors. The fire was now spreading through the second floor, burning the wood with every lick. The floorboard was creaking as it became unstable. The building was soon to collapse if we didn't get this fire under control.

Engine 44 was working it's ass off.

One more floor to check for people and I'm out.

Heading up the unstable wooden stairs the rail falls off just as I run on the first step. My breathing is ragged, my heart is pounding and I've never felt more alive than I am right now. It fucking sucks because I know Mom's at home freaking out and waiting for my call. I know this is somebody's home and possession. But I can't help what brings me to life. A week ago it was a girl and I haven't seen her since that night at the bench.

Who the fuck said this town was too small? It wasn't fucking small enough.

I thought I would get a glimpse of her somewhere, anywhere but I hadn't and I was slowly losing it.

I continue checking each room. My helmet fogging up with each breath I take. I could hear the distinct waling of a mother, something in my chest squeezed in my chest. The sound reminding me of my own mother. I finally reach the last room. Scoping out the room, I'm about to leave when I notice there's a petite curled-up body in the corner of the room. Smoke fills the room and child's eyes water, blue eyes water. A blue color too fucking close to Bailey's it makes my heart stop at the thought.

I rush over to them and kneel. Careful not to scare them. Pulling the cover away from the body, I notice a little girl. Blonde hair, with wide tearful blue eyes. I sigh in relief at the thought of her not being Bailey. It also makes me feel like a jackass.

"Hey, kid," I said to her, The suit making my voice a little deeper. I hope it doesn't scare her. I try again, making my voice as soft as possible. I take my mask off to help.

"Hey what's your name kid," I ask. Continuing to kneel in front of her.

"Alison, but Mommy calls me Ally." She says in a quiet voice.

"Can I call you Ally?" I ask with a smile on my face attempting to make her more comfortable with a stranger. She nods her head at me.

"Well Ally, Are you ready to go to your mommy?" I ask extending my arms for her to get in so I can carry her out.

She nods and jumps in my arms. I was afraid I'd tip backward. Covering her face with my shoulder, I run down the stairs and make my way to the door. The little girl takes her face off my shoulder and takes a deep breath of air as soon as we exit the front door. The sunlight shining down at us. As I passed Allison to her crying mother who repeatedly thanks me with tears streaming down her face. I shrug my jacket off and take a deep breath.

Laying my back flat on the grass, exhaustion clear on my face. I try and even my breath, finding it harder to do with each gulp of air I let out. I watch as Jason and Crew put out the fire with the long red hose. Cracking a lid open I watch Chef consoling the families of the bed and breakfast probably asking questions on how the fire started in the first place.

I lay there tired and hungry. So fucking hungry.

"Alright Beaufort, You can head home. We're done here son, You did a great job. And don't come in tomorrow." Chef says sternly, coming to stand beside me. He slaps my shoulder as I get up. "Your rides here." He tips his head towards the familiar police car that was pulling up.

Gavin rolls down the passenger side window and nods his head. Groaning, I walk up to the car, waving my hand goodbye to the rest of the crew.

Hopping into the car, I push the seat back and groan.