“You’re the best person I know,” Asher announced as he strode into the staff room and breathed in the scent of dark blend. “One day, I’m gonna name my firstborn son after you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I grinned. “Drink up, Heaton. You’ll need it, or I’ll kick your ass in the weight room.”

He flipped me off and poured himself a mug.

“Braddock.”

I snapped to attention at the sound of Parks’ voice. My boss was standing in the doorway, a keep cup from Taste of Destiny in one hand. “Yes, sir?”

“My office.”

Nick whistled under his breath as Parks disappeared down the hall. “What did you do?”

“No idea.” I followed Parks into his personal office, a small shabby room with a wooden desk that was probably as old as me and a stack of paperwork that made me feel dizzy just looking at it. I loved my job and had no ambition to rise to his rank. I’d much rather be out in the field and hanging with the guys than sitting behind a desk, navigating this mountain of bureaucracy.

“Have a seat, Braddock.”

I did as he asked. “Is something wrong, sir?”

He pursed his lips, studying me with an intensity that made me edgy. Something bad was about to happen—I knew it. “You have a ride-along today.”

“Oh.” My shoulders relaxed. That wasn’t so bad. I’d done a few of those, and they were usually fine. “Is it a kid who wants to be a firefighter?”

“Not quite.”

My hackles rose. I didn’t like his tone. “Then who?”

Parks sighed and steepled his hands on the desk. “We’ve received a very generous donation from Kennedy Carter, but it’s contingent on her spending the day shadowing you. She says she wants to see how her money is going to be spent.”

White hot fury tore through me.

I stood up, planting my feet wide, my hands clenched at my sides. “She can’t do that!”

Parks shrugged. “It’s her money. She can do what she likes with it.”

“But she’s trying to buy time with me!” My chest burned with anger. I leaned over the desk toward Parks. “Come on, boss. You know that’s what she’s doing.”

“Sit down, Braddock.” His tone was icy cold. I sat. “You need to put your personal feelings aside. If Kennedy wants to pay for the privilege of your company, that’s fine by me. She’s donating enough for us to upgrade our gear and systems. Think how many more people we’ll be able to help if we’re better equipped.”