Ashley felt that familiar thrill as the engine went barreling down the street, lights and siren blazing. They were heading for a multiple car pileup which were always tricky calls. It could be a few cars slightly damaged or there could be severe damage with the danger of flammable liquids exposed. Either way she knew how to handle herself. She'd been to her share of accidents and knew how to use the equipment necessary to get people out of badly damaged cars.
As they got to the scene Ashley saw at least five badly damaged cars likely to have people inside since they were first on scene. When they jumped out of the rig she already heard Driver barking out orders so she listened for her name.
"Davies, Mills go help Dawson and Shay assess the injured." Driver yelled.
Ashley walked up to him, "Wait, what? I should be helping get people out."
Driver looked at her with a slight smirk, "I said you're of better use to us over there with the paramedics, away from the danger. Wouldn't want you to get hurt on your first day."
Before she could respond he ran towards the nearest, least damaged car. She was about to look for Boden to complain when Mills put his hand on her shoulder, "Come on let's go help, looks like they're getting swamped."
"He's such a prick!" Ashley said angrily as they headed towards the growing number of injured people congregating around Dawson and Shay.
"Yeah and I get the impression he doesn't like either of us for some reason." Mills commented.
"Well you asking me a bunch of questions earlier didn't help your cause and I think I was doomed from the start." She said with a sigh.
"Why's that?" Mills asked.
She looked at him and almost laughed because he really didn't seem to get it. "I'm a girl. Also I'd venture to guess if he's looked at my file I probably have way more commendations than him, that's just a guess though." She finished with a smirk as they got to where Shay and Dawson were assessing injuries. "Ladies, we are at your service."
If Dawson was surprised she didn't show it though Shay wasn't so successful. Dawson was the one who spoke up, "Mills you go with Shay, newbie you're with me."
Ashley smirked and wanted to make a smart ass comment but there was work to do.
Over the course of the next hour the crew worked to clear the scene. A few other ambulances had shown up to transport some of the injured motorists to the hospital so Shay and Dawson could stay on scene. Ashley couldn't help but be impressed by the pair.
Later Ashley was patching up a cut on a child's arm when she heard a voice that was quickly becoming annoying to her, "Dawson are you done with my guys, I mean people, yet?"
Dawson looked up at the lieutenant with a hint of annoyance, "Yeah I guess. Things are pretty under control here."
"On second thought, why don't you keep Davies just in case." Driver said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "We'll make do without her."
Before she answered Dawson looked over at Ashley who looked beyond pissed. "Yeah thanks. We'll get her back to you as soon as we can."
"No hurry," he said over his shoulder as he walked away.
The woman sitting with the boy Ashley was working on shook her head, "That guy's a piece of work isn't he?"
Ashley laughed and said, "That's one way of putting it."
"Well I have a few other choice words but my niece and nephew here repeat everything they hear." the woman said with a smile.
Ashley smiled too, "My nephew is the same way so I totally get it."
The boy looked up at Ashley and asked, "Was he talking about you?" She nodded and the boy continued, "I thought you said your name was Ashley?"
"It is buddy but firefighters usually call each other by their last names. My full name is Ashley Davies." she answered with a smile.
"Why was he being so mean?" the little boy asked.
Dawson chimed in walking up behind Ashley, "Some guys don't think female firefighters are as good as the guys are."
The boy's twin sister, who was sitting next to their aunt, spoke up for the first time since Ashley approached them, "Are you as good as the guys Ashley?"
"No," Ashley smiled at the little girl and winked before confidently stating, "I'm better."
The little girl smiled and laughed. Her brother smiled at Ashley too.
"All patched up little man." Ashley said with a warm smile then turned to the other two family members. "Are you sure you ladies are okay?"
The woman nodded, "Yeah just a little rattled that's all. My car is being towed right now and my husband is on the way." As she finished that sentence her phone chimed. She quickly read a new text and said, "Oh he's here. Alright kids what do you say to Ashley?"
Both kids stood up and hugged Ashley while she was still on her knees. "Thank you!" They each kissed one of her cheeks and stepped back.
"You are very welcome!" Ashley said blushing slightly.
As they stood up the woman said, "You're one of the good ones. Don't let the jerks get you down."
Ashley smiled, "Oh I never do."
"Good!" She said patting Ashley on the shoulder.
As the family walked away Dawson bumped Ashley with her shoulder. "You're pretty good with kids newbie."
"You know I have a name right?" Ashley said with a laugh.
Dawson laughed too, "Yeah but it's your first day so newbie it is for now."
Ashley shrugged, "Fair enough."
"Let's head back to the house." Dawson said.
As Ashley hopped into the back of the ambulance she heard the radio go off.
"Ambulance 61, you available to respond to a structural fire? Squad 3, Truck 81 and Engine 51 are already in route."
Dawson answered, "Yes, we're on the way."
When they arrived on scene the trio found Boden for an update.
"What have we got Chief?" Dawson asked.
"Apartment building fire. They're searching the floors now. A few people have already come out." he said, pointing to a group of people huddled across the street from the burning building.
"We're on it." Dawson and Shay said in unison.
"What should I do Chief?" Ashley asked.
"Go check with Mouch by the truck to see what he needs. I'll come find you if Dawson and Shay need help." he replied a little harshly.
"Yes Chief." Ashley said. She wasn't sure why he sounded harsh but she figured it wasn't a good idea to question him. Not to mention the fact that apartment fires still made her a bit nervous and she didn't want to have to explain that to anyone just yet, she was okay with staying on the sidelines.
After the sweep of the building was complete they hit it with the hoses. Luckily the fire was contained to one side of the building and only affected two floors. They were only on scene for about two hours before they headed back to the house since there wasn't a lot of area to secure.
When the truck was heading back Driver turned around and said, "Good to see you could join us Davies."
Ashley was going to answer but Mills put his hand on her arm. She turned and saw him shake his head, encouraging her to not raise to the bait. She turned back to Driver, smirked then looked out the window.
Boden had followed Ambulance 61 back to the house. "Dawson, my office." He said as he passed them heading inside.
Dawson and Shay looked at each other in confusion. Without saying a word Dawson shrugged and followed.
"What's up Chief?" Dawson said as she closed the door behind her.
"Just need to check some facts." He said pointing to the chair which Dawson took. "Did Davies and Mills request to help you and Shay at the car accident?"
"Honestly Chief I don't know. They just came over and said they were there to help." Dawson replied.
Boden nodded then asked, "Did Davies request to stay on scene with you guys?"
"No that was partially my choice sir." Dawson answered.
"How so?" Boden inquired.
"Driver offered to let her stay saying they could make do without her. I saw she looked pissed so I figured she could cool off with us for a few before having to face him again." Dawson stated honestly hoping Boden would understand and she hadn't just gotten the new girl in trouble.
Boden nodded and smirked, "From what I have heard Davies can have a bit of a temper so that was a good call Dawson."
"Thank you sir." Dawson said with relief.
"Dawson, don't feel pressured to agree, but I'd like to ask a favor of you." Boden said.
"Okay." Dawson answered tentatively.
"Davies is a good firefighter, you can't have a record like hers and not be, but I think Driver has it in for her. Can you just keep an eye out for her a bit, don't let her temper get her into trouble. I think Davies would be a great addition to this house and I don't want a temp driving her off because of his own feelings." Boden spoke honestly.
Dawson thought a moment then replied, "Honestly I think the guys will recognize what's going on pretty quick and help her out too but I'll do what I can Chief."
"Thank you Dawson." Boden said and stood indicating their talk was over.
When they walked into the bay truck 81 was pulling in. When he saw Davies get out of the rig Boden said, "Davies, my office."
Ashley looked at Driver and saw him smirk. Her blood started to boil a bit but she took a deep breath. She held her head high as she walked into the chief's office and closed the door.
Boden spoke up immediately when the door was shut. "I don't know what Driver's agenda is but try to be patient, he's only temporary. I've talked to Casey, our regular lieutenant and he's doing better than expected. He's still in the hospital so it will be a number of shifts before he's back but everything is looking good." Boden explained.
Ashley let out a deep breath, "Well that's not what I expected to hear after how you talked to me at the fire."
Boden smiled, "I'm sorry about how I acted earlier. I didn't have all the correct information."
"And now?" Ashley asked.
"I think this house will be stronger with you here, just be patient."
"Thank you Chief. We'll just have to see how things go I guess." Ashley said then the alarm went off again.
"Truck 81, Engine 51, Squad 3, Ambulance 61 structural fire at…"
"No rest for the wicked hey?" Ashley said as they headed out of the office.
