Page 5 of Playing With Fire
“Oh, I’m enjoying every second,” Becky said with a warm chuckle. “But enough about me. How’s my favorite fire captain holding up? What’s new in Phoenix Ridge?”
Cass’s smile faded a bit as she considered how much had changed since Becky left. “Well, it’s been interesting, to say the least. We’ve got a city consultant coming in. Evelyn Ford. She’s here to shake things up and cut costs, and the team isn’t exactly thrilled about it.”
Becky let out a sympathetic hum. “I know her type. Efficiency experts, all about numbers and graphs, right? They walk in with binders full of ideas and little understanding of what actually keeps a team running.”
“Exactly. The team is nervous—and, if I’m being honest, I am too.” Cass ran a hand over her forehead, the weight of the past few days pressing down on her. “The department’s got its quirks, but we all work together like family. Evelyn just…she doesn’t get that. She sees us as numbers to rearrange.”
“She’s probably like most consultants,” Becky said, a gentle caution in her voice. “She’ll push her own agenda hard, maybe even in ways that get under your skin. But here’s the thing,Cass. You’re the one who knows Phoenix Ridge. You know its strengths and challenges better than anyone. She might have her spreadsheets, but you have their loyalty. That’s something no report can capture.”
Cass nodded, finding comfort in Becky’s words. “I just don’t want the team to lose what makes us…us. We’ve worked hard to build a culture of trust, where everyone’s got each other’s backs. I’m worried that if I push back too hard, she’ll think I’m refusing to cooperate.”
“Don’t let her mistake your strength for resistance,” Becky advised, her tone steady but encouraging. “You’re in a position to stand your ground and protect what matters. Change is inevitable, but you get to control the direction it takes. If she’s there to improve things, show her how things can be better without tearing down the spirit you’ve built.”
Cass was quiet for a moment, letting Becky’s words sink in. “It’s just…I’m not used to feeling this defensive,” she admitted, the vulnerability surprising even herself. “And it’s more than just work. Evelyn, she’s…well, let’s just say she has a way of getting under my skin in ways I can’t even explain.”
“Ah,” Becky chuckled knowingly. “Sounds like there’s more to her than just budgets and efficiency reports.”
Cass shifted uncomfortably, a laugh escaping her. “Let’s just say our interactions have been complicated. It’s not like me to let someone get to me this way, but she challenges me and not just in a professional sense. I can’t tell if I’m frustrated or intrigued.”
“Maybe both?” Becky offered with a laugh. “Sometimes the people who challenge us the most are the ones who make us grow. But be careful, Cass. If she’s here to stay for a while, make sure whatever this is doesn’t throw you off balance. You’re the captain, and they’re looking to you.”
Cass straightened, feeling Becky’s unwavering belief in her, and for a moment, the storm of emotions she’d been carryingsettled. “You’re right, Becky. I need to remember that. This department isn’t just a job to me. It’s my family, and I have to put that first, no matter what she brings.”
Becky’s voice softened, carrying that familiar warmth that always steadied Cass. “Trust yourself, Cass. Phoenix Ridge couldn’t have a better leader. The team will follow where you lead, especially if they see you standing up for them.”
Cass smiled, feeling the knot of tension in her chest begin to loosen. “Thanks, Becky. I needed this talk. I just have to trust myself and know I can navigate this without letting her push me into a corner.”
“Exactly. Show her your strength and your heart, and remind her what Phoenix Ridge is built on. And remember, Cass, you’re not just standing up to her; you’re standing up for your team. There’s a difference.”
Cass felt a renewed sense of purpose settle over her. “I will. Thanks, Becky. For everything. Go enjoy those waves for me.”
“Oh, I plan to! And remember, if you ever need a beach getaway to clear your head, I’ve got a chair waiting here with your name on it.”
Cass laughed, feeling lighter than she had in days. “I’ll hold you to that. Give my love to Lucinda.”
“I will. Now go show that consultant what Phoenix Ridge Fire Department is made of.”
As Cass hung up, Becky’s words echoed in her mind, filling her with strength. Whatever came next, she was ready.
As they wrapped up the conversation, Cass hung up the phone, feeling a surge of confidence. But as the quiet of the station enveloped her once more, a flicker of doubt crept in. Her mind slipped back to the hallway encounter with Evelyn—the way their arms had brushed, the intensity in Evelyn’s gaze, the strange electric energy that had ignited between them.
Why can’t I shake this feeling?Cass frowned, the memory gnawing at her. She stood and looked out the window, the sun warming her face, but the unease lingered like a shadow, refusing to dissipate in the light. She took a deep breath, pushing the thoughts aside for now. With Becky’s words echoing in her mind, Cass resolved to focus on her team and the challenges ahead.
The main meeting room of the firehouse felt heavier than usual, an air of tension clinging to the walls like smoke from a recent blaze. The department heads sat around a well-worn table, its surface cluttered with spreadsheets and budget reports, the stark reality of finances hanging over them like a dark cloud. Cass glanced at the clock, feeling the weight of anticipation settle in her stomach, mentally preparing for the clash that was sure to come.
The door swung open, and Evelyn strode in, her posture immaculate and commanding, a clipboard in hand that seemed like an extension of her authority. Her shiny blonde wavy hair was as perfect as ever. Cass felt the immediate spark of tension as their eyes met for a brief moment—an electric connection that sent a jolt through the air.
“Let’s get started,” Evelyn said, her voice cool and clipped as she took her seat at the head of the table, her gaze sweeping the room. She exuded a practiced composure that seemed to put an invisible barrier between herself and everyone else in the room.
As the meeting commenced, Evelyn laid out her plan for budget cuts with a crisp efficiency that left little room for debate. “We need to streamline our resources,” she stated, each word calculated and precise. “This will allow us to focus oncore operations and enhance overall efficiency. With the current economic climate, we can’t afford to be sentimental or wasteful.”
Cass leaned forward, barely containing her frustration. She could feel the team’s eyes on her, waiting for her response. “But at what cost?” she challenged, her tone steady but carrying an undeniable heat. “These changes are going to hit morale hard, and we can’t just reduce everything to numbers. This department relies on trust and camaraderie. You take that away, and you’re left with people who don’t feel valued or safe.”
Evelyn’s gaze flickered, a slight crease forming in her brow as she leaned forward, meeting Cass’s eyes head-on. “I understand that, Captain Harris, but you have to consider the bigger picture. If we’re bogged down with unnecessary expenses, it limits our ability to invest in better equipment or more training, things that directly improve safety and service outcomes. Efficiency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s essential for the sustainability of this department.”
Cass felt a pulse of irritation at Evelyn’s unflinching tone. “With all due respect, Evelyn, I think you’re underestimating the human side of this. The equipment is important, yes, but it’s the people who make it work. We’ve been able to handle emergencies with what we have because we trust each other and know our strengths. Strip away that support, and you’re left with a department running on fumes.”
Evelyn sighed, shifting in her seat slightly, though her expression remained resolute. “I’m not here to diminish the hard work of your team, Captain. But it’s my job to ensure the department’s financial viability. If we’re weighed down by excess spending on non-essential services, we won’t have the resources to invest in what actually keeps everyone safe.”