Rise(COMPLETED )

Chapter Fourteen

As soon as Mattie closed the door Jordan took off for Wellesley park near Upland Ave. He had his lights and siren blaring. "Mattie have you called the chief yet and Aiden? We're going to need all hands if this place goes up. It could be a major disaster. Also call the Red Cross and have them send out a mobile unit with the fire department for anyone who needs help." Jordan said as he swerved through traffic.

"We could be over reacting Mr Knight .Are you sure you want to do that ? I called Aiden he was with the chief about the factory fire so he clued him in then.Is there anyone else needing to be contacted ? Like Boston Edison or National Grid ? Won't they need to cut power in the area for less chance of problems ?"

"Call them. It's better to overreact than it is to show up with no preparation. This is a serial arsonist who has already killed several people and injured a family member of mine. I'd rather have everyone here and nothing happen than to sit and wait while  someone ends up hurt or dead." Jordan explained  sternly

"Sorry Mr Knight Taking care of it right now"

Mattie blinked several times trying to brush off Jordan's harsh tone feeling like a berated child instead of an intern.Someone always seemed to make her feel inferior to them .

Jordan instantly noticed the way Mattie shifted when he gave her the orders.

Maybe I am being too harsh with her. Aiden is right. I'm going to make her run because I can't stop being such a dick. FUCK!

Mattie finished making the calls just as Jordan found a space to park.

"I'm going to stay in the truck and work on the reports for the factory .Some of the reports are beginning to filter in" Mattie informed Jordan softly not looking up from the blank screen of her laptop as it hummed to life.

"Ms. Leman, I-I mean Mattie. I'd like you with me. We can go over those reports later. Plus the security videos aren't in and those are the most important things we need. Right now I need your help to stop this person from damaging this beautiful park and the homes around it. You can help the fire department organize the evacuation and watch for anyone acting suspicious. Radio me or Aiden if you see anything and we'll be right there. When we get back to the office I'd like to talk to you in my office." He told her hoping to show her she's part of the team now and an important part at that.

Jordan met Aiden at the red cross mobile unit to make sure everything was being set up and ready just in case anything happens. "Aiden make sure our crew has their radios and make sure they keep their lines open. No personal conversations. Make sure to tell Henry and Lacey that." He told Aiden as he looked at the note again.

Mattie took off toward the red cross truck when she noticed Jordan standing there talking to Aiden.

"There's an old Ranger sitting on the opposite corner by Melville "Mattie almost shouted as  both men looked up from the photos they were studying.

"How long has it been there?"

"I'm not sure I noticed it when I finished talking to the fire chief "Mattie answered nervously feeling as if she missed something important

"Did you see anyone in it?" Jordan asked as he looked around to see if any police officers had shown up yet.

"Th-the windows are tinted really dark "

"Is it still there? Can you see? If it is take a picture with your camera but make sure the flash is off so you won't be noticed" Jordan instructed her but without his usual hateful tone of voice.

Mattie peeked over to the corner seeing the truck still there. Thankful her camera on her phone had a decent zoon she positioned it as if she were talking on speaker phone and snapped several photos of the truck.

She remained there for a few minutes then made her way back to the spot Jordan stood reading something on his phone.

"Mattie can you make sure the fire chief knows that there are a few plants in the gardens than can cause toxic fumes when they're burned? Oh before you do that come look at this report and see if anything sticks out to you?" He asked as he handed her the tablet.

Mattie eyed him cautiously "Mr Knight I'm new at this wouldn't Aiden be a better choice ?"

Mattie scanned the report "Why would paint thinner be at a plant like that?"

"Exactly Mattie! That plant doesn't use paint thinner so why is it there?"

Mattie didn't know how to respond to Jordan. She wondered the same thing. The smell of something burning filled her nose before Jordan could say anything more. Forgetting herself Mattie blurted "What the fuck is that smell?"

Jordan scanned the area to see if there was any smoke or flames that could be seen. "Over there!" He shouted and took off running towards an alleyway.

Mattie realized then that neither one of them were wearing masks .

"Jordan!!!"

Jordan made it to the alleyway where he saw several trashcans on fire as well as a couple of cars. "Mattie, Aiden get the fire hoses over here before these fires spread." He shouted as he tried to put one of the fires out himself.

Mattie grabbed the masks out of the bag  as Aiden pulled a hose from the back of his truck watching as Mattie  took off toward the alley.

"Where the hell are the others? Henry or Lacey?" Mattie demanded as she got closer.

Jordan was still fighting to put the trashcan fires out but was having a hard time. He began coughing from the chemicals in the trashcans plus whatever was used as an accelerant. "Where is the hose?!" He shouted between coughing and trying to catch his breath.

Aiden pulled the hose, aimed it and began dousing the fire. Mattie reached Jordan hoping to get him to put on the mask. He was sitting on the curb leaning on his knees struggling to catch his breath. Mattie knelt in front of him and could see redness around his eyes and spots on his face.

"We've got to find out what's in those cans." He managed to say between breaths

"We don't need anyone getting sick around here especially children" he gasped again

Mattie could see the cyanotic look to Jordan's lips

Fertilizer

Thankful she grabbed the medical bag Jordan kept in his truck Mattie dug into it for the portable oxygen tank and a mask

Turning it on to what she'd been taught in her first aid class Mattie placed the mask to Jordan's face ensuring it covered his mouth and nose securing the strap around the back of his head

"I don't have time for this. We've got to start collecting evidence and I'm not sure this is the main show." Jordan gasped as he tried to get up.

Mattie narrowed her eyes challenging him "J-Jordan it's fertilizer .You could've been hell it may still be poisoning .Aiden's got this please let someone else take this one"

Jordan looked at Mattie and saw her genuine concern for him. He couldn't argue with her knowing that the entire crew was there finally and they could handle things. "Will you help me to the command tent Mattie?" He asked softly