Jamey Tucker unfastened his helmet, lifted his face mask and tugged off his fire retardant gloves before gulping a half liter of water. He could almost hear the liquid sizzle against his throat, dousing the heat, 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.” He stank like a chimney after fighting a fire ‘till dawn. Dumb kids and their vacant warehouse Rave had caused their team hours of grief and gut wrenching work. Luckily, no one died. The last thing on his mind then or now had been Christmas.

Adele Downs writes contemporary romance novels and short stories inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist and a multi-published, award-winning author who also writes fiction in another genre.

When Adele isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach with her toes in the sand.

Visit Adele's blog at https://adeledowns.wordpress.com