Second Chance Cowboy

Chapter 19

“PT.”

He turned at hearing his name.  He and Jake were on their way to mess tent to grab a bite to eat.  Ron was coming toward them.

“I’ll see you there, man.  I’ll only be a minute.”

“Sure. I’ll grab you a seat.”

“Thanks.” As Jake stepped away, Ron stepped up.  “Ron.” He offered his hand.

“PT.” Ron shook his hand.  “My crew is being sent out again tomorrow.  We could use a hand if you think you’re up to it.”

“Sure.  I’ve had my Sabbath day.”  He chuckled.  Ron smiled, his eyebrow arched inquisitively.

“It’s something Jake and I have gotten into saying.  It means a day of rest to thank the Good Lord that the beast hasn’t gotten you yet.” 

“I like that!” Ron laughed aloud.  Then, he shook his head and became serious.  “I’m glad you’re rested.  We will leave at four a.m.  Meet us out in front by ICP Comm-Tent.  We’ll do a final check and issue radios before we hitch a ride to the drop site.  We’ll be hiking in again.”

"Can’t wait.” PT offered his hand again.

PT watched Ron walk away for only a moment.  He was hungry and he hadn’t seen Jake in several days. 

---

PT stood with is feet firmly planted scanning the horizon with binoculars.  Billows of thick smoke covered the sky as giant flames leapt from one stretch of parched land to another.  The low humidity and the heat wave combined to turn the landscape into potential kindling.  With so much fuel still in the fire’s path the battle to contain this beast was a tough one.  They were racing against this blaze to find a way to contain it.

PT had been posted here as a lookout.  They had carefully explained to him the importance of such a position.  They were too near the blaze and with all that tinder, a shift in the wind could swiftly shut off their escape.  He was left with a radio and precise instructions as to what to do and where to go if conditions became unfavorable.  

He didn’t think it was because he was expendable.  He knew that as the least experienced of the crew he would be in the greatest danger if things did go wrong.  He continuously scanned the horizon in a sweeping motion; scanning in the pattern he had been shown.  He had no idea how long he had been there when he first noticed the black smoke.   

PT felt the hot wind against his face.  The smoke rose from a valley, hidden from his view.  He heard a dull roar.  Through the binoculars he saw bright orange flickering in the black smoke.

“Ron!” He shouted into his radio.

“Ron!  Wind shifted! Fire is coming your way!  Get out of there!” PT’s voice crackled through the radio.   Ron didn't hesitate.  PT had proved he was not easily rattled when they had dodged the pines. 

They were already moving out when the radio crackled again a few minutes later.

“Ron!  I can’t go out the way you said!  I’m heading your way. This beast is hungry and it’s moving fast!”

Ron heard the words and cursed.   He shouted orders and his crew kicked into survival mode.  They set a line of fire.  The hot wind carried the flames swiftly.  They had a darkened swath in moments.  They moved onto the burned area and followed their fire break, increasing the burned area between them and the fire coming up the hill.

"PT, We've moved northwest to stay ahead of this.  We made a fire break.  Find us!"

PT was running flat out, leaping over fallen trees and tearing through the underbrush.  His binoculars bounced wildly from the strap around his neck.  Adrenaline kicked in.  His hand still clenched his radio.  He didn’t feel the sting burning his eyes, or the incredible urge to cough that pressed his lungs.  He didn’t feel the stabbing pain in his ribs.  He just kept running!