"Thank fuck," one of them—Dax, I think—exhales dramatically. "Imagine having to call the police department to rescue firefighters from an elevator. We'd never live down the humiliation."
Valid concern.
Professional reputation would suffer immensely.
I laugh—a genuine sound that carries through the station.
"Officer Martinez would be appalled. The mockery would be relentless and entirely deserved."
"That would be agonizing," a familiar voice agrees from near the entrance.
We turn collectively to find Officer Hazel Martinez herself, accompanied by a group of her officers who look distinctly uncomfortable—scowling, defensive posture, the particular body language of people who've been caught doing something regrettable.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
I whistle low, appreciative sound for whatever drama has unfolded.
"Who put barks up their assholes?" The question emerges with genuine curiosity, gesturing at the miserable-looking officers.
Hazel laughs—a bright sound that suggests satisfaction with whatever situation led to this impromptu visit.
"They're in trouble for apparently trying to compete with you fine folks. Things got a bit heated, and they thought I wouldn't discover their unsanctioned rivalry."
Unsanctioned rivalry.
Between firefighters and police.
Tale as old as emergency services themselves.
The three rookies—Dax, Rook, and Flynn—exchange guilty glances before stepping forward with explanations that overlap into incomprehensible chaos,
"We were in town?—"
"—and they started talking shit?—"
"—about response times and professional competence?—"
"—so naturally we had to defend station honor?—"
"—which led to some competitive challenges?—"
"—that may have involved property damage?—"
"—and public disturbance citations?—"
Children.
All of them are children.
Regardless of chronological age.
Hazel's smirk suggests she's enjoying their discomfort immensely.
"Let me guess," I interrupt their rambling explanations. "You engaged in ridiculous competitions, caused public scenes, and then attempted to hide evidence from your boss?"
I gesture toward Hazel with a dramatic flourish.
