Hell, she couldn’t even confide to Ray about any of her concerns. Then again, if Vic was involved somehow maybe it was best not to worry him. She arrived at the test site on the spring morning and took a few moments to clear her mind. Today, more than ever, she needed to stay focused. The thirty-five foot ladder rise would be tough no matter who she was teamed with. Tami stood outside the classroom in her academy uniform, chewing gum. She handed Jo a stick. “It’ll keep your mouth from getting dry. You ready?” “Thanks. I’m glad we’re partners.” She placed a hand on Tami’s shoulder. “Girl, you got this.” She winked and led them to the testing area. Luckily, they were teamed with a male candidate who had some volunteer experience. They passed the ladder evolution without incident. On to the knot-tying drill, she panicked on Prusik until she remembered it was a form of the Girth Hitch.
