Not My Job

These good fellows don't belong to me but I promise when I am finished to pick um up, dust um off and with a kiss on the cheek send them safely home.

CHAPTER 1

Johnny moved through the thick smoke, keeping an eye on his partner who was searching ahead of him. Originally they had been told that the abandoned warehouse was empty. It was Vince that said he had seen some kids playing in there the week before. That was enough information for the paramedics to be concerned and they donned their tanks and masks to go search.

"OK, go in but I want a quick search. Stay together. The fire might be under control but I don't think this building is gonna survive this time."

Hank continued to direct the other engines in response to the fire but he was not a happy Captain at this point. He paced in front of the building. Chet and Marco had now positioned themselves just outside the main doors with a hose. Engine 110 was working on venting the roof. The fire was pretty much under control but Hank knew this building was old and dilapidated, just waiting to fall in on itself. A death trap waiting to happen and two of his men were still in the middle of it.

Mike continued to monitor not only the gauges and lines but also his pacing Captain. He took in the relatively new tall dark haired man that had replaced Hammer. The whole shift was just getting to know him but Mike had a good feeling about this new Captain. Even his pacing spoke clearly about his concern for his men.

"HT to Squad 51."

Johnny stopped and removed his mask to reply on the squawking equipment, "Gage here Cap."

"Finish that floor; if you don't find anyone then I want you two out of there. This thing is gonna come down at anytime." Hank was firm and wanted to make sure he conveyed that to his men, especially the younger paramedic of the team. This team was as new to him as he was to them but he already knew enough about their dedication to a rescue and Gage's ability to get into trouble. They would stay until they found the kids, no matter what. But after this long and no sign of any children he didn't want to continue to jeopardize the men.

Johnny didn't like the report to leave without the kids but he also knew that tone of voice. He realized his Captain was responsible for their safety but it was against every fiber of Johnny's being to consider leaving someone behind, especially a child. For a brief moment he considered making a case for more time but hearing the creaking of the walls around him he knew Cap was right.

"10-4." Was his only reply. Cap said to finish the floor so at least they had a little more time. He looked ahead and suddenly realized that as he stopped Roy had kept going. "Roy?" He moved forward more quickly now into a wide open storage room that was filled with stacked up boxes. It was like negotiating an intricate maze with the boxes at least high enough to obscure his view everywhere. He could hear the water coming in the windows, the sounds of the sirens blasting outside but was starting to panic when he couldn't hear Roy anymore. Johnny felt the HT in his hand. It was a clear reminder that Roy didn't have one so there was no way he could make contact with him by radio. Johnny quickened his pace as the pounding in his chest intensified.

Roy moved forward through the room trying to search every corner for any evidence of kids playing. It wasn't unheard of for neighborhood kids to come into these old buildings to play since they were great for hide and seek. "FIRE DEPARTMENT!" He hollered through his mask as he hurried on. After weaving his way through the labyrinth of waterlogged cartons he shook his head deciding to himself that there was no one here. They had yet to find evidence of kids even being in here playing recently. He looked back to tell Johnny it was time to head out. "Johnny?" He was right here behind me. Where did he go? Squish. Great another pair of wet shoes for the day. The water was flooding the floor and the boxes as it came in through the windows and roof. Then a sound came to Roy's ears that made him look straight up at the more than 10 foot stack beside him. Trying to move out from under the crashing saturated tower that was coming down on him Roy slid on the slick floor. As his feet came out from under him he landed with a painful grunt on top of his tank. It was immediately followed by the overly heavy boxes landing on his chest and body with a sickening thud.

"Johnny…." Roy rasped as he fell into the dark void of unconsciousness.