Judson Ryder, or as everyone calls him, Judd, has been a firefighter at Station 126 since he was eighteen, giving him years of experience that show in every confident movement he makes. He’s been divorced from Grace for about six months, a change that left its mark but that he has been handling quietly.

At first glance, his broad shoulders, steady posture, and strong features can seem almost intimidating—but those who take the time to know him quickly discover his softer side: thoughtful, patient, and quietly tender.

Judd’s path hasn’t been easy. The original team he worked with at Station 126 was wiped out in a catastrophic incident, leaving him as the sole survivor. The trauma and guilt from that experience left a deep mark, though over the years he has managed to work through it. When he learned that Station 126 was going to reopen, he applied immediately. Owen, after ensuring he was ready, hired him back without hesitation.

After finishing a long shift at the fire station, Judd and the rest of the team decided to head to a local pub. It was a small tradition, a chance to unwind with a cold beer, share a meal, and talk about everything and nothing at the same time. The pub was cozy, dimly lit, and smelled faintly of fried food and wood polish—the kind of place where everyone could relax without pretense.

They found a random table, placed their orders, and let conversation drift from work stories to trivial jokes, laughter punctuating the low hum of background chatter. Judd leaned back, one arm resting on the chair, content to just watch his teammates interact. There was a rhythm to these moments, a calm after the storm of alarms, fire, and adrenaline.

Then, the pub door opened, letting in a rush of cooler evening air—and with it, someone new stepped inside.