CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
Danny
“What arewe planning on having for lunch?” Chief asks, standing against the prep table, arms crossed over his chest.
“Thinking about making a big batch of chili for lunch and then some hot dogs for dinner. That way, we can use it for two meals.” I’m reaching into the fridge, grabbing out what I need to start.
“Very budget-friendly of you,” he chuckles.
“Aren’t we always trying to save a few pennies?”
“Always. Our budget seems to get cut every year.” He runs a hand through his thick, graying hair.
“Something I should be worried about?” As the low man on the totem pole, I worry a lot I’ll lose my position. Less seniority and not yet being part of the union works against me.
“Not yet, but if it gets to that point, I’ll tell you. That’s one thing you can always count on with me, Rookie. I’ll be honest.”
The irony isn’t lost on me. “Thank you, sir.”
“I respect honesty,” he continues. “Even if it isn’t easy.”
Fuck. My. Life. “I appreciate it more than you know.”
“As long as I can keep the crew together, I will. You all work well, even if you’re new to the squad.”
“I hope I’m making a good impression…”
“You are. You’re willing to put in the work and you haven’t complained about having to cook the meals. Myself and the guys really appreciate it. You’re setting a good example for those who come after you.”
Guilt eats at my stomach and tightens my shoulders. Should I tell him? Living a lie isn’t a check on a list I thought I’d ever make. Especially when my family has lived the way we have.
Watching my grandfather be the mayor of Bradford yet decide not to acknowledge us has been a hard pill to swallow. Some would say it set us up to learn about disappointment early, but for me? It’s a pain in my chest, acid burning as it comes up my throat.
My cousins are some of the shittiest people in the world but, because my dad is an immigrant, they’re seen as better than us by my grandfather. All my life, I watched as they were welcomed when our grandmother had to come to our house in the cloak of night just to see us.
“You okay, Danny?”
Chief is still speaking and I have no idea what he’s said. “Yeah, sorry, was going over what we have in the cabinets.”
The way his eyebrows scrunch together, he doesn’t believe me, though he’s nice enough not to press further. “Let me know if you need to leave to go get anything else. I’ll be in my office if anyone is looking for me.”
Nodding, I wipe my hands on a dish towel before turning to the very cabinet I was talking about. Gathering the rest of the ingredients, I set them out on the prep counter and get to work.
It’s all muscle memory.
Swiftly chopping the onions and garlic, sautéing everything together with the ground beef, and putting all my spices and tomato sauce into a pot. When I’m done, I put the lid on top and let it simmer.
“Rookie, that shit is making my stomach growl.” Chance grabs hold of his middle as he walks from the ambulance bay and into the commons area.
“Trust me, it’s better than shit,” I grin.
“You know what I meant.” He leans in, glancing around. “You seen Chief?”
“Went to his office.” I wipe at the counter with my wet rag, clearing away the mess I made. A bemused look covers his face. It makes me stop. “What?”
“Saw your girl at the bank the other day.” The sing-song tease of his voice is enough to make my head jerk.
“Come again?” What did he just say?