Page 12 of Sequoia Flames (Black Timber Peak Hotshots #6)
TWELVE
LASSITER
“Get moving, everybody!” My eyes scan the sky and I curse under my breath when I see how far up the sun is over the horizon. Glancing down the mountain, I can see far-off smoke so at least the fire’s been slowed down by all the fire breaks and prevention we used when we started the fire season.
But it’s later than I wanted it to be and we’ve still got another half a mile. I’m not sure if they’re gonna be waiting or not.
Thump, thump, thump. The rhythmic thump finally registers and I swear. “Run, dammit, run!”
The clouds are building and I see a flash of lightning about five miles away. The storms they were predicting are moving in faster than we hoped. If we don’t get there, we might miss the pickup window.
I look over and see Verity running like crazy but struggling with her pack. I reach over and grab it. “Run, baby, run!”
Fred and Alex both take off like bats out of hell and I’m not worried about them. Their long legs are eating up the distance just like mine. But Verity is so little that she’s lagging.
Finally, I grab her up and throw her over my shoulder in a fireman carry. She screams and then latches onto my shirt, hanging on desperately.
My feet pound on the ground and my breath puffs out heavily. All I can think is that I need to make sure that Verity is safe. I need it more than I need my next breath.
We hit the end of the tree line and I see the chopper trying to come in for a landing but right as it does, the wind picks up and it seems to knock it off its pins. The pilot lifts up and skirts the ground, desperately trying to get back control of the bird.
Fred and Alex both stare out the side until the guy managing the door pushes them back, yelling something I can’t hear. I drop Verity to the ground and wave my arms. The pilot nods but he lifts off and I hear the SAT phone crackle.
“You need to get her over here. We’re gonna drop a basket. It’s safer than staying on the ground. The lower level wind gusts are crazy right now. We’ll drop your pack and equipment with the basket. Aspen is on here and he’s gonna come down after the basket goes. So make sure that you move quick.”
I reach for Verity and her eyes widen as she watches the helicopter hover over us.
“Honey, pay attention.” Her eyes switch to me, wide and terrified.
The fear in their blue depths breaks my heart but I shake her gently.
“We’re not gonna let anything happen to you.
I’m gonna get my stuff out of the basket and then we’re gonna get you on there.
I’m gonna latch you in and you’re gonna be safe real soon.
So just do what I say and hang on tight. Okay?”
She nods her head and then her arms wrap around me so tight I can barely breathe. I touch the top of her head and close my eyes, holding her and just breathing her in.
“I’m coming for you, Firefly. But let’s get you safe.”
The chopper sends down a basket and I step back, lifting my stuff out quick and then holding her hand and leading her to it. The wind whips her long hair into her eyes and she pushes it back, pulling back.
“I can’t… no.”
I hold her tight and turn her to face me. “Hey, Firefly. Come on. You can do this. You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met. This is nothing for you.”
Her wild eyes meet mine. “I hate heights, Lassiter. I hate flying and this is way worse! I just can’t.”
“Yes, you can. You can do this. I need you safe so I can do my job. Please, baby. Please.” My lips touch hers and she sobs a breath against them. My eyes close and I breath her in, hold her tight for one minute.
“Go, baby.” I lift her up and toss her in the basket, lashing her in tight and then signaling to the chopper.
The guy at the door nods to the pilot and the basket lifts off the ground.
Verity’s wide eyes are the last thing I see as it lifts slowly up, tears dripping down her cheeks and onto the netting and my heart breaks when I see them pull the basket in and I can’t see her anymore.
I scramble to get out of the way when Aspen comes down the rope that they’ve dropped to the ground.
He runs over and we watch the bird leaving.
He turns to me and grins. “She was cute.”
I glare at him and growl, grabbing my equipment to suit up. “Shut up, Aspen. Just shut up.”
I stomp off to go change into the stuff they sent and get ready for work and he calls after me. “What did I say?”
I pull on my flame and high-temp resistant shirt, pants, and jacket, and then my heavy socks and boots, followed by gloves and my War Bag with my essential gear for survival if the worst happens and I’m trapped in the heat and fire for any length of time.
Grabbing my shovel and hatchet, I head out to meet Aspen.
He glares at me. “You know, you’re a real bastard today. What the hell is wrong with you?”
I shift my pack and head out, turning to glare at him. “I fell in love.”
He laughs. “If this is you in love, I feel bad for her .”
“I just had to put her on a chopper and say good-bye, dickhead. Think about it.”
“Oh. Well, she’s gonna be fine and so are we. The crews are already tackling the fire below. We’re supposed to see how far up it’s gone and whether we’ve got any openings to get to them.”
“Let’s get this show on the road.”
“Yes, sir!” He salutes me and I glare at him but then turn and stomp away.
I’ve got a fire to fight and a woman to claim. My dance card is too full to deal with killing him.
I’ll have to try and find time for that later.