PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 66: I am home Bambina

Maya nods, her voice steady. "Yes, Chief. I can't say I was expecting a midnight call."
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Ross leans back, her hands folded on the table in front of her. "I have a proposition for you. Something I think you might find... intriguing."

Maya raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "A proposition? What kind of proposition?"

Ross smiles faintly, a hint of mystery in her eyes. "It's something I'm not ready to discuss with the entire team just yet. Can I trust that you'll keep what we discuss here confidential?"

Maya nods without hesitation. "Of course, Chief. You have my word."

Ross smiles, seemingly satisfied with the response. "Good. Now, the proposition I have for you... it involves a role I think you'd be perfect for."

Maya's interest is now fully piqued. She leans forward slightly, waiting for Ross to continue. "A role? What kind of role?"

Ross leans in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "It's a promotion. A big one. If you accept, it'll mean taking on more responsibility, but it'll also mean more recognition, more respect, and... a significant salary increase."

Maya's mind is spinning with this new information. A promotion? She hadn't even considered such a possibility. But a big promotion, with more responsibility and a salary increase... it was hard to turn something like that down. "What would the role entail?"

Ross said "I am planning on stepping down."

Maya's eyes widen in surprise. Stepping down? Chief Ross was one of the most respected chiefs the Seattle Fire Department had ever seen. "You're... stepping down? Why?"

Natasha put her hand on her stomach and said "Me and Sullivan are expecting."

Maya's eyes widen further, surprise and shock flooding her as the realization dawned on her. "You're expecting a baby?"

Ross nods, her usually stern expression softening slightly. "Yes. We found out a few weeks ago. It wasn't planned, but... we're excited."

Maya's mind races. This is a lot to take in all at once. Chief Ross, pregnant? Stepping down? And here she was, offering her a promotion to take her place. She needed a moment to process all of this. "So... you're leaving to focus on your family, then?"

Ross nods again, a hint of emotion in her voice. "Yes. My priority now is the baby and my family... and I want to ensure a smooth transition of power before I completely step away."

Maya swallows, the gravity of the situation sinking in. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "And you think... you think I'm the right person for this promotion?"

Ross looks her straight in the eye, her gaze unwavering. "Yes. You're a strong leader, Bishop. You have a natural authority and respect from your team. You're strategic and level-headed, and you've proved time and time again that you know this job inside and out. You're the only person I'd trust to take over after I step down."

The words sink in, and Maya feels a mixture of pride, honor, and trepidation. This was a huge responsibility. "I don't know what to say. It's a lot to consider, Chief. I... I need some time to think about this."

Ross nods, understandingly. "Of course. I'm not asking you to make a decision right now. This is a big step, and I want you to take the time you need to think it through and feel comfortable with your decision."

Maya said "If I choose to be chief who will be the new captain."

Ross mulls it over for a moment before answering. "That's another thing I want to discuss with you. I have a few candidates in mind, but ultimately the final decision is yours. You'll have the freedom to choose who you want to take over your position as Captain, and you'll have my full support in the decision."