Firefly Mountain Read Online Free PDF Page B

but caught the tension in the chief’s jaw. “Yes, sir.” As he climbed the stairs, Jonah came in through the back doors.
    “Claremont, my office. Now,” Chief Warner said.
    “Look, Chief,” Jonah began. “She didn’t mean—”
    “Office, son. Get.”
    Jonah threw up his hands and marched into the chief’s office. The door closed and Patrick couldn’t hear anymore. He was curious though. So curious.
    Let it go, man. None of your business. He’d keep his distance from Jonah Claremont and his mysterious, annoying sister. He’d gone this long without close friends. He could go longer. Too bad. Jonah seemed like someone he wouldn’t mind getting to know better. Whatever. He lived closer to Raina now. Family would have to be enough.
    ****
    No better color in the world. Inferno orange. Vibrant and alive. She loved the flecks of yellow and red that chased each other through the blaze. Reaching higher, gaining strength, throwing a scorching heat that melted everything in its path.
    Such power, such divine power. It filled her. Scared away the dark shadows threatening to swallow her at every turn. Nothing could touch her when a fire burned. It surrounded her, protected her, made her feel real. She was a candle, and without the flame, she was useless.
    This particular fire flickered in time with her pulse. The smoky scent of old wood caressed her nose. Made her think of all those campfires she didn’t enjoy as a child. Those campfires where her father told her she was a no good mistake. Told her the world wouldn’t ever accept her. Never understand her.
    He’d been right, but she was changing that. The fire made it possible. If she could cause such destruction, the world would have to notice. Have to deal with her. Have to try to stop her.
    As if they could.
    The warmth from this blaze reddened her cheeks. Couldn’t get too close. Close was dangerous. Windows smashed with the pressure. Glass sprayed, a million heated shards catapulting into the cosmos. Walls crumbled. Family photographs curled and turned to ash. They’d rebuild, but that wouldn’t stop the next fire from being born. Wouldn’t stop the reverence they’d now have toward the strongest of the elements.
    Fire was king and she its loyal subject.
    ****
    The alarm echoed through the fire station and sent everyone into a flurry of action. Gear was donned, engines started, sirens sounded. Two quint trucks raced to Cloudson Drive where fire engulfed a raised ranch. Neighbors crowded the streets as they shook their heads and held their families close.
    Patrick hopped out of the truck as soon as it screamed to a stop in front of the blaze. The heat blasted him, and he threw on his helmet, face mask, and air cylinders. He signaled to Jonah that he was going in. Jonah confirmed the signal and followed right behind him.
    Dispatch had noted it was unknown whether or not the house was occupied. Patrick and Jonah had been assigned to find out. They broke some windows that hadn’t already shattered to let some of the smoke out as they searched. The first floor was empty as was the second. Patrick found a door leading to the basement and when he opened it, a wide-eyed older woman met his scanning sweep.
    “Get me out!” she screeched.
    Patrick grabbed the tablecloth off her kitchen table. He doused it at the sink and threw it over the woman. Covering her face—always careful to cover their faces—he scooped the little grandmother up and bolted for the stairs. The front doors had been hacked away by other fighters and his path was clear.
    Outside, Patrick handed the lady off to a waiting paramedic. He ripped off his helmet and face mask.
    “Ma’am, is there anyone else inside?” he asked.
    The woman shook her head and covered her mouth with a shaky hand as she coughed. “N-no. My daughter and her family are at a friend’s house.”
    Patrick nodded. “Okay. You’re safe now. This nice paramedic will take you to the hospital. Tell them how to contact your