That was certainly true. Destiny’s fire department and police department often worked hand-in-hand. While most firefighters were seen as the heroes they were, that wasn’t always the case with officers. Clint had personally come face-to-face with people who were angry at him for interrupting a dispute or arresting a loved one.
He always sought to do what he could to serve the townof Destiny and improve the lives of the people who lived there. Some days were easier than others.
“You’ve never had one of your firefighters singled out? Either in a negative or a positive light?”
“Well, sure. It happens on occasion. Cho carried a baby out of a burning building last week and was on the front page of the newspaper. Last month, Keyes stumbled on the evidence of an arson-based fire that led to an arrest.”
“Could you put together a list for me with any instances that stand out over the last four to six months?”
“Absolutely. The station is at your disposal. We all want the shooter caught as soon as possible.” Chief Menendez glanced at his cell phone, which was lying face up on the desk between them. “I keep hoping someone at the hospital will call with some good news. I want to be there myself while they wait, but someone still needs to manage the station. We’ve got a company that’s filling in for Bracken’s, so his can wait with Granger. Once Bracken is out of surgery and in recovery, I’ll head that way.”
Clint could imagine everyone from Station #2 would be there if they could. That would be the case if someone from the precinct were in the hospital for a similar reason.
“I can understand that.” Clint checked his notes. “We’re in the preliminary stages of this investigation. I hate to ask this, but was Bracken having any trouble in his personal life? Was there anyone he didn’t get along with outside of the station?”
Menendez leaned back in his chair and immediately shook his head. “Not that I know of. He was well-liked. A bit of a class clown, if you know what I mean. Quick to tease the others, but always in a good-natured way. If he was having any difficulties, he never shared that with me. If anyone might know, though, it’d be Granger.”
The chief looked at his phone again and shifted his weight. It was clear he was ready to check in with his people and do something more than just sit there. Clint could certainly empathize.
“I have one more question, then I’ll get out of your way. Granger said the shooter wore gear that was identical to what you all wear, except there was no name on the jacket. How do you get your gear? Is something like that easy to get a hold of for anyone who doesn’t work for the fire department?”
“The fire department purchases gear from several different suppliers, depending on which is offering the most competitive price at the time. We have strict policies in place when it comes to what we purchase and what it’s for. While some of our firefighters might purchase smaller accessory items according to their personal preference, essential personal protective equipment is provided. Each firefighter is responsible for the upkeep of their equipment. So, no, someone wouldn’t be able to easily purchase a full set of gear like that. But commandeer a set from one of our stations?” Menendez frowned. “As much as I hate to admit it, it’s not outside the realm of possibility.”
“I know this station is brand new. Has everything been moved over, or are there still some things waiting to be transferred?”
“Everything’s here, and we double and triple checked the inventory.” The chief looked thoughtful. “We have eight fire stations in town. I’ll reach out and make sure each one goes through their gear—ours included.”
“That sounds like a good plan. In the meantime, we’re investigating things from the warehouse side. We’ve also got people keeping an eye on Bracken at the hospital, just in case he really was the target.” Clint pushed away from thedesk and stood. “I’d like for us to keep in touch. If you find out anything, please call me or contact Detective Paris at the precinct. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on everything as well.”
“Absolutely.” Menendez stood as well and reached out to shake hands. “We appreciate the way the PD has teamed up with us on this.”
Clint gave the chief’s hand a hearty shake. “We wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Before he could turn to leave, Menendez’s cell phone rang. He held up a finger to stop Clint’s exit. “This is Menendez.” There were several moments of silence as he listened to whoever was talking on the other end of the line. “That’s good news. Yes, I will.” He focused on Clint, relief on his face. “Bracken made it through the surgery. The bullet narrowly missed his heart. The next few days may be tough, but barring any difficulties, he should make a full recovery.”
Clint’s shoulders relaxed as he took in the news. “I’m glad to hear that. I’ll be praying his stay in the hospital is a short one.”
“Thank you.”
As he walked through the fire station and into the cool November air, he thought about his conversation with the chief. There were several personal questions about Danny that he wanted to ask Leslie once he got back to the hospital. With any luck, maybe Danny would be feeling well enough to answer a few questions himself tomorrow.
Chapter Five
The last of the sun sank below the horizon, turning the hospital parking lot into an eerie expanse dotted with vehicles and lit by yellow-tinged streetlights overhead. It wasn’t even seven o’clock. The short days were one of Leslie’s biggest complaints about this time of year. Sometimes, when she was home alone, she felt trapped by the darkness. She already missed the long, warm days of summer.
When Officer Baker—Clint—came back to the hospital, he brought a bag of burgers with him. It was a thoughtful gesture, and one everyone from the station appreciated. The food was a welcome distraction as everyone took turns telling Becca funny or encouraging stories about Danny while she waited for the nurse to take her back to see her husband.
Leslie had tried to focus on her delicious burger, but barely made it halfway through when she’d finally wrapped it back up and set it aside.
Danny had made it through surgery. Miraculously, the bullet barely missed his heart, but he’d lost a lot of blood,and arterial damage meant repairs had still been extensive. The doctor had warned it might be some time before he was awake and talking. While the doctor felt he would make a full recovery, the risk of infection was still very real.
Becca mostly sat in the chair next to Leslie’s, her hand resting on her rounded belly as she talked about their unborn baby and how they were decorating the nursery. They’d chosen a jungle theme since they weren’t going to find out the gender until he or she was born.
When the nurse finally allowed her to go back and see her husband, Becca hurriedly followed. Leslie hadn’t seen her since.
With the exception of allowing the chief in to see Danny when he stopped by, everyone else was informed that they’d be welcome to see him during visiting hours the following day.
Everyone who was still on shift got ready to head back to the station. Bryce offered to take Leslie’s gear back with him, which she appreciated.
