The best nose ever

The chief came over, leaving Vince out by the chief’s SUV.

“Deppgrl, I can’t smell the gasoline at all. I don’t know how you can smell something that’s not there,” the chief said.

“Al, trust me, I smell gasoline,” I said.

“How can you be so sure?” he asked.

“Because I’m allergic to it,” I replied. “I can smell it a lot better than most; you’d have to be on top of it to actually smell it.”

“You’re allergic to gas? What else are you allergic to?” Al asked.

“Yes I am and a ton of things. You’re losing focus here, Al. I smell burnt gas here as well as charred plastic, wood and cleaning chemicals; of course I smell the smoke too. I want you to follow me as I finish checking; I need another set of eyes,” I said.

The chief nodded his head and helped me check the rest of the burnt apartment complex. As we headed to the back of the apartment, I saw a gasoline can haphazardly hidden underneath a bush.

“Al. You see a gas can by that bush?” I asked the chief.

“Yes I do. Mind sniffing it out?” Al said winking at me; teasing me about my sensitive nose.

“I’m not even 25 feet from the can and I can smell a trail of gas along the base of the apartment,” I said. “Someone used it as an accelerant to burn the apartment. It’s definitely arson. My best guess is that someone wanted to burn the apartment for any number of issues. Too high rent, a broken lease, no pets allowed, too loud parties, a problem with the manager. It could anything, boss. Do what you gotta do, Al, but I gotta go. The gas fumes are killing me; I gotta take my asthma inhaler,” I said.

“Vince already warned me that you have asthma and gave me your inhaler. Here you go; better take it right now. Depending on how you feel in a few minutes, can you check the structure on the inside?” Al asked.

“I’m not 100% FD, Al. I’m not going in; I don’t have the authorization to do so….on any structure that burns. Get one of the FD guys go in. I gotta get home so I can go to my new office,” I replied.

I hated telling Al what needed to be done and what levels of authorization I have. Once I got back to Vince, I ripped my gear off and stored it in my bag. I found the chief’s personal assistant to hand over the radio. I jogged back to the bike, strapped the bag on, climbed on, nodded to Vince to hop on and away we went back to the apartment. We hopped off, grabbed my stuff, leaving the key with the valet staff and headed back up to the apartment.

“Ugh. I hate going to fires. The chief is always asking me to go because of my nose but I can’t always go. I’m only authorized certain things with the FD but not what the chief wants me to do. That’s beside the point. As you know, it was your building that burned down. Thankfully your cats were with family and they’re safe. After I shower, I’m gonna text the managers at different department stores that you shop at so you can replace your clothing. You’ll be authorized to use my credit cards within those stores. Unfortunately, you’ll have to go alone since I have several meetings at the office today. Once you’re done, just text me and I’ll meet you wherever you are,” I said.

“Thanks, babe,” Vince said.

I nodded my head and started getting ready for work. I’m grateful for my position that I get to wear what I want to work as long as it isn’t stained, ripped, torn or looks like it’s on its last life. After my shower, I throw on a pair of jeans, a t shirt, sneakers, a baseball hat and throw my wallet, keys, both phones, my badge and weapon into my purse.

Vince and I head outside to grab a taxi. Thankfully, there was one there waiting for us. I was dropped off at work and Vince headed to the store. I’m glad that I was at work instead of shopping. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to be with my husband but I’d rather NOT have shopping involved