Read Online Santa to the Rescue by Adele Downs - Free Book Online

Chapter One
    Jamey Tucker unfastened his helmet, lifted his facemask, and tugged off his fire retardant gloves before gulping half a liter of water. He could almost hear the liquid sizzle against his throat, much like the smoldering embers behind him turned to sodden ash.
    He held out the cup to the volunteer rescue worker manning the drinking water. “More.” That simple word was as much as he could manage. After chugging down a refill, moisture returned to his mouth and tongue. He licked his lips and released a satisfied sigh. All he needed was a hot shower and some chow to feel human again. “Thanks, man.”
    “No problem. Merry Christmas, Jamey.”
    “Yeah. You too.” The last thing on his mind was Christmas.
    He stunk like a chimney from fighting a fire ‘till dawn. Dumb kids and their vacant warehouse rave had caused his team hours of grief and gut wrenching work. Luckily, no one died.
    Though the crew decorated the firehouse with lights and garland and set up the tree a week ago, Christmas spirit had failed to find him. Loneliness could do that to the new guy in town, not that he’d admit it to anyone. He’d cut his heart out first.
    Jamey pulled off his fire retardant hood and stuffed it into his helmet with his facemask and gloves. Aching fingers unfastened the closures of his turnout coat. Crisp December air wafted through the openings, brushing the tee shirt beneath with cooling fingers. He made his way on weary legs to Engine 54 to meet his partner and head back to the stationhouse for breakfast and debriefing.
    Before he could climb up to sit shotgun, his mentor, Paul Gilles, called out to him from behind. “Hey, rookie. You drive. I’m beat.” Paul’s turnout boots made scraping noises on the asphalt with his approach.
    Jamey couldn’t hide his surprise. Paul treated bright red Engine 54 like his own child. The old timer must be dead on his feet to give up control of the wheel.
    “Sure.” Jamey moved to the driver’s side. He and Paul put their gear in the back of the truck and then climbed in.
    Paul ran a hand through his gray hair and rubbed the back of his neck as they headed toward Appleton Fire Station, set in the heart of Pennsylvania apple orchard country. “Maybe you can give her a bath and put her to bed later, too.” Paul never fell short of his duties. He barked a lot, but kept up with younger guys, no problem.
    “You okay?”
    The acerbic tone Jamey had gotten used to returned. “Sure, I’m all right. I’m just not twenty-four, like you, rookie.”
    “Ah. There’s the partner I know and loathe. Welcome back.”
    They both chuckled, cracking the fatigue they’d brought with them into the cab.
    “I decided to take advantage of having a young guy around. What’s the use of training someone if you don’t get perks?”
    “Right.” Jamey went along, but cast Paul a suspicious glance. Since he’d moved to Pennsylvania from Indiana three months ago to join the Appleton crew, Paul had insisted on driving. Jamey opted for the explanation he most wanted—maybe the older man finally saw him as an equal partner.
    Jamey looked back at his teammate, whose typical scowl had returned as he hunkered down in his seat. Nah. Giving the new guy a hard time was more Paul’s style.
    “I could eat a dozen eggs and a loaf of toasted bread about now,” Paul continued. “With real butter.”
    Jamey’s stomach rumbled in reply. “Same here.”
    Paul turned to him with a Cheshire cat grin. “Remember, I like mine scrambled firm. Bacon lightly crisp. It’s your turn to cook for the crew.”
    …
    The entire team, including the captain, showed up for breakfast in the communal kitchen after they’d showered and changed. Just when Jamey thought chow duty couldn’t suck any worse, he discovered a near empty refrigerator. A jar of strawberry jam stood beside a questionable container of cream, and a half-loaf of funky-looking raisin bread sat alone on a shelf.
    Jamey put the bread, jam, and