Olivia blinked a couple of occasions. She didn’t wish to go away him, however she knew her sister had a job to do. “Soph, that is Jackson’s finest good friend, Turk. We’re ready on his mother to get right here.”

She didn’t want to elucidate the significance of his mother seeing him. “Textual content me when she will get right here.”

Turk’s footsteps echoed softly as he made his strategy to Jackson’s aspect within the trauma room. He took a second to assemble his ideas earlier than talking, his voice laced with emotion. “Hey, Jackson,” he started, his tone mild. “I would like you to listen to me, brother. You are not alone on this struggle. We have been via hell and again collectively.” He smiled. “Keep in mind the diarrhea in Laos? We fought over the bathroom. Rattling it, I am not about to allow you to go now. You are a fighter, Jackson, and I imagine in you. All of us do.” He spoke from his coronary 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 mother… she’s on her means. She loves you a lot, and she or he’s going to be right here quickly.”

A sob caught in Olivia’s throat as she struggled to keep up her composure, her feelings threatening to overwhelm her. “I promise you, I’ll discover out who did this. I will not relaxation till justice is served.”

After a momentary pause to gather herself, Olivia regarded into his face. “I like you, Jackson,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, “greater than phrases can specific. You imply the whole lot to me, and I am going to do no matter it takes to see you thru this.”

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Olivia leaned in to press a delicate kiss to Jackson’s brow.

* * *

Monday, October sixteenth

The ready room was heavy with stress, crammed with anxious firefighters and fearful members of the family, each silently praying for excellent news amidst the aftermath of the hearth. Turk and Olivia entered the room, their faces etched with exhaustion and concern, the load of the state of affairs hanging closely upon them.

As they navigated via the ocean of fearful faces, Turk gently guided Olivia towards Edwin’s household, his spouse holding vigil amongst them. “That is Olivia Everhart,” he stated softly, gesturing towards her. “She’s Jackson Reynolds’ good friend. She’s additionally investigating the reason for the hearth.”

Edwin’s spouse turned towards them, her eyes crammed with gratitude as she spoke, unaware of the reality about Captain Reynolds’ situation. “Thanks,” she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. “For the whole lot. We’re so grateful to Captain Reynolds. He is been such a supply of energy for us.”

Earlier than Olivia may react, Turk stepped in, his voice regular as he responded, masking the reality for the sake of Edwin’s household. “We’ll make sure that he is aware of,” he assured them.

Because the gravity of the state of affairs settled over Olivia, she could not assist however really feel a pang of empathy for Edwin’s spouse, realizing the ache she should be experiencing. It was a stark reminder of the damage her personal mom endured when she misplaced her father.

Simply then, the door swung open, and Charlotte Everhart entered the room, her presence a comforting hug for Olivia. “I heard concerning the hearth. I assumed I ought to be right here.”

“Mother, I’m so sorry for what you went via.” She continued to carry on.

Charlotte held her till she let go. “Have you ever had one thing to eat or drink?” she requested. “Howdy, Turk.” She smiled at him. “Turk’s dad was a firefighter when your dad was on the job.”

Once more, Olivia obtained a reminder of the depth of the brotherhood.

The doorways opened once more, and a gaggle of girls got here in wheeling a cart loaded with sandwiches, a big pot of espresso and scorching water for tea with their accompaniments. Charlotte exchanged hugs with them and commenced to offer out the refreshments. She whispered, “Meals helps heal ache.”

Turk, the senior officer, stood tall amidst the extraordinary environment of the ready room. His presence was a supply of energy and reassurance for these gathered. Olivia watched with admiration as he moved via the room.

With every dialog, Turk displayed a mix of empathy and professionalism, giving phrases of encouragement and assist to each member of the family of an injured firefighter. He listened to their fears and anxieties, providing reassurance.

As Turk spoke with every member of the family, Olivia grasped the energy of his and Jackson’s connection to the firefighting neighborhood. She noticed how he knew every firefighter by title, understanding their roles and assignments inside the division. Her ears perked up as every firefighter added a tidbit to the story of the hearth. She questioned if this was like the sport of phone. Was something true? She tapped the document button on her cellphone. She’d type the data out later.

One other physician entered the room. Everybody grew silent as he approached the household of Edwin, the firefighter from Engine 3. “I am terribly sorry. Regardless of our greatest efforts, we could not save him. He handed away.”

Turk moved quick and wrapped his arms across the sobbing spouse.

“No, no, this cannot be taking place…” she begged for an additional consequence.

“We did the whole lot we may. He was a hero, however the coronary heart harm was extreme,” the physician stated.

Tears flowed freely. His son cried, “He was so courageous… He cherished being a firefighter. He died doing what he cherished.”

Turk checked out his devastated spouse. “He saved lives as we speak. He’ll all the time be remembered for his bravery and selflessness.” He escorted the spouse and household out of the room with the physician.

Olivia’s coronary heart sank as she heard the devastating information, her arms quivering as she dropped her head into them, the load of grief washing over her.

Within the midst of the sorrow, Turk signaled to 2 firefighters, his gaze gritty as he headed towards the door. Olivia watched them go. She made the choice as quickly as she noticed Jackson’s mother at his aspect. It was her job to learn the way this hearth began, however this case was private. She’d discover the one who set it or die making an attempt.

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