It has been a couple of hours since the church service wrapped up and I am currently helping my Grandpa with cooking the family dinner. For some reason, the thought of retirement is creeping in as I prepare the vegetables. Eighteen years is a long time considering the nature of my job.
"I know that look. You're thinking about retirement," My Grandpa remarks.
"Yes. The events of the past few days have hammered home the fact that I am not immortal," I explain. The only time I felt this way was when the towers came down. I was lucky that Jamie managed to see me through it. Don't get me wrong, my Dad and my brothers also have a dangerous job but it is dangerous in a different way.
"I'll put it to you this way. I may dislike the fact that my Granddaughter joined the boys in red but you are one of if not the best paramedics I have ever seen. At least make it to twenty years before you retire," My Grandpa responds as he adds the final touches to the lamb.
"You're just saying that because you're my Grandpa," I respond. Thankfully it doesn't take long for us to finish our respective tasks.
"What I am saying is that the FDNY still needs people like you and Alex," My Grandpa reinforces the idea that I should stay. Now that everything is done I excuse myself. Even though Grandpa is right there is a part of me that is ready for the next generation to take over. Honestly, I am going to talk to Captain Stark to get his opinion. It doesn't take long for me to find the others.
"You look like the world's just ended," Danny remarks.
"Well, that is because Grandpa figured out that I am considering retirement. Before you say anything don't. I said I am considering it which means I may choose not to," I respond to both Danny and Jamie's horror.
"But someone has to deal with the next generation and it might as well be you. I saw how you handled your new partner," Danny responds.
"I know. I will tell you both what I said to Gramps. I will talk to Captain Stark about it," I reply. After some back and forth Danny and Jamie are happy with my plan. After a few minutes, Erin and Nicky join us. Erin looks annoyed. It seems as if I am not the only one with something that is bothering them.
"Is everything ok Erin?" I ask as she sits down.
"No. It turns out the guy that was leading the ambulance ambushes is due to be deported," Erin responds as she dumps her stuff. For some reason, I have the sudden urge to tell her that I am considering retirement. It is due to the fact that I don't want to talk about the idea of where Alex's killer will face justice.
"It looks like I'm not the only one who has problems," Erin says as she throws a glance in my general direction.
"I'm considering retirement," I respond. After some back and forth of a different kind we are joined by Dad. Unlike Erin he is relieved. I put it down to the fact that I am in less danger now. After a few hours, we finally settled into our meals.
It has been a couple of days since then and I am about to enter Captain Stark's office but I stop. He currently has his head buried in a personnel file which can only mean one thing. Someone is getting promoted. The likelihood of it being me is slim as EMS personnel are often overlooked.
"You can come in Reagan. I wanted to talk to you anyway," Captain Stark remarks as he looks up from the file. As I enter I recognise the file. It's mine.
"What can I do for you, Boss?" I ask.
"Well, Lieutenant Daniels has been promoted to captain of Rescue Company One which means I need to promote someone to fill his place and I was hoping that you would consider taking it," Captain Stark explains.
"Do I have time to think about it? It's just with the events of the past week I've been considering retirement and I want to weigh up my options," I tentatively respond. Don't get me wrong I am happy to be considered for promotion but a lot has happened in the past week that is making me reconsider my position as an FDNY paramedic.
"I would prefer a response as soon as possible but I am not going to pressure you," Captain Stark responds. I am about to thank him when the signal bell goes. After a few minutes, we made it to the scene. To my horror, we are dealing with a jumper. She can't be any older than fourteen years.
"Cap, I'll harness up then go up and try to talk the kid down," I announce.
"Ok. Erica make sure the ambulance is ready in case Avery is unsuccessful. Jones, Izzy, Marcus make sure the rescue mat is deployed," Captain Stark orders. With that, we all get to work. With a few swift movements, I have my harness on and the winch prepared. After what felt like an eternity of running up the stairs I made it to the roof. To my surprise, Jamie is there. He is trying to talk the jumper down. To no one's surprise, his methods are not working. After making sure the winch is ready I carefully approach the girl
"Excuse me what's your name?" I speak up as I gesture for Jamie to move behind me.
"It doesn't matter. Nobody cares anymore," The girl says. She
"Well someone cared enough to call 911. My name is Avery," I counter.
"You don't understand. There is nothing left for me," The girl says as she glances over the edge of the building. Luckily for her, the rescue mat should have been deployed. Even then there is a chance that she could get injured.
"I've been where you are. Thirteen years ago I was supposed to have a normal day at work but the towers fell. Only two members of my fire station made it out alive. Myself and my Captain. For months after I felt that there was nothing left for me," I respond in a fit of empathy.
"What changed?" The girl asks. At least she is taking the bait.
"My brother Joe found me in an ally somewhere. He told me that if I didn't get help there would be no one to help me next time. So I sobered up and got help," I explained the situation.
"But that's it. I have no one. My foster family doesn't care and my biological family is non-existent," She cries.
"You have me. Just come down and I will help you," I respond. After glancing over the edge she looks me in the eyes. After considering her options the girl joins me. I take a deep breath. Luckily for me, it ended well. We soon make it to the ambulance where I check the girl over. I soon notice some signs of physical abuse. No wonder why she thought jumping was the only way out.
"How's she doing?" Jamie asks as he joins us.
"Well, it's complicated. She has bruising but since there are no major wounds there is nothing that I can do," I reply. The thing is unless the girl wants to talk I am not going to get the answers I need. An idea soon springs to mind.
"Can I have a piece of paper from your notebook?"
"Sure," Jamie responds as he passes me his notebook. I quickly write down my phone number, once I am done I turn my attention to the girl.
"Look if you can't call 911 make sure you call this number. I will help you. No questions asked," I say as I offer the piece of paper to her. She reluctantly takes it.
It has been an hour since then and I am lost in thought, not only about deciding between promotion and retirement but because of the girl. There is something that I can't shake. My thoughts are soon disturbed by Jamie.
"I come bearing gifts," Jamie remarks as he offers me a bag.
"Hopefully you bought enough for the rest of the crew. Anyway, if you are here to check on me I'm fine," I respond.
"Unfortunately not. But I wasn't here to check on you as I know you've survived worse. I came to tell you that I did some digging and it is not looking good for the girl you talked down," Jamie says.
"Let me guess she's been in and out of various foster houses," I say what has been bothering me.
"Yes. Look you need to be careful. There is a lot that can go wrong," Jamie warns me as I open the bag to find a couple of doughnuts from one of the best bakeries in Manhattan. I soon realise that Jamie is hinting to something more however since we are both busy I am not going to dig.
"I know. That's why I will call you or Danny if I have any issues," I respond before Jamie leaves. Well, at least I have some sort of a clue as to what is going on. A part of me feels like I should contact child protective services however I know that without enough proof it will make things worse for the girl.
It is the day after, and I am about to change into my civilian clothing when my phone rings.
"This is Av-,"
"I need help. I told my foster parents I wanted to leave. They went ballistic. Please hurry," the girl cries out over the phone.
"I'll come get you. Just tell me where you are," I jump into action as I know that time is critical. After giving me her address she hangs up. I throw my duffle bag over my shoulder and leave. I know there is a chance that this could backfire but I have to help. I soon made it to the address she gave. Before leaving the car I called Jamie. After getting confirmation that he is on his way I leave my car. Once I arrive at the door I knock. The girl quickly answered it.
"Lexi, who is it?" a man's voice can be heard yelling.
"It's no one, Dale," Lexi responds. Before she has a chance to leave the man grabs her by the wrist.
"I told you already. You are staying," the man snarls.
"Sir if you don't let go I will call the police. Lexi has every right to leave if she feels unsafe," I say as I try to get between them. I brace myself but the hit never comes as Jamie and his partner have arrived.
"Avery please step aside. I've got this," Jamie says. After making sure I am not in the way Jamie turns his attention to Lexi's foster parent.
"Sir if you don't let her go I will arrest and charge you for abuse,"
"What proof do you have?" Lexi's foster parent snaps.
"Yesterday we responded to a call where a young girl was threatening to jump. Once we talked to her Avery found bruises so I did some digging to find that you had a history of abusing girls that came into your care," My eyes widen at the news that Jamie has delivered. No wonder why he warned me. With that new information, I take Lexi outside.
"I'm sorry for dragging you into this Avery," Lexi immediately begins to apologise.
"Don't worry Lexi. I offered to help so I am going to help," I am just as quick to reassure her. To be honest she is lucky that I have the resources to help. After what feels like an eternity Jamie comes out with the man in cuffs.
"Avery, would you mind taking Lexi to the station please?" Jamie asks as he shoves Lexi's foster dad in the patrol car.
"Of course," I reply as I gesture for Lexi to join me.
It is the day after I rescued Lexi and I am currently having an interesting conversation with a child protection officer.
"Lexi has asked for you to be her emergency foster carer but I think it would be unwise given your career," The CPS officer is not convinced.
"Look my career isn't my top priority at the moment. It is giving Lexi the family she wants," I respond. After rattling off the reasons why Lexi would be better off with me the CPS officer seems a little convinced. She sighs as she considers her options.
"Ok, Miss Reagan I will recommend you as an emergency foster carer however there are conditions," The CPS officer gives in.
"Of course," I reply. After listing her conditions the CPS officer seems satisfied. As soon as the CPS officer leaves a sigh falls from my mouth. There is a long road ahead but I know that I can help Lexi live the life she deserves. It has been a couple of hours since then and I am making sure Lexi's room is ready to go. I am soon pulled out of my thoughts by a knock on the door. I quickly answer it to find Jamie and Lexi.
"Welcome and thank you for your help Jamie," I find myself welcoming Lexi and thanking Jamie at the same time. To be honest I don't have a clue where to start when it comes to helping Lexi. After a quick exchange, Jamie leaves.
"Look Lexi I do have some ground rules but I am not going to be too strict…hopefully. Anyway, that's not the point. Rule one, tell me if you are going out. You don't have to tell me so long as I know that you are going. Rule two, You don't have to go to church however I will pick you up after so we can go to the family lunch together. Rule three you are welcome to help yourself to anything in the cupboard so long as you tell me if supplies are getting low," I outline my rules. To my surprise, Lexi seems ok with it. After confirming that she understands the rules I show her to her room. The look on her face changes from indifference to joy. I guess someone like her hasn't had much in the way of personal space.
"Are you sure this room is mine?" Lexi asks as she hesitates.
"Yep. Every square inch," I confirm to Lexi's confusion.
"But-,"
"No Lexi. I am helping you which means I am going to treat you like a human being," I cut her off. Lexi shows me a shy smile as she sits down at the end of her bed. It is at that moment I realised that getting Lexi out of her shell was going to be harder than I thought. At least I know that I am in a better position to help her now that she is under my care.