The Escort (18 page)

He laughed. “Give me a couple of days to get used to the idea, to decide if it’s better to tell Helen where the money came from or not.”

“You mean tell her her brother is a gigolo.”

“I can hear her laughing at that already.”

“OK. I have to go home, or I won’t be fit for work.” Reluctantly she began to retrieve her clothes.

“You know after you’ve stayed tomorrow night you’ll be walking funny by the morning.”

She turned to him, not sure what he meant, then it dawned on her naive mind. “Promises,” she said, grabbing her clothes. “But right now I have to go home.”

“You’re sure it’s the Channary Building?”

“Yep, we’ve been asked to support, the other rigs have nearly got it under control, but there are people trapped inside according to reports.”

Dan’s breath left his lungs, and for a long minute he couldn’t breathe. “Do you know what floors?”

“Not yet, middle of the building I think, but we don’t know how far it’s spread upwards yet. Once we get in there we’ll have a good idea of the damage and how we’re going to work at getting every one out. You OK Dan?”

He didn’t know, in all honesty. Maybe it wasn’t Max’s office, maybe she was safe outside, watching the rescue, instead of being trapped, in a fire. God he felt sick. “I know someone who works there, that’s all.”

Harry patted him on the back. “It’ll be OK mate, I’m sure.”

“I hope so, I’ve only just found her, I can’t stand the thought of losing her already.”

The fire truck took a corner tightly, they all lurched to one side. When he straightened Harry said, “This the girl you’ve been smitten with all week?”

“I’ve not been smitten.”

Harry laughed, “Hey, Ron, Dan reckons he hasn’t been smitten over that girl all week.”

Ron looked around at Dan, and shook his head. “Smitten isn’t the word for it, you’ve been all gooey eyes, in love he is.”

“He’s worried she’s in the building.”

Ron’s face changed. “If she is son, we’ll get her out. The best team are on their way, right?”

Dan nodded, feeling numb. His job had never been so personal. What if he panicked and failed to do what he had to do? If Max’s life depended on him, would his judgement be compromised?

“Here we go lads.”

They were out of the truck, the Captain disappeared to find out what help was needed, leaving Dan to look up at the building, and the smoke plumes coming out through broken windows. It was Max’s building, and his heart froze when he worked out it must be either on her floor, or just below it. It meant that if Max was in there, she was in trouble.

And then they were moving. Auto pilot kicked in, and Dan got his kit and followed his team into the building. Up and up they climbed, the sweat building in his uniform, but there was nothing to slow him down. Max needed him, and he set a relentless pace up the stairs until he was told to pace himself.

“Come on, Dan you’ll be no good to anyone if you’re exhausted when we get there.”

He knew Harry was right, but it was the hardest thing ever to slow the pace and wait for the others. But they had to work as a team, or he would wind up dead, and be of no help to Max whatsoever.

“Any news on casualties?” Dan asked when they were two floors away. They had slowed right down, checking as they went, making sure the floors they passed were secure. But apart from the smell of smoke, there was no sign the fire had reached here.

“None so far.”

One more flight of stairs and they reached Max’s floor, the smell of smoke hit them harder, but it was a damp smell, the fire must have been extinguished. They stopped while the Captain used his radio for an update.

“Fire’s under control, it spread up, but they seem to have got it tamed. Thankfully it was contained in the west side of the building. Now we go in, and search room by room. Dan, I can count on you not to go off. You’re here as a professional, leave your personal life out here, or leave your body out here.”

His words cut through Dan’s thoughts, and he nodded. As much as he loved Max, and he acknowledged he did love her, he owed his honour to the men he worked with. To get this done properly, and get everyone out safely, they had to work together.

“Right, you know your roles. Let’s get this done.”

They prepared to move out, checking their breathing apparatus, before the door opened, and moved into what was left of the offices. Even though Dan had been here before, it took him a while to get his bearings, they were on the opposite side to the elevator, and he couldn’t see Max’s office from here.

Swallowing his fear he moved towards the first office, the door intact and untouched. As it swung open it was revealed as empty, a couple of the guys went in and thoroughly checked while the rest moved on.

Office after office was cleared, it appeared most of the people from the floor had been safely evacuated, only when they turned the corner did they find the real damage. Dan’s eyes flicking to the corridor where Max’s office was. It was badly burnt, and for a second he thought he was going to throw up, but he swallowed his panic and moved with his team.

“Empty,” he heard again.

On to the next, this time the entire room was a burned out hull, the windows blown out allowing fresh air to blow in. No sign of life, or death. They moved on.

Structural damage became more apparent, the roof had fallen in, blocking some of the doors. Slowly, they methodically worked their way along, no sign of anyone. He began to breathe easier, they must have all got.

“Here,” a shout went up.

A lot of debris stood across a set of double doors, the team carefully began to move it away, then they heard a shout and banging on the other side of the door. This was where the survivors had holed up.

Remaining calm and methodical, checking for any signs that more debris would fall from the ceiling, they moved to towards the door.

At last the door was in reach, but when they pushed it, it wouldn’t budge.

“What’s blocking it?” Harry called.

“Part of the ceiling came down.”

“Max, Max is that you?” Dan called.

“Dan, I prayed you’d come. Shirley is hurt, we’re going to try to move the stuff that’s fallen in.”

“Wait. Let us see if it’s safe first, you don’t want to bring the lot down on you.”

“OK. Please hurry.” Her voice wavered, and he felt that panic claw at his throat once more.

“Hold tight, baby, we’re coming for you.”

It took an age. They managed to get into the ceiling, and after so many checks he thought he would lose his patience, the go ahead was given.

“Move it all real slow, Max. Every piece you move needs to be set aside and then you check what else moves before you do any more. Don’t rush this.”

“OK.”

“Who’s there with you?”

“Phil and his secretary, and Mr Williams, we were in a conference when the fire started, we couldn't get past it to get out. We wet some clothing and put it along the bottom of the door, but Shirley got hit when the ceiling came down.”

“You’ll soon be out of there, just take slow.”

“ We will.”

Noises filtered through the door, scraping of metal against metal. At one point the ceiling moved dangerously, and they all took a step back, Dan holding his breath, willing it all to stay in place. He wanted to feel her in his arms, to tell her she was safe. And then the door opened, and the tear stained face of the woman he loved appeared.

“Shirley needs a paramedic.” Were her first words.

“They’re a couple of floors down, they’ll be straight here now it’s safe.” His captain moved past Max, and into the conference room to assess the damage.

Dan knew he should be doing something, but all he could think of was how relieved he was to see her safe. Behind her another man, dressed in a smart business suit, now dirty and torn, moved. His briefcase clutched tightly in his hand, but a bewildered expression on his face.

And then there was Phil. Smug, despite all that had happened. “So, Dan. You’re not in construction after all.” It wasn’t a question.

It took a second for his words to register. Son of a bitch was so accusing, Dan felt his anger simmer to the surface. After all the danger, all the stress, the only thing this idiot could think of was calling him out on his occupation.

“I’m sure everyone will be interested to hear how Max lied about you. It would certainly bring into question her character. Didn’t you sit at the table with Bob at the charity dinner? Lying in our business is very frowned upon, lying to your boss? That’s worthy of a dismissal.”

“I think you’re over reacting, Phil. Did you bang your head in there?” Dan said through gritted teeth. His tone drew the attention of the rest of the crew.

“Not at all. I am completely aware of what I’m saying.” Phil’s voice rose, sensing his audience, and going for maximum impact.

Dan stood glaring at him. “OK. Phil. You want the truth? I’ll tell you.”

“Dan, please don’t do this.” Max looked at him, her face pale.

“No. It’s time the truth came out.”

“Yes, Miss Lewis. I think an explanation is in order.” Behind them, stood Bob, Max’s boss.

Dan would not be intimidated by these two men. He would do everything in his power to protect Max. He only hoped she trusted him enough. He had to get this right, or risk losing her forever.

“Please, Dan.” Max couldn’t believe he would do this to her. After everything they’d gone through, why would he put her job in jeopardy by telling her boss, and Phil, that she had hired him as an escort?

“It’s OK, Max. Trust me.”

She looked him straight in the eye, wanting him to know how much he was hurting her by doing this. Was it possible he would ruin her career so she would be dependent on him, be on the same level as him financially and in terms of career?

If that was true then he had misjudged her significantly. Then he gave her that sexy smile, the one that made her heart melt and her body sing. He had a plan.

“Well Dan are you going to share this big secret with us?” Bob pushed.

“It’s not that big really. And Max has already forgiven me, so I hope you all do too.”

Phil looked disappointed that Max might be off the hook. “Out with it, Dan. What’s this big secret of yours? I’m sure we’d all like to know too.”

“It’s a little bit embarrassing really, for me, especially when my work buddies are standing there.” He hesitated, looked at Max, and then ploughed on. “When Max told me what she did for a living, that she had this great career, I felt a little beneath her. Not that she ever made me feel that way,” he quickly added. “So I told her I was in construction, that I earned a lot more than I do as a firefighter.”

“Is this true Max?”

Max hesitated, she couldn't lie to her boss, not when he asked her so directly, so she avoided the question. “It doesn’t worry me what Dan does for a living. I’m so very proud of him, he saved us today. Him and all the other guys stood here. He’s taught me so much, about what really matters in life.”

They stood in silence, and she could feel Bob’s eyes boring into her, assessing her. Luckily the door opened, and things began to move again.

“Paramedics are here for Shirley,” Dan said.

The two paramedics came past, and went straight into the conference room. Max linked her arm through Dan’s, and leaned against him, the adrenalin that had powered her body earlier now gone.

“Hey, come on, they should take a look at you too,” Dan said.

“No, I’m fine. I’d really like to get out of here though.” She coughed, the smoke that still lingered in the air catching in her chest.

“Of course.” Bob said. “And Dan, thank you. Thank you all for helping to save the building, and our people. Phil, I’m sure you’d like to add your thanks too.”

Phil looked as if that was the last thing on his mind, but he was clever enough to know he was beaten. If he attacked Dan, who was at hero status with Bob right now, then it would backfire on him. Plus, one look around showed he was seriously outnumbered. Most of the fire crew had moved off to carry on their duties, but two of the men still stood close by, back up, Max smiled.

“Are you allowed to take me downstairs, or are you needed here? I can call Robin and see if she can pick me up.”

“I’ll check with the Captain, I’m sure they’ll be some questions too. We need to figure out how the fire started.”

“I don’t know. We were in the conference room. You can’t see out, or in, by the time we were aware of the smoke, it was too late. There’s little I can tell you.”

“Phil, any ideas?” Dan asked, acting as if nothing had happened, ignoring the accusations Phil had laid on him. But then Phil had been right in his assumptions, and Max felt guilty that Dan had lied for her.

“Nothing,” he shrugged. “As Max said, we were in the conference room.”

Just then the Captain came over, breaking up the discussion. “Right, ladies and gents, you all need to make your way out of the building. Dan, you want to escort them?”