The Man They Blame

The risk of being on a rescue team

“Derek, we’re in a serious situation right now. Los Vangees County, which borders our city, is facing the worst wildfire in its history.” The call came from Deputy Captain Brett Holland.

Derek, who answered the call, turned toward the TV to look at it again, carefully examining the live broadcast.

“The fire has already crossed several ridges and is now threatening residential areas and resorts; we need to act immediately to address the situation,” he added.

Faintly over the phone, Derek could hear the man coordinating with others; the hustle and bustle and the escalating tension there were clearly audible through the line.

Despite having deployed all local firefighting forces, the situation was completely out of control. The state government had activated the inter-county mutual aid protocol, and the Derek team from Vendric County was currently being deployed to the front lines.

This mission is extremely dangerous; in fact, on-the-ground reports continue to update the number of fatalities in Los Vangees—people who have died as a result of the fire while trapped and suffering from respiratory distress due to the smoke engulfing the area, a situation that is growing increasingly severe.

Heavy, deep breaths echoed there. “I know you’re not in the best condition right now—you’ve just been injured in today’s incident. I’m sorry I have to ask you to join us, Derek.”

Derek lowered his head. “No, Captain Brett, I’m fine. I’ll take part.”

A sigh of relief could be heard on the other end. “I appreciate that, but Derek, you should take a moment to say a proper goodbye to your family…” His sentence trailed off; he paused for a moment, then continued, “This might take a little longer.”

Derek nodded, they both understood what he meant. In his words, he was indirectly reminding Derek that the risk of being on a rescue team was not returning to his family’s embrace even after the fire was extinguished. “I understand.”

After hanging up the phone, Derek stood frozen in place, a final wave of emotion surging through his chest. Even though their marriage had fallen apart beyond repair, they had been husband and wife for three years. He felt he had to at least say a few words of farewell before plunging into the hell of death that might take his life and leave him gone forever.

However, when he looked up, Erin and Dick had already changed the TV channel. The two of them sat together on the sofa, looking like the perfect family in a photo—a real family, because even he had never managed to bring her together to laugh like this.

Though he was swallowing his grief, Derek didn’t want to leave without an explanation. But just as Derek opened his mouth to speak, Erin shot him a hate-filled glare.

She yelled at him, “What are you waiting for? Get out of here—just seeing you makes me angry!”

Derek swallowed his words. He then headed to his room, took out all his belongings, packed them up, and realised with bitter irony that everything he’d accumulated over the past three years fit into a single small suitcase.

He woke up feeling empty as he left the room he’d shared with Erin; for the last time, he gazed at the bed before leaving his house key on the shelf and walking out the door forever, his footsteps drowned out by their cheerful laughter fading behind him.

When Derek arrived at the station with his suitcase, Deputy Captain Brett was surprised. He had asked Derek to say goodbye, but this wasn’t what he’d imagined. “Why did you pack all your things?” he asked with concern.

He could tell something was going on with Derek because his face looked so distraught.

Derek tried to give a faint smile. “I didn’t want Erin to be heartbroken if I didn’t come back, so I brought them.” He didn’t want to burden his team with his failed marriage.

Brett let out a heavy sigh; he thought Derek didn’t want to leave a trace and cause his family pain, but he also sensed Derek was hiding something. Still, he didn’t want to press the issue, so he just patted his shoulder gently. “All right, get ready quickly.”

Just then, the other Vice Captain, Christian Browning, strolled over with his cronies to show off. He glared at Derek with scorn on his face.

Christian was the son of an influential figure; essentially, his current position had been bought by his family. Meanwhile, headquarters was deciding between Derek and Christian for the captain’s seat that would soon be vacant. Christian knew full well that Derek was far superior to him in both skill and the respect of the crew.

To curb Derek’s rising popularity, Christian abused his authority by assigning Derek to the most dangerous missions, while his own group remained safely resting at the station.

Christian flashed a fake smile. “Listen, Derek, this isn’t just any ordinary fire. If you disobey orders or make a mistake, you’ll face suspension upon your return.” He paused briefly with a malicious tone before adding, “Of course, that’s assuming you make it back alive.”

“Cut the crap, Christian!” Brett cut in firmly, his gaze sharpening as he fixed it on the man.

Unable to tolerate such blatant disrespect, Brett coldly approached him and said, “You’d better watch your attitude. This is a life-or-death emergency—not the time for petty office politics.”

Those words stung his ego; he shot a glance at Derek, who stood there silently, his gaze sharp. Yet, reluctant to start a fight before the mission, he softened slightly and chose to back down, casting a dark look at Derek. “You’d better not give me a reason there,” he muttered.

Derek, whose head and heart were swirling with various problems, simply brushed off Christian’s attitude as a passing breeze—something he didn’t need to take to heart.