The air from outside fed the fire. The conflagration roared like a locomotive. My strength was gone, each tug on the body moving him less and less. I was afraid my hair and clothes would catch fire. Be strong and courageous! I couldn’t see where I was going.

Reaching forward, I groped for the small opening. My hand found nothing. Had I gotten turned around?

Something grabbed my arm, bit down, and pulled. I slid forward a few inches. My arm was released and I waved it, smacking into the edge of the opening.

I turned around and backed through. The first gulp of frigid air sent me coughing.

Reaching through, I grabbed the man under his arms and pulled. He moved forward, but not fast enough.

It looked like his legs were on fire.

Gritting my teeth, I put my leg on one side of the opening to brace myself and pulled with all my might.

The man’s body slid out. His pants were on fire.

I jerked off my sweatshirt and smothered the flames. I was almost afraid to see who it was. And if he was still breathing.

With the fire out, I looked at his face.

Bram. Soot rimmed his nose and mouth.

I gasped, then untied the gag with trembling hands and placed my fingers against his neck, praying for a pulse. It was there, weak and thready. His breathing was shallow.

The fire had fully engulfed the roof. We had to move. Waves of heat enveloped us. I looked for Maverick to help me move. He was nowhere to be seen, but Holly stood nearby. Holly had helped pull me from the flames.

“Help me, Holly.” My voice was wheezy, my throat inflamed.

She somehow knew what I wanted. She approached and grabbed onto Bram’s jacket. I took hold of his arm. Together we pulled, shoved, towed Bram far enough away from the inferno to be safe. I gave Holly a brief but hearty hug before checking Bram again.

He was pale and clammy, but now breathing a bit easier in the fresh air. His arms and legs were tied. I rolled him on his side and worked on the knots. My hands were burned from the fire and badly scratched from the twine.

Holly sat next to me and gravely watched.

After working for a few moments, I had to stop and give my fingers a rest. I spotted it.

My prosthetic leg lay near the burning building.

“Holly, go fetch.” I pointed.

She wagged her tail.

“Holly, fetch.”

She moved closer.

A section of wall collapsed, sending sparks flying. My prosthesis now lay under the burning timbers.

Something twisted within me. I’d be back on crutches until I could get a new artificial limb. People would again stare.

Bram moaned.

“Bram, can you hear me? It’s Darby. I’m trying to untie you.” I attacked the knot holding his hands together.