Page 3 of Hot Zone
It was true we were the most diverse station in town, with a mix of ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations, and it was possible that was the reason he’d targeted us. But it was also possible none of these things had anything to do with it at all, and until we knew the truth, it was best to keep that under wraps.
Unfortunately, what we knew about the guy was limited. We had an approximate height and knew he wore gloves, a hoodie, and sneakers. That was basically it. Well, that and the fact that he was targeting Station 69.
I’d just finished looking over all the material in the folder when there was a knock on the door, and Christopher Ross, the city’s fire chief and my boss, opened the door.
“Hey, Sam. How’s it going?”
“Good, Chris, thanks for coming.”
“Sure thing. Fox is right behind me. He stopped to speak to Keith Brooks on our way in.”
“I hope we catch this guy soon. Everyone’s on edge. We have eight people on per shift, with four shifts, so that means thirty-two people are at risk.”
“I hear you. Fox is on this full-time now, and he’s doing everything he can to find this guy.”
A second later, I heard voices in the hall, and then Fox walked in. “Hey.” He dropped into the chair next to Chief Ross.
“Thanks for coming by. I’m assuming you don’t have any new information.”
“No, all I have is official confirmation that the fire at the record store is the same guy who’s been setting fires in empty buildings, including the one where Keith was injured, but we knew that.”
I sighed. “I figured if you had anything, you would let us know. What I really wanted to talk to y’all about is what we can do to protect our people.”
“I think the best thing we can do is encourage them to get additional video surveillance of their homes and businesses,” Fox said. “I don’t know if it’s really necessary since, so far, he hasn’t targeted anyone’s home. He hit empty buildings in your area, Andy’s car, and Cody’s shop, but I say better safe than sorry.”
“I agree with that.” I handed them both a folder I’d prepared for them. “Naturally, everyone’s free to choose their own protection, but a friend of mine is one of the owners of Three Bears Tactical Services here in town, and he’s put together a plan to help out.”
Christopher opened up the folder and looked at the proposal. “This is very generous of them.”
“His father was Thomas Hawkins,” I said.
“Ah.” Christopher sighed. “That makes sense then.” Thomas Hawkins had been a firefighter here in Vesper for years until he was killed trying to rescue a baby that was sleeping in an upstairs bedroom back in the early 90s. “His father was a hero, and we hated to lose him.”
“This is a good plan,” Fox said. “This, plus a reminder for everyone to be vigilant. He hasn’t killed anyone yet, but that doesn’t mean he won’t.”
“We should encourage all of our firefighters to make sure they have a family evacuation plan and that they go over it with their families. I don’t want to scare anyone, but they need to be prepared,” Christopher suggested.
“I’ll remind them to do that,” I assured him.
“Okay, I’ll update the mayor. He’s already told me he’s going to increase patrols in your coverage area. I know he’s on board with doing what he can to help. So if you need anything, just let me know.”
“We will,” Fox nodded. “This guy’s bound to screw up sooner or later.”
“I hope so. I was wondering if I should suggest that my son, Steven, consider getting some security, as well. I don’t know if it’s necessary, but I’d feel better if he did,” Samuel said.
“It probably wouldn’t hurt,” Fox said. “I’m not even an official part of Station sixty-nine, but I’m going to talk to my family about it.”
“Sounds like we have a plan. I’ll get with all my captains, and we’ll get this information out to everyone.”
Chapter 2
Mars
“I think this one’s my favorite. What do you think, Kismet?” I held up the silver chain with the pretty jade stone on the end, letting it swing in front of her face. She followed the pendulum with her eyes as it swung back and forth. “It’s really pretty, and it has great energy.”
Then, quick as… well, a cat, she reached out with her paw and swatted it out of my hand. She gave me a bored look, hoppeddown off the table, and sauntered across the room to her window perch. I let out a sigh and leaned down to pick up the pendulum.
“So violent, Kissy. Now I’ll have to smudge this one before I can sell it.”