Free All Fired Up by Nikki Dee Houston Page B

waited, she looked out the window at the rest of the crew doing calisthenics on the training ground. Warner, his red head standing several inches above the rest of the men, was energetically bouncing and bobbing, then down on the ground doing pushups. She heard his voice calling out to the others: “C’mon guys! You can do better than that!” He hardly seemed like the same man who greeted her with leering looks and sly eyes on her very first morning at Hillwood.
    “Right.” Sheldon’s voice brought her back to the present. He stood up and came around to the front of his desk, parking himself on the edge with one leg swinging. He cleared his throat, then continued.
    “I’ve been writing up the incident report for the fires and call-outs. In particular, the big fire at the factory last week. I need to be very specific on the actions of each one of the team who were involved that day.” He crossed his arms and gazed out the window. “When I read your report of the incident, it sounds almost as though you blame yourself. The report is supposed to be a factual, objective, and impassive document stating exactly what happened.”
    “But Sheldon…”
    He held up a hand to silence her. “I’m not finished yet.” He crossed his arms across his chest and looked directly at her. “I’ve had the hose links and the hydrant checked out. The gasket broke, causing the leak. It broke because the hose had been incorrectly connected in the first place, stripping the thread.” He stood up, went around his desk, and sat down in front of the computer. “The reason you couldn’t undo the connection to fix it, was because the thread was locked—not because you didn’t have the strength in your hands.”
    He looked at the computer screen. “So, my report will state exactly that.” He began to type on the keyboard. “The hydrant was old, and the company whose building burnt down had not carried out regular maintenance on it. When Warner connected the hose in the first place, he wasn’t to know that. By law, the company should have performed routine checks.” He stopped typing and looked up at her.
    “Oh, and one more thing. I’m also recommending you for a citation. You carried out the correct processes, took all the necessary precautions, and did exactly what you should’ve done. You might’ve saved some lives that day.”
    She sat still and silent as she listened to Sheldon. Her heart had been thumping when she entered his office, thinking that she was about to be reprimanded—or worse—that she would be removed from the team. She scrunched up her face, trying to take in what Sheldon was saying.
    He stood up and leaned across the desk, his big hand held out to her. She took it, feeling his firm grip as he shook her hand.
    “Congratulations. It’s not often we get a rookie with your common sense and bravery.” He let go of her hand. “Right, dismissed. Oh, and keep this to yourself for now. I have to get Dave to approve it, then it goes into the department for validating before any announcements can be made.”
    Finally she found her voice. “Dave…doesn’t know? About the recommendation?”
    Sheldon’s mouth curled into a small smile, his eyes warm and kind. “I’ve forced Dave to have a few days off. Even banned him from contacting, er, any of the team. He’s exhausted.” His face softened. “Look Cindy. You really weren’t to blame for that hydrant malfunction. It’s plain from the calendar in the guy’s shower room that you’re fit and strong.”
    Shock turned to cringe as his words sunk in. “Oh, so I’m outed.” She met his eyes. “Sheldon…I don’t…”
    “It’s great Cindy. The guys love the fact you got on board with the calendar. It’s a worthwhile charity, and good for the Fire Service too.”
    She sighed. “Thank you.”
    He resumed his seat. “Oh, and I saw how hard you’ve been working the last few days. Your shift is finished for today. Get on home now.” He started typing