But of course, Wade didn't notice a thing. Instead, Mandy scampered over from the sidelines, shivering. "Wade, you worked so hard," she cooed, pulling out a tissue to wipe the mud off his face.

"It's nothing. It's what we're here for."

Mandy said, "I still don't know what that lady was thinking, going down to the garage in a storm."

"Honestly, some people are just set on getting themselves in trouble," Wade muttered. "We did everything we could. She was the one—"

Connor walked by and cut him off with a sharp glare. "Enough, Wade. You're a rescue worker; show some respect for the dead. I shouldn't have to remind you of that! And don't think you're getting off easy this time. I expect a full report at headquarters."

Mandy jumped to Wade's defense. "But why punish him? He only showed up late because he was helping me!"

"It was a human life, Wade. We'll handle this back at the station. And you, Miss Beech"—he shot Mandy a cold stare—"next time, don't waste public resources. If your cat's on the loose, that's your problem. Don't expect anyone else to come running."

Connor had never tried to hide his dislike for Mandy. He couldn't stand how she'd flirt with anyone's boyfriend and somehow always wrangle her way into Wade's good side.

Anytime Connor caught Wade treating me like dirt because of her, he'd try to knock some sense into him. But hey, he was just Wade's captain, not his dad—so those warnings usually went ignored. This time, though, Connor had hit his limit.

Mandy's face flushed with irritation. "Wade, who does he think he is, talking to me like that?"

"Enough. He's the captain. Just let it go and head home—I'll see you after I check in."

He patted her arm, but Mandy wasn't about to let go. "Why don't you come over? I made cream soup to thank you for saving Momo." Momo, her fluffy Ragdoll cat. Wade hesitated, then nodded and tried calling me.

But my phone was dead. Completely out.

Annoyance flickered across his face. "Fine, playing games again. If you're not going to answer, then don't ever pick up," he muttered.

I sighed. 'Don't worry. I really won't ever pick up again. Happy now?'

He snapped his phone shut and went back to the station, where Connor was already waiting, ready to tear into him.

When he found out Wade had wasted half an hour on a cat rescue, Connor lost it. "This job means keeping personal stuff separate. That delay cost a life! I'm filing a formal report, so get ready for disciplinary action."

"I-Isn't that a bit much?" Wade stammered. "I had another assignment, that's all!"

"Oh? Really? Who authorized that? Got anything in writing?"

Wade fell silent, totally stuck. Mandy's "emergency" wasn't exactly official—just a quick call she'd made on the sly.

The property management team had alerted the rescue squad the moment they realized I was missing. But Wade showed up a whole half hour late. If he'd been just five minutes late instead, I wouldn't be dead.

After Connor tore into him, Wade went off to write his report. Four hours later, they'd finally cleaned up my body. The property management team ID'd me and sent my info over to the station.

Connor's face froze as he skimmed the report. He hurried to the office, catching Wade just as he was heading out.

"Wade! Where are you going? Your girlfriend, she..."

"Don't bring her up," Wade muttered, brushing it off. "She's just trying to make a point—saying she was trapped, then ignoring my calls. No idea what kind of game she's playing."

Connor handed him the report. "Here. This is the deceased's info. Take a look."

"Why would I want to look at..." Wade trailed off, staring at the papers, his hands starting to shake. His eyes went wide, and after a long, stunned pause, he muttered, "No... no, this isn't... it can't be her!"

"Why don't you go see for yourself?"