Chapter 14: How to die in a Fire

As usual, Hank prepared a lively induction party for his new partner. The party was held at Hank's house, and Goofy was asked to bring his female partner, Cheng Jessie, to attend.

Hank emphasized the importance of having a female companion at the induction party to avoid ridicule from colleagues. Goofy, not wanting to be the subject of jokes, invited Cheng Jessie to join him, leading her to skip her dance class for the day.

At eight o'clock in the evening, the party officially began at Hank's home, situated at the junction of Brooklyn and Queens. Hank, having a happy family with two cute little daughters, welcomed Goofy and Cheng Jessie warmly. Serena, Hank's wife, complimented Cheng Jessie's beauty, assuming she was Goofy's girlfriend.

"No, you misunderstood, Serena." Goofy quickly clarified, "We are just friends."

Goofy clarified that they were just friends, but Serena hinted at the opportunity of romance before the demands of a police officer's job took over.

"That's such a pity." Serena's smile was full of meaning. "Remember, don't let the good opportunity slip away. When you start working, you won't have time to go to the romantic places."

Hank chimed in, adding a touch of humor, "If you were single before joining the force, you'll stay single. If you were not single before, there's a high chance you'll become single again." 

Cheng Jessie questioned this: "But Officer Hank, don't you have a happy family?"

Serena immediately smiled bitterly: "Oh, my dear, that's because you don't know how many times our marriage was on the verge of breaking up."

"Twice a year." Hank said lightly, "The frequency was twice a month before my daughter was born."

Serena rolled her eyes. "It looks like you're very proud of this."

Hank shrugged and quickly ducked aside to greet other colleagues.

The party was calm and low-key, focused on drinking and chatting among colleagues. There was no loud music or shouting to avoid disturbing neighbors. After enjoying Katherine's pastries, Hank and a few colleagues went to the terrace to smoke and gaze at the Brooklyn night view through the moonlight.

However, the tranquility was disrupted when Hank noticed a fire in the distance. Hank, being responsible, decided to respond immediately. He gathered his colleagues and informed them about a fire in an abandoned building nearby, urging them to put down their drinks and start working.

Serena expressed concern, mentioning that the building next to the fire was a kindergarten attended by their daughters, Gemma and Jill. Goofy, upon hearing about the fire, felt his blood boil with excitement.

He excitedly grabbed his jacket and said eagerly, "Let's go, guys. Go see if any poor people in the fire need rescue."

"Hey, Goofy." Cheng Jessie pulled him nervously. "Be careful; a fire is not a joke; don't act rashly until you determine the size of the fire, you know?"

Cheng Jessie, worried about Goofy's safety, cautioned him against acting recklessly until they assessed the fire's scale. Hank reassured her, patting her on the shoulder and stating, "Don't worry, girl. your boyfriend will be fine"

"He's not my boyfriend," Jessie blushed, denying any romantic involvement.

"Hehe, don't doubt the eyesight of an old police officer," Hank said with a smile.

The colleagues, including Goofy, followed Hank downstairs to respond to the fire.

---

The "garbage building" at the end of the block, once intended as a department store, had become a refuge for homeless people. Most of the homeless individuals in the community gathered there, especially during cold nights when they lit fires to keep warm. This time, however, the fire had unexpectedly spread.

Upon reaching the scene, it was evident that the most severe fire was on the southwest side of the building. Luckily, it wasn't the most densely populated area for the homeless, and most had managed to escape. Despite being a relatively remote location, the fire had ignited suddenly.

Hank inquired about the arrival time of the fire department, and Sam, in charge of contacting them, informed him it would take ten minutes. Goofy, keenly interested in potential rescues, asked about people trapped inside the fire. Before Hank could respond, a piercing scream echoed from the fire's depths, indicating someone was still trapped.

Goofy saw this as an opportunity. "Oops, there are still people in the fire!"

Hank's expression changed. "Sam, go and comfort the trapped people first; Roger, open up a life-saving channel with me!"

"Wait, Hank, the fire is already significant. We should wait for the firemen to arrive," Roger suggested.

Before Roger could finish, Goofy had already plunged into the fire.

"Goofy! Come back!" Hank shouted anxiously. "Stupid boy, the smoke will kill you!"

Goofy paid no heed, making his way into the fire while Hank expressed his concern. The fire brigade might arrive too late, and Goofy didn't want the fire to be extinguished before he could act. He was determined to assess the situation and possibly rescue those in need.

However, the fire hadn't fully spread, and the smoke concentration was bearable. Following the cries, Goofy reached the building's depths, discovering two homeless individuals crawling on the ground. One of them seemed disoriented from the smoke.

"Hold on!" Goofy shouted, carrying the disoriented man on his back. As he approached, he noticed a pungent smell – gasoline.

It's gasoline!

He has gasoline on him!

This means that he is carrying an incendiary bomb that can be ignited at any time. Once a little spark splashes over, it may ignite the homeless man!

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