The smell of smoke permeated the air. A haze still burned the eyes and the throat. Heavy footsteps thudded down the steps of the once beautiful house; now a burnt-out shell with crispy fried flowers for decorations along the front porch rail. Large hoses snaked across the front lawn in a maze-like pattern. Exhausted, soot-covered firefighters were beginning to pack up their tools.
"Ever hear who we're getting to replace"
"No one can replace him." The deep voice quickly cut him off.
"I didn't mean it like that." The first man said. "We are a man down. We need another body."
The second man shook his head and grabbed a section of hose, heading for the engine. "Not happening."
Denise started at the back of the structure and worked her way to the front. She took samples and pictures as the crew left the building. As she came upon two of her new co-workers, she realized what a challenge she was really facing. She knew they were a man down on the shift and this was a close-knit group of workers. She had no intention of replacing anyone; all she wanted was a chance. A real chance.
Suddenly, she was spotted. "Who the hell are you?"
Colby was shocked when a woman in a blue uniform walked out of the burnt house. What the hell is she doing? Who the hell is she? She looked him up and down before extending her hand. "Denise Talbot. I've been assigned to your shift." Colby looked at the clipboard, camera, and canisters in her hand.
"I'd say you are a little more than a smoke-eater."
"A little more training, but I do whatever is necessary when called." she replied. "I can pull my own weight."
"That's not the concern" the taller man said. "I want to know if you can pull mine."
She looked up into a gorgeous pair of grey eyes. "Should you do something stupid that requires me to save your ass, I will get you out of the building. Pull you, drag you, or drop you, you are coming out of there in one piece. We all are. Now, if you are through with your interrogation, I have some work to do. See you at the station." With that, she headed back to the small car that contained all of her work supplies. "Asshole."
"Damn, Joe. Could you have been more rude?" Colby asked.
"No one should take Jon's spot. He's coming back. Dammit! He will be back!" Joe sat down heavily. "And to replace him with a WOMAN. Shit. That blows."