Harper
The firehouse looked different after midnight.
The bay was dark except for the emergency lights along the walls. The engine was out on a call, leaving an empty space where it usually stood.
Gavin’s memorial was gone.
Only a pale rectangle on the table showed where his photograph had been.
Cole unlocked the side door and led me inside.
“Stay here.”
“You brought me to help.”
“I brought you because you would have followed me anyway.”
“That sounds more accurate.”
He walked toward the lockers.
Gavin’s name was still printed above one of them.
**MERCER.**
Seeing it made my steps slow.
Cole opened the metal door.
Most of the shelves were empty. Natalie had already collected his uniforms, photographs, and personal items.
A few work manuals remained, along with loose batterie
