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Olivia blinked a few times. She didn’t want to leave him, but she knew her sister had a job to do. “Soph, this is Jackson’s best friend, Turk. We are waiting on his mom to get here.”
She didn’t need to explain the importance of his mom seeing him. “Text me when she gets here.”
Turk's footsteps echoed softly as he made his way to Jackson's side in the trauma room. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking, his voice laced with emotion. “Hey, Jackson,” he began, his tone gentle. “I need you to hear me, brother. You're not alone in this fight. We've been through hell and back together.” He smiled. “Remember the diarrhea in Laos? We fought over the toilet. Damn it, I'm not about to let you go now. You're a fighter, Jackson, and I believe in you. We all do.” He spoke from his heart.
Following Turk, Olivia approached Jackson's bedside, her eyes brimming with tears as she took his hand in hers. “Jackson,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “your mom... she's on her way. She loves you so much, and she's going to be here soon.”
A sob caught in Olivia's throat as she struggled to maintain her composure, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “I promise you, I'm going to find out who did this. I won't rest until justice is served.”
After a momentary pause to collect herself, Olivia looked into his face. “I love you, Jackson,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, “more than words can express. You mean everything to me, and I'll do whatever it takes to see you through this.”
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Olivia leaned in to press a gentle kiss to Jackson's forehead.
* * *
Monday, October 16th
The waiting room was heavy with tension, filled with anxious firefighters and worried family members, each one silently praying for good news amidst the aftermath of the fire. Turk and Olivia entered the room, their faces etched with exhaustion and concern, the weight of the situation hanging heavily upon them.
As they navigated through the sea of worried faces, Turk gently guided Olivia toward Edwin's family, his wife holding vigil among them. “This is Olivia Everhart,” he said softly, gesturing toward her. “She's Jackson Reynolds’ friend. She’s also investigating the cause of the fire.”
Edwin's wife turned toward them, her eyes filled with gratitude as she spoke, unaware of the truth about Captain Reynolds' condition. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. “For everything. We're so grateful to Captain Reynolds. He's been such a source of strength for us.”
Before Olivia could react, Turk stepped in, his voice steady as he responded, masking the truth for the sake of Edwin's family. “We will make sure he knows,” he assured them.
As the gravity of the situation settled over Olivia, she couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for Edwin's wife, realizing the pain she must be experiencing. It was a stark reminder of the hurt her own mother endured when she lost her father.
Just then, the door swung open, and Charlotte Everhart entered the room, her presence a comforting hug for Olivia. “I heard about the fire. I thought I should be here.”
“Mom, I’m so sorry for what you went through.” She continued to hold on.
Charlotte held her until she let go. “Have you had something to eat or drink?” she asked. “Hello, Turk.” She smiled at him. “Turk’s dad was a firefighter when your dad was on the job.”
Again, Olivia got a reminder of the depth of the brotherhood.
The doors opened again, and a group of women came in wheeling a cart loaded with sandwiches, a large pot of coffee and hot water for tea with their accompaniments. Charlotte exchanged hugs with them and began to give out the refreshments. She whispered, “Food helps heal pain.”
Turk, the senior officer, stood tall amidst the intense atmosphere of the waiting room. His presence was a source of strength and reassurance for those gathered. Olivia watched with admiration as he moved through the room.
With each conversation, Turk displayed a blend of empathy and professionalism, giving words of encouragement and support to every family member of an injured firefighter. He listened to their fears and anxieties, offering reassurance.
As Turk spoke with each family member, Olivia grasped the strength of his and Jackson’s connection to the firefighting community. She observed how he knew each firefighter by name, understanding their roles and assignments within the department. Her ears perked up as each firefighter added a tidbit to the story of the fire. She wondered if this was like the game of telephone. Was anything true? She tapped the record button on her phone. She’d sort the information out later.
Another doctor entered the room. Everyone grew silent as he approached the family of Edwin, the firefighter from Engine 3. “I'm terribly sorry. Despite our best efforts, we couldn't save him. He passed away.”
Turk moved fast and wrapped his arms around the sobbing wife.
“No, no, this can't be happening...” she begged for another outcome.
“We did everything we could. He was a hero, but the heart damage was severe,” the doctor said.
Tears flowed freely. His son cried, “He was so brave... He loved being a firefighter. He died doing what he loved.”
Turk looked at his devastated wife. “He saved lives today. He'll always be remembered for his bravery and selflessness.” He escorted the wife and family out of the room with the doctor.
Olivia's heart sank as she heard the devastating news, her hands quivering as she dropped her head into them, the weight of grief washing over her.
In the midst of the sorrow, Turk signaled to two firefighters, his gaze gritty as he headed toward the door. Olivia watched them go. She made the decision as soon as she saw Jackson’s mom at his side. It was her job to find out how this fire started, but this case was personal. She’d find the person who set it or die trying.
