Fire in the Afternoon

Fire in the Afternoon

Boy what a day!

           That old red Ford truck looks good. Time to head home and forget this crazy place. I haven’t had a day like this for a long time. Everything went south today. Late to work at the glass factory. Three sheets of glass shattered on the cutting table. I know the computer running the cutter had to be wrong. Cleaning that mess was a bear. Then getting cut. It’s been months since I was cut, and it wasn’t as bad that time. I can hear the wife fussing now. “How did you do that? You need to be more careful. That glass is dangerous, I wish you had a safer job.” I’ve heard it a thousand times.

           Sliding into the seat I set my lunch bucket down and start her up. That Jeff is such a pain. Since he got that promotion he thinks he’s something. Comes down from the office and starts reaming me out about the broken glass. I didn’t set up the computer. If I had, it would have been right. I wanted to punch him. Everybody around us ducking their heads acting like they didn’t hear him. One of these days he’ll get his.

           Pulling onto the highway I hit the gas hard. An idiot is trying to run up my tailpipe. My arm hurts. The nurse was nice. She used butterfly band aids to close up the cut, telling me I should get a doctor to look at it, because the cut needed stitches. I know what the company thinks of that. I’ve seen people get fired for going to the doctor over a cut. Of course, the company’s excuse for getting rid of them was always something else. We all knew what the real reason was. I’ll keep antiseptic cream on it. The wife will make sure I take care of it.

           Wow, traffic is crazy. That red sports car just had to try and beat the light. I bet that driver, and the one in the car he almost t-boned, both crapped their pants. I probably would have.

           I wish it didn’t take an hour to get home. After a long day it seems like forever. It’ll be good to get out of town and this traffic. People are always in a hurry. I laugh, when I pull up beside the car that sped by me and is sitting at the light. I like to go three to four miles over the speed limit, but some of these people think it’s a race track out here. That’s ok though, I’ve waved at a few of them pulled over by a cop.

           Twenty minutes and I’ll be home. Glad it’s a sunny this afternoon. All the rain we’ve had lately has been depressing. Cresting a hill there’s a car sitting near the bottom with the hood up. Normally I don’t stop for broken down cars, but there’s a lady and two kids near the car. Nobody seems to be paying attention to them. Pulling over, I spot wisps of smoke rising above the hood. Not good. I’ve got one of those auto fire extinguishers, but I don’t know if it works. Getting out of the truck, I lean the front seat forward and grab it. The smoke is getting thicker and darker. Running to the front of the car, I feel the heat. Flames are shooting up from the engine. The hood liner is starting to melt. Pointing the nozzle while saying a short prayer I pull the trigger. It works. Foam covers everything burning and the flames disappear.

           Turning to the woman and kids I ask; “Is everyone ok?” She stands about five six, light brown hair, jeans and a shirt.

           “Yes, we’re ok,” she said looking up at me.

           “Looks like that stopped the fire. What happened?”  

           “We were coming over the hill when the check engine light came on and I smelled smoke. I pulled over to check it and didn’t think it would be safe to leave the kids. I got them out before I lifted the hood. Fire was everywhere and we backed off. Then you showed up. Thank you for helping us.”

           “Yeh, thanks mister,” said the little boy. The little girl peeked around her mother’s leg.

           He looked to be five or six years old. Standing 6’2” I knelt down so I would be on his level. Your welcome partner. What’s your name?

           Looking me in the eye he stood very straight and said; “I’m Charlie.”

           I stuck my hand out and said; “Nice to meet you Charlie.” He glanced at his mom who nodded, then reached his little hand out and shook mine.

His sister decided that she didn’t want to be left out and said, “I’m Alice.” She stuck her hand out and I shook it.

Their mom reached out and I stood to shake her hand. “I’m Olivia Butler.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m John Lane. This cars not going anywhere without a tow truck. Do you have someone you can call to come get you Mrs. Butler?”

“Just call me Olivia. I can call my sister. She doesn’t live far from here.”

“Well, if you’ll give her a call, I’ve got a friend who runs a tow service. I’ll call him.”

We both got on our phones. I heard her tell her sister what was going on. Tom finally answered his phone, and I explained the situation. He said he’d get here in about a half hour. I thanked him and turned to Olivia.

“My friend Tom can be here in a half hour. I’ll stay here till everything is taken care of.”

“You don’t have to do that John. I’m sure we’ll be alright.”

“I’m sure with Charlie there to take care of you, everything will be good. I’d just feel better if I could hang around and help out. Is that ok with you Charlie?”

Charlie stood a little taller and took a moment to think. “Yeh, I think it’ll be ok”

“Thank you Charlie,” I said as I smiled at his mom.

She looked down at Charlie with a fond smile. Then looked at me and asked. “Where were you headed before all this?”

“On my way home from a long day at work.”

Blue lights appeared at the top of the hill. A State Trooper pulled in behind my truck. Getting out of his car he pulled his hat on as he strode toward us. The blue lights flashing behind him made him look alien.

“Hi folks, everybody ok?”

“We’re all ok. Everything’s under control.” I said.

“What happened?” He asked, as he looked at the car.

I gave a brief description of what happened to him.

“Can I get you a tow truck ma’am?” He asked Olivia.

“I’ve already taken care of that. He’ll be here shortly.” I said.

“Thank you for stopping and checking on us officer. I appreciate it. My sister will be here soon. I think we’re going to be ok.” Olivia stated.

“Well, I’ll stay till the tow truck gets your vehicle moved. My lights will slow the traffic and make things safer.” The Trooper stated as he turned toward his car. “I’ll be back after I report in.”

Tom pulled up as the trooper was getting in his car. Tom is a big, jolly kind of guy. Everybody’s friend, with a great sense of humor.

“Well John, what have you gotten into this time?” he asked with a big grin.

“Just helping a lady out. Tom this is Olivia, Charlie and Alice.”

“Nice to meet you,” Tom said. “Let’s see about getting your car somewhere safe. Where would you like me to take it?”

Olivia looked a little worried. “I’m not sure where to take it.”

“I’ll tell you what, if it’s alright with you we know a good mechanic not far from here. I’m sure he would be glad to check your car out.” I said glancing at Tom. Looking at Olivia and the kids I got the feeling that they didn’t have a lot of money. They were dressed nicely but something just said that they’re having a hard time.

“Thank you.” Olivia said as another car pulled over. It was beginning to look like a car lot around here. A slender lady in jeans and a sweater jumped out and ran to Olivia grabbing her in a fierce hug. Letting go of Olivia she dropped to one knee and hugged the kids. Looking up at Olivia she asked, “Is everyone ok?”

“We’re fine Karen. Thanks to John everything is under control.”

I couldn’t help it, I blushed. “Just trying to help that’s all,” I said. “Now that everything is taken care of I’ll head on toward the house.”

“John, thank you so much.” Then she hugged me.

I didn’t think I could get any redder, but I probably did. “Your welcome, see ya’ll later.” I said as I turned and walked back to the truck. They waved as I pulled into traffic.

Well, all it takes is a little car fire to change your perspective. Today wasn’t as bad as I thought. What a story to tell the wife. It feels good to be able to help folks. I realized I was humming when I pulled in the driveway. That made me chuckle. Not a bad day at all.