24

It felt like a warzone outside the firehouse, after the incident a few hours ago the amount of publicity we were receiving was exponential. A dangerous call like that always attracted the media's attention, wanting to get a taste of the action and put their own little spin on the actual truth.

Unsurprising to anyone in the firehouse, we all remained inside of the station not wanting to deal with the news stations. Squad's usual spot on the apparatus floor moved inside temporarily so the insistent sounds of journalist and reporters yelling was muted. Boden wasn't happy, he never was when it came to the safety and publicity of his firefighters, only this time was worse than anything we ever dealt with before.

"Well if Intelligence didn't hear about the call they sure will now. How long do you think it will take for Halstead to get here to check on Blake"

Shaking my head in amusement at my brother, the other's starting calling out guesses and placing bets, all knowing that the Halstead was quite protective of his girlfriend. "He is probably on his way here breaking all the laws of the road" which couldn't have been a truer statement. The former army ranger was properly worried about everyone in the firehouse after growing closer to them, but his worry for Blake was stronger than anyone realized.

Listening in on the continued conversation on Jay's and I relationship, I filled out the incident report knowing Boden will want to discuss it later and try to figure out what to do next. What happened down in that basement was extensive and deep down we both knew the higher ups in the CFD as well as CPD needed to get involved. It was a highly organized incident and could have gone terribly wrong.

For a few seconds the bustling sound of people's voice overlapping caught all of our attention before it ceased to silence once again when the door closed. Leaning back against the chair to see who walked in, I spotted Sylvie and Emily both looking rather annoyed by all of the news reporters. "I have never wanted to run people over more in my life then those damn reporters. So inconsiderate of the fact that we still have damn jobs to do and people to save"

Laughing at Sylvie, I spun around in the chair to look at her pissed of expression before going back to finishing my report. "Well if you got arrested I would have Voight get you out, claiming vehicle malfunction". Before I knew it arms quickly wrapped around my neck and a kiss was placed upon my cheek from the blonde paramedic.

"This is why you are my favorite, you have have connections everywhere and can get us all out of something stupid"

As I finished the report the alarm rang through the firehouse causing everyone to hold their breath. None of us wanted to leave knowing we would be getting bombarded with cameras and microphones, reporters wanting some sort of insight that no one else knew about. They cared more about a news story than the idea of being in the way of a letting first responders do their jobs.

Upon hearing the call of Squad 3 and Ambo 61, a huge sigh escaped my lips before I got up from the seat jogging out to the apparatus floor. Quickly sliding into the gear in record time, I climbed into the passenger seat of the truck, glancing at Cruz who was looking at the crowd blocking the driveway. With a look of annoyance, I poked my head out the window towards Sylvie and Emily. "Brett, follow us out we are going to get them to move." Seeing the nod of confirmation, I gave Cruz a thumbs up. "Sirens on, press on the horn until they move"

Without hesitation the latino man started to pull out, horn blaring and sirens echoing into the air. Slowly moving forward he forced the reporters and camera crews to move out of the way, an emotionless expression on his face. As soon as he got a wide enough opening he whipped out of the driveway speeding down the streets towards the call. Glancing into the side view mirror, I caught sight of reporters rushing towards their vehicles to follow us.

Reaching for the walkie on the truck, I rolled my eyes slightly.

Glancing at the others behind me to see if they were doing ok, they all sent me a thumbs up to reassure me everything was fine. "Keep your eyes appealed and if you feel something is wrong be cautious and let me know" which earned a chorus of yes' in response. Pulling up to the house, it seemed like a normal house fire but sometimes things can look deceiving.

Clambering out of the truck, I saw Foster and Brett hop out of Ambo getting things a gurney ready. "Everts and Cruz, I want you two on the top floor, Capp, Tony I want you guys on the first. Look for anyone still inside, I'll handle the basement and ground floor".

Sliding the mask over my head, I turned slightly towards the street where I saw the police barricade blocking the reporters from getting closer. A little bit of relief washed through me knowing we wouldn't have to worry about them bothering us. With a halligan in hand, I entered the house first, moving towards the side watching the 4 firefighters make their way up the stairs.

Cautiously moving towards the basement, I could tell the fire started from there by the way the smoke was much darker and by the fire started climb through the walls. Most likely the cause of faulty electrical. Entering the basement I kept my ears appealed for the sounds of someone struggling or even coughing but there was only the sound of roaring fire. "Chicago Fire Department call out"

Even with no response I continued my sweep, checking everything the best I could before making my way back upstairs, starting my search on the main floor, I listened to the calls the others were making of clearing the rooms and floor. "We're all clear Lieutenant"

Coming up empty handed with no persons to carry out, I started to leave the last bedroom when I spotted something very familiar that I haven't seen in months, a trigger device. Slowly backing out of the room to not trigger it, I raised my hand towards the walkie, a small sense of panic washing over me. "Squad 3, Ambo 61 I am going to need you guys to move away from the house and cover your heads"

Concern started to flood through the walkie but I tuned it all out at the familiar sound of popping. "BOMB, get down!" I screamed through the walkie before lunging through the front door just as the device detonated. A large force exploded chucking me to the ground with a loud smack before the rush of heat was felt through all the protective layers. Muffled sounds of yells and screams echoed through the street at the sight of house exploding in front of hundreds of eyes.

Hands immediately wrapped around my arms pulling me off the ground, ripping my face mask off my face. Sylvie's eyes looked over my figure, trying to spot an sort of injuring from being thrown to the ground. "Blake you ok?"

Facing everyone, they all looked so shocked and even a little fearful of what just happened. I didn't even know how to respond, or ease their worries because I was afraid. Bringing my hand towards the walkie I continued to stare at the raging fire

Blinking away the tears the formed in my eyes, I approached the others, a frown on my face. "Boden and the rest of 51 are on their way". A little sense of relief washed over everyone knowing the others were on their way but it didn't help much knowing that we are dealing with serial bomber.

Hey guys! Sorry for the lack of updates, I have been in a lot of pain the past few months with an increase of migraines so I have been dealing with my health as well as college. I am excited to update again even if it is for a temporary time since my education and health is little bit of a priority at the movement. I have an excited story line planned out for the next few chapters and you will see Blake in a more authoritative role then ever. Yes, Jay is vaguely aware of the situation but doesn't know all the details or even know that Blake and Cruz were the two firefighters that had stayed down to diffuse the situation. He will find out next chapter when the severity of the situation/call is brought up to of CPD and the head of CFD.

Also this is brand new book that is actually published now. It is a OC X Sylvie Brett story, I honestly love the two characters. Please check it out, It would mean the world to me!