After nearly four years and more than $1 million spent trying to escape the burden of an expensive contract with the local fire union, the Texas Supreme Court dealt the city a final blow Friday, refusing to consider its case challenging a clause that keeps the contract in place for a decade. Disappointed and defeated, city officials said they wanted to immediately begin contract negotiations with the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association, calling on union boss Chris Steele to start up talks. But it’s unclear just how quickly the fire union will return to the table. “Chris Steele has my phone number. Now is the time for serious negotiations,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said Friday. “Steele said he would come to the table the day after the lawsuit was gone. I’m available tomorrow.”