Page 9 of Break Me

Even the lateness of the hour didn’t decrease the number of cars on the road. Vegas was hopping at all times of the day and night. I’d just learned how to avoid the critical areas, discovering back routes that allowed me to bypass most of the insanity.

Rockcreek Estates. Homes for the rich and famous in Vegas. The homes were sprawling over two or three acres, which was huge in comparison to the postage stamp lot my little house existed on. But at least I had a house and not a cramped apartment.

There were three pristine neighborhoods in and around the city, all three secured, gated, and coming with their own zip codes.

Rockcreek was also a mini city like the other two with stores and restaurants, schools and parks. The one thing that hadn’t been completed yet was the fire station. That’s why two engine companies were listed as the main protection.

I hurried along the roads going in excess of the speed limit, finally making the last turn. While I couldn’t see flames dancing high in the sky, the heavy police activity indicated the situation was dangerous.

Immediately, I yanked out my credentials as I approached the guard station. “Captain Halle O’Leary. I was called to the fire.”

“Yes, ma’am. Take a right and follow the sirens,” the guard said.

“Anyone living in the house?”

“One resident, Captain.”

I nodded, mentally preparing myself as I always did. The fires that occurred in the middle of the night were the roughest for me emotionally. They caused me to remember, which wasn’t in my best interest. Or anyone else around me. For months, I’d been unable to respond to a nighttime fire, almost losing my job over it.

The psychiatrist had helped, even though I’d balked at seeing one, finally ordered to do so by my battalion chief. At least the tightness in my chest was better than the last time. I could breathe. However, all the what-ifs still remained.

What if someone was inside?

What if I couldn’t save them?

Ugh. I twisted my hand on the steering wheel and suddenly, I could see flames over the treetops. The fire was huge andgiven the typical building materials used for the newer homes, I was somewhat surprised the fire had gotten so out of hand so quickly.

That usually indicated an accelerant had been used.

Arson.

I rushed toward our engine just as Jeff and two others were about to rush toward the home. “What’s the status?”

“Not sure yet, but it appears to have started at the back of the house.”

“Anyone inside?”

Jeff hesitated just long enough I had my answer, and it was an indication he didn’t want to tell me. “The neighbors said the owner hasn’t come out.”

“Fuck. Alright, let’s get a handle on this.” I suited up within two minutes, grabbing my helmet and an axe as I headed toward the house. The smoke was already acrid, police forced to keep at least fifteen other residents away. The entire situation was a goddamn spectacle.

I barked out orders even before I reached the building. Water had just gotten to the flames behind the house. I moved to the front door.

“It’s fucking hot, Cap’n,” Jeff said from behind me.

“I get that. We need to try and see if the owner is inside.” There was no time to waste. After trying the door, I hissed. Locked. Using the handle of the axe, I smashed it against the solid wood panel. Fortunately, it broke free.

“Anyone inside?” I called out. The rush of heat hit me in the face, pushing me back by several feet. “Any sign of the resident?” I called into the two-way radio.

“Negative,” Camden called out first, others following within seconds.

Shit.

A loud popping sound grabbed my attention, a boom vibrating the ground all around us. Embers blanketed the trees. I threw a look over my shoulder. The other homeowners were too damn close. They were also hindering the other engine company’s attempt to get closer to the fire.

Firefighters moved around me with hoses heading into the house while I raced back to where one of the police officers was standing.

“You need to get them further back!” My bark wasn’t well received, the officer nodding, but not moving right away. “Do it now!”