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THEN MARCUS RUINED THE MOMENT

“As touching as this is, Cole is still facing a departmental review.”

Adrian groaned.

Rachel looked horrified.

“Because he saved my son?”

Marcus answered carefully:

“Because firefighters don’t get to ignore evacuation orders without review.”

Good.

I liked Marcus.

Rachel started:

“But—”

Adrian interrupted.

“He’s right.”

Everyone looked at him.

Adrian continued:

“I made the call.”

“I’d make it again.”

Marcus raised an eyebrow.

“Cole.”

Adrian sighed.

“I would evaluate the structural conditions more carefully and follow command.”

“Much better.”

The boy looked between them.

“Is he in trouble?”

Marcus smiled.

“A little.”

Adrian muttered:

“Everybody’s enjoying that answer today.”