I know it's been an awful long time since my last update. I could bring up that we`re living in a special time right now and that 2020 isn`t my favorite time, but I will not try to take it as an excuse. Because frankly, I stopped writing this story long before this nasty little virus showed up. So I won't give it the power to say it stopped me from writing because it didn`t, even if it has stopped me from a lot of other stuff I would have liked to do this year. But I guess it wasn`t much of a difference for many of you. But I hope and guess it won`t stop you from reading if that is what you wanna do.
I don`t know if any of you are even still interested in this story anyway. Even I had to reread it, just to remember ... and to be fair, this chapter I am posting had been written a long time ago. I don`t know how many chapters there going to be from now on. I got three big ones almost finished on my disk, waiting to get their last readthrough. If you know what I mean. Writing in a foreign language is still hard, even a year later;-)
Have fun, and please let me know what you think. I know it is a big chapter with a lot going on...
Chapter XXXXI
Soon after Severide had finished his little speech, the bells went off, and all companies were called to a fire site with multiple victims trapped.
Kelly acted fast and turned around to open the door, but Matt wasn't moving. He still was trying to wrap his head around what Severide had just dumped on him.
"Hey! You okay?" Kelly broke his musing. "We've gotta go!"
Matt's eyes narrowed. His face showed his confusion and he needed some time to think. Unfortunately, he didn't have the luxury of that, so he just looked at Kelly and finally shrugged.
"Well, according to you, I'm not."
Kelly wasn't in the mood for any sarcastic comments, so he huffed at Matt. "Okay, I get it. You're pissed. But I need to know if you're fine, right now."
Matt just glared at him, and after a few seconds, he finally told him, "I'm good." With that, Casey began to move and followed the Squad Lieutenant in the direction to the apparatus floor.
Kelly tried to read the captain's composure and watched him closely as both made their way to their rigs.
Before they got there, he stopped his friend and looked him in the eyes, "You're sure? Because, if you're not, you should stay."
Casey stared at him, "I said I'm fine."
Severide shrugged and tried once more, "Just be sure. That's all."
Matt's features softened a bit. He could see that Kelly wasn't trying to offend him. Besides, he didn't feel like getting into a new quarrel with him, so he smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry, I can handle it. I'm not as crazy as you obviously think that I am."
Kelly tilted his head lightly and looked a bit annoyed. "That's not what I think. I just," but Matt wouldn't let him finish his sentence. Instead, he patted Kelly's shoulder. "Come on! We don't have time for this. Let's put out some fire!"
Kelly accepted this to be the end of their conversation as both firefighters joined their teams.
"You're all right, Captain?" Herrmann asked while they drove to the dispatched location. Casey had to fight the urge to roll his eyes at this well-known question by now, but he politely answered, "I'm good, Herrmann."
Then he looked around and watched the small group of firefighters. He was aware of the lingering tension, and he knew that this was on him, so he took a deep breath and offered, "Uhm guys, I wanna apologize. I'm not proud of what happened today. It was unprofessional, and I'm taking full responsibility for it."
The men looked at him, trying to mask their discomfort, but in the end, they offered him a reassuring smile.
Cordova was the first one to speak. "Captain, you don't have to explain anything. It's your own business."
Matt just nodded at Cordova and mumbled a quick, "Thank you."
He felt a bit irritated that the new guy was the first one to comment on his apology, but on the other hand, it made sense. His old Team knew him well, and they knew better than to actually get involved, so he hadn't expected anything other than a few nods. But Cordova saying that it was his own business, made an impression on Matt. Maybe he could find a way to like this guy after all. Anyway, with that, the ice was broken for the rest of the gang.
"Don't worry, Captain. We didn't even hear the whole conversation," Mouch tried to make it easier for his longtime colleague. Matt nodded thankfully and let them know, "I'm going to talk to Boden."
Herrmann turned around and looked at his Captain, "Good Luck, Casey! As I know the old guy, he'll not make it easy for you. But if you do it wisely, you'll keep your head safe. "
Matt sighed and faked a smile, "Thanks, Herrmann, as always very inspiring."
Suddenly Mouch's eyes grew bigger as he offered, "You wanna have me sit in with you? I'm sure there's some justification for a union rep to attend that kind of meeting."
Casey frowned at him but finally shook his head. "Thanks, Mouch. That's a very nice offer, but I think it's better if I'd talk with the Chief alone. An old-fashioned man to man talk will do just fine."
"Sure thing, Captain. I guess that will work too," Mouch said. "But if you change your mind, let me know. I can jump into a case at any time. It doesn't need any specific preparation. And with the Chief, it's always easy. Even if he's not very good at showing it, but he's like this big teddy bear, who growls occasionally, but if you hug him, he just grumbles."
"Uhm, Mouch," Herrmann said, "I don't think there's even a case."
"Yeah! And I think there's no difference between grumbling and growling either," Otis joined in on the conversation.
Mouch leaned forward towards Casey and whispered, "Don't listen to them. I'm here if you need me."
Matt smiled at him. He was kind of relieved that he managed this encounter with as much pride he could have hoped for.
"Okay, guys, we're here. Looks bad," Herrmann yelled as he jumped out of the truck.
Several residents of an apartment building were already standing around and looked after by CPD officers.
"Hey, what do we got?" The truck-Lieutenant asked one of them.
"Two-story residential building. Fire's on the first floor. According to the landlord, at least three people are missing. One's a child."
"Okay. Parents are out?" Herrmann wanted to know.
"Yeah. The mom is with my partner over there. Pretty shaken, but otherwise good. She was in the basement doing laundry as the fire started. Son's ten years old. They live on the first floor, the second apartment left."
"Okay, 81, let's gear up! Mouch and Casey search the basement! Otis, Cordova, with me! Primary search on the first floor! A boy is missing. Ten years. Second apartment on the left."
"Copy that, Lieutenant." Everyone was masking up.
Herrmann turned back to the officer before entering the house. "What's the boy's name?"
"Jake."
Severide had heard the conversation and began shouting orders at his men. "Squad-Team will get the kid. Capp and Tony, you're with Truck 81. Cruz, with me. We'll get Jake."
Boden observed his teams and gave his blessing with his familiar battle cry, "Okay, 51! Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!"
After he saw his men entering the burning building, he grabbed his radio and ordered more ambulances in. His gut told him they would need them.
Kidd and Brett meanwhile were checking on the mom, who was shivering with anxiety.
Boden asked his two paramedics how the lady was doing. "She's pretty shaken, but she won't let us take her to Med until she knows if the kid's out."
Boden nodded and spoke into his radio, "How's the search going? Any news on the victims?"
It took a few seconds before Severide's voice could be heard, "Capp and Tony are on their way out. Two adults. Some smoke inhalation. One unconscious, one able to walk."
"Okay. We're ready for them. Any eyes on the child?" Boden wanted to know.
"Not yet, Chief! Smoke's pretty bad in here. I'm on my way down. First floor's clear. Herrmann and his men are already searching on the main floor. Squad will assist. Best guess, the boy tried to get out."
"Okay," Boden said and quickly asked, "Herrmann, what's the status?"
"Uhm, Chief. Fire's on the main floor, not on the first, as initially thought. Pretty rough smoke emission. But we're combing through."
"Okay, Herrmann. Keep searching for victims. Two are out, but if the info about the fire location was wrong, we can't be sure about any other info."
"Copy that, Chief. We've already finished primary search, but looking again, including the basement."
Boden turned around to the victims and asked, "Did you saw anyone in there? Was anyone with you?"
One man in his probably late 40s shook his head, and between coughs, he said, "No, just him." And he pointed to the other victim lying on a stretcher next to him, already intubated.
Boden nodded at the man and said, "Thank you. Paramedics will bring you to Med. You're in good hands, don't worry." Then he looked at the burning building. His eyes darkened as he saw darker smoke coming out of the windows. He took his radio and let his man know, "51. Fire's spreading fast. Smoke's already turning black. Time for rescue just limited."
Casey tried to follow every word on the radio, but reception down in the basement was almost non-existent. The smoke, on the other hand, wasn't as bad in here, but still strong.
"What's up with this thick smoke? This building built with plastic or what?" Matt could hear Mouch complain.
"Don't know. But it's odd. Maybe they used older insulating materials. Those can light up like matches," Matt offered his explanation and added, "Just, make sure, you keep your mask on."
"Copy that, Captain."
Then both firefighters continued their search. The basement was quite big with multiple small rooms, divided by thick brick walls. A lot of boxes and old clutter made it difficult to room around. Occasionally they screamed, "Fire-department, call out!"
Casey reached the part that appeared to be the laundry room. Matt could see at least four large washing machines. Maybe there was a dryer among them. Casey wanted to be on the safe side and inspected every one of them. Perhaps the boy had climbed into one to hide.
After a while, Casey turned to Mouch and let him know, "All clear. Let's head upstairs."
"Copy that, Captain."
Mouch was on his way up the stairs, with Casey right behind him as they heard a loud bang followed by what felt like a little earthquake. Casey had to stabilize himself with one hand on the wall next to him. Mouch asked, "What the hell was that?"
"Sounded a lot like a floor giving in," Matt guessed as Cruz's frantic voice cut through the radio, "May … ay, …day! Fi…hter d..wn!"
Matt froze.
Even though only a few syllables of the sentence could be heard, Matt immediately felt the heaviness of it and the danger that came with such a statement.
Mouch also stood still for a fraction of a second. Their eyes met; fear written in their faces. The phrase "Firefighter down!" always meant the possibility of a tragedy. Matt held his breath.
'Did Cruz already said anything new, and they didn't hear it? Had a name already been announced?'
Casey couldn't be sure. He took his radio in his hand and asked, "Cruz, here's Casey. We're in the basement. What happened?"
Nothing.
Mouch shrugged.
Matt could feel how panic rose inside of him. His heart pounded loudly. So loud, he could sense every single beat in his chest. He could hear the sound of blood flow in his ears.
Therefore, it was not surprising that Mouch was the first one to recover from the shock and finally mastered the last few steps to the ground floor. "You're coming? Captain?"
"Right behind you," Casey managed to say and followed his man up the stairs.
Thick smoke clouded their sight. Casey listened to the information now coming through the radio. He could hear Cruz talking to Boden, "No, Chief. He's conscious. For now. He hit his head and is stuck under chunks from the floor that gave in."
"What do you need Cruz," Boden asked?
"We need a vent! Smoke's thick as black cotton. And I need ropes and manpower to get Severide out."
'Severide,' Matt's heart skipped a beat. Although he already had the suspicion, actually hearing the name made all the difference. He immediately pressed the button on his radio, "Severide?"
He and Mouch were already on their way as Herrmann's orders came through, "Casey, Mouch! You're venting the roof! Otis position the ladder for the Captain and Mouch. Cordova, stay with squad." All three firefighters gave their approval, but Casey had something different in mind. He immediately stated, "The hell. I'm getting Severide out! Cordova and Mouch can vent the roof."
"Negative, Casey. Vent the roof! Cordova's closer. And Capp and Tony are already with Squat." Herrmann let him know.
Boden could hear the conversation and inwardly fought the urge to step in and scold his Captain for disobedience once again.
Cordova could be heard over the radio, "Captain, I'm with Cruz now."
Casey rolled his eyes and sighed, "Severide? You're good?"
After, what felt like a lifetime, he heard his friend's voice, "I'm good, Casey. Go. Vent that damn roof! Smoke's killing us in here."
Matt sighed with relief, "I'm coming to you! Hang in there."
Casey wasn't going to vent the roof, no matter how many people would tell him to do so. Not while Kelly needed his help. He spoke in his radio once again, "Capp, Tony?"
Both men answered him immediately and received their order, "Go vent the roof. Mouch's going to assist."
Casey was aware that he wasn't following orders, but he was still the Captain, for now, so he knew Capp and Tony wouldn't question his request. And they didn't disappoint as they both answered, "Copy that, Captain!"
Mouch, still right next to Casey, looked at him and said, "Look, Casey, I get that you want to help Severide, but be reminded that you're not the only white shirt on this call. Probably best if you," Mouch tried to reason with his boss, but Casey wouldn't wanna hear it.
"If I wanted your opinion, I would've asked. Do what you're told and let the rest be my problem."
Mouch sighed and started a new attempt, "I should give you the same advice, Captain." As he saw a glare coming from Casey, he just shrugged and nodded as he left the building right behind Capp and Tony.
On the Radio Boden's voice could be heard, "Casey! Herrmann gave an order." He sounded angry, and everyone knew that he disapproved his Captain's change of plans.
"Chief, I'm almost there. We'll get Severide out." Apparently, Casey's strategy was to ignore everyone and do his thing.
Boden realized that there was no point in arguing, so he decided to drop the subject for now. Instead, he rolled with it and ordered, "Okay, Casey, report when you're able to get Severide out."
Casey was relieved that he didn't seem to have to conquer another fight. But it was also clear to him that there would be an aftermath. Right now, he couldn't be impressed by it. His only goal was to help Severide. So, he answered Boden and asked Severide how he was doing. He got his answer prompt, "I'm good. Just stuck under damn concrete."
When he finally reached the spot where Kelly had crashed, he took his place next to Cruz and looked down. Severide lay half on his side, trapped under a chunk of collapsed material. Cordova was already with him and tried to free him, but the debris was too heavy for one man to lift.
"I'm going down," Matt said to Cruz. He purposely ignored Herrmann, who simply shook his head at him. Casey realized that he didn't just have to report to Boden only, after the call.
Cruz clapped his Captain on his back and let him know, "Okay, but be careful. We had to tie the rope to the stake behind there. I don`t know if it'll last."
Matt looked back at the beam before he turned to Cruz and with some kind of smirk clapped the firefighter on his back as he told him, "Just hold it tight and don't let go if it snaps."
"Sure thing, Captain." Cruz and Herrmann fetched the rope and hold on to it while Casey climbed down.
Outside Mouch had come back from the roof and taken his place beside Boden. He informed him that the job had been successfully done. Capp and Tony were ordered back in to continue the search for Jake. The Chief looked at Mouch who was still standing beside him. He frowned at him and finally huffed, "What?"
"He's just trying to prove himself," the fireman started to defend his Captain.
"By ignoring orders? Sorry, can't see it working that way!" Boden wasn't just pissed he was disappointed.
"He wants to save his best friend. You've done it yourself. Remember?"
Boden took a deep breath and almost rolled his eyes at that comment. Of course, he had done it himself. Every passionate firefighter had a similar story to tell.
"That doesn't make it any less wrong," Boden noted.
Mouch smiled slightly, "No. But it helps to sympathize."
Boden closed his eyes for a second and finally spoke to the others, „Okay, Cruz. The vent is done! Capp, Tony! Any update on the missing child?"
"Negative, Chief! It should get easier after the smoke's cleared out," Tony said through the radio.
So, the boy hadn't been on the first nor the main floor. Time was running out. All involved firefighters knew it. The flames were meanwhile indispensably hot, yet they tried everything in their power to find him. The smoke had at least evaporated a bit but was still as biting as at the beginning.
Casey knew the chances of survival for the boy had already shrunk to a minimum. Severide, on the other hand, could be saved in just a few minutes, so his priority was to get him out.
As he arrived downstairs, he greeted his mate, "Hey, bud, now's not the time for napping."
Kelly just hissed at him, "You shouldn't be here."
"Nice to see you too." Matt smiled.
"You know exactly what I'm getting at," Severide told him.
"Is it okay for you, if I'll save you first before you rip me a new one?"
"How about you change your attitude, so I don't have to."
"I don't want to interrupt, but how about we get the Lieutenant out first? You can continue your fight at the station," Cordova suggested with a slight sarcastic undertone in his voice.
Casey almost blushed, because he knew his behavior hadn't been Captain-worthy. He was glad his face was covered by his mask.
"Okay, Cordova's right. Let's get you out of here."
"On three," Cordova said.
Matt channeled as much strength as he could muster, which wasn't very much if he was honest. This rescue mission was going on for a while now, and he had already noticed by climbing down that rope, how his muscles slowly started to give in. He looked at Cordova, whose features were fresher than his. Secretly, it spurred him on, and his competitive nature came to light. On three, they tried to free Kelly. However, they didn't succeed at the first attempt.
"Hold on, Captain. We need something like a lever, then it should work." Cordova informed him.
Casey looked at him and asked, "do you have something like a lever?"
"No."
"Then pull!" He said and counted once more, "One. Two. Three. Pull!"
Even Severide tried to push, but due to his awkward angle, it was only a losing effort. So, he concentrated on crawling out at the right time.
Finally, at a third attempt, the two firefighters managed to lift the block a few inches. Kelly was fast, sliding out from under it.
"Damn," Kelly huffed as Cordova helped him up. "You okay, Lieutenant," he asked?
Kelly tried to stand alone and checked his legs, "Guess, I'll turn purple all over, but I think I'm okay."
Casey breathed heavily in his mask. His arms and hands burned, just like the fire around him. Sweat ran down his whole body and made him shiver despite the extreme heat. He was exhausted but pleased that Kelly was apparently doing well. He looked at his friend and said, "Let's get out of here! You're bleeding."
Kelly touched the side of his head and shrugged, "That's nothing." Then he bent down and lifted his helmet off of the ground, which was lying next to the spot he had been trapped not long ago. He swayed slightly.
"My guess is, Stella's going to make that call," Matt smiled at Kelly. Then he clapped him on his back and said, "Come on, let's get you out of here."
Severide was the first one to climb up the rope. He wasn't joking when he said he would easily bruise, because he could already feel his hipbones getting stiffer, and his skin burned slightly as his gear scraped along what only could be some abrasions due to the fall.
He was met by Capp and Tony, who returned from their search. They guided their Lieutenant, supporting him from either side while he hobbled out of this burning mess.
Outside, Boden's concern grew, and finally, he looked at the crying mother, and with a heavy heart, he made his decision, "Evacuate! I want everybody out!"
The four remaining firefighters still inside looked defeated, but Herrmann announced with a sad voice, "Copy that, Chief."
Cordova and Casey, still one level down, looked at the rope dangling in front of them.
The flames came from every angle now, and time seemed to be running faster than the thoughts in the firemen's heads.
"After you, Captain," Jake said.
"No. You go. I'll wait." Casey knew Cordova wouldn't disobey, and he was glad for once because he needed a few more seconds to recover. His hands and arms wouldn't hold him at the moment. If he was honest, he had no idea how he would manage to climb up that damn rope by himself. He watched with envy as his colleague climbed with the grace of a supple wildcat. Reminded of his own weak body, he suddenly felt small and unworthy. For a brief second, he thought the solution would be to just stay down here. A little voice told him, 'Just stop moving and let the flames do their job.'
Casey was tired, and right here in this hot hell, he noticed how difficult it was for him to breathe. But it wasn't the smoke that made him choke. His oxygen mask worked well and still had enough reserves, and yet he had no air to breathe. However, Matt had the feeling of suffocation long before he got here. Air had been stuck in his windpipe since his talk with Severide in his office. To be honest, it had felt that way when he had spoken to Antonio, or with Boden at his own home.
Casey tried to remember the last time he had the luxury of breathing freely.
Certainly not, when he woke up in his bed after almost dying from drowning a vodka bottle, or when he was with Dr. Charles philosophizing in a small room about things he no longer remembered.
His musing was interrupted by something.
A sound was coming from far behind him. He turned around and looked at the back end down the destroyed room.
Only now did he realize that he was back in the basement that he had previously searched with Mouch. The floor must have collapsed, just minutes, after Mouch and he closed their search down here. He recognized the way down to the washing machines in the back corner and the thick brickwork around him. Had he known beforehand that Kelly had ended up here, he would have run back instead of going upstairs. They could have saved valuable time and rescued Severide much earlier.
His thoughts were interrupted once more when he heard the sound again.
It was small and thin, like before. Matt narrowed his eyes to see better. Maybe it was the fire that started to crackle harder. Casey tried to listen. It almost sounded like a wounded animal, like a puppy howling after their mother. But when the sound turned into something like a cough, Matt began to move away from his spot.
"Captain, what're you doing?" Cruz shouted down after him.
"I think I hear something."
"Captain, this whole place is gonna give in. Order's to pull back!"
"One moment, Cruz!" Casey shouted back and went in search of where the noise was coming from. The feeling of suffocating was still present but not as heavy as before.
Herrmann and Cruz still standing over the edge, looking down worriedly and witnessing as Casey vanished into the dark smoke.
Severide felt his whole-body ache. He was led to the ambulance by Cordova. Kidd already at his side fussing over him, "Hey what the hell happened? You're okay? I was worried."
"Don't be! It's fine. I'm fine," Kelly hushed. He felt relief wash over him as he took off his mask and could finally breathe in healthy air.
"Is the boy out?" His voice sounded heavy and raspy. He could see the mother crying and looking with hopeful eyes in the direction of the exit.
"I think there's still no location," Kidd said with sadness in her voice. She looked with concern at him.
"Damn," Kelly huffed.
"I'm glad you're okay," his girlfriend quietly admitted.
But Kelly just sighed, "For a second I thought I heard something, but then the floor collapsed and I, ..." he stopped and dragged his hand over his face. He could feel a mixture of sweat, soot, and blood.
"Don't beat yourself up. You did all you could," Stella tried to reassure him. She took some gauze and put it on the laceration on his temple.
Kelly just nodded. His vision was kind of blurry, and he had a hard time focusing as he looked around. He could recognize Capp and Tony standing near Boden. Both out of breath, and with a water bottle clutched in either hand. Cordova who was still standing next to him grabbed his shoulder and asked, "Hey Lieutenant, you're okay?"
Severide needed a few seconds to respond, "I guess. just a bit shaky, that's all."
His voice sounded sluggish, and Kidd began to worry once again, "I think we should get you to the hospital." She turned to Boden and shouted, "Hey, Chief! We're taking Kelly to Med. Might be a concussion."
Boden looked worriedly at his Squad-Lieutenant. He instantly could see that Severide was trying hard to stay awake as he swayed slightly, standing up. "GO!" he instructed. Boden knew that Kelly was about to protest, but cut him off before he had a chance to form one single word. "That's an order, Severide. Go, get yourself checked up. We've got you covered."
Kelly wanted to stay and search for the boy but knew he was in no shape to go back in. His head was pounding mercilessly by now, and his vision changed from blurry to bright and colorful every other second. As he was laid down on the stretcher by Stella and Cordova, he scanned the scene last time. Eyes squinted he suddenly was aware of one thing, "Where's Casey?"
Stella tried to hold him down while he was struggling to get up once again. "Whoa, what're you doing? Stay put! We're going to get you to Med."
Kelly looked at her and asked for the second time, "Where is Casey?"
Cordova put a hand on his fellow firefighter's shoulder and told him in a reassuring voice, "He's probably on his way out with Cruz."
Kelly looked at him and hissed, "probably? You're kidding me?"
He wanted to jump off from the gurney when his head suddenly turned heavy and he felt his eyes roll back. Then everything went dark for the squad-lieutenant.
"He's out," Stella leveled his head down on the gurney. "We better get going." She helped Cordova put the stretcher back into the ambulance and called after her partner, "Brett, come on! We've gotta go. Kelly's unconscious."
The blonde paramedic jumped immediately and motioned to Otis to come over and attend to the crying mother. The firefighter did so, and Brett climbed into the front seat of her rig. Kidd stayed in the back with Kelly. Oddly enough, she was kind of glad that her boyfriend blacked out because she knew if he hadn't, he would never have agreed to leave for the hospital. That's the reason why she hadn't tried to wake him up the minute she saw him go numb. Kidd, of course, was worried about Matt as well, but given the fact that Kelly was injured, he clearly was her priority, and she also knew that her other colleagues would do everything to get their missing member out of there. So, she took the space beside Severide and silently cursed, "I'm sorry. But you'll understand once we're all back at the station." She tried to stay positive and hoped that Kelly indeed would understand her actions.
Cordova clapped against the door to let Brett know to start the engine.
Boden looked tense as the ambulance drove off, and he sighed heavily. He took his radio in his hand and asked with a stern voice, "Captain, are your men on their way out? If not, evacuate! Now!"
Boden was treated with silence. He hardened the grip on his radio and tried once more, „Casey, do you copy?"
But again, no answered followed. He sighed and addressed his other, still missing men, "Cruz, Herrmann! What the hell is going on in there?"
"Chief, Casey's still down on the level where Severide fell," Herrmann informed his boss.
"I told everyone to get out," Boden hissed, "What's the hold-up?"
This time Cruz answered, "The Captain heard something down there. I think he believes it's the boy."
Boden rolled his eyes and let out a deep breath to get rid of his frustration, "Okay. Do you have eyes on Casey?"
"Negative, Chief!" Herrmann almost cried out, "He went deeper into the basement. We can't see him anymore."
"Order was, to get out!" Boden shouted with anger in his voice.
"I think he couldn't hear you properly," Herrmann shrugged as he looked apologetically at Cruz. Both men knew that it was a lie, but they didn't want to add to the anyway tense situation.
Cruz jammed in, "There's no reception down where he went. His radio's dead for probably a minute now."
"How's the fire where you are?" Boden had an inkling that time wasn't on their side now.
"Bad," Herrmann confirmed his boss's fear.
"I want you two to get out of there!"
"Can't do, Chief. Casey's down there. We've got to get him out." Cruz explained short but firm.
"I don't care! Get out! Now!" Boden ordered.
Herrmann and Cruz looked at each other, and both went further to the edge, looking down once more, shouting into the smoke-filled level under them, "Casey! Call out!"
